Abstract: The present invention discloses mutant strains of Amycolatopsis sp. ATCC 39116 suitable for the production of natural vanillin using ferulic acid as a feedstock. More specifically, the present invention discloses mutant strains having mutations that reduce the degradation of vanillin to vanillic acid.

Abstract: A chemical mutagenic approach and a screening protocol were followed to select mutant strains of Amycolatopsis sp. with the ability to produce natural vanillin at high yields without any lag period. The resulting mutant strains are free of any exogeneous genetic elements and can be qualified as non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMOs) for regulatory purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides chalcogenide hybrid organic/inorganic polymers (“CHIPs” or organic chalcogenide polymers) and methods for producing and using the same. In particular, the chalcogenide hybrid organic/inorganic polymers of the invention comprise a hydrocarbon cyclic ring structure and one or more chalcogenide selected from the group consisting of sulfur, selenium, cyclic selenium sulfide, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a plurality of magnetic nanocomposite particles. The magnetic nanocomposite particle comprises a magnetic metallic nanoparticle and a plurality of organic polymer ligands attached to its surface. The composition can also include a host matrix, such as a polymer, in which the magnetic nanocomposite particles are interspersed therein. The compositions of the invention have the Verdet constant of at least 5000°/T-m.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the retrieval of object-associated information may include identifying data associated with an object identification. At least one optimization parameter for the retrieval of data associated with an object identification is also identified. An amount of the associated data for transmission is determined using the at least one optimization parameter.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the retrieval of object-associated information may include identifying data associated with an object identification. At least one optimization parameter for the retrieval of data associated with an object identification is also identified. An amount of the associated data for transmission is determined using the at least one optimization parameter.

Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.

Abstract: Methods of forming earth-boring rotary drill bits include providing a bit body, providing a shank that is configured for attachment to a drill string, and attaching the shank to the bit body. Providing a bit body includes providing a green powder component having a first region having a first composition and a second region having a second, different composition, and at least partially sintering the green powder component. Other methods include providing a powder mixture, pressing the powder mixture to form a green component, and sintering the green component to a final density. A shank is provided that includes an aperture, and a feature is machined in a surface of the bit body. The aperture is aligned with the feature, and a retaining member is inserted through the aperture. An earth-boring bit includes a bit body comprising a particle-matrix composite material including a plurality of hard particles dispersed throughout a matrix material. A shank is attached to the bit body using a retaining member.

Abstract: Methods of forming bit bodies for earth-boring bits include assembling green components, brown components, or fully sintered components, and sintering the assembled components. Other methods include isostatically pressing a powder to form a green body substantially composed of a particle-matrix composite material, and sintering the green body to provide a bit body having a desired final density. Methods of forming earth-boring bits include providing a bit body substantially formed of a particle-matrix composite material and attaching a shank to the body. The body is provided by pressing a powder to form a green body and sintering the green body. Earth boring Earth-boring bits include a unitary structure substantially formed of a particle-matrix composite material. The unitary structure includes a first region configured to carry cutters and a second region that includes a threaded pin. Earth-boring bits include a shank attached directly to a body substantially formed of a particle-matrix composite material.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a method of monitoring a package. The method includes mounting a transponder on the package, the transponder having at least two signal transmission devices and emitting a first output signal configuration on the signal transmission devices when the integrity of the package is intact and emitting a second output signal configuration on the signal transmission devices if the integrity of the package has been compromised.

Abstract: Interactive information regarding a product in a package is provided. A unique identifier is received. The unique identifier identifies a package containing a product. Use information is generated based at least partially on stored user information regarding past use of the product.

Abstract: A unique identifier on a tag of an object is read. Transactional information relating to the object is recorded and used to encrypt the unique identifier into a code. The code is then written into memory of the tag such that the code records the transactional information.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the retrieval of object-associated information may include identifying data associated with an object identification. At least one optimization parameter for the retrieval of data associated with an object identification is also identified. An amount of the associated data for transmission is determined using the at least one optimization parameter.

Abstract: An advertisement comprises a plurality of features and a plurality of machine readable feature identifications. Each feature is associated with at least one of the plurality of machine readable feature identifications.

Abstract: A user input module that enables user input without the relatively high costs associated with dedicated user input mechanisms or the relatively high costs associated with handheld devices. A user input module for a device according to the present teachings includes a set of RFID tags for storing a user input and a switching mechanism for activating the RFID tags such that the RFID tags when activated transmit the user input. Devices may use RFID readers to obtain the transmitted user input and then act on the user input as appropriate.

Abstract: A conveyor-collator assembly for use in forming stacks of articles, e.g. concrete roof tiles (T) at speeds of up to 200 tiles per minute, is provided with a conveyor means (42) by which tiles (T) are fed seriatim to a velocity control means (72) whereby each tile (T) is transferred under "no-load" or substantially "no-load" conditions onto a falling shelf conveyor (140). Tiles (T) held in the conveyor (140) are thereafter deposited onto a support (26-28) of a stack forming means (24) under "no-load" or substantially "no-load" conditions whereby breakages of tiles (T) due to "shock loads" experienced hitherto in prior art arrangements is eliminated.

Abstract: A filter of the type incorporating a porous filter membrane 1. Frequently such membranes are very fragile, and the invention describes an improved way of mounting them within the housing. Attached to a perimeter portion of the membrane 1 is a thin strip 8 of flexible material such as polypropylene. The strip 8 is attached, on the one hand, to the base 4 of the filter housing by a first joint 10 and, on the other hand, to the perimeter of the membrane by a second joint 9. Between the two joints is a region of flexure which enables the membrane to float relative to the housing, thus isolating the membrane from relative movement between the membrane and the housing.

Abstract: An inverter adapted to gently invert multi-cell moulds used in a brick making machine includes a first carrier for transporting a mould through a first arcuate path, a second carrier for transporting a mould through a second arcuate path to cause inversion of the mould, and means for transferring a mould from the first to the second carrier. When the inverter is in use, the cumulative effect of transporting a mould through said first and second arcuate paths is to cause inversion of the mould without subjecting the mould to undue shock loads and to accurately locate the mould for subsequent operations thereon. The first and second carriers preferably include pairs of holders rotating synchronously in opposite directions.