Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stabilized peptide composition that includes a glucagon-like peptide and a stabilizer. The stabilizer may be a stabilizing peptide having the same amino acid sequence as the glucagon-like peptide except the stabilizing peptide has at least one sequence alteration that may be a truncation, a deletion, a substitution and/or an insertion. Also disclosed are methods for making the stabilized peptide composition and its use for treating patients in need thereof.

Abstract: A known amount of marker may be added to a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid, or combined with an additive to form a mixture, and the mixture may be added to a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid. An amount of the marker in the hydrocarbon fluid may be determined. An amount of the additive in the hydrocarbon fluid may be determined based on the amount of the marker in the pressurized hydrocarbon fluid. An inline system may be used for detection of a marker in a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid. The system is fixed in a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid supply line such that pressurized hydrocarbon fluid flowing from a first location to a second location in the supply line passes through the detection system. The hydrocarbon fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The markers may include a variety of optical markers, such as fluorescent markers. Detection of the markers may include, for example, fluorescence detection.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for direct detection of one or more markers in pressurized hydrocarbon fluids. The apparatus includes a vessel (130) and one or more valves (150, 160, 170). The hydrocarbon fluid (240) may be a liquid or gas. Markers may include a variety of optical markers, such as fluorescent markers. The apparatus may be coupled to a hydrocarbon fluid source (210), and the vessel (130) may be at least partially filled with hydrocarbon fluid from the hydrocarbon fluid source (210). A> detector (140) coupled to the vessel (130) may be used to detect at least one of the markers in the hydrocarbon fluid (240) while the apparatus is coupled to the hydrocarbon fluid source (210) and without the addition of reagents. Detection of markers may include, for example, fluorescence detection.

Abstract: A known amount of marker may be added to a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid, or combined with an additive to form a mixture, and the mixture may be added to a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid. An amount of the marker in the hydrocarbon fluid may be determined. An amount of the additive in the hydrocarbon fluid may be determined based on the amount of the marker in the pressurized hydrocarbon fluid. An inline system may be used for detection of a marker in a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid. The system is fixed in a pressurized hydrocarbon fluid supply line such that pressurized hydrocarbon fluid flowing from a first location to a second location in the supply line passes through the detection system. The hydrocarbon fluid may be a liquid or a gas. The markers may include a variety of optical markers, such as fluorescent markers. Detection of the markers may include, for example, fluorescence detection.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a composition, an apparatus, and a method for authenticating a product. In particular, the invention relates to an ink composition for marking a product with a continuous inkjet printer. The composition includes a visible ink and a UV, visible, and/or IR marker. Marking includes depositing the ink composition on the product with the continuous inkjet printer. A marked product is authenticated with a hand-held apparatus that activates the marker in the mark with UV radiation. Activation of the marker in the mark changes the absorbance/reflectance of visible radiation by the mark without changing the visual appearance of the mark. Authenticity of the product is assessed by a change in absorbance or reflectance of visible radiation by the mark after activation of the mark.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for direct detection of one or more markers in pressurized hydrocarbon fluids. The apparatus includes a vessel (130) and one or more valves (150, 160, 170). The hydrocarbon fluid (240) may be a liquid or gas. Markers may include a variety of optical markers, such as fluorescent markers. The apparatus may be coupled to a hydrocarbon fluid source (210), and the vessel (130) may be at least partially filled with hydrocarbon fluid from the hydrocarbon fluid source (210). A> detector (140) coupled to the vessel (130) may be used to detect at least one of the markers in the hydrocarbon fluid (240) while the apparatus is coupled to the hydrocarbon fluid source (210) and without the addition of reagents. Detection of markers may include, for example, fluorescence detection.

Abstract: A gardening tool includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A ground working instrument is positioned at the second end of the shaft. A generally T-shaped bifurcated handle is positioned at the first end of the shaft. The handle has two co-planar branches with extremities which are adapted for gripping to facilitate two handed use. The handle is sloped at an angle relative to the shaft. The handle has a recessed crotch portion where the branches meet the shaft. The crotch portion is adapted for gripping to facilitate one handed use.

Abstract: A gardening tool includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A ground working instrument is positioned at the second end of the shaft. A generally T-shaped bifurcated handle is positioned at the first end of the shaft. The handle has two co-planar branches with extremities which are adapted for gripping to facilitate two handed use. The handle is sloped at an angle relative to the shaft. The handle has a recessed crotch portion where the branches meet the shaft. The crotch portion is adapted for gripping to facilitate one handed use.

Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention device (10) arranged to be fitted to the air inlet/outlet of a vehicle tire includes a motion detector (11) and an air release means (12). The device (10) can be armed so that, in use, a solenoid controlled valve (13) in the air release means (12) is arranged to be opened when the motion detector (11) senses movement. If movement is detected air held under pressure in the tire is allowed to escape and the vehicle is disabled. The device (10) may be disarmed so that an authorized user may use the vehicle without unnecessary deflation of one or more tires of the vehicle. The device (10) also includes a standard maintenance valve (14) for adjusting the air pressure of a tire in normal use.

Abstract: A rotary actuator having a piston travel adjustment mechanism and a cushioning mechanism associated in a single attached unit, with side porting for fluid pressure, thus having a more compact structure that is lighter in weight and yet completely adjustable.

Abstract: A fluid-operated actuator for rotatable valve stems and the like includes a double ended piston reciprocally carried in a sealed housing. The housing has a pair of sleeves threaded into a central body. The sleeves support opposite end regions of the piston and provide adjustable stops to limit the piston stroke. A stem is journaled for rotation in the body. The stem and piston are interconnected by a lever slidably received in the stem and pivotally coupled to the piston. The lever rotates the stem in response to reciprocation of the piston. The sliding connection between the lever and the stem provides a thrust connection between the lever and the stem and permits the lever-arm through which torque forces are applied to the stem to increase as the piston nears opposite ends of its stroke. An adapter bushing is removably connected to one end region of the stem.