Abstract: Disclosed herein are glucosyltransferases with modified amino acid sequences. Such engineered enzymes exhibit improved alpha-glucan product yields and/or lower leucrose yields, for example. Further disclosed are reactions and methods in which engineered glucosyltransferases are used to produce alpha-glucan.

Abstract: This relates to the provision of a vacuum indicator in a container wherein a product is vacuum packaged. Most specifically, an end unit for a conventional container is provided with a vent opening through which air rushes into the container when opened. There is secured to the underside of the end unit a whistle device in communication with the opening so that the inwardly rushing air actuates the whistle device and causes the whistle device to emit a whistling sound in accordance with the vacuum present within the container and thereby gives an audible indication of the freshness of the product.

Abstract: This relates to a powder applicator for applying a coating stripe in powder form to inside seams of can bodies. The powder applicator is particularly adapted to be utilized in conjunction with welding apparatus for welding the side seams of can bodies and wherein the diameters of the can bodies are too small to permit the provision of the customary excess powder return duct. The powder applicator is located at the 12:00 o'clock position and thus the excess powder will not merely fall out of the applicator. Accordingly, there is provided a channel defined by a porous block having air or gas circulated therethrough and wherein the terminal end of the channel is closed by a deflector block which will deflect any excess powder out of the applicator into an overlying hood which is primarily intended to take away powder overspray which normally occurs between adjacent, but spaced, can bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus for the internal coating of a two-piece can body with a powder. Two-piece can bodies include a body and an end. A stream of powder is directed towards the corner between the end and the body in a circular path by rotating either the can body or the powder dispenser so as to coat the end of the can body. A recovery tube is provided to draw the powder rearwardly out of the can body away from the end in a generally cylindrical path adjacent the interior wall of the body so as to coat the body with the powder. The powder is electrostatically charged so as to adhere to the can body until such time as the powder may be suitably cured.

Abstract: A powder applicator for applying powder to form a side stripe to the interior of can bodies along side seams thereof. The powder applicator includes a device for providing a layering effect on the gas entrained powder so that although the powder is normally carried by the gaseous stream it is directed into an orifice of a nozzle as a dense stream with the carrier gas forming a separate layer. In addition, the applicator forms a seal with the interior of the can body to define a limited sealed area within which the powder may pass. This sealed area contains corona charging pins which are arranged in a longitudinal line so that a maximum charging of the powder may be effected. Also, a diffused gas is directed into the sealed area to prevent the powder from clinging to the side walls of the sealed area and the charging pins.

Abstract: A powder system for electrostatically applying a powder coating to a can body side seam area. The system incorporates a catcher which is positioned and is of a configuration to catch and return substantially all of the powder overspray and stray powder particles. A constant vacuum is maintained in the catcher by way of a vacuum flow transducer.

Abstract: A powder stripe application system wherein substantially all powder introduced into the system is applied to side seam areas of can bodies with that powder which is not initially bonded to a can body being directly recycled within the system. The system includes a delivery nozzle which has an adjustable mounting which permits the powder stream to be positioned as desired.

Abstract: A pneumatic powder flow diverting device for use in conjunction with an apparatus for the electrostatic coating of can bodies which are sequentially positioned for receiving the powder coating. A pneumatic switching device is provided so that powder is directed to the position of a can body to be coated only when a can body is located in that position. A return line returns the powder flow to a powder source during the time between can bodies. The pneumatic switching device utilizes small air jets for diverting the powder flow between the coating apparatus and the return line with a minimal amount of air being required to effect the switching operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating the inside of tubular members, more specifically can bodies, which are open at opposite ends. The apparatus includes a supply tube and a return tube which are spaced apart to have received therebetween the tubular member to be coated. In each of the supply tube and the return tube there is positioned a corona electrode, the corona electrodes being in alignment wherein powder supplied to the interior of the tubular member is both initially charged as it passes through the supply tube and is further charged within the tubular member by an electrical field which exists between the two corona electrodes and the tubular member.

Abstract: In a ski binding including a toe release unit, a heel retainer unit, a sole plate adapted to be received between and releasably retained by the units, and securing devices on the sole plate whereby the sole plate may be attached to a ski boot, the improvement including structure at the interface of the sole plate and the heel retainer unit for releasably capturing the sole plate in the heel retainer unit upon the application of force to the sole plate in a direction tending to align the heel retainer unit and the sole plate to allow a skier having the sole plate attached to a ski boot to step into the toe release and heel retainer unit on a ski on which they may be mounted.

Abstract: A mechanical powder flow diverting device for use in conjunction with an apparatus for the electrostatic coating of can bodies which are sequentially positioned for receiving the powder coating. A switching device is provided so that powder is directed to the position of a can body to be coated only when a can body is located in that position. A return line returns the powder flow to the powder source during the time between can bodies. The switching device utilizes a readily bendable deflectable tube for diverting the powder flow between the coating apparatus and the return line and in order to prevent a backflow of powder during the switching, each of the lines receiving powder from the tube includes a vacuum flow transducer whereby the customary dead air resistance to flow of the powder-gas admixture is eliminated and, therefore, there is no blow back of powder during the switching operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a uniform charge upon a surface of a conductive base, the apparatus includes a longitudinally elongated corona discharge element, a potential source connected to the discharge element for applying a corona-generating potential, conveyor means for conveying at least one conductive base along a path in a direction along the length of the discharge element and a protective grid assembly disposed directly adjacent the discharge element. The grid assembly includes protective elements having sufficient resistance to prevent the conveyed base from contacting the discharge element and to cast a persistent electrical shadow on the conveyed base. The protective elements are skewed longitudinally of the discharge element and relative to the direction of the conveyed base whereby the electrical shadow cast by the protective element is equally distributed over the conveyed base.

Abstract: A powder stripe application system wherein substantially all powder introduced into the system is applied to side seam areas of can bodies with that powder which is not initially bonded to a can body being directly recycled within the system. The system includes a delivery nozzle which has an adjustable mounting which permits the powder stream to be positioned as desired.