Abstract: An automated palletizer system comprises a plurality of container buffers and a sensor for measuring containers in the buffers. A controller computes a selected tier layout for building by a pallet loading machine in a tier of a pallet within a defined periphery. The controller computes candidate tier layouts, each comprising a two-dimensional arrangement of containers in the buffers. The controller calculates a value of a tier quality metric for each candidate layout, representing at least one of stability, area utilization and volume utilization. One of the candidate layouts is selected based on the tier quality metric and the pallet loading machine arranges containers according to the selected tier layout.

Abstract: An automated palletizer system comprises a plurality of container buffers and a sensor for measuring containers in the buffers. A controller computes a selected tier layout for building by a pallet loading machine in a tier of a pallet within a defined periphery. The controller computes candidate tier layouts, each comprising a two-dimensional arrangement of containers in the buffers. The controller calculates a value of a tier quality metric for each candidate layout, representing at least one of stability, area utilization and volume utilization. One of the candidate layouts is selected based on the tier quality metric and the pallet loading machine arranges containers according to the selected tier layout.

Abstract: A system for warning an occupant of a non-emergency vehicle of the approach of an emergency vehicle has a means for transmitting a signal, installed in the emergency vehicle, and a means for receiving the signal, installed in the non-emergency vehicle. The receiver is integrated into the electrical system of the non-emergency vehicle so that it is energized whenever an ignition system of the vehicle is engaged. When a transmitted signal, preferably a radio frequency signal, received by the receiver has a strength that exceeds a threshold strength, the receiver causes at least one of a visible or audible indicator in the non-emergency vehicle to be activated and remain activated as long as the signal is received at a strength above the threshold level. In many embodiments, the transmitter is activated anytime the emergency lights on the emergency vehicle are activated.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing apparatus has an inlet portion and an intermediate portion. The inlet portion is adapted to couple to, or insert into, a container to be vacuum sealed. The intermediate portion connects to a vacuum source, such as an in-house vacuum system. When the vacuum source is active, air is drawn in through the inlet portion. The vacuum sealing apparatus may also have a contamination filter disposed therein that substantially impedes contaminants from entering the vacuum source. In another configuration, the vacuum sealing apparatus is self-contained and includes a dedicated vacuum source.

Abstract: Provided are methods, data processing systems, recovery components and computer programs for recovering from storage failures affecting data repositories. At least a part of the recovery processing is performed while the data repositories are able to receive new data and to allow retrieval of such new data. Although new data items may be received into the repository and retrieved therefrom during recovery processing, updates to the data repository which were performed before the failure and which are then restored to the repository by the recovery processing are restored within a recovery unit of work and are inaccessible to processes other than the recovery process until successful completion of the recovery unit of work. The recovery processing ensures that the recovered repository is consistent with the state of the repository at the time of the failure, but is available for addition and retrieval of new data items before completion of the recovery processing.

Abstract: A method of combating menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea or endometriosis in a female individual, the method comprising administering to the individual at least one agent that that reduces the effect of prokineticin 1 on a prokineticin receptor.

Abstract: A compound comprising a gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue conjugated to a hormone moiety, or a derivative thereof, which is able to bind to a plasma hormone binding protein. The compounds may be used to treat hormone-dependent disorders such as cancer, or as a contraceptive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, computer program and computer program product for adjusting the frequency at which data is backed up. This involves receiving a target recovery time. A current estimated recovery time is then determined and the current and target times are compared. If it is determined that the current estimated recovery time has reached a predetermined threshold relative to the received target recovery time a new backup should be initiated.

Abstract: A method for identifying a test compound that has an anti-tumoral effect whilst not significantly activating unrelated transduction signals, the method comprising the steps of: (a) selecting at least one test compound; (b) assaying the compound for anti-tumoral effect; (c) selecting at least one distinct intracellular event which is modulated, at least partially, by the GnRH receptor; (d) testing for the ability of said test compound not to modulate the selected intracellular event; and (e) selecting the test compound which selectively demonstrates an anti-tumoral effect and does not modulate said other selected intracellular event.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing apparatus has an inlet portion and an intermediate portion. The inlet portion is adapted to couple to, or insert into, a container to be vacuum sealed. The intermediate portion connects to a vacuum source, such as an in-house vacuum system. When the vacuum source is active, air is drawn in through the inlet portion. The vacuum sealing apparatus may also have a contamination filter disposed therein that substantially impedes contaminants from entering the vacuum source. In another configuration, the vacuum sealing apparatus is self-contained and includes a dedicated vacuum source.

Abstract: In order to provide lubrication of the bearings (16) and clutch (22) of an output shaft (14), even when the output shaft (14) is driven externally, a gear box (10) has a primary lubrication system (24) for circulating a lubricant (26) from a sump (28) into a lubricating flow path (30). The lubricating flow path (30) extends into and through a cavity (20) containing the bearings (16) and clutch (22) which support the output shaft (14) which is selectively operably interconnectable with a rotary input (12) and the primary lubrication system (24) is operable only with the rotary input (12).