Abstract: The invention relates to methods of killing bacterial target cells comprising Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division (RND)-efflux pumps, as well as carrier cells useful for this purpose wherein the carrier cells comprise a conjugative plasmid encoding an antibacterial-microbial agent that is toxic to target cells. A carrier bacterium is capable of conjugative transfer of plasmid DNA encoding the agent to a target cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a splice control module for sex-specific splicing and expression of a gene of interest. In certain embodiments, a dsx-based splice control module is used to express a lethal gene in an insect that is spliced in a sex-specific manner to impart lethality to female insects but not male insects.

Abstract: Two or more conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression systems provide high levels of penetrance in insects. Lethality is induced at an earlier stage of development and the risk of biochemical resistance is reduced, as compared to a single insect conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression system. The invention is useful for the control of insect populations.

Abstract: The invention provides a splice control module for sex-specific splicing and expression of a gene of interest. In certain embodiments, a dsx-based splice control module is used to express a lethal gene in an insect that is spliced in a sex-specific manner to impart lethality to female insects but not male insects.

Abstract: Two or more conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression systems provide high levels of penetrance in insects. Lethality is induced at an earlier stage of development and the risk of biochemical resistance is reduced, as compared to a single insect conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression system. The invention is useful for the control of insect populations.

Abstract: The invention provides a Noctuid dsx splice cassette for expression of a gene of interest on a sex-specific basis, gene expression systems for imparting a self-limiting trait to transformed Noctuidae, as well as transgenic Noctuidae and methods of suppressing populations of Noctuidae and reducing, inhibiting or eliminating crop damage caused by the Noctuid insects.

Abstract: The invention provides a gene expression system that imparts homozygous, sex-specific lethality in arthropods, particularly Tephritid insects, such as Ceratitis capitata. The arthropod strains produce males that are also engineered to be sterile. The sterile may be released to mate with wild female to suppress propagation of the arthropod population.

Abstract: A vacuum pump suitable for mounting to an engine includes: a casing having a cavity, the cavity including an inlet and an outlet; a moveable member arranged for rotation inside the cavity, the movable member being movable to draw fluid into the cavity through the inlet and out of the cavity through the outlet so as to induce a reduction in pressure at the inlet; a valve seat at the outlet; and an outlet valve including a reed element and a stop for restricting movement of the reed element. The stop is movable between a first operating position, in which movement of the reed element is restricted to a first opening degree, and a second start-up position, in which movement of the reed element is restricted to a second opening degree, which is larger than the first opening degree.

Abstract: Two or more conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression systems provide high levels of penetrance in insects. Lethality is induced at an earlier stage of development and the risk of biochemical resistance is reduced, as compared to a single insect conditional, dominant, lethal gene expression system. The invention is useful for the control of insect populations.

Abstract: The invention provides a splice control module for sex-specific splicing and expression of a gene of interest. In certain embodiments, a dsx-based splice control module is used to express a lethal gene in an insect that is spliced in a sex-specific manner to impart lethality to female insects but not male insects.

Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a housing defining a cavity having an inlet and an outlet; a vane member for a rotary driven movement inside the cavity; a drivable rotor inside the cavity; and a rotatable central shaft extending to the cavity. The vane member is slidably arranged in the rotor. The rotor is rotatable together with the vane member. The central shaft comprises a crank pin configured to engage a respective guiding recess of the rotor for driving the rotor at least along a first predetermined rotational angle.

Abstract: Vacuum pump (1), comprising a housing (2) having an inlet (4) and an outlet (6) and defining a chamber (8) within the housing (2), a rotor (10) for rotational movement about a rotational axis (AR) within the chamber (8), and at least a first and a second vane (22, 24) received in respective first and seconds slots (16, 18) formed in the rotor (10). The first and second slots (16, 18) are substantially parallel to each other, and a length (LV) of each vane (22, 24) is larger than a length (LS) of the respective slot. Production method of such a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A vacuum pump suitable for mounting to an engine includes: a casing having a cavity, the cavity including an inlet and an outlet; a moveable member arranged for rotation inside the cavity, the movable member being movable to draw fluid into the cavity through the inlet and out of the cavity through the outlet so as to induce a reduction in pressure at the inlet; a valve seat at the outlet; and an outlet valve including a reed element and a stop for restricting movement of the reed element. The stop is movable between a first operating position, in which movement of the reed element is restricted to a first opening degree, and a second start-up position, in which movement of the reed element is restricted to a second opening degree, which is larger than the first opening degree.

Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a housing defining a cavity having an inlet and an outlet; a vane member for a rotary driven movement inside the cavity; a drivable rotor inside the cavity; and a rotatable central shaft extending to the cavity. The vane member is slidably arranged in the rotor. The rotor is rotatable together with the vane member. The central shaft comprises a crank pin configured to engage a respective guiding recess of the rotor for driving the rotor at least along a first predetermined rotational angle.

Abstract: An automotive vacuum pump includes a casing defining a cavity, the casing having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the cavity contains a rotor extending through a side of the casing to the exterior thereof and being provided with a coupling arrangement to couple the rotor to a drive member. The vacuum pump is provided with a lubrication conduit for the supply of lubricating fluid to the coupling arrangement from within the vacuum pump.

Abstract: Vacuum pump (1), comprising a housing (2) having an inlet (4) and an outlet (6) and defining a chamber (8) within the housing (2), a rotor (10) for rotational movement about a rotational axis (AR) within the chamber (8), and at least a first and a second vane (22, 24) received in respective first and seconds slots (16, 18) formed in the rotor (10). The first and second slots (16, 18) are substantially parallel to each other, and a length (LV) of each vane (22, 24) is larger than a length (LS) of the respective slot. Production method of such a vacuum pump.

Abstract: To provide a failsafe drive coupling capable of high torque transmission in direct dog drive, a vacuum pump drive is disconnectable from a drive shaft upon movement of a piston against a return spring, under the action of oil pressure. The piston comprises a speed synchronizing clutch engageable with the input shaft to rotate the piston at the speed of the input shaft, and teeth to directly dog the piston and input shaft together.

Abstract: An electrically driven positive displacement compressor includes an electric drive motor configured to drive the compressor, the electric drive motor including a ring shaped electric stator and an electric rotor arranged inside the ring shaped electric stator and defining a cavity within the electric rotor. The compressor also includes a working chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the working chamber being arranged at least partially inside the cavity of the electric rotor. The compressor additionally includes a compressor rotor arranged inside the working chamber and coupled to the electric rotor.

Abstract: A rotating vane vacuum pump includes a housing defining a cavity having an inlet and an outlet, a drivable vane member for a rotary driven movement inside the cavity, a rotor inside the cavity, and a rotatable central shaft extending into the cavity. The vane member is coupled to the central shaft by an eccentric element on the central shaft and movably arranged in the rotor, the rotor being rotatable together with said vane member upon rotation of the vane member. A rotational axis of the central shaft is offset from a rotational axis of the rotor and a point of action of the vane member is offset from the rotational axis of the central shaft by the eccentric element on the central shaft. The rotor encloses radially the eccentric element of the central shaft.

Abstract: An automotive vacuum pump includes a casing defining a cavity, the casing having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the cavity contains a rotor extending through a side of the casing to the exterior thereof and being provided with a coupling arrangement to couple the rotor to a drive member. The vacuum pump is provided with a lubrication conduit for the supply of lubricating fluid to the coupling arrangement from within the vacuum pump.