Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate, by increasing enzymes or substrates that contribute directly or indirectly to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate by enzymes that contribute to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for producing pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for reducing byproduct formation and increasing yields and purity of desired product. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate, by increasing enzymes or substrates that contribute directly or indirectly to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate, by increasing enzymes or substrates that contribute directly or indirectly to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing containers or other articles by using continuous rotation of processing heads in a circular path about a single vertical axis and controlling the processing heads to independently rotate about a swivel axis causing them to move in a straight-line path while the heads are lowered to engage a group of containers or articles arranged in parallel rows. In this manner, a higher production apparatus and method are provided which is simpler, more reliable, requires less floor space, and easy to reconfigure for different applications.

Abstract: An internal lintel where masonry units are mechanically attached to a suspension member 3 by means of an anchor 2. The suspension member is attached to a hidden support beam 6 by means of a continuous strut 5 and strut fastener 8. No part of the lintel is visible after construction of the wall is complete.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for the identification of compounds and compositions useful as antibiotics and antibacterial agents. In particular, the invention features methods for the identification of modulators of a previously unidentified target protein, termed CoaX. High-throughput assay systems are featured as well as assay kits for the identification of CoaX modulators. Also featured are coaX nucleic acid molecules and purified CoaX proteins, as well as recombinant vectors and microorganisms including the gene, coaX.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of producing panto-compounds (e.g., pantothenate) using microorganisms in which the pantothenate biosynthetic pathway and/or the isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway and/or the coenzymeA biosynthetic pathway has been manipulated. Methods featuring ketopantoate reductase overexpressing microorganisms as well as aspartate ?-decarboxylase overexpressing microorganisms are provided. Methods of producing panto-compounds in a precursor-independent manner and in high yield are described. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated nucleic acid molecules, genes and gene products useful in practicing the above methodologies are also provided. The present invention also features a previously unidentified microbial pantothenate kinase gene, coaX, as well as methods of producing panto-compounds utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate kinase activity. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated coaX nucleic acid molecules and purified CoaX proteins are featured.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for the identification of compounds and compositions useful as antibiotics and antibacterial agents. In particular, the invention features methods for the identification of modulators of a previously unidentified target protein, termed CoaX. High-throughput assay systems are featured as well as assay kits for the identification of CoaX modulators. Also featured are coaX nucleic acid molecules and purified CoaX proteins, as well as recombinant vectors and microorganisms including the gene, coaX.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate, by increasing enzymes or substrates that contribute directly or indirectly to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for executing a cross-trade. The method includes the steps of receiving at a computer carried by a floor broker a sell order for execution, the sell order concerning an instrument and including a first set of terms and also a buy order for execution, the buy order concerning the instrument and having a second set of terms which is compatible with the first set of terms. The method permits the floor broker to cross at least a portion of the buy order with the sell order using the computer and to selectively transmit to a remote computer the crossed portion of the buy and sell orders. As a result, a cross-trade is reported to the remote computer and executed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously transferring articles from a pickup station to a release station using a circular, continuously rotating turret is disclosed which includes a plurality of transfer arms carried in a circular motion wherein pickup heads carried by the transfer arms are converted from the circular motion to a straight-line motion during pick up of the articles to provide a case packing machine having high speed and reliable operation. In accordance with the general aspects of the invention, a first conveyor is disclosed for conveying the articles to a pickup station and a second conveyor is provided for delivering the articles away from a release station. One of the first and second conveyors includes an arcuate conveyor section disposed below a congruent path of the pickup heads. At least one of the pickup and release stations is advantageously located over the arcuate conveyor section whereby high speed operation requiring only a small amount of machine floor space is provided.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate by enzymes that contribute to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for producing pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for reducing byproduct formation and increasing yields and purity of desired product. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously transferring articles from a pickup station to a release station using a circular, continuously rotating turret is disclosed which includes a plurality of transfer arms carried in a circular motion wherein pickup heads carried by the transfer arms are converted from the circular motion to a straight-line motion during pick up of the articles to provide a case packing machine having high speed and reliable operation. In accordance with the general aspects of the invention, a first conveyor is disclosed for conveying the articles to a pickup station and a second conveyor is provided for delivering the articles away from a release station. One of the first and second conveyors includes an arcuate conveyor section disposed below a congruent path of the pickup heads. At least one of the pickup and release stations is advantageously located over the arcuate conveyor section whereby high speed operation requiring only a small amount of machine floor space is provided.

Abstract: A packing apparatus which includes a feed conveyor adapted to convey articles to a pick up station and a case conveyor adapted to sequentially convey cases, having an open top and a plurality of flaps, to a feed station. Pick up and grid heads are provided and are adapted to pick up successive slugs of the articles at the pick up station and to sequentially deposit the slugs in each of the cases while they are in the release station. A removal conveyor is provided to successively receive the slug filled cases from the release station and pass them onto a case sealing apparatus which is arranged over the removal conveyor and is operative to apply an adhesive to certain of the flaps and to then move the flaps over the open top into a secured closed position.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of producting 3-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-butyrylamino)-propionic acid (“HMBPA”) and &agr;-hydroxyisovalerate (“&agr;-HIV”) utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also featured. Also featured are compositions including HMBPA and compositions including &agr;-HIV.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously transferring articles from a pickup station to a release station using a circular, continuously rotating turret is disclosed which includes a plurality of transfer arms carried in a circular motion wherein pickup heads carried by the transfer arms are converted from the circular motion to a straight-line motion during pick up of the articles to provide a case packing machine having high speed and reliable operation. In accordance with the general aspects of the invention, a first conveyor is disclosed for conveying the articles to a pickup station and a second conveyor is provided for delivering the articles away from a release station. One of the first and second conveyors includes an arcuate conveyor section disposed below a congruent path of the pickup heads. At least one of the pickup and release stations is advantageously located over the arcuate conveyor section whereby high speed operation requiring only a small amount of machine floor space is provided.

Abstract: A pick-up member for use with an apparatus for transporting a container from a pick-up station to a deposit station. The pick-up member being substantially formed of plastic and includes a bell-shaped head having a longitudinal bore for receiving containers and transverse bores intersecting the longitudinal bore and causing transverse movement engaging members for engaging with the containers. A control mechanism is provided to control the position of the engaging members.