Abstract: A vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analyzed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic concentration of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: A process comprising the steps of: (i) harvesting a source of tea plant material comprising stem and leaf material; (ii) physically separating the stem material from the leaf material to provide a tea plant source rich in stem; (iii) treating the stem source with at least one conventional tea processing unit operation selected from withering, maceration, grinding, steaming, fermentation, firing and infusing.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator is detailed. The precipitator includes a conduit for the passage of particles in an air flow and a generator of an electrostatic field substantially orthogonal to the air flow, and an ion supply, capable of charging the particles, in which the generator includes a point electrode and a two dimensional surface electrode. The plane surface electrode includes an ion source and the point electrode includes a counter electrode and the counter electrode is earthed.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and client device for selecting an identifier on a display of the client device, the identifier corresponding to a website having one or more web pages stored on a server. In response to selecting an identifier, an indication is transmitted to a server requesting that at least one of the web pages be transmitted to the client device. The web page is received and rendered on the display of the client device. A datastore is queried to determine if at least one web feed is available on the website. The datastore includes feed information that defines web feeds available on the website. In response to the availability of at least one web feed on the website, an indicator is rendered with the client device indicative of the availability of the at least one web feed on the website.

Abstract: A medical instrument especially suited for the HALS operating technique that can be entirely inserted together with one of the surgeon's hands into the operating area for operating purposes and includes a housing [(1)] and at least one tool [(2)] arranged in the housing [(1)], where the tool [(2)] can be moved between a rest position arranged in the housing [(1)] and a working position extending out of the housing [(1)].

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing residual toner from a moving toner transfer surface includes a rotating brush and a scraper blade that is held away from the toner transfer surface when toner images are being transferred to recording media, such as sheets of paper. On a periodic basis, when toner images are not being transferred to the recording media, the scraper blade is moved into contact with the toner transfer surface to remove agglomerated toner therefrom, with continued operation of the rotating brush.

Abstract: A device for supporting at least one arm of an operating person during a surgical or medical operation comprises at least one supporting element for supporting the at least one arm of the operating person, the supporting element being arranged at a carrying structure for carrying the at least one supporting element. The carrying structure is configured such that the at least one supporting element can be lowered or raised for adjusting the height of the operating person's arm. The carrying structure comprises a control mechanism for lowering or raising the at least one supporting element, wherein the control mechanism includes a force load switch for activating the lowering or raising of the at least one supporting element, wherein the force load switch activates the lowering or raising of the at least one supporting element upon detecting compressive and/or tensile forces or motions acting via the at least one supporting element on the force load switch.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cold water infusing leaf tea. Green tea leaves are macerated, treated with tannase, fermented in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in an amount that is sufficient to activate endogenous peroxidases to oxidize gallic acid and other compounds that are liberated by the tannase treatment, and then dried. The final product is a black leaf tea that infuses in hot or cold water to give good flavor and color.

Abstract: A vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analysed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic concentration of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: There is described a container in combination with a closure. The container has a profile defining an opening and the closure has a profile and overlies the opening so as to provide resealable access to the contents of the container via said opening. At least part of the closure is permanently adhered to the container by means of a sealing medium interposed between the container and the closure part. The profile of the container and the profile of the closure cooperate to define a space for the containment of the sealing medium which does not communicate with the opening.

Abstract: A vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analysed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved hypodermic needle and to a fluid injection device. In one embodiment, a hypodermic needle (10) is disclosed, and a fluid injection device comprises the hypodermic needle (10) and driving means coupled to the needle (10). The hypodermic needle (10) itself comprises a first, hollow needle (12) adapted to have movably secured therein at least one further, hollow needle (14), the at least one further needle (14) and part of the hypodermic needle (10) being movable relative to one another between a stressed position of the at least one further needle (14), in which the at least one further needle (14) is substantially parallel to the first needle (12), and an unstressed position of the at least one further needle (14), in which the free end of the at least one further needle (14) lies beyond the axial and/or radial terminus of the first needle (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractor for use in endoscopic surgery, comprising a shaft having a hand piece arranged on the proximal end thereof and whose distal end can be moved out of an initially extended and straight position, whereby the adjustable distal end consists of several link elements that can be moved into a ring-shaped structure and the ring-shaped structure can be bent in relation to the shaft. In order to produce a retractor which can be used atraumatically and can be handled in a highly hygienic manner, it is also proposed in accordance with this invention that the distal end of the shaft should be moved into the closed ring structure and the closed ring structure be bent in a continuous manner at an angle of up to 90 degrees. The invention also relates to a medical instrument for introducing a retractor into a human or animal body and to a method for the use of a retractor in endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A manual drive system is shown for moving trenchers and other small ground engaging equipment while in operation. A preferred embodiment of the system includes a pedal providing the mechanical advantage needed for an operator to apply sufficient thrust for such operations and a cleat for engaging the ground to provide the motive force in one instance or a ratchet engaging a transport wheel in another instance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for surgery. A medical instrument especially suited for the HALS operating technique can be entirely inserted together with one of the surgeon's hands into the operating area for operating purposes and includes a housing (1) and at least one tool (2) arranged in the housing (1), where the tool (2) can be moved between a rest position arranged in the housing (1) and a working position extending out of the housing (1).

Abstract: What is described here is an instrument for medical and particularly endoscopic applications, comprising a proximally disposed operating unit, a distally disposed multi-part functional element having individual parts which are jointly and additionally independently movable, such as a multi-part forceps jaw, and an elongate connecting part which is disposed between the operating unit and said forceps jaw. The invention is characterized by the provisions that said operating unit is so configured that it can be grasped around by one hand, and that said operating unit comprises at least two pivotable and/or tiltable elements which are a component of the surface of said operating unit and which, when moving, control each one part of said multi-part functional element.

Abstract: The invention comprises a vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analysed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: The invention comprises a vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analysed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cold water infusing leaf tea. Green tea leaves are macerated, treated with tannase, fermented in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in an amount that is sufficient to activate endogenous peroxidases to oxidize gallic acid and other compounds that are liberated by the tannase treatment, and then dried. The final product is a black leaf tea that infuses in hot or cold water to give good flavor and color.

Abstract: A handle is provided for a medical instrument having a tubular shaft. The handle comprises at least one movable grip element as well as a coupling portion through which the tubular shaft is connected or can be connected to the handle. The movable grip element is or can be connected to a force transmission element axially movable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Motion of the at least one movable is translated into an axial motion of the force transmission element. The coupling portion is pivotal and lockable relative to a handle axis about a pivot axis running transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. A control element formed as a dual-arm lever is provided whose one lever arm is connected to the movable grip element and whose other lever arm is connected to the force transmission element, such that motion of the movable grip element causes rotation of the control element, which is translated into an axial movement of the force transmission element.