Abstract:
The present invention provides a family of dark quenchers, termed Black Hole Quenchers (“BHQs”), that are efficient quenchers of excited state energy but which are themselves substantially non-fluorescent. Also provided are methods of using the BHQs, probes incorporating the BHQs and methods of using the probes.
Abstract:
In one aspect, the invention provides fluorescent probes and assays. The probes include a fluorophore-quencher pair that undergoes a switch from dark to fluorescent in response to a reaction of the quencher. The switch of the probe from dark to fluorescent is typically mediated by an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, interfering with its ability to quench fluorescence emission from the fluorophore. In another aspect, the invention provides a reporter gene assay system and methods of using this system. The assay system includes a fluorophore-quencher probe and an enzyme that acts directly or indirectly on the quencher, increasing the fluorescent emission of the fluorophore. In still other aspects, the invention provides nucleic acid constructs and cells expressing the peptide products of these constructs. In assays of the invention, the presence of a target substance is detected by the switching of fluorescence mediated by the change in oxidation state of the quencher. The assay systems are of use in numerous assay formats, e.g., confirming the expression of the enzyme that acts on the quencher, and/or detecting a species conjugated to the enzyme.
Abstract:
An apparatus for flanging the upper and lower ends of a continuous stream of fiberboard cans includes a central rotating turret with a pair of flanges which rotate with the turret and are oriented to grasp each can in its top and bottom opening and press it against a pair of stationary curvilinear rails to spin the can as the rails flange the upper and lower ends of the can. An inlet turret and outlet turret sequentially space the cans and feed them into the rotating turret and flanges.
Abstract:
The present invention provides metal-exchanged hexaaluminate catalysts that exhibit good catalytic activity and/or stability at high temperatures for extended periods with retention of activity as combustion catalysts, and more generally as oxidation catalysts, that make them eminently suitable for use in methane combustion, particularly for use in natural gas fired gas turbines. The hexaaluminate catalysts of this invention are of particular interest for methane combustion processes for minimization of the generation of undesired levels (less than about 10 ppm) of NOx species. Metal exchanged hexaaluminate oxidation catalysts are also useful for oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly hydrocarbons. Metal exchanged hexaaluminate oxidation catalysts are further useful for partial oxidation, particularly at high temperatures, of reduced species, particularly hydrocarbons (alkanes and alkenes).
Abstract:
The present invention provides a class of Conformationally Assisted Probes comprising (a) a nucleic acid moiety; (b) an energy donor moiety; (c) an energy acceptor moiety; and (d) one or more stabilizing moieties.
Abstract:
A new class of releasable corrosion inhibiting materials for protective coatings, methods of making the same, methods of using the same, and coatings containing the same are provided. The materials comprise one or more corrosion inhibitors that are chemically anchored to the surface of a particle having an aluminum oxyhydroxide surface through a carboxylate bond. The carboxylate/aluminum-oxyhydroxide-surface bond breaks under corrosion-causing conditions (for example the presence of high levels of hydroxide ions generated by the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction on metals such as iron and aluminum) thereby allowing the corrosion inhibitors to detach from the particle surface when corrosion is present.
Abstract:
An occupant restraint assembly and for a motor vehicle operates to sense the tension forces on a seat belt to detect the presence of a human occupant or a child restraint seat. A sensor attached to the seat belt measures tension forces. The sensor is mounted in line with the seat belt. A strain gauge senses tension on the seat belt. An additional embodiment of the sensor includes three prongs attached to a common beam that allow the sensor to be slipped onto the seat belt without modification to the seat belt. A middle prong includes the strain gauge to sense movement relative to outside prongs. The seat belt threads over the outside prongs and under the middle prong such that tension on the seat belt forces the middle prong transversely to tension exerted on the seat belt.
Abstract:
An apparatus to apply uniform amounts of adhesive to containers at a high rate of speed. Containers are selected at a variable interval. The containers are positioned against dual spiral timing screws (one timing screw above the other). Turning the timing screws a constant (but adjustable) number of degrees with respect to each other while they rotate at the same speed will either advance a container in a level position or they may be advanced while tilted, forward or backward depending upon the relative position of the upper and lower timing screw. While the container is advancing, it is also being turned so that the upper surfaces of the container may be positioned against a rotating cylinder to which a layer of adhesive is continuously applied. In this manner adhesive may be applied around the entire circumference of a container on the top, inside edge, outside edge or both edges.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a family of dark quenchers, termed Black Hole Quenchers (“BHQs”), that are efficient quenchers of excited state energy but which are themselves substantially non-fluorescent. Also provided are methods of using the BHQs, probes incorporating the BHQs and methods of using the probes.
Abstract:
A continuous adhesive applicator for applying adhesive, sealant, or the like to cans as they travel along an automated processing line. The apparatus moves the cans through the station area while holding the cans in a selected orientation, rotates the cans as they move through the station, and applies adhesive or the like to a selected portion of each can as it moves through the station. Restraining means, which are cycled for repetitive movement through the station along the path of travel of the line of cans, capture the cans and move them through the station while holding them in the selected orientation.