Abstract: Rotor systems are provided comprising rotor, magnetic bearings and a magnetic bearing controller. The controller is one which varies in accordance with linear parameters and is preferably responsive to linear matrix inequalities. High speed, low loss flywheel systems, especially electromagnetic flywheel batteries are facilitated through such rotor systems.

Abstract: An electrical connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of first contacts extending through the housing for electrically contacting conductors in a mating connector, and a cover releasably secured to the housing and contacting at least one of the plurality of first contacts.

Abstract: A cartridge for a disk drive has a rigid shell with a keying ear and two keying grooves. The keying ear is located on the rounded front at one corner between the top and bottom surfaces of the cartridge shell. The ear cooperates with a projection located in the drive along the drive receiving slot. The keying grooves are along the top and bottom edges of one side of the cartridge. These groves mate with projections on the cartridge receiving slot in the drive. One of the grooves extends deeper into one planar surface of the cartridge than the other grove. Both keys prevent insertion of the cartridge with any other orientation of the cartridge than the correct orientation.

Abstract: Access to a database is provided via the Internet using a World Wide Web server including a search engine, a CGI gateway and user selectable data queries for extracting data, generating reports, and the like. Access by the user is authenticated by querying the user's central machine for authentication. The authentication process operates by sending a page request from the web browser through three checkpoints before the requested page can be served to the web browser. The first checkpoint determines if the requested page is protected. If not, the requested page is served to the web browser. However, if the requested page is protected, the authentication process on the web server checks the host name of the system where the page request is coming from. If the domain of the requesting host is the same domain specified in the web authentication configuration, then the requested page is served to the web browser.

Abstract: A data recording cartridge that includes a shell that protects a data recording medium from damage and from particulate contamination is disclosed. When the cartridge is in a closed position, the top shell and bottom shell form a seal to exclude particulate matter from the data recording medium. Because the seal encloses the perimeter of the data recording medium, both internally generated and external particulates do not contaminate the data recording medium. A drive for opening and operating the cartridge is also disclosed.Another aspect of the present invention includes a hub having an enlarged center hollow, and a spindle motor having a top protrusion that fits into the enlarged center hollow. A spindle motor top bearing juts into the underside of a cavity created by the protrusion, thereby more efficiently using vertical space.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to optoacoustic contrast agents and methods of diagnostic and therapeutic imaging using optoacoustic contrast agents.

Abstract: An electrical plug is equipped with an earthing pin 180 comprises an elongate metal body 260 defining a groove for holding captive a split band 460 of a moulded plastic material, which has inwardly facing nodes 480 which are receivable in a transverse passage through the body. The body 260 further defines a longitudinal threaded bore for receiving a threaded shank 380 having a tapered tip which, in use, is seated between the inner nodes on the band 460. When the pin 180 is inserted into a corresponding socket of an existing electrical outlet (not shown) and a circular cap 420 on the exposed end of the threaded shank 380 is rotated, the tip of the shank 400 bears against the nodes 480 on the band 460, thereby expanding the band radially outwardly until it frictionally engages an adjacent portion of the socket in which the pin 180 is located. The pin 180 together with any electrically conducting pins associated with the same plug are hence secured against inadvertent extraction from their respective sockets.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases amenable to modulation of the production of selected proteins. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs are provided which are specifically hybridizable with a selected sequence of RNA or DNA wherein at least one of the 2'-deoxyfuranosyl moieties of the nucleoside unit is modified. Treatment of diseases caused by various viruses and other causative agents is provided.

Abstract: Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a genetic vaccine facilitator and administering to the cells a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plastic mating ring for a meter cover and base assembly. The mating ring includes provisions for attaching the meter cover to the mating ring and the mating ring also includes provisions for reducing distortions of the cylindrical wall of the mating ring when the ring is pulled tight against the edge of the meter cover during twisting of the cover onto the meter base.

Abstract: Triene-containing compounds which mimic the chemical and/or biological activity of the spongistatins are provided, as are methods and intermediates useful in their preparation.

Abstract: A seal is coupled to a movable member in a disk drive for sealing an opening in a chassis over which the movable member passes. The seal comprises a first layer of foam attached to the movable member, and a second layer of low-friction plastic attached to the layer of foam. The foam layer presses the plastic layer against the chassis to seal the opening as the plastic layer slides over a surface of the chassis.

Abstract: Methods of chemical synthesis of labeled nucleotide probes are described. The methods comprise providing a first target recognition moiety comprising a nucleotide sequence of at least about 15 nucleotide bases including at least one 5' end and 3' end. The first target recognition moiety is chemically altered to contain a carboxyl group. A second signal generating moiety comprising a hydroxyl group is provided. The carboxyl group of the first target recognition moiety is chemically reacted with hydroxyl group of the second signal generating moiety to chemically join the two moieties and produce said labeled nucleotide probe.