Abstract: A UV lamp includes a UV lamp unit including a tubular bulb and an antenna inserted in the tubular bulb, and an antenna lead for supplying microwave energy from a microwave energy source to the UV lamp unit.

Abstract: An elongated light source envelope is disclosed. The elongated light source comprises an inner wall and an outer wall formed around a longitudinal axis. The inner wall and the outer wall may be connected at a first axial end by a first side wall and a second axial end by a second side wall. The inner wall, outer wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define an enclosed space internal to the envelope. The light source envelope further comprises one or more walls formed between the inner wall and the outer wall to further form at least a first enclosed region and a second enclosed region within the enclosed space. The first enclosed region may be configured to emit a different spectrum of ultraviolet radiation from the second enclosed region in response to excitation of the first enclosed region and the second enclosed region by microwave radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste sludge includes an outer container casing, internally hollow, an inner body coaxial with the outer casing, a compacting and dehydrating chamber, inside the outer container casing and along which sludge to be treated runs, an inlet zone for supplying sludge to the chamber, an outlet zone for unloading treated sludge, movement elements for the sludge, cooperating with the inner body, which promote compaction and advancement of the sludge from the inlet zone to the outlet zone; a container net connected to a negative pole of a control unit to form a cathode, and the inner body connected to a positive pole to form an anode. A method of treating sludge includes the promoting the continuous advancement and compaction of sludge inside a compression chamber between the anode and cathode, and establishing a difference in potential in order to subject the sludge to an electrical field.

Abstract: A structure of calorimeter provides a calorimetric head (1) comprising a calorimetric cell (10) suitable for receiving a sample holding container (20) containing a sample (25) to examine. The cell (10) is arranged according to a first shield (3), or active shield. Outside the active shield (3) a second shield (4), or dynamical shield is present, which comprises a cylindrical hollow body arranged around the active shield (3) for all its length in order to provide a space (5) of determined size. Outside the active shield a thermal bath is present (not shown) at a temperature lower than the first and the second shield (3,4). The dynamic shield (4) allows an effective adjustment of the heat flux through the active shield (3) during calorimetric measures by limiting the heat flux same. In fact, in operative conditions the dynamic shield acts as thermal flywheel and keeps constant the heat flux coming from the active shield (3).

Abstract: A structure of calorimeter provides a calorimetric head (1) comprising a calorimetric cell (10) suitable for receiving a sample holding container (20) containing a sample (25) to examine. The cell (10) is arranged according to a first shield (3), or active shield. Outside the active shield (3) a second shield (4), or dynamical shield is present, which comprises a cylindrical hollow body arranged around the active shield (3) for all its length in order to provide a space (5) of determined size. Outside the active shield a thermal bath is present (not shown) at a temperature lower than the first and the second shield (3,4). The dynamic shield (4) allows an effective adjustment of the heat flux through the active shield (3) during calorimetric measures by limiting the heat flux same. In fact, in operative conditions the dynamic shield acts as thermal flywheel and keeps constant the heat flux coming from the active shield (3).

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV polymerase, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens.

Abstract: A safety device in a lift system comprising a cabin moveable along a shaft for moving the cabin in the event of a fault of the main lifting system. The safety device includes a platform located below the base of the lift cabin. Further, engagement apparatus selectively renders the platform integral with the lift shaft and lifting apparatus lifts the cabin in respect of the platform.

Abstract: Peptides are used to define epitopes that stimulate HLA-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity against hepatitis B virus antigens. The peptides are derived from regions of HBV nucleocapsid, envelope, polymerase and the transcriptional transactivator X protein, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing HBV infection, including methods for stimulating the immune response of chronically infected individuals to respond to HBV antigens. Pharmaceutical compositions and hepatitis B vaccines which comprise the peptides and physiologically acceptable carriers can be employed in conjunction with other HBV vaccines to provide more effective immunity against the disease. Methods for identifying individuals who are particularly susceptible to developing chronic HBV infection and who can be targeted for treatment by the CTL peptides are also provided.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame, one or more levers pivotally attached to the frame for a user to move in the performance of exercise movements, at least one fluid cylinder connected between the frame and each lever(s) for offering resistance to the exercise movements, and means for adjustment of the resistance of the cylinder by changing the flow rate of fluid in a channel therein. In an illustrated embodiment, the flow rate of the cylinder is varied by rotation of a gear collar affixed to the cylinder, and the adjustment means includes a gear engaged with the gear collar(s) of the cylinder(s), a drive shaft affixed to the gear, and drive means operably associated with the drive shaft. Preferred drive means comprise a motor connected to an electronic controller; however, an alternative embodiment employs a mechanical drive linkage to a knob or crank. Also described are stairclimbing exercise machines incorporating the adjustable-resistance cylinder.

Abstract: A resistance assembly (13) is disclosed for use in an exercise apparatus having a movable element (18) connected to a progressively increasing resistance assembly (13) by a cable (34). An exercise machine (10) employing the resistance assembly (13) is of a multipurpose type comprised of a frame (12) having an upright member (26) with a backrest (32) and a seat (30) attached thereto. The movable element (18) is operably associated with the frame (12) for movement by a user in performance of exercises resisted by an attached elastic resistance member (16). The elastically responsive resistance member (16) is selectively secured at one end to the upright member (26) to be positionable at one of a plurality of positions. A biasing device (20) to bias the force exerted by the resistance member (16) on the movable element (18) is accessible to a user in a seated position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition that is effective in fighting infestations from mites, particularly against the Varroa Jacobsoni acarus, a honeybees parasite. The composition is constituted by a mixture of elementary sulphur powder, garlic bulbs that have been crushed or reduced to a pulp, ethanol, and in case, dried pepper powder. In a preferred composition the above components are present in weight ratios of 30:30:30:10, respectively. The invention further includes the use of the composition as an acaricidal agent in treatments of disinfestation, as well as the preventive use thereof for prophylaxis purposes.

Abstract: In a circular knitting machine for hosiery articles, a plurality of generally banana-shaped sinker-pressing cams are mounted beneath a lid or cap to float radially between an inner ring cam and a plurality of miniature pneumatic rams and attendant plungers, which are arranged in a circular path around the outsides of the sinker-pressing cams. Each of the rams has its plunger engaged with the outer peripheral surface of one of the sinker-pressing cams, and is connected to a pneumatic control means, which is operable selectively to force the ram plunger against the associated sinker pressing cam to urge it radially inward against the outer ends of the sinkers. With this construction the sinker-pressing cams can be selectively utilized depending upon the type of article being produced on the machine.