Abstract: Catalyst systems comprising one or more metal-ligand complexes according to formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a subject. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A check valve including a housing formed by a base portion and a cap portion positioned in telescoping relation with each other. A disc shaped valve member is positioned within the housing and is defined by opposing first and second planar sides. The valve member includes a spherical portion located centrally thereon and which is captured between first and second valve supports supported on the base portion and cap portion, respectively. The valve supports hold the valve member in engagement with a valve seat, and the valve member moves out of engagement with the valve seat in response to a fluid pressure applied at a fluid inlet in the base portion to permit forward fluid flow while preventing fluid flow in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A dual valve assembly for use with a dispensing apparatus including a pump and a plurality of fluid containers. The valve assembly includes a housing containing an elastomeric regulator wherein the regulator includes a diaphragm portion for controlling fluid flow through the housing, and a vent valve structure for opening and closing air passages to supply air to the containers. The diaphragm portion includes an orifice, and the diaphragm portion is movable into and out of contact with a seat defined on the housing to control fluid flow from the containers and through the orifice during actuation of the pump. In addition, the vent valve structure includes a pair of vent membranes which open vent openings to the containers in response to negative pressure applied from the pump.

Abstract: A damper seal for providing a seal between a housing and a tube extending through the damper seal. The damper seal includes a body portion having an exterior surface and opposing first and second ends, the body portion defining a longitudinal axis. An interior surface in the body portion defines an opening extending through the body portion along the longitudinal axis. In addition, a plurality of conically shaped apertures extend axially into the body portion from each of the ends toward an opposing end.

Abstract: The suction capabilities of a original-equipment (O.E.) extractor providing inadequate suction are enhanced, thereby avoiding the need to purchase another and more expensive extractor, by the addition to it of a vacuum booster. The booster contains its own blower and an electric motor for driving the blower, and the inlet of the blower is connected to the outlet of the O.E. extractor. The booster is conveniently mounted to the O.E. extractor by means of suction cups. A doubling of the suction level can be achieved in this manner.

Abstract: A miniature valve is provided for use in a medical administration set wherein the valve is designed to be fit into very small areas while operating with performance characteristics comparable to those provided by larger valves. The valve is formed as a duckbill valve having very thin substantially planar lips extending in converging relationship to each other. A slit is defined by the lips at an outlet end of the valve wherein the slit is movable to an open position as the lips pivot about a pivot point located on the lips in spaced relation to the outlet end. A support structure in the form of a sleeve is provided for ensuring that the contact surfaces remain in alignment with each other during operation of the valve and to prevent the thin, delicate lips from inverting when a large back pressure force is applied and for improving the inherent sealing characteristics of duckbill valves.

Abstract: A suction metering and mixing device is disclosed for collecting body fluids such as blood and simultaneously mixing an anticoagulant therewith. The device includes a suction passage having an inlet end and an opposite end for connection to a vacuum supply. A chamber is provided for controlling the flow of anticoagulant and includes a movable passage for conveying anticoagulant into the chamber and a diaphragm dividing the chamber into first and second portions wherein the movable passage may be moved from a position spaced from the diaphragm to a use position in contact with the diaphragm to prevent flow of anticoagulant into the first chamber portion. A fluid connection is provided between the suction passage and the second chamber portion whereby a vacuum may be supplied to the second chamber portion from the suciton passage and the diaphragm is drawn away from the movable passage to allow anticoagulant to flow into the first chamber portion.

Abstract: A suction metering and mixing device is disclosed for collecting body fluids such as blood and simultaneously mixing an anticoagulant therewith. The device includes a suction passage having an inlet end and an opposite end for connection to a vacuum supply. A chamber is provided for controlling the flow of anticoagulant and includes an inlet port defining a passage for entry of anticoagulant into the chamber and a diaphragm dividing the chamber into first and second portions wherein the diaphragm is in contact with the inlet port to prevent flow of anticoagulant into the first chamber portion. A fluid connection is provided between the suction passage and the second chamber portion whereby a vacuum may be supplied to the second chamber portion from the suction passage and the diaphragm is drawn away from the inlet port to allow anticoagulant to flow into the first chamber portion.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for controlling fluid flow in a first direction and a second direction. The valve assembly includes a housing for enclosing a substantially circular regulator assembly which extends diametrically across the housing. The regulator assembly comprises a hub portion which is positioned centrally within the housing and connecting members which extend radially toward a rim portion which is supported by the housing. The hub portion supports a disk-shaped substantially inflexible portion of the regulator assembly which extends over the connecting members to engage the rim portion and thereby prevent fluid flow in a reverse flow direction through the regulator assembly. The connecting members of the regulator assembly are adapted to flex and allow the disk portion to move off of the rim and thereby allow fluid flow through the valve in the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve assembly for allowing fluid flow in a first direction and for preventing fluid flow in a second, opposite direction including a valve housing having first and second ports opening into the housing. A flow regulator is positioned within the housing and includes an outer wall which is formed as a substantially cylindrical member. The regulator includes a pair of semi-circular valve lips which are oriented in converging relationship to each other to form an outlet slit at one end of the regulator. The valve lips are connected to the outer wall by a pair of concave connecting walls wherein the lips and connecting walls form a pair of cavities on either side of the outlet slit. A pair of elongated projections are located along diametrically opposing sides of the outer wall for biasing the outer wall inwardly whereby a biasing force is applied to close the lips.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for allowing fluid flow in a first direction and preventing fluid flow in a second direction. The valve assembly includes a housing for enclosing a substantially circular regulator assembly which extends diametrically across the housing. The regulator assembly comprises a hub portion which is positioned centrally within the housing and connecting members which extend radially toward a rim portion which is supported by the housing. The hub portion supports a disk-shaped substantially inflexible portion of the regulator assembly which extends over the connecting members to engage the rim portion and thereby prevent fluid flow in the second direction. The connecting members of the regulator assembly are adapted to flex and allow the disk portion to move off of the rim and thereby allow fluid flow through the valve in the first direction.

Abstract: An operational carrier for a wheel-type hay rake has an upper frame with one end for single point attachment to the draw bar of a towing vehicle. A lower frame is disposed beneath the upper frame and pivotally connected at one end to the upper frame. A first linkage is pivotally connected at one end to the upper frame and has an opposite end for attachment to the frame of the hay rake. The lower frame is provided with means for pivotally attaching an opposite end of the lower frame to the frame of the hay rake. Hydraulic means mounted on said upper frame has a piston rod connected to the lower frame for raising the lower frame to move the frame of the hay rake when said first linkage is connected to the frame of the hay rake in a substantially vertical direction from a raking position to a transport position.

Abstract: An inductive, internally fed, ferrite-loaded antenna mounted at the geomecal center of a helicopter. The antenna is capable of transmitting in the 2-30 MHZ range with particularly good characteristics between 2.0-3.5 MHZ and employs the air frame as a radiating element. The radiation pattern is circular and extends for a radius greater than 200 mi. at an altitude of 300 feet.