Abstract: This invention describes ways of obtaining nano-particulated adjuvants formed by different synthetic variants of GM3 ganglioside. Depending on the fine structure of the fatty acid in the ceramide of the synthetic GM3, said adjuvants are able to stimulate specifically and in a specialized way the humoral or cellular immune response against accompanying antigens. Particularly, this invention provides immunogenic vaccine compositions that comprise peptides, polypeptides or proteins and the aforementioned nanoparticles, which are formed through the dispersion of hydrophobic proteins of the outer membrane complex (OMC) of Neisseria meningitidis in solutions containing fully synthetic variants of the GM3 ganglioside.

Abstract: A privacy sensitive surveillance apparatus for monitoring, detecting, and displaying thermal energy is disclosed. The privacy sensitive surveillance apparatus provides for verification of the presence of thermal energy in response to an external stimulus.

Abstract: A driver tool provides an apparatus and method for installing shaft objects such as casing, pipes, poles, bars, rods, piles or tubes into the ground or other surrounding media. The driver tool has a steel tower on which is mounted a pneumatic or hydraulic hammer. The hammer is attached to a chain-driven mounting plate controlled by a hydraulic or air-driven motor so that the hammer slides in either direction along the tower. In a typical operating position, the tower is generally vertical to the ground and positioned over a shaft section so that the hammer can drive the shaft object into the ground at a manually controlled rate. The hammer and tower are mounted on a chassis having turf tires for rough terrain capability. In its transport position, the tool is positioned on its tires, with the tower generally horizontal to the ground. As a result, the driver tool can be easily moved and operated by one or two men and operated in limited access areas.

Abstract: A portable extraction tool facilitates soil stabilization applications that utilize compaction grouting. Compaction grouting involves installing grout injection casing into the ground in fixed-length sections to depths limited by soil compaction or bedrock. The casing is then removed in stages. Between stages, grout is pumped through the casing and into the soil at high pressure. The extraction tool provides the power, gripping strength, stability and operator control required to pull casings from the ground at a desired rate. Pulling power is provided by a pair of hydraulic cylinders. Gripping strength is provided by a progressive chuck mechanism that secures injection casings on upward movements of the cylinders and releases casings on downward movements, without damaging the reusable casings. Stability and strength are provided by a heavy, large-footprint base plate.