Abstract: An energy generation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a sidewall enclosing a perimeter of the base to define a first volume, and a tube having a first end and a second end. The base includes a solar energy collection surface. The first end of the tube is disposed in the first volume adjacent the base, and the second end of the tube is disposed in a second volume outside of the first volume. The apparatus also includes a fluid flow initiator to initiate a flow of a fluid from the first volume to the second volume through the tube when the fluid in the first volume has been heated by the solar energy collection surface to generate a super-adiabatic lapse rate.

Abstract: A device for preventing tampering with a cable tap as well as a snap strip for securing the device is disclosed herein. An upper housing and lower housing may be joined to surround a cable tap and its cable feeder lines. The upper housing and lower housing may contain apertures for accepting the prongs of a snap strip for holding the device in a closed position. Apertures may be placed in the upper and lower housings for the hanger of the cable tap as well as the household cable line to exit the housings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the isolation and purification of anti-IL-13 antibodies wherein the use of an affinity chromatographic step results in an antibody composition sufficiently pure for pharmaceutical uses. The methods described herein comprise pH viral reduction/inactivation, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A affinity chromatography), ion exchange chromatography, and hydrophobic chromatography. Further, the present invention is directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antibodies of the present invention.

Abstract: An energy generation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a sidewall enclosing a perimeter of the base to define a first volume, and a tube having a first end and a second end. The base includes a solar energy collection surface. The first end of the tube is disposed in the first volume adjacent the base, and the second end of the tube is disposed in a second volume outside of the first volume. The apparatus also includes a fluid flow initiator to initiate a flow of a fluid from the first volume to the second volume through the tube when the fluid in the first volume has been heated by the solar energy collection surface to generate a super-adiabatic lapse rate.

Abstract: A universal support pillow usable by both back and side sleepers includes a first chamber having multiple filled compartments that define a first side of the pillow and a second filled chamber that defines a second side of the pillow. The multiple compartments of the first chamber are designed particularly to receive a head of a back sleeper, and the second chamber is designed to receive a head of a side sleeper. The universal support pillow, in one version, includes a closable opening that is disposed between the two chambers for receiving a pillow insert to provide user-customized thickness and firmness characteristics of the universal support pillow. Multiple types of pillow inserts having different thickness and/or firmness characteristics may be provided, wherein a user is able to select one of the pillow inserts based on the user's sleep pillow preferences.

Abstract: A universal support pillow usable by both back and side sleepers includes a first chamber having multiple filled compartments that define a first side of the pillow and a second filled chamber that defines a second side of the pillow. The multiple compartments of the first chamber are designed particularly to receive a head of a back sleeper, and the second chamber is designed to receive a head of a side sleeper. The universal support pillow, in one version, includes a closable opening that is disposed between the two chambers for receiving a pillow insert to provide user-customized thickness and firmness characteristics of the universal support pillow. Multiple types of pillow inserts having different thickness and/or firmness characteristics may be provided, wherein a user is able to select one of the pillow inserts based on the user's sleep pillow preferences.

Abstract: Method of automatically sorting mail 1 which has to be forwarded by means of a sorting machine, which processes the mail 1 in a continuous main stream A and where the sorting machine comprises a feeder 2 via which a variety of unsorted addressed mail is fed. The singled mail 1 is marked with an individualising identifier by a following marking device. Each identifier is assigned to a data set in a file, and by means of a following reading device 5 the addresses on the mail 1 are taken up. A taken-up address is deciphered by a recognition module and is written in the corresponding data set. The mail 1 is assigned a corresponding error information when the address cannot be deciphered. A mail piece with assigned error information is then sorted out of the main stream as scrap mail 6.

Abstract: Isolated HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides obtained from the HIV-1 isolate HAM112 are claimed, as well as (a) antigen constructs comprising fusions of one or more of each of HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides and HIV-1 Group M env polypeptide and (b) further antigen constructs containing additional Group O sequences and especially the gp41 IDR of isolate HAM112. Also claimed are polynucleotide sequences encoding the above, expression vectors comprising the same, host cells transformed thereby, and immunoassay methods and kits utilizing the antigen constructs of the invention.

Abstract: Isolated HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides obtained from the HIV-1 isolate HAM112 are claimed, as well as (a) antigen constructs comprising fusions of one or more of each of HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides and HIV-1 Group M env polypeptide and (b) further antigen constructs containing additional Group O sequences and especially the gp41 IDR of isolate HAM112. Also claimed are polynucleotide sequences encoding the above, expression vectors comprising the same, host cells transformed thereby, and immunoassay methods and kits utilizing the antigen constructs of the invention.

Abstract: A venous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft with integral access port system. The graft may have one, two, or more ports, which then exits the skin. The prosthesis may be made of fluoropolymer tubing fabricated in such a way as to involve several performance features. The graft may have holes for suturing, anchoring, or bio-integration to the artery. The ports have natural acting restrictions or valves at the graft juncture, throughout the implanted part body of the device and at the exit site. The ports are also naturally self-purging. A port may also incorporate a redundant hermetic hemostatic valve and closure system at the exit site.

Abstract: An indwelling Fluoropolymer catheter primarily intended for vascular access. The catheter comprises a thin, lubricous sleeve circumferentially folded back over the leading edge of a pusher or positioning tube, affixed to a distal Hemostatic valve/guide assembly. The catheter may, in one embodiment, incorporate a needle or trocar for rapid deployment, which is loaded/positioned from the leading edge, back into the film membrane. The trocar may pierce the skin and advance through body tissues to an artery or vessel. The catheter is then inverted over the pusher tube following the guide of the trocar and optionally a guide wire into the artery. The trocar or needle will be totally withdrawn after catheter placement.

Abstract: Isolated HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides obtained from the HIV-1 isolate HAM112 are claimed, as well as (a) antigen constructs comprising fusions of one or more of each of HIV-1 Group O env polypeptides and HIV-1 Group M env polypeptide and (b) further antigen constructs containing additional Group O sequences and especially the gp41 IDR of isolate HAM112. Also claimed are polynucleotide sequences encoding the above, expression vectors comprising the same, host cells transformed thereby, and immunoassay methods and kits utilizing the antigen constructs of the invention.

Abstract: Method of automatically sorting mail 1 which has to be forwarded by means of a sorting machine, which processes the mail 1 in a continuous main stream A and where the sorting machine comprises a feeder 2 via which a variety of unsorted addressed mail is fed. The singled mail 1 is marked with an individualising identifier by a following marking device. Each identifier is assigned to a data set in a file, and by means of a following reading device 5 the addresses on the mail 1 are taken up. A taken-up address is deciphered by a recognition module and is written in the corresponding data set. The mail 1 is assigned a corresponding error information when the address cannot be deciphered. A mail piece with assigned error information is then sorted out of the main stream as scrap mail 6.

Abstract: A bedding cover having a hidden multisided access flap for improved access to a pocket of the bedding cover generally comprising a front panel stitched to a back panel providing a pocket between the front panel and the back panel. A multisided access flap within the back panel provides access to the pocket. A first fastener securing a first side of the access flap is substantially covered by a first hiding flap provided by an edge of the back panel opposing the first side of the access flap. A second fastener positioned substantially perpendicular to the first fastener secures a second side of the access flap and provides multidirectional access to the pocket. A second hiding flap substantially provided by a second edge of the back panel opposing the second side of the access flap covers the second fastener. The claimed invention includes a method of making the bedding cover.

Abstract: A system for removing sludge that may be deposited on a tube sheet of a steam generator. Headers are arranged at the elevation of the sludge to be removed establishing a circumferential fluid stream at that elevation. A fluid lance is moved along the line between the headers emitting a fluid jet perpendicular to the line of movement of the fluid lance at an elevation substantially corresponding to the level of sludge deposits. The fluid jet forces the sludge to the periphery of the tube sheet where the sludge is entrained in and carried away by the circumferential fluid stream.