Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing prestressed or pressure-containing connections, such as in a pipe clamp, in remote or hazardous locations. A connection, having bolts that are heated and pretensioned, can easily be uniformly tightened with a robotic device.

Abstract: A recombinant adenoviral vector encoding the human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) gene is disclosed which is useful for transduction of vascular smooth muscle cells at a selected blood vessel site to provide local vascular expression of TFPI. A method of using the transduced hTFPI cDNA as an in vivo antithrombotic agent to provide localized production of hTFPI for protecting an at-risk site against thrombus deposition is also disclosed. Gene therapy using the new TFPI expression vector is also expected to deter the development of chronic vascular stenosis in blood vessels (arteries, veins, arteriovenous shunts, and endovascular grafts) and deterring intimal hyperplasia.

Abstract: An automatic control system for providing pneumatic purging protection for a sealed enclosure containing electrical equipment in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standards. The system supplies a purge gas under a pre-ordained pressure to an enclosure residing in a hazardous location. The system monitors the gas pressure to maintain the pressure within desired limits. In the event that the integrity of the sealed enclosure is disrupted, the control system disables the electrical equipment and executes a rapid-response purge cycle to re-enable the electrical equipment as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A single pack siliconized epoxy coating has been discovered that requires neither heat nor mixing with a catalytic curing agent immediately prior to application. The coating is comprised of an epoxy resin, a silanol based polydimethylsiloxane, an amine functional silicone polymer, and a distilled fatty nitrile. After homogenous blending of the compound, the composition is stored in air tight containers with a shelf life of over two years.

Abstract: A golf club having a hosel that is permanently connected to a sole plate, traverses the club head, and is attached to the shaft. The sole plate is attaches to the bottom of the club head and a replaceable striking surface attaches to the front of the club head.

Abstract: A sterilization device (10) is provided having a flexible housing element (12) that is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the lumen of the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube, a heating element (14) carried by the housing element adjacent to its distal end, and an energy source (18) coupled to the heating element such that when the energy source is energized the temperature of the heating element will be increased. A procedure is described for inserting the sterilization device (10) through the uterus and into the isthmic portion of the fallopian tube where the heating element (14) is energized and the heat generated destroys the mucosal layer and damages the muscular layer of the fallopian tube wall inducing sufficient scarification to occlude the fallopian tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a storage box in an open truck bed is described. The storage box is removably secured to the truck bed by employing an adjustable plate on each side of the storage box that is tightened against the side of the pickup. The adjustable plates when tightened into place will secure the storage box until the plates are loosened.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering the open truck beds of pickup trucks and the like with a flexible cover is described. The apparatus is a truck bed protector that has a relatively water-impenetrable cover fixed to a spring-loaded, continuously biased, roller that is rotatably mounted in a housing. The housing is mounted to the pickup truck bed with locking brackets to ensure that the truck bed protector cannot be removed without a key. Extensions are also provided for the cover that can be easily attached to the cover to allow the cover to fit over objects of different shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A bath mat is disclosed that provides a portable device for converting a typical bathtub into a safe, more user-friendly environment for bathing infants/preschoolers or individuals with impaired mobility. The bath mat provides both a system for catching fluids that splash over a top rim of the bathtub while bathing and a padded surface to cover the top rim of the bathtub to ease discomfort of the parent or care giver who must lean over the bathtub. The bath mat is designed so that attachments, for the convenience and entertainment of the bather and the care giver (such as toys, cartoon characters, brushes, etc.), can be removably attached to the bath mat. In addition, the bath mat provides surfaces for receiving the buttocks and head of individuals who may require support from a caregiver.