Abstract: An improved limit stop system for defining the extremes of the range of motion of the actuator of a disc drive. An elongated slot having inner and outer contact surfaces is provided in the bobbin inside the coil of the actuator voice coil motor. A pin member having a compliant portion is assembled through the elongated slot in the coil bobbin and into engagement with stationary components of the disc drive. When the intended extreme of the range of motion of the actuator is reached, either the inner or outer contact surface of the elongated slot contacts the compliant portion of the pin member preventing further motion of the actuator in that direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing security in issuing and redeeming gaming tickets is described in which a machine-readable indicium (preferably barcoding) is embodied in a payout ticket from a gaming machine. When the ticket is presented for redemption, the machine-readable indicium is read automatically (preferably by a barcode reader), to provide electronic signals which are then processed electronically to determine whether the ticket is genuine (valid). In a preferred embodiment, a barcode reader reads from a ticket a validation number which if genuine is a predetermined function of a payout amount and one or more other parameters barcoded on the ticket; an electronic processing unit then determines whether the barcoded data is related according to the predetermined function.

Abstract: A method and control apparatus are described for limiting peak-load contribution by HVAC systems and other systems, and for measuring the effect of energy-conservation expedients. The control apparatus reduces the percentage of on-time and thus fuel and power consumption and demand for utility capacity to a predetermined extent during peak-load periods, by inhibiting fuel-on signals from the thermostat of each HVAC system to the furnace, fuel-pump, or air conditioner of the HVAC system, or other system, so that the total on-time during a load-measuring interval is reduced to a predetermined amount. During non-peak periods, the control apparatus is inactive and the thermostat controls the HVAC system. The measurement aspect of the invention measures and records on and off state time intervals for the HVAC system, and temperatures associated with such intervals.

Abstract: A shield assembly for disc drives and other electromechanical products is described in which the shield for a printed circuit board is imprinted with information concerning how to install and use the disc drive or other electromechanical product. Also described is a method for facilitating installation and use of tape drives and other electromechanical products by equipping them with a shield assembly in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for analyzing signals generated by rotating components that slip in a rotating machine and for detecting faults in those components. Pulses from a shaft encoder serve as an external clock in digitizing the signal data. A fixed number of data samples are thereby acquired for each complete rotation of the rotating shaft of the machine. Complex spectra are provided for data records of a fixed length with the first sample of each data record always beginning at the same point relative to the shaft angular orientation. Signal-processing means multiply pairs of signal spectral components so that the complex products produced by the data for the component of interest has a fixed phase relative to the shaft orientation.

Abstract: A thermostat is disclosed for controlling a heating system, particularly a forced hot-air furnace, so as to improve fuel efficiency and decrease peak fuel load. The thermostat controls the length of fuel-on cycles, so that the heat exchanger of the furnace is not saturated. A wide deadband (approximately 3.degree. F.) for the thermostat further aids in lessening fuel usage. Forced air operation continues for a secondary-delivery period immediately after the thermostat turns the furnace off, thereby extracting additional heat from the heat exchanger and ductwork, but the length of the secondary-delivery period is limited so that the heat exchanger does not cool off beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Compositions for delaying the progression from AIDS to ARC, and for alleviating symptoms of AIDS and ARC are disclosed together with clinical results of use of such compositions in clinical trials with of actual human patients suffering from these diseases. The compositions are based on a Tyr-Gly amino acid residue sequence. Typical dosage amounts are in the range of femtomoles/kg of body weight.

Abstract: Purified human leukocyte dialysates are described for treatment of AIDS, ARC, and other immunodeficient conditions. The dialysates are purified by HPLC processes, and are made available in a form that is free of endotoxin and pyrogen. A dialysate designated Beta-1.11 is found by amino acid sequencing to consist essentially of endogenous Tyr-Gly. A dialysate designated Beta-1.12 is found by amino acid sequencing to consist essentially of endogenous Tyr-Gly-Gly.

Abstract: Purified human leukocyte dialysates are described for treatment of AIDS, ARC, and other immunodeficient conditions. The dialysates are purified by HPLC processes, and are made available in a form that is free of endotoxin and pyrogen. Methods are described for slowing the progression from ARC to AIDS and for alleviating symptoms of AIDS and ARC, by administration of the dialysates. Methods for treating candidiasis and for increasing immune system response to recall antigen, by administration of the dialysates, are also described.

Abstract: An automatic bottle-loading machine is described in which filled water bottles are conveyed through an automatic turning apparatus to a loading station where the bottles rest on their sides. At the same time, an empty bottle rack is loaded into an elevator and automatically delivered to the loading station. A pusher mechanism automatically pushes bottles onto a shelf of the rack. The automatic procedure is repeated with successive shelves of the rack until the rack is filled. The filled rack is then discharged from the machine and the machine is ready for the next rack.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for increasing and decreasing immunoglobulin production by administering to a human or other mammalian subject an appropriate dosage of amplifier. Administration of amplifier to subjects having excessive production of immunoglobulin, namely AIDS and ARC patients, is shown as decreasing such excessive immunoglobulin production in such patients.

Abstract: Methods of extracting an immunosuppressor from leukocyte dialysates are disclosed, together with methods for using the immunosuppressor and compositions containing the immunosuppressor.

Abstract: Methods are described for assaying, in vitro, the capacity of a subject's lymphocytes to manifest suppressor function. PBLs are exposed to an agent stimulating suppressor cell formation and/or activation. Other PBLs are treated to induce a cell proliferative response, thereby producing responder cells. The responder cells are subjected to an antigen in the presence of the suppressor cells previously produced and in the presence of various concentrations of an amplifier. The procedure provides a means of ascertaining suppressor capacity of the subject's immune system, i.e., the subject's potential to express suppressor function, thereby permitting assay of severity of autoimmune disease, titrating dosage of immunomodulatory agents, and determining whether modulator therapy is feasible.

Abstract: A method is described for treating mammalian solid tumors by administering leukocyte-derived amplifiers of the immune system to tumor-bearing subjects. The amplifiers include Beta-1.0, Beta-1.1, Beta-1,12, TG, and TGG.

Abstract: A diagnostic test is described for the assay of human and animal immune system response, in vitro. The test measures production in a peripheral blood lymphocyte population of a material that is an index of mitogen-induced immune response. Adaptations of the test are provided for the titration of amplifier dosage, and for a determination whether amplifier treatment is warranted for immunodeficient patients such as those with AIDS or ARC.

Abstract: A spark plug wire loom is described in which an axially rotatable support routes the wiring and keeps the wires separated. A tapered head mounts a separator to a T-nut mount so that the separator pops into place into a recess in the T-nut mount and is kept there.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the treatment of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-Related Complex (ARC) by administering injections of Tyr-Gly-Gly and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Therapeutic methods for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupis, Type I diabetes, and other autoimmune disorders are described wherein amplifiers of the immune system response are administered to the subject. Instead of further increasing the hyperactive immune response, however, administering the amplifiers has the effect of reducing the excessive immune responsiveness. Compositions for such administration are also described.

Abstract: A tripeptide and derivatives thereof are described that amplify mammalian immune response. A purification process, methods of using, and pharmaceutical compositions for using the product are disclosed.