Abstract: A process of parthenogenic activation of mammalian oocytes which includes increasing intercellular levels of divalent cations in the oocyte; and reducing phosphorylation of cellular proteins in the oocyte. One method of accomplishing this is by introducing Ca.sup.2+ free cation, such as ionomycin, to the oocyte and then preventing phosphorylation of the cellular proteins within the oocyte by adding a serine-threonine kinase inhibitor, such as 6-dimethylaminopurine (DMAP).

Abstract: A method is disclosed relating to the isolation and purification of certain heparin-binding protein compositions in the seminal plasma of male mammals. The isolated proteins are useful in fertility studies and in enhancing the acrosomal reaction, capacitation and subsequent fertility of sperm cells.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use by a surgeon in urological, gynecological or proctological surgical procedures or in the examination of a patient. The drape is made of a flexible visually transparent and substantially liquid impervious sheet designed to inhibit contamination to the surgeon by fluids emanating from the patient during surgical procedures. The drape includes a self-sealing aperture in the sheet, which allows access of a surgical instrument through the sheet.

Abstract: A protective covering for a medical instrument, such as an endoscope, is described. The covering includes an elongated hollow sheath having a wall of flexible material. The sheath is substantially gas and water impervious. The sheath further includes auxiliary access tubes associated with the sheath for providing a variety of functions, such as instrument manipulation, and fluid removal. The distal end of the sheath is provided with a cap having an optically clear window to allow the lens portion of the medical instrument to operate.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody specific for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and 026:H11 is produced by immunizing BALB/c mice with a strain of E. coli 0157:H7. The antibody reacts strongly by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with an approximately 5,000-6,000 dalton molecular weight outer membrane protein of strains of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and 026:H11. A rapid and sensitive assay for detecting these organisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for maintaining desired temperature control of a specimen observed under a microscope includes an objective lens heater comprising a heating element placed within a heat sleeve, which surrounds the objective lens casing. When an electric current is applied, the heating element is activated, heating the objective lens to a desired temperature. The heated objective lens may be used in combination with a stage heater to ensure that the specimen will be maintained at a desired physiological temperature during observation.

Abstract: A write-protect button is designed to be retrofitted into an intact floppy disk which has been constructed with a write-protect assembly but without the write-protect button. The present invention also includes a method of retrofitting the write-protect button into an intact floppy disk without dismantling the disk.

Abstract: The shooting game includes programmable flip-up targets spaced along a game course, and sensors associated with the targets that detect the presence of a player near the associated target. A. programmable main controller transmits skill level control instructions to each of the target controllers. The target controllers cause the targets to fire paint balls or other items at the player in accordance with the selected skill level. The game may be played indoors or outdoors by one or more players.

Abstract: Elite white spruce hybrid trees, which will grow faster than normal spruce trees, are developed by clonal propagation techniques, including genetic testing, breeding, micropropagation and vegetative propagation.

Abstract: New strains of microorganisms producing anti-Campylobacter metabolites have been identified which have the ability to utilize mucin as a sole substrate for growth and the ability to reduce and/or inhibit the incidence of Campylobacter jejuni colonization in poultry.

Abstract: A galactomannan heteropolysaccharide is prepared by fermentation of a previously unknown microorganism, named Erwinia sp. ATCC No. 55046. The polysaccharide has valuable properties as a thickening, suspending, stabilizing and lubricating agent in aqueous systems. It has a chemical composition of mannose, galactose and galacturonic acid in the approximate molar ratio of 5:3:2. The polysaccharide can be produced in high yield and volumetric productivity from a submerged culture fermentation of a low-cost, lactose-containing whey or whey permeate medium.

Abstract: A pocket calendar is disclosed which has a paper blank cut and folded to present a calendar having a pocket therein for receiving a greeting card, note card or the like. The paper blank includes a wall-hanger panel, a back pocket panel adjacent the wall-hanger panel along a fold line, a front pocket panel adjacent the back pocket panel along a second fold line, and a calendar panel adjacent the front pocket panel along a score line. The front pocket panel is folded to overlie the back pocket panel and affixed to the back pocket panel to form a pocket. Preferably, a portion of the greeting card is removably positioned within the pocket. A calendar is fixed to the calendar panel. The paper blank may be made such that the pocket portion can be separated from the remainder of the paper blank to form a mailing envelope for the greeting card.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum system for collecting fluids and particular debris is provided. The system includes a collection tank, a removable cover providing a substantially air-tight connection with the tank, and air inlet and outlet apertures. The cover includes a barrier strip integral with the internal surface of the cover. The barrier strip is designed to control the intake of debris and to prevent the system from clogging. The barrier strip is provided with air passage connections to allow proper airflow through the system when the vacuum mode is activated. The wet/dry vacuum system also includes a fluid drainage system for removing fluid from the accumulated debris.

Abstract: An optical microphone includes a vibrating membrane defining a diaphragm for receiving acoustic signals. An optical element such as a lens is attached for vibrating with the membrane in direct relationship with the acoustic input signals. Fixed fiber optic cables may be placed in alignment with the lens for directing the initial light toward the lens and transmit the directed light from the lens. A single or dual fiber optic geometry may be used with the vibrating lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically aliquotting liquids, such as blood serum, is described. The invention provides a completely automatic, clean, self-contained system for collecting and aliquotting liquids and simultaneously cleaning the aliquotting system. The system includes a serum loading station, a sensing station, an indexing table for advancing test tubes to a collection station, an aliquotting station and a wash station.

Abstract: The clean room, which exceeds the Class 100 standards, constructed out of structural materials that are free of metal, in particular aluminum. The room is sterile and allows for a variety of manipulations to be performed including sensitive analysis steps. Intrinsic aluminum and most metal contamination is eliminated by constructing the clean room with aluminum free structural materials. Extrinsic contamination is prevented by following standard clean room procedures in a two-door positive pressure entry system under a single self-motorized ULPA filtered air flow. Analysis of samples is conducted under a vertical laminar ULPA filtered air flow at at least a Class 10 limit particle concentration standard. In addition, a clean room containment center wherein samples are prepared and processed inside a modular containment center that is under a negative pressure allowing a horizontal laminar ULPA filtered air flow that provides a Class 1 limit particle concentration rating.

Abstract: A struggling barrier for children includes a semirigid wall for blocking struggling movements which is attached to a flexible sheet for receiving sitting body weight of children. The method of sitting on the flexible sheet transfers body weight force to the attached wall thereby causing the flexible and movable device to become a semirigid and difficult to move barrier device.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly, particularly for pediatric use, is provided. The tracheostomy tube assembly includes a tracheostomy tube having an adjustable length and being adapted for insertion into the trachea through an opening in a patient's neck. The assembly further includes a neck collar adapted to fit on the exterior of the patient's neck. The neck collar has an opening through which the tracheostomy tube passes. The neck collar includes a locking means adapted to adjustable maintain the tracheostomy tube at a predetermined length in the trachea.