Abstract: All or part of the DNA sequence of the gene which encodes the S-layer protein of R. prowazekii as illustrated in Sequence ID No. 1 as well as a truncated identical piece of this gene in R. typhi as well as the 5' and 3' noncoding regions can be used for vaccination against typhus and spotted fever rickettsial infection or to diagnose the diseases caused by these bacteria. The invention is also accomplished by the deduced amino acid sequence of the S-layer protein of R. prowazekii derived from the DNA sequence of the encoding gene. Further, the invention includes the peptide or protein products based on all or parts of this gene.

Abstract: A method of controlling a rotary vehicle to navigate a heading using a conation of translational and rotational motions by a plurality of driving-steering wheels controlling the motion in three degrees of freedom for a manned or unmanned vehicle having at least two drive-steering wheels, wherein a drive-steering wheel is a wheel with its heading orientation and driving velocity positively controlled, wherein a global motion is a vehicle trajectory with vehicle orientation from the initial position (with orientation) to a final destination (with orientation), which comprises comparing a global motion selected to the vehicle's body position and orientation to compute a motion instruction in three degrees of freedom, the acceleration, path of curvature, and rotation rate, collectively known as the motion command then converting the motion command into a translational speed, a translational direction, and a rotational rate and converting the translational speed, the translational direction and the rotational rate

Abstract: A high-power thermoacoustic refrigerator including a half-wave length resonator, first and second drivers located in housings at first and second ends of said resonator, two pusher cones, a plurality of heat exchangers, a first and second stack, utilizing a compressible gas mixture capable of being tuned to the driver resonance frequency, a half-wave length tube, fluids disposed within said heat exchangers for transferring heat, and voice coils wired 180 degrees out of phase for compressing said compressible fluid into a standing wave oscillating within said resonator.

Abstract: An agent and pharmaceutical formulations of the agent containing a synthetic peptide of the human malaria Plasmodium vivax, containing at least one repeat of a synthetic peptide having the amino acid sequence Ala-Gly-Asp-Arg (AGDR) which is a protective epitope found on the circumsporozoite (CS) protein of the sporozoites of the human malaria Plasmodium vivax. When a monoclonal antibody specific for this four amino acid sequence binds to the CS protein of the P. vivax sporozoite in vivo, infection is prevented.

Abstract: A Constant-Depth Scratch Test (CDST) technique to quantitatively determine he shear strength of interfaces between thin metallic or non-metallic films and metal or ceramic substrates is revealed. The test overcomes two problems associated with other types of scratch tests, namely the instrumental complexity required for real-time detection of interfacial failure, and the inability to quantify interfacial strength. These problems are circumvented by maintaining a constant depth during scratching through the coating and the substrate, monitoring the horizontal and vertical forces to sustain the constant depth scratch, and finally by using a model to analyze the test results to quantify the interfacial shear strength. Unlike other scratch tests, this test is capable of measuring interfacial shear strength as a function of position on the film-substrate sample.

Abstract: A slide holding a film with an image containing portion adapted for use in n application such as Night Vision Goggle training in which the film in the slide is to receive an extremely low level of light. A combination of filters is placed adjacent the light receiving face of the film and an opaque mat having a cutout corresponding to the film image bearing portion is placed adjacent both the light receiving side of the filters and the light output face of the film to reduce the amount of stray light reaching the film with the components held together by a pair of frame members each holding a glass plate next to a mat.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is disclosed which is reactive to Treponema denticola and produced by the hybridoma deposited under ATCC HB 9966. The invention also discloses diagnostic reagents and methods for detecting Treponema denticola utilizing the hybridoma deposited under ATCC HB 9966.

Abstract: This invention is a specific set of oligonucleotide PCR primers (pg50 and pg3) and a specific oligonucleotide probe (pBA273) for detection of PCR-amplified DNA from pathogenic strains of Campylobacter, specifically C. coli and C. jejuni, in fecal specimens.

Abstract: This invention is a manually tunable underwater breathing apparatus (UBA) which the resonant frequency of the UBA may be adjusted to meet the diver's breathing frequency by controlling the inertance component of the UBA impedance. The principles of the present invention may be adapted to existing UBA by adding a tuning apparatus comprising a valve, a tee and a tuned length of hose. Water displaced by volume change in the breathing bag due to exhalation/inhalation is partly diverted through the valve. Depending on the valve opening set by the diver the inertance and resonant frequency of the UBA can be altered to reduce breathing load.

Abstract: An artificial horizon altitude warning system is provided for helping to prevent a controlled flight of an aircraft into the ground. The artificial horizon altitude warning system comprises an altimeter for gathering altitude information about the aircraft and generating an altitude signal; a laser assembly for producing a light in a cockpit of the aircraft; and a controller for receiving the altitude signal and for positioning the light in the cockpit to form an artificial line based on the altitude signal, the artificial line being positioned so as to be disposed along tin arcuate length corresponding to the location of an actual horizon as viewed by a pilot of the aircraft.

Abstract: An eye piece focusing aid provides improved focusing of an eye onto an intensified image screen of a NVG. A lens cap or blocking screen has two small holes (approximately one to two millimeters in diameter) which appear as a single hole when the retina of the eye is focused on the intensified image screen.

Abstract: The advanced care system for use in a hyperbaric chamber is a self-contai, rapidly transportable unit which contains a ventilator, patient suction, and vital signs monitor. It was developed to increase the level of life support available to an injured diver who might require advanced care, along with recompression therapy while being decompressed in an older model decompression chamber or other hyperbaric chamber not equipped with treatment equipment.

Abstract: A device and method for advising an individual (diver or aviator or caisson orker) how to proceed from a high ambient pressure to a lower one in a minimum amount of time without exceeding a specified acceptable risk of suffering decompression sickness. The central algorithm is calibrated to reliably estimate instantaneous risk for the pressure exposures and functions to rapidly provide the optimum (fastest) return to lower pressure.

Abstract: This invention comprises a tunable underwater breathing apparatus (UBA) in hich the resonant frequency of the UBA may be adjusted to meet the diver's breathing frequency by controlling the inertance component of the UBA impedance. The principles of the present invention may be adapted to existing UBA with minor redesign and some additions.

Abstract: A three point extension splint device for correcting flexion contractures about limb synovial hinge joints. The splint device comprises a proximal contact means for contacting the proximal portion of an extremity above the flexion crease of a synovial joint and a distal contact means for contacting the distal portion of an extremity below the flexion crease of a synovial hinge joint. A springy, resilient bridge joins the proximal and distal extremity contact means. These three parts form a anterior assembly. A cupping means that forms the posterior assembly protects the bony prominence of the joint.

Abstract: This invention comprises a minimal elastance underwater breathing apparatus UBA) in which the elastance component of UBA impedance is substantially eliminated by forcing the breathing bag to expand and contract in a horizontal plane with small vertical displacements and hence minimal elastance. The invention further includes a servo-mechanism operating with a microprocessor, 3-axis position sensor and rotatable joints which act to keep the breathing bag oriented horizontally no matter what the diver's position. The principles of the present invention may be adapted to existing UBA with redesign and additions.

Abstract: In order to protect the eyes or other sensor, from light produced, e.g., by odern laser weapons which have extremely fast onset times and high power per pulse, a protective shutter device is provided which is based on the integrative property of such sensors. The sensor is shielded for a large proportion of the time and only exposed after a light detector associated with the protective device has assured a safe environment. The normal exposure provided is a series of rapid image-views that integrate over time within the sensor. In an eye goggles embodiment, clear vision is maintained and a fast-response variable-density "sunglass" is perceived by the wearer. Only one eye is exposed and thus at risk at any one time, and that eye only about 10% of the total time. A high-speed mechanical shutter controls the exposure experienced by the sensor.

Abstract: A Scheiner-principle optometer for automated assessment of accommodative state is disclosed. The specific advantages of the instant invention over earlier ones are: a) simplicity of design, b) hand held, portable implementation, c) light weight, d) small size, e) low manufacturing cost, and, f) the use of a monochromatic light source to eliminate the effects of chromatic aberrations in the subject's eye.

Abstract: Antigens or antibodies are detected using a novel membrane based immunoassay. Known antigens or antibodies which will form complexes with antigens/antibodies to be assayed are spot filtered with pressure through a membrane. The membrane, either by itself or attached to a base material as a test strip, is incubated with a test fluid. Consequently, the resulting antibody-antigen complex is incubated directly or after an intermediate anti-antibody incubation with enzyme conjugated immunoglobulin and exposed to substrate which produces a colored insoluble product if the test target is present.

Abstract: An agent and treatment for a subject susceptible to septic shock. The subject is treated with a PKC inhibitor, preferably wit a PKC inhibitor selected from the group consisting of lipid analogues. Preferred among the lipid analogues are sphingosine and its analogues. The inhibitors of this invention are administered, preferably by infusion in a suitable pharmaceutical carrier, in a range of 0.1 to 50 mg/Kg body weight preferably in the range of 0.5 to 25 mg/Kg body weight and most preferably in the range of 1 to 5 mg/Kg body weight.