Abstract: Synthetic polynucleotides comprising a DNA sequence encoding a peptide or protein are provided. The DNA sequence of the synthetic polynucleotides comprise codons optimized for expression in a nonhomologous host. The invention is exemplified by synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV env as well as modifications of HIV env. The codons of the synthetic molecules include the projected host cell's preferred codons. The synthetic molecules provide preferred forms of foreign genetic material. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity. This invention provides polynucleotides which, when directly introduced into a vertebrate in vivo, including mammals such as primates and humans, induces the expression of encoded proteins within the animal.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding HIV gag and modifications of HIV gag are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against HIV infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: A driveshaft assembly is balanced for rotation during use by initially disposing an annular band about a portion thereof. The band is then secured to the driveshaft assembly, such as by welding, adhesives, frictional engagement, and the like. After the band is secured to the driveshaft assembly, one or more balance weights can be secured to the band, such as by welding, adhesives, and the like, at desired locations to balance the driveshaft assembly for rotation. The band functions as a mounting surface upon which the balance weights can be secured to balance the driveshaft assembly for rotation. Because the balance weights are secured not directly to the driveshaft assembly, but rather are mounted indirectly thereon by the band, the driveshaft assembly is protected from damage that might otherwise result from welding the balance weights directly thereto.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: The upper surface of a mouse pad is formed with grooves of width substantially smaller than the diameter of the mouse ball, whereby particles that fall in the grooves do not adhere to the mouse ball when the mouse is moved over the mouse pad.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a collapsible driveshaft assembly includes the steps of disposing an end of a first tube within a forming die having a non-circular cross sectional shape, expanding the end of the first tube into conformance with the die cavity, inserting an end of a second tube is inserted within the deformed end of the first tube, and expanding the end of the second tube into conformance with the end of the first tube. As a result of this expansion, outwardly extending regions and inwardly extending regions of the second tube extend into cooperation with outwardly extending regions and inwardly extending regions of the first tube so as to cause the first and second tubes to function as cooperating male and female splined members. As a result, a rotational driving connection therebetween to form the driveshaft. When a relatively large axial force is applied to the ends of the telescoping driveshaft, the second tube will move axially within the first tube, thereby collapsing and absorbing energy.

Abstract: A system for switching communications signals between a first communications network and a second communications network is provided. The system includes a J1 interface coupled to the first communications network by a J1 span, a E1 interface coupled to the second communications network by an E1 span, and an interface processor in communication with the J1 interface and the E1 interface. The interface processor is then operable to translate signals formatted for the J1 span into an E1 format for transmission on the El span. The interface processor is further operable to translate communications signals formatted for the E1 span into a J1 format for transmission on the J1 span.

Abstract: A protection assembly for protecting the base edge and an attached cutting edge of a bucket or other implement of a work machine. The protection assembly is readily attachable and detachable to buckets having both new and worn base and cutting edges when the use of teeth is required for excavating, especially in hard packed virgin soil. The protection assembly includes a digging plate and a cover plate that form an elongated edge recess for receiving the base and cutting edges of the bucket. Positioning devices are provided on the bucket and the protection assembly to consistently position the protection system at the same location on the bucket regardless of the amount of wear on the base and cutting edges. The positioning devices prevent movement of the protection system relative to the bucket when the bucket is used for excavating.

Abstract: A telephony call manager includes a call model having call processing logic, and a signaling interface for each respective signaling protocol encountered by the call manager. Each signaling interface is operable to convert call events in each respective signaling protocol to messages of a generic protocol and communicate the messages to the call model.

Abstract: A one-piece metal card cage has integral card guides provided by rows of formed projections that extend into the interior of the cage. The projections are hollow to provide ventilation openings through which air may flow to and from the interior of the cage. The card cage is fabricated from a one-piece sheet metal blank that is folded and joined together to provide top and bottom walls, opposite sidewalls, a backwall and a front opening.

Abstract: A garment hook assembly includes a housing which can be injection molded and includes two halves hinged together for surrounding and receiving a retractable garment hook. The housing halves each include an arcuate slot which align with one another when the housing is folded over the garment hook to a closed position for receiving a pair of laterally extending spaced pins extending from the hook into the arcuate slots of the housing for guiding the translation motion of the garment hook along a nonlinear arcuate path as it extends from and retracts into the housing.

Abstract: A system and method of distributed multi-party call control are provided. The method includes the steps of establishing a first leg of a multi-party call, adding a second leg of the multi-party call, associating the second leg with the first leg of the multi-party call, determining which of the first leg or the second leg to be the controlling or controlled legs of the multi-party call, and requesting a voice path to the controlled leg by the controlling leg to establish the multi-party call.

Abstract: A protection assembly for protecting the base edge and an attached cutting edge of a bucket or other implement of a work machine. The protection assembly is readily attachable and detachable to buckets having both new and worn base and cutting edges when the use of teeth is required for excavating, especially in hard packed virgin soil. The protection assembly includes a digging plate and a cover plate that form an elongated edge recess for receiving the base and cutting edges of the bucket. Positioning devices are provided on the bucket and the protection assembly to consistently position the protection system at the same location on the bucket regardless of the amount of wear on the base and cutting edges. The positioning devices prevent movement of the protection system relative to the bucket when the bucket is used for excavating.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the content information sent to a user. A database includes content information and user subscription information. The content information is organized by a server for each user based on the user subscription information. The server is in communication with a user terminal and sends the content information to the user terminal.