Abstract: A component such as a blade for use in a gas turbine engine comprises a body 2 formed from outer panels 8, 10 defining an internal cavity 12. A damping element 14 is provided in the cavity 12 and is secured at one end between the panels 8, 10 at one end of the body 2, for example adjacent the root of the blade. Damping material fills the cavity 12 and so extends between the damping element 14 and the panels 8, 10. Vibration induced in the blade causes relative movement between the body 2 of the blade and the damping element 14, causing energy loss in the damping material which damps the vibration. The components 8, 10, 14 may be secured by a diffusion bonding process.

Abstract: A damped aerofoil structure comprises an aerofoil having a first wall and a second opposing wall, and vibration damping means for damping relative movement of the first and second wall. The damping means comprises at least two cooperating damping elements, a first damping element mounted to the first wall of the structure and a second damping element mounted to the second wall of the structure.

Abstract: A computer network controlled/monitored automation system for a residence (such as a home, a business, an office, etc.) in which a residential server controls and monitors security and other computer controllable systems within the residence. To provide maximum security, the residential server is configured to deny any inbound connections. The residential server initiates a secure connection to a central system controller's server so that the residential server can receive commands and other communications from the central system controller's server, some of which may have been communicated to the central system controller's server by an authorized remote user/occupant of the residence over the Internet.

Abstract: A scissor is made more ergonomic and comfortable to use by the addition to the upper loop handle of the scissor of an enlarged handle portion that fits into and can be held in the palm of a user's hand without the user's thumb passing through the loop handle. One or more of the user's fingers are passed through the lower loop handle in normal manner to operate the scissor. The enlarged handle portion may be secured to the upper loop handle of existing scissors or scissors may be manufactured with the enlarged handle portion included rather than or in addition to the normal loop handle. As an add on, the enlarged handle portion may include two halves secured together to capture and hold a portion of the upper loop between the halves to thereby secure the enlarged handle portion to the upper loop handle.

Abstract: A scissor is made more ergonomic and comfortable to use by the addition to the upper loop handle of the scissor of an enlarged handle portion that fits into and can be held in the palm of a user's hand without the user's thumb passing through the loop handle. One or more of the user's fingers are passed through the lower loop handle in normal manner to operate the scissor. The enlarged handle portion may be secured to the upper loop handle of existing scissors or scissors may be manufactured with the enlarged handle portion included rather than or in addition to the normal loop handle. As an add on, the enlarged handle portion may include two halves secured together to capture and hold a portion of the upper loop between the halves to thereby secure the enlarged handle portion to the upper loop handle.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of platelet-rich clots or thrombus, and for deaggregating platelet-rich clots or thrombus, using hementin, a polypeptide derived from leech salivary glands. Hementin may be administered for this purpose in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, with or without additional anticoagulants such as hirudin, hirudin analogues, or an inhibitor of factor Xa.

Abstract: A polypeptide derived from leeches of the species Hirudinaria manillensis has the following amino acid sequence: ##STR1## wherein Xaa indicates any amino acid residue; D indicates Cys or Pro; E indicates Glu, Asp or His; F indicates Asp, Lys or Trp; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, derivative or bioprecursor thereof. The polypeptide, and fragments thereof, is a specific anti-thrombin useful as a medicament.

Abstract: A method of treating thrombosis with a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an endo-beta-glucuronidase, preferably leech-derived, heparin and a pharmacologically acceptable diluent, carrier or excipient which does not prevent the interaction between the heparin and the endo-beta-glucuronidase is disclosed. The formulation, which is disclosed, can also comprise a clot-lytic agent such as tissue plasminogen activator. Endo-beta-glucuronidase, unlike other hyaluronidases, has been found not to be inhibited by heparin.

Abstract: Method for preparing a lactone reaction product comprising reacting an alkenylsuccinic acid under substantially anhydrous conditions in the presence of a protonating agent and at an elevated temperature ranging up to about 100.degree. C., and a motor fuel composition containing said lactone reaction product.

Abstract: Method for preparing a lactone reaction product comprising reacting an alkenylsuccinic acid under substantially anhydrous conditions in the presence of a protonating agent and at an elevated temperature ranging up to about 100.degree. C., and a motor fuel composition containing said lactone reaction product.