Abstract: The present invention provides modified viral capsid and viral particles that contain an inserted or conjugated IR-binding agent (e.g., an IR-binding peptide). The invention also provides related polynucleotide sequences that encode such modified capsid proteins, as well as vectors for expressing the modified capsid proteins. Also provided in the invention are recombinant viral vectors or viral particles (e.g., rAAVs) having (1) a modified capsid (for non-enveloped viruses) or modified viral envelope (for enveloped viruses) that contains an inserted or conjugated IR-binding agent, and (2) a recombinant or engineered viral genome (e.g., AAV genome) that harbors a heterologous target gene or transgene sequence (e.g., a therapeutic protein encoding sequence). Further provided in the invention are methods for constructing the engineered viral vectors, and methods of using the vectors for delivering a transgene.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a transducer lock having a lock member configured to move between unlocked and locked positions. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis. With the lock member in the unlocked position, the transducer assembly is configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the body. With the lock member in the locked position, the transducer lock is configured to seize the transducer assembly and inhibit rotation relative to the housing for coupling with an acoustic waveguide. The surgical instrument may also include an integral torque wrench for coupling the acoustic waveguide with a predetermined torque and an integral torque indictor for signaling to a user that the acoustic waveguide is coupled with the predetermined torque.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly, and a transducer lock having a lock member configured to move between unlocked and locked positions. The transducer assembly is rotatably mounted along a longitudinal axis within the body such that the transducer assembly is configured to selectively rotate about the longitudinal axis. With the lock member in the unlocked position, the transducer assembly is configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the body. With the lock member in the locked position, the transducer lock is configured to seize the transducer assembly and inhibit rotation relative to the housing for coupling with an acoustic waveguide. The surgical instrument may also include an integral torque wrench for coupling the acoustic waveguide with a predetermined torque and an integral torque indictor for signaling to a user that the acoustic waveguide is coupled with the predetermined torque.

Abstract: A sanitary hydrant comprises an isolated reservoir that can be positioned below a freeze level at the location of installation. A piston within the isolated reservoir is operable to expel, during a downward stroke, stored fluid from the reservoir before actuating a valve that allows fluid to flow from a fluid supply source through the hydrant. On an upward stroke, the piston releases the valve and generates a negative pressure within the reservoir that draws fluid from within the hydrant into the reservoir.

Abstract: A sanitary hydrant comprises an isolated reservoir that can be positioned below a freeze level at the location of installation. A piston within the isolated reservoir is operable to expel, during a downward stroke, stored fluid from the reservoir before actuating a valve that allows fluid to flow from a fluid supply source through the hydrant. On an upward stroke, the piston releases the valve and generates a negative pressure within the reservoir that draws fluid from within the hydrant into the reservoir.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a venturi is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a venturi is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.

Abstract: A hydrant comprising a housing forming a reservoir; and a piston configured to force residual fluid out of the reservoir to an outlet and to allow supply fluid to flow from an inlet through the piston to the outlet when the piston is actuated in the housing to a first position, and when the piston is actuated in the housing to a second position, to restrict flow of the supply fluid to the outlet and to allow at least a portion of the supply fluid that has flowed from the inlet to flow into the reservoir thereby becoming new residual fluid.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a normally horizontal fluid inlet tube with an interior end and exterior end. A hollow valve fitting is rigidly secured to the interior end of the inlet tube for a connection to a source of pressurized fluid. A valve seat is located on an interior end of the valve fitting. A valve body is longitudinally movably mounted in the inlet tube adjacent to the valve fitting. A pressure relief valve is mounted on the inlet tube between the interior and exterior ends thereof so that if residual water within and adjacent the exterior end of the inlet tube freezes and exerts pressure on residual fluid within the inlet tube adjacent the interior end thereof, the pressure relief valve will actuate to purge some of the high pressure fluid to decrease the pressure being exerted by such fluid to the interior of the inlet tube.

Abstract: A freeze resistant sanitary hydrant is provided that employs a reservoir for storage of fluid under the frost line or in an area not prone to freezing. To evacuate this reservoir, a means for altering pressure is provided that is able to function in hydrant systems that employ a vacuum breaker.