Abstract: An apparatus for incubating a plurality of receptacles includes one or more thermally-conductive receptacle holders, each comprising a plurality of receptacle wells. A thermally-conductive support is associated with each of the receptacle holders, and a thermal element is positioned between the associated support and the receptacle holder. A heat sink is in thermal communication with the support and comprises a plurality of spaced-apart fins. An optical fiber associated with each receptacle well has a first end positioned adjacent to or within a through-hole formed in the receptacle well and extends through through-holes formed in the support and the heat sink aligned with the through-hole of the receptacle well. Each of the optical fibers is positioned between two adjacent fins of the plurality of fins.

Abstract: A kit includes a vessel having a plasma-treated interior surface, solid composition adhered to the plasma-treated interior surface, and a reconstitution liquid. The solid composition has a mass ranging from about 600 micrograms to about 20 grams and is in the form of a lyophilized pellet adhered to the plasma-treated interior surface. The solid composition is macroscopic in three orthogonal dimensions, such that the solid composition is not a coating and has a length, a width, and a height of greater than 1 mm.

Abstract: A parking brake control circuit engages the parking brake of a vehicle when the transmission of the vehicle is in the “park” position and the engine of the vehicle is turned off, without requiring the constant application of electrical power. The parking brake control circuit utilizes latching solenoid technology that eliminates the need for a constant voltage source. A time-delay relay is used to change the state of the latching solenoid. The time-delay relay is preferably activated through a circuit containing an engine oil pressure switch, a transmission park switch and a vehicle speed switch. Activation of the relay latches the solenoid in a position that allows the parking brake to be applied, without requiring the application of a constant voltage to the solenoid. Accordingly, the possibility of inadvertent brake application due to electrical failure is avoided.

Abstract: An electronic air charge controller for a tractor trailer vehicle air brake system includes a micro controller, a first pressure sensor interface coupled to the micro controller, a second pressure sensor interface coupled to the micro controller, and a vehicle control protocol interface coupled to the micro controller. The micro controller, in response to a signal received from the first pressure sensor interface indicative of an air supply recharge condition, a signal received from the second pressure sensor indicative of parking brake engagement condition, and a signal from the vehicle control protocol interface indicative of an engine start condition, supplies a maximum engine speed control signal to the vehicle control protocol interface. The time required to charge the air supply system to the required normal operating level is thereby minimized. In addition, a transmission sensor interface is preferably coupled to the micro controller.

Abstract: A parking brake control circuit engages the parking brake of a vehicle when the transmission of the vehicle is in the “park” position and the engine of the vehicle is turned off, without requiring the constant application of electrical power. The parking brake control circuit utilizes latching solenoid technology that eliminates the need for a constant voltage source. A time-delay relay is used to change the state of the latching solenoid. The time-delay relay is preferably activated through a circuit containing an engine oil pressure switch, a transmission park switch and a vehicle speed switch. Activation of the relay latches the solenoid in a position that allows the parking brake to be applied, without requiring the application of a constant voltage to the solenoid. Accordingly, the possibility of inadvertent brake application due to electrical failure is avoided.

Abstract: A parking brake control circuit engages the parking brake of a vehicle when the transmission of the vehicle is in the “park” position and the engine of the vehicle is turned off, without requiring the constant application of electrical power. The parking brake control circuit utilizes latching solenoid technology that eliminates the need for a constant voltage source. A time-delay relay is used to change the state of the latching solenoid. The time-delay relay is preferably activated through a circuit containing an engine oil pressure switch, a transmission park switch and a vehicle speed switch. Activation of the relay latches the solenoid in a position that allows the parking brake to be applied, without requiring the application of a constant voltage to the solenoid. Accordingly, the possibility of inadvertent brake application due to electrical failure is avoided.

Abstract: Operation of a vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, is prevented or modified if operation of the vehicle would be dangerous or destructive due to a brake system abnormality. A motor controller limits the speed of a moving vehicle if a brake system reservoir pressure is below a predetermined threshold or if parking brakes are applied. Additionally, if there is a brake system abnormality, the motor controller limits the motor torque produced in a stationary or slowly moving vehicle. Electronically controlled brake system control modules are recruited to monitor brake system status information and report abnormalities to the motor controller. Preferably, the electronically controlled brake control modules communicate with the motor controller over a serial link.

Abstract: An air dryer of the type fitted with a purge valve 92 is fitted with an input cut-off valve (81) which closes when the purge valve is opened in order that the compressor output line 2 is not vented thereby maintaining compressor and/or turbo charger pressure during off-load conditions.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism of the type having a gear carrier (1A, 1B) mounted for rotation about the output axis of the differential, a pair of spaced coaxial helical output gears (4A, 4B) mounted for rotation in the carrier about the output axis, and gear trains mounted in the gear carrier and interconnecting the two output gears, each gear train comprising two worm members (5A-D) and a worm wheel (7A,C; 7B,D) is characterized by the following equations: ##EQU1##

Abstract: A method of operating a boom which comprises an elongate member mounted on a base for pivotal movement about a first axis transverse to the axis of the elongate member, first fluid operated power means mounted between the base and the elongate member to control raising and lowering of the member about said first axis, an implement mounted at one end of the member for pivotal movement about a second axis transverse to the axis of the elongate member, second fluid operated power means comprising a double acting ram having a cylinder and plunger slidable therein, mounted between the implement and the member to control movement of the implement about the second axis, means to feed fluid under pressure to and from the first fluid operated power means along first feed lines via a first operating valve, means to feed fluid under pressure to and from the second fluid operated power means along second feed lines via a second operating valve, a displacement means comprising a further double acting fluid operated ram co

Abstract: A compressed air system includes an air compressor the inlet of which is communicated to the vehicle engine turbocharger. The outlet of the air compressor is communicated through an air dryer to a storage reservoir. A governor is responsive to the pressure level in the reservoir to generate an unloading signal unloading the air compressor when the pressure in the reservoir attains a predetermined value. The unloading signal is also communicated through a control valve to purge the air dryer during compressor unloading. The control valve closes communication between the governor and the air dryer to trap a predetermined pressure level in the purge volume of the air dryer to prevent the air dryer from purging to atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, a predetermined air pressure level is maintained in the purge volume, so that the outlet of the turbocharger can never be communicated to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a protecting group;R.sub.2 represents a halogen atom or a group of formula --NR.sub.a R.sub.b (where R.sub.a and R.sub.b, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; or R.sub.a and R.sub.b may be linked to form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, a heterocyclic ring which optionally contains a further heteroatom);and their physiological equivalents as well as salts thereof with acids, exhibit antiviral activity against RNA viruses such as Influenza and/or are intermeidates for the preparation of antivirally active compounds.

Abstract: A fluid pressure braking system for a heavy vehicle is provided with a supply reservoir and a pair of service reservoirs which are charged from the supply reservoir through a corresponding pair of pressure protection valves. The emergency/parking braking system is charged directly from the supply reservoir through a pressure protection valve which is set to open at a pressure level greater than that at which the pressure protection valves protecting the service reservoirs open. Accordingly, it is not possible to release the emergency spring brakes until the service reservoirs are charged to a safe operating level, and it is not possible to bleed down both of the service reservoirs and to thereby effect an emergency brake application due to a single failure in the systems.

Abstract: A limited slip differential for a vehicle having a gear carrier mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A pin extends within the carrier and has it axis transverse to the carrier axis, the pin being mounted by its ends in the carrier. First and second worm wheels are rotatably mounted on the pin. Four helically toothed worm members are rotatably mounted in the carrier with the axis of each worm member extending longitudinally in the carrier. The first and third worm members mesh with a one of the worm wheels on opposite portions of the circumference thereof, and the second and fourth worm members mesh with the other worm wheel on opposite portions of the circumference thereof. A spacer block is mounted on the pin and has on two opposed faces thereof worm wheel locating surfaces each to engage a first side surface of a respective one of the worm wheels. The carrier has two further worm wheel locating surfaces to engage second side surfaces of the worm wheels.

Abstract: Mechanism for cleaning and drying compressed gas (10) includes a housing (12) having an open end closed by an end cover (14). A desiccant canister (16) is mounted on a plate (24) which is clamped between the end cover (14) and the housing (12) so that the canister (16) is received within the housing (12). A circuitous passage (78) communicates an inlet port (76) with a sump cavity (68) which is communicated with the canister (16). Heat is transferred from the gas to the walls of the passage (78) as the gas passes therethrough. The passage (78) cants toward the sump (68) so that moisture tends to drain into the latter. A dump valve (110) periodically communicates the sump cavity (68) with atmosphere to thereby regenerate the desiccant in the canister (16) and to void the contaminants from the sump cavity (68).

Abstract: A tractor/trailer vehicle fluid pressure braking control system enabling two line control of trailer service and secondary braking includes for tractor braking a service brake control valve for controlling the fluid pressure applied both to service brake actuators and to a trailer service brake control line, a secondary control valve which controls the magnitude of a counteracting pressure applied to tractor spring brakes and also to a relay valve which controls a pressure in a trailer secondary spring brake control line.