Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods relate to bacterial contact inhibition that is conferred by two gene products, CdiA and CdiB, which are encoded by the genes cdiA and cdiB, respectively. A further gene product CdiI, encoded by the gene cdiI confers immunity to contact inhibition caused by CdiAB.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a cable to apparatus electrical interconnection. The assembly having a unitary cylindrical gasket, the outer diameter of the cylindrical gasket provided with an insertion opening to an interconnection cavity; the insertion opening having a generally circle sector shape at a cable end and an apparatus end, the insertion opening extending between the cable end and the apparatus end along the outer diameter. A generally C-shaped outer shell is dimensioned to seat along the outer diameter, the outer shell having outward protruding edge lips aligned with the insertion opening along the outer diameter. The edge lips movable towards one another to a closed position wherein the insertion opening is closed around the electrical interconnection; and means for retaining, such as a locking bar that fits over the edge lips.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a cable to apparatus electrical interconnection. The assembly having a unitary cylindrical gasket, the outer diameter of the cylindrical gasket provided with an insertion opening to an interconnection cavity; the insertion opening having a generally circle sector shape at a cable end and an apparatus end, the insertion opening extending between the cable end and the apparatus end along the outer diameter. A generally C-shaped outer shell is dimensioned to seat along the outer diameter, the outer shell having outward protruding edge lips aligned with the insertion opening along the outer diameter. The edge lips movable towards one another to a closed position wherein the insertion opening is closed around the electrical interconnection; and means for retaining, such as a locking bar that fits over the edge lips.

Abstract: A cable hanger having shell halves adapted to mate with each other, the shell halves each having an inner surface adapted to cooperate with the other to secure the cable within a cable space. The mating of the shell halves is releasably secured by a means for closure. A bolt hole through at least one of the shell halves allows easy mounting of the cable hanger. The shell halves each having, along a vertical mating surface, a means for interlocking adapted to interlock with the means for interlocking of a second cable hanger positioned against the cable hanger along the vertical mating surface. A connection side of the cable hanger may be adapted to have a means for latching to couple with a third cable hanger, positioned connection side to connection side with the cable hanger. The cable hanger allowing additional cables to be added without modifying the mounting of the base hanger.

Abstract: A cable hanger having shell halves adapted to mate with each other, the shell halves each having an inner surface adapted to cooperate with the other to secure the cable within a cable space. The mating of the shell halves is releasably secured by a means for closure. A bolt hole through the shell halves allows easy mounting of the cable hanger. The shell halves each having, along a vertical mating surface, a means for interlocking adapted to interlock with the means for interlocking of a second cable hanger positioned against the cable hanger along the vertical mating surface. A connection side of the cable hanger may be adapted to have a means for latching to couple with a third cable hanger, positioned connection side to connection side with the cable hanger. The cable hanger allowing additional cables to be added without modifying the mounting of the base hanger.

Abstract: A tool for mid-span cable stripping having a wheel enclosure surrounding an inner wheel with at least one cable saddle formed in an outer circumference, the cable saddle(s) adapted to rotatably cradle a cable of a desired outer diameter. The wheel enclosure having an access cut-away with an over hanging portion that exposes the cable saddle for insertion of the cable. The cable saddle moveable, via rotation of the inner wheel, under the overhanging portion whereby the cable in the cable saddle is retained and a blade coupled to the wheel enclosure with a cutting edge projecting inward engages the cable. Rotation of the tool about the cable strips an outer sheath of the cable. Where multiple cable saddles of different sizes are formed about the circumference of the inner wheel, the tool may be used with a range of different diameter cables.

Abstract: Bacteria and in particular pathogenic bacteria are treated in a manner which alters the bacteria's native level or activity of DNA methyltransferase (Dam). The alteration results in a change in the bacteria's native level of methylation of adenine in a GATC tetranucleotide which inhibits virulence of the bacteria. Thus, compounds which inhibit proliferation of bacteria are useful in treating bacterial infections.

Abstract: A tool for mid-span cable stripping having a wheel enclosure surrounding an inner wheel with at least one cable saddle formed in an outer circumference, the cable saddle(s) adapted to rotatably cradle a cable of a desired outer diameter. The wheel enclosure having an access cut-away with an over hanging portion that exposes the cable saddle for insertion of the cable. The cable saddle moveable, via rotation of the inner wheel, under the overhanging portion whereby the cable in the cable saddle is retained and a blade coupled to the wheel enclosure with a cutting edge projecting inward engages the cable. Rotation of the tool about the cable strips an outer sheath of the cable. Where multiple cable saddles of different sizes are formed about the circumference of the inner wheel, the tool may be used with a range of different diameter cables.

Abstract: A cable hanger having shell halves adapted to mate with each other, the shell halves each having an inner surface adapted to cooperate with the other to secure the cable within a cable space. The mating of the shell halves is releasably secured by a means for closure. A bolt hole through the shell halves allows easy mounting of the cable hanger. The shell halves each having, along a vertical mating surface, a means for interlocking adapted to interlock with the means for interlocking of a second cable hanger positioned against the cable hanger along the vertical mating surface. A connection side of the cable hanger may be adapted to have a means for latching to couple with a third cable hanger, positioned connection side to connection side with the cable hanger. The cable hanger allowing additional cables to be added without modifying the mounting of the base hanger.

Abstract: A method for providing a hole into a valve component having an internal cavity (55), said method comprising the steps of filling and sealing a fluid (59) within said cavity; and laser drilling the hole through the component into the internal cavity. Said method is particularly advantageous for providing a side port into a valve stem (54). The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a valve stem, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a valve stem work-piece having a passageway with an outlet (57); b) filling the passageway with a fluid; c) sealing the outlet; d) laser drilling a side port through the work-piece into the passageway; and e) unsealing the outlet.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a cable to apparatus interconnection formed by a plurality of shells adapted to mate together, surrounding the interconnection within an interconnection space. When mated together, the shells forming openings for the cable and the apparatus at an apparatus end and a cable end, respectively. A gasket mounted to each shell along a mating surface between the shells and along the openings environmentally seals the interconnection space. A locking rib projecting inward from the shell(s) may be applied to rotationally interlock a coupling nut of the interconnection with the sealing assembly. In a two shell embodiment, a locking band positioned around an outer diameter of the mated together shells with an end to end retaining means may be used to secure the shells together. Alternatively, if three shells are used, the shells may be hinged together and a retaining means applied to join the unhinged ends together.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a cable to apparatus interconnection formed bya plurality of shells adapted to mate together, surrounding the interconnection within an interconnection space. When mated together, the shells forming openings for the cable and the apparatus at an apparatus end and a cable end, respectively. A gasket mounted to each shell along a mating surface between the shells and along the openings environmentally seals the interconnection space. A locking rib projecting inward from the shell(s) may be applied to rotationally interlock a coupling nut of the interconnection with the sealing assembly. In a two shell embodiment, a locking band positioned around an outer diameter of the mated together shells with an end to end retaining means may be used to secure the shells together. Alternatively, if three shells are used, the shells may be hinged together and a retaining means applied to join the unhinged ends together.

Abstract: This thermostat controls to a constant ratio of temperature and humidity to give approximately constant comfort. It is especially suited for residences with air conditioning equipment but without specific humidity lowering equipment. The thermostat significantly reduces air conditioner running time without degrading comfort as humidity declines in its air-conditioned space. During winter operation the thermostat characteristically raises its dry bulb set point as humidity decreases.

Abstract: This invention is an analog device that can be used before an audience to qualitatively demonstrate the interaction of diet, exercise and weight in the human body. The device folds for easy transport.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods of producing antibodies using an attenuated strain of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Haemophilus, E. coli, and/or Salmonella) having non-reverting genetic mutations relative to the wild-type organism which alter activity of DNA adenine methylase (Dam). The invention further includes compositions comprised of the attenuated bacteria and methods using these compositions to elicit an immune response and immunize a subject with highly specific antibodies. The invention also provides methods producing antibodies to heterologous antigens which the attenuated bacteria are engineered to produce.

Abstract: Bacteria and in particular pathogenic bacteria are treated in a manner which alters the bacteria's native level or activity of DNA methyltransferase (Dam). The alteration results in a change in the bacteria's native level of methylation of adenine in a GATC tetranucleotide which inhibits virulence of the bacteria. Thus, compounds which inhibit proliferation of bacteria are useful in treating bacterial infections.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions are disclosed which are comprised of bacteria which are pathogenic in their native state but which are rendered non-pathogenic in a manner which alters the native level or activity of DNA adenine methylase. The genome is also artificially engineered to express a heterologous antigen such as an immunogenic antigen of a virus, protozoa, parasite or fungi.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an attenuated strain of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Haemophilus, E. Coli, and/or Salmonella) having non-reverting genetic mutations relative to the wild-type organism which alter activity of DNA adenine methylase (Dam). The invention further includes compositions comprised of the attenuated bacteria and methods using these compositions to elicit an immune response to produce highly specific antibodies. The invention also provides methods for preparing vaccines as well as screening methods to identify agents which may have anti-bacterial activity.

Abstract: The virulence of bacterial strains and in particular pathogenic bacteria which infect human is reduced by an agent which alters the bacteria's native level or activity of DNA methyltransferase (Dam). The agent causes an alteration in the bacteria's native level of methylation of adenine in a GATC tetranucleotide which inhibits virulence of the bacteria. Thus, compounds and formulations thereof which reduce bacterial virulence inhibit proliferation of bacteria and are useful in treating bacterial infections, particularly in humans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards compositions containing pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Haemophilus, E. Coli, and/or Salmonella) having non-reverting genetic mutations which alter activity of DNA adenine methylase (Dam) and methods using these compositions to elicit an immune response to produce highly specific antibodies. The invention also provides methods for preparing vaccines as well as screening methods to identify agents which may have anti-bacterial activity.