Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases are provided. In particular, efficient vaccines comprising genetically modified pathogens are provided. The vaccines generally comprise mycobacterial mutants having modified protein production capabilities. In one embodiment, the mutants overexpress heat shock protein. In a specific embodiment, the mycobacterial mutant overexpresses heat shock proteins 60 and/or 70. Also provided are modified BCG vaccines capable of overexpressing heat shock proteins 60 and/or 70.

Abstract: A ready to drink coffee beverage comprising a coffee portion, said coffee portion comprising a principal coffee component and N relevant coffee components, where N is a number in the range of from about 1 to about 20, wherein the principal coffee component corresponds to a principal coffee component of a second coffee and the relevant coffee components correspond to relevant coffee components of the second coffee, and wherein the total concentration of the principal coffee component is in the range of from about 50% below to about 50% above the total concentration of the corresponding principal coffee component in the second coffee, and wherein the value of the total concentration of the principal coffee component divided by the total concentration of each of the relevant coffee components is within the range of from about 50% below to about 50% above the value of the total concentration of the corresponding principal coffee component in the second coffee divided by the total concentration of the correspondin

Abstract: A ready to drink coffee beverage comprising a coffee portion, said coffee portion comprising a principal coffee component and N relevant coffee components, where N is a number in the range of from about 1 to about 20, wherein the principal coffee component corresponds to a principal coffee component of a second coffee and the relevant coffee components correspond to relevant coffee components of the second coffee, and wherein the total concentration of the principal coffee component is in the range of from about 50% below to about 50% above the total concentration of the corresponding principal coffee component in the second coffee, and wherein the value of the total concentration of the principal coffee component divided by the total concentration of each of the relevant coffee components is within the range of from about 50% below to about 50% above the value of the total concentration of the corresponding principal coffee component in the second coffee divided by the total concentration of the correspondin

Abstract: A one-piece deflector-flare cone assembly for a gas turbine engine combustor that facilitates extending a useful life of the combustor in a cost-effective and reliable manner is described. The combustor includes an air swirler, and the one-piece assembly includes a deflector portion and a flare cone portion. The deflector portion includes an integral opening that extends circumferentially through the deflector portion for receiving cooling fluid therein. Because the deflector-flare cone assembly receives pre-loaded braze tape and braze rope, a single braze operation secures the deflector-flare cone assembly within the combustor and to a combustor air swirler.

Abstract: A combustor liner for use in a gas turbine engine includes a first annular panel section having a forward end, an aft end and a first cooling nugget located at the forward end thereof, and a second annular panel section having a forward end, an aft end and a second cooling nugget located at the forward end thereof. The second panel section is joined at its forward end to the aft end of the first panel section. A first row of cooling holes is located in the first cooling nugget, and a second row of cooling holes is located in the second cooling nugget. A group of dilution holes is located in the first panel section. The dilution holes are located at the aft end of the first panel section, immediately upstream of the second cooling nugget. Furthermore, each one of the dilution holes defines an aftmost edge, and all of the aftmost edges are axially aligned, even if the dilution holes have different hole diameters.

Abstract: A process to remove a semiconductor die from a plastic package and then to reassemble the die in a high reliability hermetic package. The process is used to remove an already existing die using a unique disassembly and etching process and make the removed die more reliable by reattaching the die and rebonding all new die wires into either a hermetic package or a different type of package with a “bond-on-top-of-bond” technique. The original bondfoot on the removed die may be first preconditioned by a novel bond-flattening tool, which can be attached to the bond-head chuck of any wirebonder. Also, the die can be used in other applications with different pin-outs or configurations.

Abstract: A process to remove a semiconductor die from a plastic package and then to reassemble the die in a high reliability hermetic package. The process is used to remove an already existing die using a unique disassembly and etching process and make the removed die more reliable by reattaching the die and rebonding all new die wires into either a hermetic package or a different type of package with a “bond-on-top-of-bond” technique. The original bondfoot on the removed die may be first preconditioned by a novel bond-flattening tool, which can be attached to the bond-head chuck of any wirebonder. Also, the die can be used in other applications with different pin-outs or configurations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stress proteins and methods of modulating an individual's immune response. In particular, it relates to the use of such stress proteins in immune therapy and prophylaxis, which results in an induction or enhancement of an individual's immune response and as an immunotherapeutic agent which results in a decrease of an individual's immune response to his or her own cells. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising a stress protein joined to another component, such as a fusion protein in which a stress protein is fused to an antigen. Further, the present invention relates to a method of generating antibodies to a substance using a conjugate comprised of a stress protein joined to the substance.

Abstract: A method of repairing an outer vinyl seat cover (14) having a tear (20) therein by spreading a liquid vinyl (21) over the outer surface of the vinyl seat cover (14) adjacent the cut (20) and into the area formed by the cut, and then applying a woven mesh patch (22) larger than the tear (20) onto the liquid vinyl (21) on the outer surface of the vinyl cover (14) over the tear (20). The mesh patch (22) and liquid vinyl (21) are heated by a propane torch to a temperature over at least about 1000 F. and preferably 1400 F. for curing. Next, a silicone graining pad (24) is pressed down against the patched area while the cured vinyl is hot. Additional layers of liquid vinyl are added to the patched area and cured to a temperature over about 1000 F. until the desired vinyl thickness is obtained. Then the patched area is spray painted while the patched area is at a temperature over about 500 F. to provide a color to the patched area similar to the color of the outer vinyl seat cover (14).

Abstract: A nucleotide sequence encoding a katG/lacZ fusion protein is useful for assaying the enzymatic activity of the katG gene product. A process of selecting a compound that is toxic against an isoniazid-resistant mycobaterial strain comprises incubating a catalase peroxidase enzyme with an isoniazid to produce a compound that restores isoniazid susceptability to the isoniazid-resistant mycobaterial strain.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device which attaches to the upper exterior of a golfbag 14 and is used to secure golf club covers 18 and the golf clubs 16 therein in the vicinity of the top of the golfbag so that the user 12 can have ready access. The present invention 10 discloses a device which has multiple spring-loaded tensioning lines 22 which lines are connected by connectors 28 to the top of the individual golf club covers 18. The lines 22 are lockably extendible and retractable having clip-like fasteners 26 which can be attached to the top of the golf club covers 18 so as to secure the golf club cover 18 in close proximity to the top of the golfbag 14. The housing 11 of the device is attached to the golfbag 14 by a belt 24. An alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein the housing of the present invention is molded into the golfbag 14.

Abstract: A process for the detection of resistance to an antibiotic in a mycobacterium comprises detecting a mutation in a gene selected from the group consisting of the katG gene or fragment thereof, the rpoB gene or fragment thereof, and the rpsI gene or fragment thereof. The process is useful for detecting in vitro the presence of nucleic acids of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to isoniazid.

Abstract: A tissue package comprising a plurality of tissues and a dispensing package. The plurality of tissues is compressed in two discrete stages, each of which stage can be released independently from the other. The first stage of compression is less than the second stage compression. The user releases the second stage of compression, whereby the tissues can expand up to the first stage of compression. The user releases the first stage of compression just before installing the plurality of tissues into a dispensing package or dispenses the tissues through a restraint while they are held in the first stage compression.

Abstract: In an animal stall, a brisket board extends along the front end portion of the floor, and a keeper board extends along the rear portion of the floor. An animal mattress is disposed on the floor between the brisket board and the keeper board, with the mattress extending over the keeper board. The mattress includes a fabric enclosure having a plurality of separate compartments within the enclosure, and comminuted rubber from used vehicle tires is disposed within each compartment. A top fabric blanket is disposed over the mattress with an end of the blanket attached to the keeper board, and an opposed end of the blanket attached to the brisket board.

Abstract: A tissue package comprising a plurality of tissues and a dispensing package. The plurality of tissues is compressed in two discrete stages, each of which stage can be released independently from the other. The first stage of compression is less than the second stage of compression. The tissues are transported and stored while under the second stage of compression. The user releases the second stage of compression, whereby the tissues can expand up to the first stage of compression. The user releases the first stage of compression just before installing the plurality of tissues into a dispensing package or dispenses the tissues through a restraint while they are held in the first stage compression.

Abstract: A cotton pad package comprising a plurality of cotton pads and a dispensing package. The plurality of cotton pads is compressed in two discrete stages, each of which stage can be released independently from the other. The first stage of compression is less than the second stage of compression. The cotton pads are transported and stored while under the second stage of compression. The user releases the second stage of compression, whereby the cotton pads can expand up to the first stage of compression. The user releases the first stage of compression just before installing the plurality of cotton pads into a dispensing package or dispenses the cotton pads through a restraint while they are held in the first stage compression.

Abstract: A test assembly for testing a preassembled wiring harness for location of mounting brackets at spaced points on the harness assembly and for evaluating terminals of the wiring harness includes a faceplate with a plurality of slots formed across the full planar extent thereof to accommodate a variety of different holder and detecting device layouts corresponding to a variety of types of wiring harness configurations. A separate faceplate is supported on each of a plurality of modular units joined together to accept different length wiring harness configurations. Standard length cables are connected to each of the holders and detecting devices. The cables have a connector wired thereto which fits through the slots to provide access from the faceplate to the interface cards without splicing into the wiring system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for emplacing a liner in a conduit in a well penetrating subterranean formations characterized by suspending at a predetermined depth in the well at least one annular liner having an annular body portion and an adjacent, concentrically disposed swage means that is adapted for being driven interiorly of the body portion for expanding the latter outwardly into contact with the conduit; firing a setting tool in the method to drive the swage means concentrically interiorly of the body portion; and removing the setting tool, leaving the swage and the body portion set in the conduit with a large bore penetrating longitudinally thereof. Also disclosed are straddle patches having a liner at each end, either set in a unitary operation or set by a two-step operation; other combinations employing the liners and the specific apparatus for setting the liners.