Abstract: A system for multi-threaded disk drive interrupt processing uses a flag register containing encoded data bits to indicate the current status of at least two disk drives. Instructions in a basic input-output system (BIOS) causes a central processing unit (CPU) to execute instructions to transfer data to the two disk drives. The system permits both disk drives to be simultaneously active. The system can issue commands to a first disk drive and, while the first disk drive is responding to those commands, issue additional commands to a second disk drive to prepare for additional data transfers. When one of the two disk drives generates an interrupt, the system can determine which disk drive generated the interrupt and process the interrupt. If the operating system is a multi-threaded operating system, the present invention interrupts the ongoing thread to process the interrupt.

Abstract: A virtual mass storage device implements a data manager for storing information on multiple physical mass storage devices. The virtual mass storage device is organized into blocks of information which are allocated to different physical devices, thereby enabling the physical devices to operate in parallel and increase the overall transfer rate of the virtual device.

Abstract: A wear cap for protecting the wearable surface of a structural member includes an outer wear surface and an inner mounting surface. The inner mounting surface is provided with a plurality of tabs and a lock which cooperate to securely attach the wear cap to the wearable surface. The tabs are inclined in a uniform direction at an acute angle to the mounting surface to minimize the amount of travel needed to install and remove the wear cap. The lock has a rigid hub and a shaft. The hub includes a pair of bearing faces which interact with the wear cap and the wearable surface to effectively prevent loss of the wear cap during use.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and reagents for inhibiting furin endoprotease activity and specifically for inhibiting furin endoprotease-mediated maturation of bioactive proteins in vivo and in vitro. The invention specifically provides proteins capable of inhibiting furin endoprotease activity. Particularly provided are .alpha..sub.1 -antitrypsin variants that specifically inhibit furin endoprotease activity. Methods for using furin endoprotease inhibition to attenuate or prevent viral protein maturation, and thereby alleviate viral infections, are provided. Also provided are methods for using furin endoprotease inhibition to attenuate or prevent proteolytic processing of bacterial toxins, thereby alleviating bacterial infections. Methods are also provided to inhibit proteolytic processing of biologically active proteins and peptides. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of therapeutically effective amounts of furin endoprotease inhibitors.

Abstract: A chemical compound of the following formula is disclosed ##STR1## where R is one of H, trityl, 4-0-monomethoxytrityl, 4,4'-O-dimethoxytrityl, or acyl groups and R may be used as a protecting group or is an H; R.sup.1 is a phosphoramidite; R.sup.11 is one of H or lower alkyl groups; R.sup.111 is one of H or lower alkyl groups; R.sup.4 is one of H, lower alkyl, acyl, or (CH.sub.2).sub.p COO(CH.sub.2).sub.q CH.sub.3 where p is an integer from 0 to 4 and q is an integer from 0 to 4; R.sup.5 is one of H, lower alkyl, acyl, or (CH.sub.2).sub.p COO(CH.sub.2).sub.q CH.sub.3 where p is an integer from 0 to 4 and q is an integer from 0 to 4; n is an integer from 0 to 10; m is an integer from 0 to 10; and r is 1, 2, or 3.

Abstract: The bullet holder includes a closed band (50) which includes a foam rubber element (53) and a fabric layer (60) which lies adjacent to and is attached to the outer surface of the foam rubber element (53). In the band (50) are located a plurality of opposed sets of openings (52-55), each pair of openings holding a bullet. The openings are smaller than the size of the bullets to be held, but expand readily upon insertion of the bullet.

Abstract: The cover/guard (10) includes a main body section (12) and two end sections (14,16) which are sewn thereto along its end edges (32,34). A middle section (18) is secured across the main body section (12) at the longitudinal midpoint thereof. The cover/guard sections each comprise a foam rubber inner portion (20), such as Neoprene, with the inner surface thereof being treated to produce a skin surface, while to the outside surface of the inner portion (20) is secured a fabric portion (26), such as nylon, which is water resistant. The inner portion (20), being stretchable and cushioning, provides effective protection for a scope. The cover/guard (10) can be stretched to accommodate many different sizes of scopes. Two bands (40,42) conveniently hold the cover/guard (10) on the scope.