Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for treating motor neuron diseases and particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It consists more particularly in the systemic administration of expression systems of neurotrophic factors.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a housing with an inlet which can be closed by a cover. A dust bag can be installed in the housing suspended from a plate which is located inwardly of the cover and has two openings both of which communicate with the interior of the bag. The cover carries a suction nipple which sealingly enters one of the openings when the cover is closed. A connecting nipple is also carried by the cover and sealingly enters the other opening when the cover is closed. The entire connecting nipple, or a diaphragm mounted in the same, moves in direction towards the cover when, in response to increasing filling of the bag and clogging of the filter pores thereof, the pressure in the bag rises to a level higher than the pressure at the other side of the connecting nipple or diaphragm, respectively. This movement is transmitted to an indicator observable from the exterior of the vacuum cleaner and provides an indication of the degree to which the bag is filled.

Abstract: A floorcare device has a round brush located in a housing and rotatable about a rigid axle. At least one axial end portion of the axle is supported in the housing by an eccentric, so that by turning the eccentric the height of the axle and thereby of the round brush relative to the housing can be varied. Turning of the eccentric is performed by a ratchet mechanism. Another such eccentric may support the other end of the axle. The ratchet mechanism may include two ratchet wheels each provided on a respective one of the eccentrics, and two rings surrounding the ratchet wheels and having inner ratchets engageable with the latter.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner attachment includes a mouthpiece and a suction nipple which communicates with a suction space bounded by the mouthpiece. Two stub shafts mount the mouthpiece on the suction nipple for relative pivoting, and an elastic element is interposed between the suction nipple and the mouthpiece and urges the latter toward a predetermined position thereof relative to the suction nipple. The elastic element may be a spring which is convoluted about an extension of one of the stub shafts and having two end portions, one of which is received in a slot-shaped depression of the stub shaft and the other of which abuts against the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A separate power head for a vacuum cleaner is detachably connectable with the vacuum cleaner housing. It has a casing provided with an airflow passage and an electric motor. A tubular connector serves to connect the head to the housing and to simultaneously establish an airflow connection between the airflow passage and a dust receptacle in the housing, as well as an electrical connection between the electric motor and a current supply source in the housing.