Abstract: An optical sensor comprises at least two planar Bragg gratings defined on a single substrate and arranged to receive light from a light source, each grating having a wavelength filtering response that varies with an effective modal index experienced by light propagating in the Bragg grating and a Bragg wavelength different to those of the other gratings, and at least one sample window overlying one or more of the gratings that can receive a sample of fluid that affects the effective modal index and response of the grating, the gratings filtering the light and outputting the filtered light for spectral analysis, from which the refractive index and related properties of the fluid can be determined. One or more of the gratings can be a reference grating used to compensate for temperature and other disturbances to the sensors. Gratings may have individual sample windows for testing separate fluid samples, or may share a common window so that a single fluid can be tested using several gratings.

Abstract: A rifle including the firing mechanism of a revolver from which the revolver's original barrel and handgrips were removed. A replacement barrel, having a length greater than that of the original barrel, is affixed to the front of the firing mechanism as a substitute for the original barrel. A replacement stock for engaging a shoulder of a user is affixed to the rear of the firing mechanism as a substitute for the handgrips. A forearm is affixed to the bottom of the replacement barrel for steadying the rifle while aiming and firing. A method for converting the revolver into the rifle is also provided herein.

Abstract: Complete core LPS (lacking O-polysaccharide side chains) from Gram-negative bacteria are incorprated into a vaccine typically in liposomes. The complete core of E. coli K 12 is particularly useful. Upon administration to a mammal the vaccine stimulated synthesis of antibodies which are cross-protective against smooth and rough forms of LPS from at least two different Gram-negative bacterial strains having different core structures.

Abstract: Compare core LPS (lacking O-polysaccharide side chains) from Gram-negative bacteria are incorporated into a vaccine typically in liposomes. The complete core of E. coli K 12 is particularly useful. Upon administration to a mammal the vaccine stimulates synthesis of antibodies which are cross-protective against smooth and rough forms of LPS from at least two different Gram-negative bacterial strains having different core structures.

Abstract: A flame photometer detector is described which uses flame emission spectroscopy as the detection method, computer control and data acquisition, pulsed sampling and a rotating reference filter wheel to eliminate the effects of background chemical species. The detector is particularly suited to the testing of respirator equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) which are cross-protective against endotoxemia caused by at least two different Gram-negative bacterial strains having different core structures; and methods of production of these antibodies. By use of the Kohler/Milstein procedure involving immunization of mice with a number of different rough strains of heat-killed Gram-negative bacteria, followed by fusion and proper screening of the resulting hybridomas, such murine MAbs are obtained. The murine MAbs may be chimerized or humanized by known methods.

Abstract: An extrusion blow mounding control system for controlling parison wall thickness in an extrusion blow moulding machine includes a wall thickness controller for controlling the width of an extrusion die gap defining parison wall thickness within the machine, an interface unit for supplying an input signal to the wall thickness controller dependent on an actual position signal from a position transducer indicative of the actual position of a movable die member delimiting the die gap, and an output for supplying a desired position signal from the wall thickness controller to an electrohydraulic servo valve for controlling the position of the movable die member to provide a desired width of the die gap.

Abstract: Thermally insulating panels are formed at opposite sides with finishing edge strips about which sheet metal facings of the panels engage, the strips having ribs and grooves to allow mortise and tenon interconnection of the panels. A fold between a groove and a rib of the respective panel receives a metal insert which provides structural support and interengaging flanges of the insert, which preferably is composed of high density PVC, can interlock for effective sealing.