Abstract: An HST propel system includes first and second pumps having displacements variable in response to movement of first (31) and second (33) control shafts, respectively; and a linkage arrangement for moving the control shafts in unison in response to movement of an operator input (37). The linkage arrangement comprises a crank arm (35) rotatable about its axis in response to movement of the input device, first (41) and second (51) input arms fixed relative to the crank arm, and first (45) and second (55) elongated control rods pivotally connected to the input arms. The system includes a swivel connector (43) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.1), fixed relative to the axis of the crank arm, and a swivel connector (53) cooperating with its input arm to define a swivel axis (S.A.2), moveable relative to the axis of the crank arm for straight tracking adjustment.

Abstract: Unique recombinant antigens representing distinct antigenic regions of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genome which can be used as reagents for the detection of antibodies and antigen in body fluids from individuals exposed to HCV. The present invention also provides an assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with the recombinant antigens. Preferred assay formats include a screening assay, a confirmatory assay, a competition or neutralization assay and an immunodot assay.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission having a fluid pump (15), and a fluid motor (17) disposed in a housing (11) which is in fluid communication with a source (C) of low pressure fluid. The housing (11) defines a recessed area (71,85) and disposed therein is a piece of filter material (83,87), the recessed area intersecting the flow path through the transmission at a location between the low pressure source (C) and an inlet (65) to the pump (15). The flow area of the recessed area is substantially greater than that of the flow path through the transmission. The piece of filter material (83,87) is attached directly within the recessed area (71,85) in a manner sufficient to maintain the filter material therein during flow through the flow path. The invention provides substantial filter capacity without adding to the overall size or cost of any of the transmission components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing genes encoding unique HIV-1 and HIV-2 envelope proteins and their fragments, thereby allowing overexpression of these proteins in E. coli. The HIV envelope proteins and their fragments have been expressed at high levels as individual proteins or in fusion with other proteins. The HIV envelope proteins thus expressed in E. coli can be effectively used for the detection of exposure to HIV as well as the discrimination of HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Abstract: A release liner for use with face stocks for pressure sensitive labels, tapes, decals and other products formed from sheet and roll stock. A filled polymer is laminated to one side of a paper web. An extrudate is laminated to the other side of the paper substrate to form a release liner. The filled polymer has paper-like properties and replaces paper tissue back liners.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique recombinant antigens representing distinct antigenic regions of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) genome which can be used as reagents for the detection of antibodies and antigen in body fluids from individuals exposed to HCV. The present invention also provides an assay for detecting the presence of an antibody to an HCV antigen in a sample by contacting the sample with the recombinant antigens. Preferred assay formats include a screening assay, a confirmatory assay, a competition or neutralization assay and an immunodot assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing genes encoding unique HIV-1 and HIV-2 envelope proteins and their fragments, thereby allowing overexpression of these proteins in E. coli. The HIV envelope proteins and their fragments have been expressed at high levels as individual proteins or in fusion with other proteins. The HIV envelope proteins thus expressed in E. coli can be effectively used for the detection of exposure to HIV as well as the discrimination of HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Abstract: A release liner for use with face stocks for pressure sensitive labels, tapes, decals and other products formed from sheet and roll stock. A filled polymer is laminated to one side of a paper web. An extrudate is laminated to the other side of the paper substrate to form a release liner. The filled polymer has paper-like properties and replaces paper tissue back liners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing genes encoding unique HIV-1 and HIV-2 envelope proteins and their fragments, thereby allowing overexpression of these proteins in E. coli. The HIV envelope proteins and their fragments have been expressed at high levels as individual proteins or in fusion with other proteins. The HIV envelope proteins thus expressed in E. coli can be effectively used for the detection of exposure to HIV as well as the discrimination of HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Abstract: Mammalian expression systems for the production of HCV fusion proteins. Such expression systems provide high yields of HCV fusion proteins, and enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic reagents which contain glycosylated structural antigens and also allow for the isolation of the HCV etiological agent.

Abstract: Mammalian expression systems for the production of HCV proteins. Such expression systems provide high yields of HCV proteins, and enable the development of diagnostic and therapeutic reagents which contain glycosylated structural antigens and also allow for the isolation of the HCV etiological agent.

Abstract: A mouse monoclonal antibody is provided which detects HIV-2 seropositive individuals and differentiates them from HIV-1 seropositive individuals. The monoclonal antibody is specific for an epitope of HIV-2 gp41 which lies outside the characterized immunodominant region. The epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody has the amino acid sequence HTTVPW.

Abstract: Improved methods for detecting antibodies in test samples. The improvement comprises uses CKS-fusion proteins specific for the antibodies in assays such as screening assays, competitive assays, confirmatory assays and immunodot assays. Test kits which contain these CKS-fusion proteins useful in such assays also are provided.

Abstract: A variable displacement, rotary fluid pressure pump (11) is disclosed of the type having a cam ring member (25) which is movable, in response to rotation of a control shaft (35), between a neutral position (FIG. 5) and a displaced position (FIG. 4). The pump housing (13, 15) includes a support member (25), and they cooperate to define a high-pressure fluid passage (51). In communication with the passage (51) is a recess (71), in which is disposed a dampening shoe (73). The dampening shoe is biased by high-pressure fluid in the passage (51) into engagement with an adjacent surface (77) of the cam ring (25). The surface (77) defines a neutral fluid passage (79), and the dampening shoe (73) defines a restricted opening (85).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for towing an offshore structure which is protected from damage caused by ice impinging on the walls of the structure when the apparatus is not in use by positioning a retractable towing shackle within a recess in an outer wall of the structure.