Abstract: A device that includes a proteinaceous factor is disclosed. The proteinaceous factor is encoded by the nucleotide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO.: 1, a degenerate variant of SEQ ID NO.: 1, and a complement of SEQ ID NO.: 1. The proteinaceous factor may be a recombinant. In addition, the device may include any one of (i) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) bound non-specifically to the proteinaceous factor, (ii) at least one diagnostic label bound to the proteinaceous factor, (iii) Immunoglobulin G bound non-specifically to the proteinaceous factor and at least one diagnostic label bound to the proteinaceous factor, and (iv) at least one base supporting the proteinaceous factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autosampler device useful in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and more particularly to a device useful for the automated introduction of small sample volumes into a HPLC system. Methods of analyzing low abundant protein samples using such a device are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autosampler device useful in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and more particularly to a device useful for the automated introduction of small sample volumes into a HPLC system. Methods of analyzing low abundant protein samples using such a device are also included.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine comprises a fan 12 mounted on a first shaft 16 and a compressor mounted on a second shaft 43. The shafts are coaxial both with each other and with said engine longitudinal axis 15. The shafts are mounted in roller bearings 21, 40. The first bearing 21 carrying the upstream part of the first shaft and the second bearing 40 carrying the upstream part of the second shaft. Both bearings are attached to a structure 26 which comprises an axial sleeve and a front frustoconical portion and a rear radially stiff but axially flexible frustoconical portion and is attached to the engine casing 36. The front frustoconical portion is frangibly attached to the front part of the axial sleeve 28. In the event of damage to the fan the frangible connection breaks and the first shaft is allowed to orbit about the engine longitudinal axis 15. The rear member 32 is swashingly non-linear flexible and accommodates the out of balance radial loads transferred to it as couples during such an incident.

Abstract: A vibration damper comprises a bearing located between two rotatable shafts and an axially extending oil entry surface positioned radially inwardly of the radial outer surface of the bearing outer race and axially adjacent one end of the bearing. The outer surface of the bearing outer race forms a clearance between itself and the bearing housing for the ingress of a film of oil directed from the oil entry surface. A weir is positioned at the axially opposite end of said bearing and radially inward of the bearing outer race and oil entry surface such that in use the radial height difference between oil entry surface and weir provides a pumping force and supplies a film of oil between the bearing outer race and its casing.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine comprises a fan 12 mounted on a first shaft 16 and a compressor mounted on a second shaft 43. The shafts are coaxial both with each other and with said engine longitudinal axis 15. The shafts are mounted in roller bearings 21, 40. The first bearing 21 carrying the upstream part of the first shaft and the second bearing 40 carrying the upstream part of the second shaft. Both bearings are attached to a structure 26 which comprises an axial sleeve and a front frustoconical portion and a rear radially stiff but axially flexible frustoconical portion and is attached to the engine casing 36. The front frustoconical portion is frangibly attached to the front part of the axial sleeve 28. In the event of damage to the fan the frangible connection breaks and the first shaft is allowed to orbit about the engine longitudinal axis 15. The rear member 32 is swashingly non-linear flexible and accommodates the out of balance radial loads transferred to it as couples during such an incident.

Abstract: A vibration damper comprises a bearing located between two rotatable shafts and an axially extending oil entry surface positioned radially inwardly of the radial outer surface of the bearing outer race and axially adjacent one end of the bearing. The outer surface of the bearing outer race forms a clearance between itself and the bearing housing for the ingress of a film of oil directed from the oil entry surface. A weir is positioned at the axially opposite end of said bearing and radially inward of the bearing outer race and oil entry surface such that in use the radial height difference between oil entry surface and weir provides a pumping force and supplies a film of oil between the bearing outer race and its casing.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine (10) is provided with a fan (12) which is carried by a shaft (16). A frangible support member (27) maintains a coaxial relationship between the shaft (16) and the longitudinal axis (15) of the engine (10). In the event of severe damage to the fan (12), the frangible member (27) fractures, allowing the shaft (16) carrying the fan (12) to orbit about the engine longitudinal axis (15). A resilient support member (33,45) exerts a radially inward restoration force on the shaft (16) carrying the fan (12) to reduce vibration.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine has a fan shaft which is supported at its upstream end by a bearing. In the event of damage to the engine's fan, frangible bolts fracture to permit radial movement of the shaft. That movement is limited by the sequential engagement of the outer race of the bearing with first and second movement limiting portions on fixed structure of the engine. This alters the natural frequency of vibration of the fan, so permitting the fan to windmill without excessive vibration.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine is provided with a fan which is carried by a shaft. A frangible fuse ring maintains the shaft carrying the fan coaxial with the engine longitudinal axis. In the event of severe fan damage, the fuse ring (28) fractures and the fan shaft orbits about the engine longitudinal axis. A pair of threaded members (39, 41), one of which is of generally frusto-conical configuration, cooperate as a result of the orbiting motion to restore the coaxial relationship between the fan shaft and the engine longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A novel bacterial proteinaceous immunoglobulin G receptor is disclosed. The proteinaceous factor binds all four subclasses of human IgG, as well as rabbit, swine, equine, bovine, sheep, and goat IgG. The proteinaceous factor is obtained from biologically pure cultures of Gardnerella vaginalis such as those having the identifying characteristics of ATCC Deposit No. 55195.

Abstract: In an electrical switch having two stable contact states, e.g., a snap-acting butterfly type switch which includes a spring biased movable actuator mounted in a housing and pivotally engaged by contact carrying arms which are urged together by a tension spring, a fulcrum cooperates with each contact arm during normal operation. During movement of the actuator in a first direction, the contact arms pivot about the fulcrums and the contacts begin to move away from a first stable state. When the horizontal position of the arms is reached, the arms pivot rapidly under influence of the tension spring and the contacts "snap" to the second stable state. During the spring biased return movement of the actuator, the contact arms pivot without contact movement until the horizontal position is passed and snap-action occurs.

Abstract: A single ski is disclosed for central mounting under a four wheel vehicle, preferably a vehicle having four wheel drive. This single ski is mounted to the underside of the vehicle and includes a jacking mechanism for raising and lowering the ski in parallel relation with respect to the snow covered ground. The single ski extends longitudinally of the vehicle, centrally between the wheels on the left side of the vehicle and the wheels on the right side of the vehicle. The length and width of the ski is sufficient to remove substantially equal weight from both the front and rear tires of the vehicle. The surface area of the ski is sufficient to maintain the depth of the ski at a level no lower than the lowest point of the tires in soft or powder snow. In operation, the ski is lowered a sufficient distance to remove weight evenly from the wheels of the vehicle to an extent that the tires no longer accumulate a blocking drift of snow in their path of advance.

Abstract: An improved impact tool being attached to a drill stem about ten (10) or more feet above the drill bit, and in drilling mud flows through the impact tool to the drill bit when the well is being drilled. When the drill becomes stuck, plunger means is inserted through the drilling mud passage way from the ground level and is forced down to the impact tool by pressure of the drilling mud, and on reaching the impact tool, it engages a lip forming surface at the upper end of the impact tool and seals off the flow of drilling mud. The pressure placed on the drilling mud flowing from ground level forces a set of sleeves to move downward against the force of a helical spring, causing the drilling mud to flow through a jet contoured nozzle for directing the drilling mud toward the stuck drilling bit for thereby dislodging the drilling bit.

Abstract: A connector fitting for securing vehicles on transporters is provided by the present invention, including outwardly extending projections or ears which receive a bolt for carrying the end links of a pair of tensioning chains in a manner greatly reducing the wear and stress on both the fitting and chains, caused by movement of the vehicles during transit.

Abstract: A heat producing device utilizing solid carbonaceous material, especially material of cellulosic composition such as corn cobs, as fuel. The heat producing device includes a gasifier for the carbonaceous material. The gas outlet of the gasifier leads to a burner. A cyclonic burning chamber and particle separator are connected to the discharge of the burner. The cyclonic burning chamber and particle separator has a heat outlet and a particle discharge outlet. An adjustable air inlet and mixing chamber are installed in the heat outlet for adding ambient air to reduce the temperature of the heat discharged from the heat outlet. A discharge fan has an inlet connected to the mixing chamber and an outlet for discharging the heat received therefrom to a drying chamber or other heat utilizing source.