Abstract: An articulated shaft for an amphibian driveline includes at least two shaft portions and at least three points of articulation, wherein the articulated shaft is movable between a protracted position for use of the amphibian on land and a retracted position for use of the amphibian on water. An amphibian comprising the articulated shaft, and a powertrain comprising the articulated shaft is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating, preventing or reducing the severity of allergic reactions. The present invention also provides methods for enhancing the efficacy and/or safety of an allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) regimen. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic composition comprising an interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R?) antagonist such as an anti-IL-4R? antibody.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent for use in the detection of M. bovis or M. tuberculosis infection in an animal, comprising a peptide which has an epitope from Mycobacterium bovis hypothetic protein Mb3645c (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an epitope from a polypeptide having at least 76% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: A fluid compressor 10 comprising a stator 22, having a bore shaped first chamber 26 and an annular second chamber 30, and a piston 18 comprising a central piston rod 36 having a first piston head 44 and a concentrically arranged cylindrical piston sleeve 38 having a second piston head 48. The stator 22 and piston 18 together define a first compression chamber 12, a second compression chamber 14 provided concentrically around the first chamber 12, and a third compression chamber 16 provided concentrically around the first chamber 12 and linearly with the second chamber 14. The compression chambers 12, 14, 16 are interconnected via intercooling conduits 72, 74. A hydraulic actuator 20 is coupled to the piston 18 by a hydraulic ram 82. During left to right movement of the piston 18 fluid enters the third chamber 16 and fluid is compressed in the second chamber 14.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production, forming bonding, joining and repair systems composite and metal components utilizing at least one pressure chamber having a displaceable abutment face, wherein fluid is circulated at an elevated temperature and pressure through the pressure chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent for use in the detection of M. bovis or M. tuberculosis infection in an animal, comprising a peptide which has an epitope from Mycobacterium bovis hypothetic protein Mb3645c (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an epitope from a polypeptide having at least 76% identity with SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating atopic dermatitis (AD). Also provided are methods for improving one or more AD-associated parameter(s), and methods for decreasing the level of at least one AD-associated biomarker in a subject in need thereof. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) antagonist such as an anti-IL-4R antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating or preventing asthma and associated conditions in a patient. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic composition comprising an interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) antagonist, such as an anti-IL-4R antibody.

Abstract: A system for producing composite or bonded metal components including: first and second pressure chambers, each pressure chamber having an elastically deformable chamber wall; means for circulating fluid at an elevated temperature and pressure through each said pressure chamber; and at least one mould assembly including at least one separate mould section providing a mould cavity within which a composite or bonded metal lay-up can be located; wherein when the system is in use, the pressure chambers are held together with the elastically deformable chamber walls located in opposing relation, the at least one mould assembly containing a said lay- up being accommodated between the chamber walls while fluid at elevated temperature and pressure is circulated through each pressure chamber such that the lay-up can be compressed and cured or formed.

Abstract: A lubricant additive dispensing apparatus comprising a base providing a manifold distribution to present lubricant to a series of dispensing chambers. The dispensing chambers are fabricated having a porous sidewall formed in a tubular shape. Additive is stored within a reservoir formed by the tubular shape. A delivery piston is provided proximate and in fluid communication with the manifold. The lubricant applies pressure to the delivery piston. The delivery piston applies pressure to the stored additive. The pressure forces a small volume of additive to pass through the porous sidewall, blending the additive with the flowing lubricant. The reservoir can be formed between an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. Lubricant can pass through an interior of the inner tubular member, exiting a flow discharge port located proximate an end cap assembled to a distal end of the reservoir.

Abstract: An articulated shaft for an amphibian drive line that includes at least three shaft portions, and at least three points of articulation, wherein the articulated shaft is movable between a protracted position for use of the amphibian on land and a retracted position for use of the amphibian on water.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to production of thermoplastic materials which swell in water to produce hydrogels. These materials will hereafter be referred to as “thermoplastic hydrogels”. They are useful as contact lenses or for use in vision correction prosthetics or as cosmetic devices. In particular, the invention relates to thermoplastic hydrogels which show improved flow characteristics.

Abstract: A lubricant additive dispensing apparatus comprising a base providing a manifold distribution to present lubricant to a series of dispensing chambers. The dispensing chambers are fabricated having a porous sidewall formed in a tubular shape. Additive is stored within a reservoir formed by the tubular shape. A delivery piston is provided proximate and in fluid communication with the manifold. The lubricant applies pressure to the delivery piston. The delivery piston applies pressure to the stored additive. The pressure forces a small volume of additive to pass through the porous sidewall, blending the additive with the flowing lubricant. The reservoir can be formed between an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. Lubricant can pass through an interior of the inner tubular member, existing a flow discharge port located proximate an end cap assembled to a distal end of the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plain bearing composite material with a supporting layer made of a copper alloy, and with a lining applied to the bearing metal layer. The copper alloy can contain 0.5-5% by weight of nickel, 0.2 to 2.5% by weight of silicon and=0.1% by weight of lead. The lining can be a sputtered layer that is applied without an intermediate layer. The invention also relates to methods for producing this composite material.

Abstract: An electronic medical record system and method that enables easy entry and use of patient and other information. The system and method provides improvements in terms of features, speed, and ease of use. It includes the following steps: inputting patient information into an EMR system utilizing customizable templates; cross-referencing the information input with information databases, e.g., publicly available demographic-based information on the standards of care; and generating information from cross-referencing to provide user with recommendations for the patient (e.g., prescribe medication, order procedures, give immunization), if such a recommendation exists in the standards of care or is added by the user. The system and method utilize a computer. The present invention can be used to help practitioners avoid mistakes (e.g., forgetting standards of care), deliver a higher quality of care, measure performance, and proactively identify and contact patients who need a particular type of care.

Abstract: A sit-astride amphibious vehicle configuration which supports a high performance envelope both on land as well as in water. The vehicle has a planing hull and four retractable wheels. Handlebars provide for directional control in both modes of operation. Each road wheel is retractable by pivoting through at least 45° so as to maximize ground clearance when in the land mode of operation and to minimize drag at substantial lean angles when in the marine mode of operation. While a jet drive may remain directly connected to the engine at all times, the driven wheels are only connected during land mode via a speed-change transmission. The entire power train is supported by a frame that is separable from the hull which in turn has a detachable top deck portion, whereby such configuration simplifies the construction, repair and servicing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-usable medium for automatically identifying the source of copied software. A single identifying marker can be embedded in a common code base associated with different software application products. A suspected copy of a product can be fed to an automated tool, which extracts the type of object code, which is then scanned to determine the identifying marker. The automated tool can therefore identify the exact product and version of the suspected copy utilizing the identifying marker and the type of object code without the need for labor-intensive modification of the common code base and product-specific markers.

Abstract: A lubricant additive dispensing apparatus comprising a base providing a manifold distribution to present lubricant to a series of dispensing chambers. The dispensing chambers are fabricated having a porous sidewall formed in a tubular shape. Additive is stored within a reservoir formed by the tubular shape. A delivery piston is provided proximate and in fluid communication with the manifold. The lubricant applies pressure to the delivery piston. The delivery piston applies pressure to the stored additive. The pressure forces a small volume of additive to pass through the porous sidewall, blending the additive with the flowing lubricant. The reservoir can be formed between an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. Lubricant can pass through an interior of the inner tubular member, existing a flow discharge port located proximate an end cap assembled to a distal end of the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing tubes formed from fiber reinforced composite material, the apparatus including: an elongate hollow mandrel (3) having an internal mandrel cavity (5), the mandrel having an external surface (7) upon which reinforcing fiber material (9) can be wrapped to provide a composite lay-up (10) supported thereon; and fluid flow means (11) for enabling heat transfer fluid of different temperatures to be circulated through the mandrel cavity (5), such that when fluid at an elevated temperature is circulated, heat is transferred from the fluid, through the mandrel (3) to the composite lay-up (10) for curing or forming said lay-up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slide bearing composite material which comprises a support layer from a copper alloy and a bearing coating applied to said support layer. The copper alloy may comprise 0.5 to 5% by weight of nickel, 0.2 to 2.5% by weight of silicon, ?0.1% by weight of lead. The bearing coating can be a galvanic layer, a sputter layer or a plastic layer. The invention also relates to methods of producing such a composite material.