Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention include encapsulating the antibiotic in fine particles of bioabsorbable polymer which will yield a constant dissolution of the antibiotic over a predefined dosing period (such as a 7-10 day period), with residual antibiotic being thereafter delivered only until the bioabsorable polymer is resorbed; and delivering the fine particle powder to the surgical site as an aerosol spray. It is preferable that the antibiotic and the polymer be thermostable so that the exothermic reaction of bone cement does not degrade the polymer or the antibiotic. A suitable antibiotic for this purpose is an aminoglycoside. One apparatus according to the invention include a porous delivery tube which is dimensioned to fit comfortable in a bone canal and which is coupled to a aerosol canister containing the antibiotic powder of the invention.

Abstract: A sealing ring for a drive axle for a mobile vehicle such as a medium or heavy duty truck. The sealing ring is for the interface between the shaft end flange of the axle and the outer hub mounting face of the wheel hub which allows for metal to metal contact between shaft end flange and the wheel hub mounting faces. The sealing ring has a shaft side which is compressed upon installation into a recess in the shaft end flange of the axle and the sealing ring has a hub side which fits adjacent to an inner radial wall of the wheel hub to seal lubricant in the cavity of the wheel hub. The sealing ring is resistant to tearing during installation.

Abstract: Methods for isolating patched genes, particularly mammalian patched genes, including mouse and human patched genes, as well as invertebrate patched genes and sequences, are provided. Loss-of function of the patched is associated with the occurrence of human cancers, particularly basal cell carcinomas of the skin. The cancers may be familial, having as a component of risk an inherited genetic predisposition, or may be sporadic. Therefore, methods for using the patched gene as a diagnostic for assessing a genetic predisposition to cancer, and to identify specific cancers having mutations in this gene, are disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust filter for insertion into an exhaust port of a liquid bath vacuum cleaner has an elongated, tubular inlet secured to a lower housing, which lower housing is secured within an upper housing. The upper end of the tubular inlet extends into the upper housing and is provided with a flat top portion and a series of openings between angled vanes so as to direct air flow entering the tubular inlet evenly around the circumference of the angle vanes and through a HEPA filter sealingly secured between the lower and upper housings. Air flows through the HEPA air filter and out slotted openings in opposed ends of the exhaust filter. The flow of air at one end passes by a rotary blade having an indicator element thereon, which indicates the condition of the HEPA filter, and when the exhaust filter must be replaced.

Abstract: A rail car buffer includes a standard capsule body and a high pressure hydraulic buffer spring only in the body. The hydraulic spring has a high compression ratio and is charged with very high pressure gas and hydraulic oil.

Abstract: The extrusion of thermoplastic polyolefin, especially linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) is improved by the use of a processing additive comprising a blend of a thermoplastic acrylic polymer and a fluorocarbon polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the processing additive is a homogeneous blend of a thermoplastic styrene/methyl methacrylate polymer and a thermoplastic copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene. The polyolefin extrudates produced according to this invention have reduced levels of melt fracture when extruded in conventional polymer extrusion equipment.

Abstract: Invertebrate and vertebrate patched genes are provided, including the mouse and human patched genes, as well as methods for isolation of related genes, where the genes may be of different species or in the same family. Having the ability to regulate the expression of the patched gene, allows for the elucidation of embryonic development, cellular regulation associated with signal transduction by the patched gene, the identification of agonist and antagonist to signal transduction, identification of ligands for binding to patched, isolation of the ligands, and assaying for levels of transcription and expression of the patched gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of measuring the relative populations of first and second variants of a target nucleotide sequence of a target genome in a sample utilizing an amplification step, followed by probing with first and second variant probes and a control probe. Specific embodiments include an assay to monitor the conversion of codon 215 for HIV-1 reverse transcriptase from wild type to mutant form.

Abstract: A light weight, bi-directional, computerized profilograph is disclosed. The bi-directional profilograph includes an odometer for measuring the horizontal movement of the profilograph in either a first direction or a second direction, and a road surface measuring device for measuring a road surface profile while the profilograph is traveling in either the first direction or the second direction. A computation device is also included for plotting the profile of the road surface versus the horizontal movement of the profilograph while the profilograph is traveling in either the first direction or the second direction.

Abstract: A catalyst prepared by firstly depositing a large amount of aluminoxane on a particulate support, then depositing a small amount of monocyclopentadienyl zirconium trihalide on the support. The catalyst is active for the polymerization of ethylene, optionally with a minor amount of other alpha olefins such as butene or hexene, particularly in a gas phase process.

Abstract: Antiviral compositions useful for the inhibition of HIV include various azo dye compounds which have the ability of inhibiting the binding of HIV rgp120 to CD4 cells on peripheral blood lymphocytes and affecting HIV replication. Also disclosed are methods for treating HIV viral infections with these compositions.

Abstract: A network management system includes a user interface, a virtual network and a device communication manager. The virtual network includes models which represent network entities and model relations which represent relations between network entities. Each model includes network data relating to a corresponding network entity and one or more inference handlers for processing the network data to provide user information. The system performs a fault isolation technique wherein the fault status of a network device is suppressed when it is determined that the device is not defective. User displays include hierarchical location views and topological views of the network configuration. Network devices are represented on the displays by multifunction icons which permit the user to select additional displays showing detailed information regarding different aspects of the corresponding network device.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing the azo dyes Direct Orange 26, Direct Red 23, Direct Red 24, Direct Red 26, and similar dyes, as well as the use of such azo dyes to inhibit the binding of a virus to the CD4 glycoprotein, in detecting or quantitating CD4-positive T4 lymphocytes, and in the protection against or treatment of viral infections.

Abstract: A hydraulic-pneumatic cushioning device including a pressure indicator mounted on the device or remote from the device and connected to the pressure chamber within the cushioning device. The indicator includes a recess and a small pin extending into the recess. The position of the pin relative to the recess provides a tactile indication of the condition of the cushioning device.

Abstract: A network management system includes a user interface, a virtual network and a device communication manager. The virtual network includes models which represent network entities and model relations which represent relations between network entities. Each model includes network data relating to a corresponding network entity and one or more inference handlers for processing the network data to provide user information. The system performs a fault isolation technique wherein the fault status of a network device is suppressed when it is determined that the device is not defective. User displays include hierarchical location views and topological views of the network configuration. Network devices are represented on the displays by multifunction icons which permit the user to select additional displays showing detailed information regarding different aspects of the corresponding network device.

Abstract: A network management system includes a user interface, a virtual network and a device communication manager. The virtual network includes models which represent network entities and model relations which represent relations between network entities. Each model includes network data relating to a corresponding network device and one or more inference handlers for processing the network data to provide user information. The system performs a fault isolation technique wherein the fault status of a network device is suppressed when it is determined that the device is not defective. User displays include hierarchical location views and topological views of the network configuration. Network devices are represented on the displays by multifunction icons which permit the user to select additional displays showing detailed information regarding different aspects of the corresponding network device.

Abstract: Medical instrument for implantation of radioactive seeds in a body, the instrument including an elongated support rod and an elongated stylet rod spaced apart from and parallel to the support rod, and being held in that relationship by a stop block and a slide block spaced apart from each other and longitudinally slidable with respect to both the support rod and the stylet rod. The stop block is attached to the support rod and the slide block is clampable to each of the support rod and the stylet rod. A seed cartridge with transverse spaced passageways and a central longitudinal through bore receives, stores, and discharges a plug of spaced radio-active seeds by the stylet rod through a connectible hollow elongated implantation needle through which the plug may be implanted in body tissue.