Abstract: The present invention provides a composition of matter and a method of using the composition for treating and preventing of retroviral infections of mammalian cells. It includes identification of Crotalus beta-neurotoxins as capable of preventing HIV infection and replication in that cell and a retroviral composition which can be administered in-vivo for the treatment of HIV infection. The retrovirus is selected from the group consisting of Lentiviruses (HIV-1, HIV-2, SIV, EIAV, BIV, and FIV). In addition, crotoxin can effect changes to the expression of HIV receptor proteins and/or cellular cofactors homologous to their target receptors.

Abstract: Disclosed a pharmaceutical composition including one of crotoxin, mojavetoxin or a related toxin and a carrier for use in the treatment of chronic pain, especially to the treatment of heretofore intractable pain such as that associated with advanced cancer wherein the treatment is independent of the reduction of tumors. The crotoxin is preferably obtained from the snake Crotalus durissus terrificus and the mojavetoxin is obtained from the rattlesnake Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus. Preferably the composition further comprises an effective amount of acetylsalicylic acid whereby the toxin and acetylsalicylic acid together produce a synergistic effect providing enhanced pain relief. The composition of the invention may be delivered in parenteral (i.p.) (intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous) applications. Alternatively, the composition may be applied as a topical application. The biological activity of the composition is characterized by its ability to bind to presynaptic and postsynapic receptor sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of proteins, a process of production thereof, and a method for treatment of neurological and viral diseases in humans and animals. More specifically it applies to the treatment of heretofore intractable diseases such as retro-viral infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and equine acquired immunodeficiency virus (EAIV).

Abstract: An X-ray cassette or a radiographic grid and X-ray cassette is (are) mounted within a device for positioning the cassette or grid and cassette beneath a patient lying upon a bed or other support to enable an X-ray image of a portion of the patient to be taken. The device has a plastics envelope formed of a material that is both substantially radiotranslucent and impervious to water or other biological fluids. This envelope defines first and second envelope sections separated from each other by a common edge. The first envelope section is generally rectangular in configuration and defines an openable pouch in which the X-ray cassette or radiographic grid and X-ray cassette are received. The second envelope section has a stiffening member therein. The second envelope section has its greatest width along the common edge and narrows to a minimum width at its edge furthest from the common edge.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based temperature compensated circuit for ground-fault circuit interrupter to meet the requirements of UL 943 using a single sensor to detect both ground-fault and grounded-neutral fault conditions in both full-wave and half-wave AC power supplies as part of a ground-fault circuit breaker or a receptacle device.

Abstract: A system and method in a network-based inventory management system for providing information concerning inventory amounts and inventory ordering to at least one computer. In operation, a server first receives an inventory amount of an item from a first plurality of clients. Next, the server receives an inventory amount of the item from a second plurality of clients. Once the server has the two amounts, it analyzes the inventories at said first and second plurality of computers to determine from which of the first plurality of computers to order the item and to which of the second plurality of computers the ordered item is to be transferred.

Abstract: A method of forming an electric fence (22) to span a given region (28) between a first (25) and a second (26) substantially opposing sides, said fence including—one or more insulators (1) located about said opposing sides (25, 26);—at least two electrically distinct conductive strands (23, 29) having different voltage potentials applied by an electrical power source, (24) characterised in that said conductive strands (23, 29) extend continuously and repeatedly between said opposing sides (25, 26), each strand passing around or through one or more insulators (1), wherein at least two strands (23, 29) of different voltage potential pass through or around at least one common insulator (1).

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a composition of matter, a process of production thereof, and a method for the treatment of chronic pain, especially to the treatment of heretofore intractable pain as associated with advanced cancer, neurological conditions and rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment of pain associated with viral infections and lesions are also within the contemplation of the present invention. The composition of matter comprises modified alpha-neurotoxins or modified venoms known to contain alpha-neurotoxins in an acceptable carrier for either parenteral, oral or topical administration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treatment of neurological and viral diseases and especially to the treatment of heretofore intractable diseases such as Rabies, Myasthenia Gravis, HIV Dementia, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis through modulation or blockade of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Also disclosed is the treatment composition of matter and methods of making same. Treatment is based on the fact that certain modified alpha-neurotoxins have the ability to attach to or otherwise modulate the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by blocking attachment or involvement with pathogenic organisms, viruses, or proteins with potentially deleterious functions. The modified alpha-neurotoxins may be derived from various venoms including certain genera of snakes and Conus snails and are prepared by detoxification of the purified neurotoxins or contained in whole venom. The native neurotoxin or venom may be detoxified by controlled oxygenation.

Abstract: A wide input range switching power supply for a circuit protection device includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying an AC line voltage at a supply input, and a switch-mode DC-to-DC converter coupled to the rectifier circuit for providing a low voltage DC power to a load at a supply output. The converter includes a switch having an open state and a closed state and a control circuit for controlling the state of the switch. The control circuit is operatively coupled to receive operating power from the supply output.

Abstract: A wide input range power supply for a circuit protection and/or fault detector device includes a passive supply for providing power to a load under nominal input voltage conditions at or near the nominal line voltage with minimum power loss, and a linear regulating supply path for assisting the passive supply at an input line voltage substantially below the nominal line voltage value.

Abstract: A wide input range power supply for a circuit protection and/or fault detector device includes a passive supply for providing power to a load under nominal input voltage conditions at or near the nominal line voltage with minimum power loss, and a linear regulating supply path for assisting the passive supply at an input line voltage substantially below the nominal line voltage value.

Abstract: A system and method in a network-based inventory management system for providing information concerning inventory amounts and inventory ordering to at least one computer. In operation, a server first receives an inventory amount of an item from a first plurality of clients. Next, the server receives an inventory amount of the item from a second plurality of clients. Once the server has the two amounts, it analyzes the inventories at said first and second plurality of computers to determine from which of the first plurality of computers to order the item and to which of the second plurality of computers the ordered item is to be transferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for reclosing a package. A package reclosure is provided with a top layer having a perforation and a carrier substrate. A folded substrate or folded member is provided between the carrier substrate and top layer. The folded member is only secured to the top layer such that, when the perforation is torn, a portion of the folded member may be unfolded to reveal a repositionable adhesive which is used to retain an end of the package in a closed position.

Abstract: Kelp/seaweed extract biocatalyst compositions, methods of making the kelp/seaweed extract biocatalyst compositions and methods of using these biocatalyst compositions are disclosed. The biocatalyst compositions are useful in wastewater treatment, bioremediation and the elimination of grease from grease traps and sewage systems. In addition, the biocatalyst compositions are useful in home, garden and lawn care applications.

Abstract: Operator restraint systems of the type having a lap belt restrain the operator at all times including side tipovers. An operator restraint system has an apparatus for connecting a lap belt first end portion to an operator's station at a location adjacent a seat first side and an apparatus for connecting a lap belt second end portion to the operator's station at a location adjacent a seat second side and an apparatus for releasing one of the first and second lap belt end portions from connection with the operator's station in response to an impact being applied in a direction transverse to one of the first and second seat side portions. Therefore, the lap belt is released during side tipover impacts and the problems associated therewith are overcome. The operator restraint system is particularly suited for use on a material handling vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for removal of an excess of a liquid metal coating from a substrate, such as a hot dip coated metal substrate, and in preferred embodiments, for control of metal coating thickness.The method involves moving the substrate through a stationary pulsating or alternating magnetic flux. The flux is directed in a path which enters the coating at an entry zone and exits from the coating at an exit zone, those zones being on the external surface of the coating and spaced apart in the direction of advance of the substrate. The frequency and intensity of the flux are controlled so as to exert on the coating surface a force opposing the viscous drag forces exerted in the coating by the moving substrate. Apparatus for use in performing the method is described.

Abstract: A method for sensing a change in deflection of an axle due to load is provided by attaching a deflection sensing device at a specific longitudinal location along the axle at which the bending moment is not affected by a stop member contacting the axle. The stop member limits pivotal movement of the axle.

Abstract: A process is provided for batch treatment of textile material such as yarn packages, raw stock, knit goods, muffs or the like by placing the material in an enclosed zone, evacuating the enclosed zone to provide a vacuum therein, and then flooding the evacuated zone with a treating agent by placing the evacuated zone into communication with a second zone having the treating agent therein under a positive pressure. A substantial pressure differential exists between the two zones, and the treating agent flows extremely rapidly through the textile material whereby, at the very outset of the treating process, the treating agent is uniformly distributed over the surfaces of the textile material and substantially in its original concentration and condition. The treating agent includes a dyestuff and other agents, such as scouring agents, whereby several treating operations can be performed simultaneously.