Abstract: The invention provides mutant pyrogenic toxins. Preferred mutants retain a disulfide loop structure, although the endogenous sequence of the disulfide loop may be modified for example by insertion, deletion and/or substitution of at least one amino acid residue, or by combining a pyrogenic enterotoxin (or a fragment thereof) with another polypeptide to provide a chimeric molecule. Preferred mutants have a disulfide loop having less than about 8 amino acid residues. The invention also provides a system for producing the mutant pyrogenic toxins and methods of use for the mutants.

Abstract: A torque sensor (32) for a power assist steering system (10) for sensing applied torque between relatively rotatable input and output shafts (16, 17) which are connected by a torsion element (18) comprises an input transformer (T1) and a rotary transmitter (60) connected for rotation with the input shaft. The rotary transmitter (60) has a plurality of transmitter pole segments (108) defined by a plurality of slots (106). The rotary transmitter (60) includes a transmitter coil (70) electrically connected with the input transformer (T1). The transmitter coil (70) completely encircles each of the transmitter pole segments (108) individually and has two sections disposed in each of the plurality of slots (106). A rotary receiver (72) is axially spaced from the rotary transmitter (60) and is connected for rotation with the output shaft (17). The rotary receiver (72) includes a pair of one receiver coils (76, 78). Output transformers (T2, T3) are respectively electrically connected with the receiver coils (76, 78).

Abstract: A power steering mechanism (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle comprises a rotatable input member (22), a rotatable output member (26), and a torsion bar (28) connecting the input member and the output member. The torsion bar (28) is fixedly connected to the output member (26) and twists upon relative rotation between the input member (22) and the output member. The torsion bar (28) is made of a magnetoelastic material and has a defined surface area (90) which carries a magnetic field, which magnetic field varies upon twisting of the torsion bar, magnetic field detector (94) is located to sense variance in the magnetic field. The input member (22) is interposed between the torsion bar (28) and the magnetic field detector (94) and is made of a non-magnetic material.

Abstract: A craft tracking and collision avoidance system is disclosed. The system allows the positions of a plurality of craft, either on land, sea, or air, or space, to be monitored. Each craft determines its own position using an existing position determining system such as LORAN or GPS. Each craft then transmits a radio frequency signal into which position information, preferably identifying information, and other messages, have been encoded. Each craft broadcasts its position, identifying information and other messages on a regular basis without the need for any interrogation signal. The broadcast position and identification information can be received by other craft and, since each craft has determined its own position, can be used to determine the proximity and identity of other craft, and if the craft are on a collision course.

Abstract: A proximity detector has permanent magnets positioned within a chassis so that the axis and poles of the flux field of the permanent magnet are substantially normal to the front of the chassis. A switch is positioned along the front of the chassis proximate the magnet. The switch has contacts operable by the magnetic flux field of the magnet. A shield is positioned between the magnet and the rear of the chassis and between the switch and the rear of the chassis. The shield acts to inhibit extraneous magnetic fields from interferring with the detector operation and as a magnetic conductor to focus the magnetic flux field. The flux field of the permanent magnet is modified by a ferromagnetic object positioned at a predetermined distance from the front of the chassis to cause the contacts of the switch to operate in relation to the positioning thereof and in turn send an operate signal indicative of the positioning of the ferromagnetic object at the front of the switch to an external circuit.

Abstract: A constant current generator supplies a constant current signal to a plurality of detectors and a reference resistance connected to an output line and a ground line. Each detector includes a reference resistor connected in series in the output line, and a sensor connected between the output and ground. Upon the incidence of an external stimulus, the sensor becomes conductive shunting out all resistance subsequent in circuit and causing a predictable voltage change at the output of the constant current generator. A trigger senses the voltage change and sends signals to cause operational signals to be sent as desired, for example, to shut down a personnel cable transport system (e.g., ski chair lift) and indicate the location of the external stimulus. A detector may be bypassed by placing a permanent magnet on or into its chassis. The constant current generator output is unaffected by changes in temperature.

Abstract: A constant current generator supplies a constant current signal to a plurality of detector means via an output and ground return line. The detector means include an electrical resistance in series circuit in the output line and a sensor connected between the ground return line and the output line optionally subsequent in electrical circuit to the resistance. The sensor means becomes electrically conductive in the presence of a stimulus. As a result, the total resistance and in turn the voltage at the output of the constant current generator changes to a predictable value indicative of the identity of the conducting sensor. A detector circuit senses the change in voltage and sends a detection signal to activate operation means.