Abstract: A vibrating plate apparatus including a vibrating plate on which a user rests, a vibration motor member connected to the vibrating plate, several air cushions provided under the vibrating plate for dampening vibration, and an air tank in communication with each of the air cushions. The tank establishes the air pressure in at least one of the air cushions at a predetermined value independently from the user's weight. The motor member includes two motors rotating in opposite directions, each of the two motors including a set of flyweights driven by the two motors and having a center of gravity offset relative to the axis, the two sets having the same mass, being symmetrical to each other and including at least one moveable flyweight that can assume at least one position to vary the vibrating plate's vibration amplitude.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for real-time measurement of the instantaneous flow rate of a fluid with steady or unsteady flow in a conduit, comprising a flow member (1) for the fluid provided with at least two wall pressure taps (A,B), means (2) to measure pressure difference coupled with the two pressure taps (A,B), and programmed computing means (3) for real-time computing of flow rate by solving a nonlinear, ordinary, differential equation relating instantaneous flow rate to pressure difference, the pressure difference in said formula being positive or negative in relation to the variation in flow velocity of the fluid in the conduit and/or to the direction of flow of the fluid, characterized in that the flow member (1) comprises a filter (4) positioned between the two pressure taps (A,B) to increase pressure drop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic method for manufacturing a stator or rotor blade preform for a turbine engine, comprising at least the following successive steps: a) a step for the helical braiding of a plurality of interlocked tubular braids (1), called nested braids, said step being conducted on braiding machines (2) placed in a row in a braiding direction; b) a step for flattening the nested braids (1); c) a step for stitching the nested braids (1) together in a direction perpendicular to the braiding direction; d) a step for winding the nested braids (1) on a transport mandrel (3); e) a step for cutting the nested braids (1) unwound from the transport mandrel (3), said cut being performed in a direction perpendicular to the braiding direction.

Abstract: Device for locating and imaging gamma or X-radiation sources, comprising: (a) a detection assembly (2) comprising at least two gamma or X-radiation detectors sensitive to position, as well as a coded mask (10) made of a radiation opaque material; and (b) electronic means (4) for processing the electrical pulses provided by said detectors, so as to locate the source and form a bi- or tri-dimensional image thereof. The device is characterized in that the electronic means (4) are suitable for reconstructing a bi- or tri-dimensional image of an X or gamma radiation source (16) by applying a data processing method which combines the principles of Compton imaging and coded-mask imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated method for manufacturing layer by layer a composite part with rotational symmetry and complex cross-section, comprising the following stages: a) a reel or roll comprising a reinforcement is continuously unwound; b) as an option, the reinforcement is impregnated with a liquid resin by passing through a bath; c) the impregnated reinforcement is wound onto a rotating cylindrical mandrel; d) the impregnated reinforcement is completely or partially polymerised in order to obtain a composite material; e) a support and/or support material is deposited on both sides of the composite material forming the part being manufactured in such a way as to fill the gaps surrounding said part.

Abstract: A vibrating plate apparatus including a vibrating plate on which a user desiring muscular toning rests, a vibration motor member connected to the vibrating plate for vibrating the plate at a desired frequency, several air cushions provided under the vibrating plate for dampening vibration, and an air tank in communication with each of the air cushions. The tank establishes the air pressure in at least one of the air cushions at a predetermined value independently from the user's weight. The motor member includes two motors rotating in opposite directions, each of the two motors including a set of flyweights driven by the two motors and having a center of gravity offset relative to the axis, the two sets having the same mass, being symmetrical to each other and including at least one moveable flyweight that can assume at least one position for varying the vibrating plate's vibration amplitude.

Abstract: An intradermal delivery device for use in intradermally injecting substances into the skin of an animal includes a needle cannula supported by a hub portion that is attachable to a prefillable container. A limiter portion surrounds the needle cannula and extends away from the hub portion toward a forward tip of the needle cannula. The limiter portion includes a skin engaging surface extending in a plane generally perpendicular to an axis of the needle cannula. The skin engaging surface is received against skin of an animal to administer an intradermal injection. The forward tip extends beyond the skin engaging surface a distance that enables penetration of the needle cannula into the dermis layer of the skin of the animal enabling injection of the substance into the dermis layer of the animal. The device includes enclosure means that is moveable for concealing the needle cannula after the injection has been administered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dermal vaccine formulations, designed for targeted delivery of an immunogenic composition to a dermal compartment of skin including the intradermal and epidermal compartments. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention comprise an antigenic or immunogenic agent, and at least one molecule, e.g., a chemical agent, which enhances the presentation and/or availability of the antigenic or immunogenic agent to the immune cells of the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment resulting in an enhanced immune response. The dermal vaccine formulations of the invention have enhanced efficacy as the antigenic or immunogenic agent is delivered to the intradermal compartment or epidermal compartment with enhanced presentation and/or availability to the immune cells that reside therein.

Abstract: An intradermal needle assembly that is attachable to a prefillable container intended for intradermally injecting substances into an animal includes a needle cannula supported by a hub portion. The hub portion is adapted to receive the prefillable container just prior to administering the intradermal injection. A limiter portion surrounds the needle cannula and extends away from the hub portion toward a forward tip of the needle cannula, and includes a skin engaging surface with the needle cannula having a fixed angle of orientation, preferably generally perpendicular, relative to the plane of the skin engaging surface. The skin engaging surface is received against the skin of an animal to administer an intradermal injection. The forward tip extends beyond the skin engaging surface a distance enabling penetration of the needle cannula into the dermis layer of the skin of the animal enabling injection of the substance into the dermis layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for administration of a substance into the junctional layer of a subject's skin, i.e., a transitory tissue between the reticular dermis and the hypodermis of the subcutaneous layer of the skin. The present invention provides an improved method of parenteral drug delivery in that it provides among other benefits, minimized unwanted immune response and inadvertent immunotoxic effects provoked by the substance administered. In addition, an improved pharmacokinetic profile can be obtained by employing the methods of the present invention. Devices that can be used in accordance with the methods of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: This device (10) comprises:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for administering an active principle to a patient transdermally, which comprises the formation of a film on the patient's skin, by applying to the skin a liquid solution which consists essentially of: a) a lipophilic active principle, b) from 2.5 to 25% by weight of a silicone-based adhesive polymer composition, c) from 0 to 25% by weight of an absorption promoter, and d) from 25 to 95% by weight of volatile solvents comprising volatile silicones.

Abstract: Leaktight confinement appliance (1), intended to cooperate with an independent receptacle (3) containing a substance (4), having its own means (8) for transfer into and/or out of the receptacle, and with an independent means (71) for delivery of a material. The appliance includes a handling chamber (2) defined by a wall (13) of flexible material substantially leaktight with respect to the external environment. A pouch is formed within the wall of the handling chamber (2) for retaining an interconnection device. The handling chamber (2) is arranged to connect at least the transfer means (8) of the receptacle (3) to the delivery means (71) through the interconnection device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for the secure transportation of an object (3), characterized in that it comprises:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for administering an active principle to a patient transdermally, which comprises the formation of a film on the patient's skin, by applying to the skin a liquid solution which consists essentially of:

Abstract: Leaktight confinement appliance (1), intended to cooperate at least with one independent receptacle (3) containing a substance (4), having its own means (8) for transfer into and/or out of the said receptacle, and with at least one independent means (71) for delivery of a material, the said appliance comprising a handling chamber (2), defined by a wall (13) of flexible material substantially leaktight with respect to the external environment, arranged to connect at least the transfer means (8) of the receptacle (3) to the delivery means (71), inside the handling chamber (2). This appliance comprises a means for leaktight assembly (50) between the handling chamber (2) and the transfer means (8) of the receptacle (3), and a means (70) for leaktight connection between the handling chamber (2) and the delivery means (71).

Abstract: Leaktight confinement appliance (1), intended to cooperate at least with one independent receptacle (3) containing a substance (4), having its own means (8) for transfer into and/or out of the said receptacle, and with at least one independent means (71) for delivery of a material, the said appliance comprising a handling chamber (2), defined by a wall (13) of flexible material substantially leaktight with respect to the external environment, arranged to connect at least the transfer means (8) of the receptacle (3) to the delivery means (71), inside the handling chamber (2).

Abstract: A composition is intended to form on the skin, by spraying from an erasol can, a film for the transdermal administration of an active agent, and the composition contains 0.01-10% by weight of lipophilic vitamins, hormones, nicotine, corticoids, retinoids, antimycosic agents, anistetics, anolgesics, or anti cancer agents for the skin, 0.5 to 25% by weight of an adhesive polysiloxane composition, 5 to 25% by weight of an absorption promoter, 25 to 95% by weight of a volatile solvent containing at least a volatile silicone, and 0.5 to 50% by weight of pressurized propellant gas, and the composition is substantially free from water.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compound selected from: [&agr;-(tert-butylaminomethyl)-3,4-dichlorobenzyl]thioacetamide and its laevorotatory isomer, [&agr;-(tert-amylaminomethyl)-3,4-dichlorobenzyl]thioacetamide and its isomers, [&agr;-(1-adamantylaminomethyl)3,4-dichlorobenzyl]thioacetamide and its isomers, as well as the addition salts of these compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, for inhibiting dopamine reuptake.

Abstract: Putative Adrenomedullin Receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing Putative Adrenomedullin Receptor polypeptides and polynucleotides in the design of protocols for the treatment of infections such as bacterial, fungal protozoan and viral infections, particularly infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2; pain; cancers; diabetes, obesity; anorexia; bulimia; asthma; Parkinson's disease; acute heart failure; hypotension; hypertension, urinary retention, osteoporosis; angina pectoris; myocardial infarction, ulcers; asthma; allergies; benign prostatic hypertrophy; psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Gilles dela Tourett's syndrome; and pre-eclampsia, among others and diagnostic assays for such conditions.