Abstract: This invention relates to novel lactams having the formula (I): to their pharmaceutical compositions and to their methods of use. These novel compounds inhibit the processing of amyloid precursor protein and, more specifically, inhibit the production of A?-peptide, thereby acting to prevent the formation of neurological deposits of amyloid protein. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of neurological disorders related to ?-amyloid production such as Alzheimer's disease and Down's Syndrome.

Abstract: A disposable ear cleaning device having a one-piece, plastic body with an integral scoop at one end having a bowl portion having a smooth lower surface on the bowl. Openings may be formed in the bottom of the bowl for scraping wax and debris from the ear. The preferred openings are parallel slots. The preferred bowl has rounded, upper edges at the rim for scraping ear wax with the front, distal end at a lower height than a rear end of the bowl which is joined to a handle. The preferred handle may be fluted for gripping and turning the bowl when scraping ear wax. A flexible neck may join the bowl to the handle. A bulbous end of plastic or of cotton may be provided at the end of the device opposite the bowl. The referred cleaning device weighs less than one gram and is inexpensive.

Abstract: Methods and devices incorporating a guidewire entry port subassembly for use in rapid exchange catheters. The use of a subassembly allows for stronger quality control and simpler fabrication of a rapid exchange device. In several embodiments, methods of making a molded guidewire entry port using a mold, often in conjunction with one or more mandrels, are disclosed. Several device embodiments include a separate molded guidewire port as well as molded guidewire ports which are attached, during a molding step, to segments of a catheter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of screening for inhibitors of beta-amyloid production, and thereby identifying such inhibitors as therapeutics for neurological and other disorders involving APP processing and beta-amyloid production. This invention also relates to identifying macromolecules involved in APP processing and beta-amyloid production. Furthermore, inhibitors identified by the screening method of the present invention are useful in the treatment of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, which involve elevated levels of A? peptides.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel cyclic malonamides having the formula (I): to their pharmaceutical compositions and to their methods of use. These novel compounds inhibit the processing of amyloid precursor protein and, more specifically, inhibit the production of A?-peptide, thereby acting to prevent the formation of neurological deposits of amyloid protein. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of neurological disorders related to ?-amyloid production such as Alzheimer's disease and Down's Syndrome.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.

Abstract: An air cleaner arrangement or assembly is provided. The air cleaner arrangement includes a serviceable filter cartridge. The air cleaner assembly also includes an arrangement for positioning the filter cartridge into a preferred, sealing, orientation and for securing the filter cartridge in that location. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are provided, as well as methods of assembly and use.

Abstract: A bathing enclosure wall panel and framing therefor are disclosed. In one embodiment there is a frosted, translucent, colored acrylic that is backed by a mirroring metal such as aluminum. There can also be a waterproofing paint layer behind the reflective material, as well as a cellulosic backing layer to reduce flexing. The material reflects light but does not present a risque appearance.

Abstract: A bathing enclosure wall panel and framing therefor are disclosed. In one embodiment there is a frosted, translucent, colored acrylic that is backed by a mirroring metal such as aluminum. There can also be a waterproofing paint layer behind the reflective material, as well as a cellulosic backing layer to reduce flexing. The material reflects light but does not present a risqué appearance.

Abstract: A printer having a media transport mechanism defining a media path. The path extends from a media supply past a print engine. A media alignment element moves between an extended position intersecting the path between the supply and the engine, and a retracted position away from the path. The printer may include a pair of rollers between the supply and the alignment element and encompassing the path, so that the sheet may be gripped by the rollers at a position adjacent the alignment to preserve the alignment by the element. The rollers may retract the sheet from the alignment element, which may move aside from the media path, so that the media may be fed toward a print engine.

Abstract: A printer having a media transport mechanism defining a media path. The path extends from a media supply past a print engine. A media alignment element moves between an extended position intersecting the path between the supply and the engine, and a retracted position away from the path. The printer may include a pair of rollers between the supply and the alignment element and encompassing the path, so that the sheet may be gripped by the rollers at a position adjacent the alignment to preserve the alignment by the element. The rollers may retract the sheet from the alignment element, which may move aside from the media path, so that the media may be fed toward a print engine.

Abstract: An aqueous adhesive composition, as for bonding rubber substrates together or for bonding a rubber substrate to a fabric, comprising a blend of a carboxylated rubber latex as made from styrene, butadiene, and an unsaturated acid monomer, and a natural rubber latex, is sulfur curable and desirably utilizes rubber accelerators. The adhesive composition is substantially free of hydrocarbon solvents and/or tackifiers and has good physical properties such as high peel strength.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ram type blowout preventor whose rams have variable ram packers for sealing about pipes of difference sizes in the bore of the preventor housing. Each ram packer includes a body of elastomeric material installed with a slot across the face of a metal ram body slidable with a guideway intersecting the bore of the preventor body. First and second sets of metal segments embedded in the body of elastomeric material beneath a top plate embedded in the packer body are so constructed and arranged as to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric material as the packers seal about the different sizes of pipe.

Abstract: An actuator for a ram-type blowout preventer used either with a shear ram blowout preventer or a pipe ram blowout preventer. The actuator includes a pressure-responsive cylinder having an operating piston disposed therewithin. The piston includes a shaft for transmitting relative motion to the ram in the blowout preventer. A reversible annular member is disposed around the periphery of the piston to provide a variable pressure force in a shear ram blowout preventer and to limit the stroke of the piston in a pipe ram blowout preventer. The annular member includes a pair of annular flanges extending radially inward to form a channel therebetween. The channel receives the periphery of the piston which is moveable within the channel between the flanges. In a shear ram blowout preventer, the annular member increases the annular pressure area of the piston during the shearing stroke to increase the pressure force on the rams and their seals during the shearing of the pipe.

Abstract: Low air permeable, pressurized articles such as play balls, e.g., a tennis ball, have a thin barrier layer formed on the vulcanized rubber core. The barrier layer is chemically bonded to the internal and/or external surface of the core, e.g., by the reaction of a Lewis acid, e.g., sulfur trioxide, with the core rubber. The thin barrier layer permits the tennis ball to be flexible and have good rebound life and yet extends the play life thereof before ball rebound or softness changes to undesired levels.

Abstract: A modular electrical wiring system (10) is shown including a hanger (12) and an electrical connection block (26) independently and adjustably held from the hanger (12) by four adjustment screws (106). The electrical connection block (26) is formed from three control boxes (28, 30, 32) and a receptacle box (34) which sandwiches bus bars (50) therebetween. Each bus bar (50) includes a connecting portion (56) located in one of three depressions (38-40) and which are accessible at different depths through slots (88, 90, 104) formed in the second, third, and receptacle boxes (30, 32, 34). The connecting straps (122) of electrical devices such as an outlet (110) or a switch (190) are sandwiched between a cover plate (182) and the receptacle box (34).

Abstract: A device for creating an illusion includes a helix and an object in an arrangement which gives the illusion that the object and helix move relative to one another as the helix is rotated. The helix can be flexible or of a stable configuration such that it can be free standing. Support for the device can include a base or a swivel arrangement for suspending the device. The device can be free to rotate in moving air and, in situations where there are lesser amounts of air flow, a fan can be attached to the helix. Where there is an absence of moving air an electric motor can be employed. Variations in the arrangement and size of the components of the device can create variations in the illusion of relative movement. The use of colors and materials which glow in the dark in situations where there is low light, along with variations in lighting, will also vary the illusion of relative movement.

Abstract: This invention includes an external protective sheath for normally enclosing a medical needle to provide a safety protective enclosure normally surrounding the needle, but being adapted to be temporarily removed from needle enclosing protective position to expose the needle for use in penetrating a patient's blood vessel for injection of medication from a syringe or for introduction of intravenous tubing and said sheath being moveable back into protective position around the needle after use.