Abstract: A method has been discovered for using lysostaphin as an effective antibiotic for topical treatment of Staphylococcus corneal infections (keratitis). Lysostaphin applied topically to the cornea by eye drops killed bacteria within the cornea; lysostaphin reduced the number of bacteria from approximately 10,000,000 viable bacteria colony forming units (“CFU”) in the untreated eye to essentially no viable bacteria in the treated eyes. Treatment by lysostaphin was more potent than any of the smaller antibiotics that have been previously tested (e.g., tetracyclines, erythromycins, cephalosporins, vancomycin, aminoglycosides, or fluoroquinolones). Moreover, topical application of lysostaphin was effective against the highly antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus strains.

Abstract: A direct antifreeze cooled fuel cell is disclosed for producing electrical energy from reducing and process oxidant fluid streams that includes an electrolyte secured between an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst; a porous anode substrate secured in direct fluid communication with and supporting the anode catalyst; a porous wet proofed cathode substrate secured in direct fluid communication with and supporting the cathode catalyst; a porous water transport plate secured in direct fluid communication with the porous cathode substrate; and, a direct antifreeze solution passing through the porous water transport plate. In operation of the fuel cell, because product water generated electrochemically at the cathode catalyst flows away from the cathode catalyst into the cathode substrate and into the water transport plate and because the cathode substrate is wetproofed, the antifreeze solution passing through the water transport plate remains essentially within this plate.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for partitioning and packaging a power generation and distribution system, a plurality of power supply modules are distributed along the length of the backplane such that backplane voltage drops are minimized and such that power supply currents flow essentially orthogonal to the signal connections between the backplane slots. In this manner, signal interference is minimized and the need for bus bars on the backplane are substantially reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A Non-Maxwellian, free viewing system capable of psychophysical measurement of visual sensitivity for the determination of ocular components is disclosed. The apparatus features electronically controlled light emitting elements whose outputs are variable with respect to intensity and temporal pattern, and can be combined by a small number of optical components. The light emitting elements can have outputs of different wavelengths, can be positioned at different retinal locations, and can be viewed through masks or apertures having different geometries. These features permit miniaturization of the device, and eliminate a major or experimental difficulty of light path alignment associated with larger systems, thus simplifying the measurement of macular pigment density compared to procedures used with a full sized optical bench.

Abstract: A cable management system (10) is disclosed for coupling and retaining cables (16) for rack-mounted electronic components. The cable management system (10) includes a cable arm (12) that can pivot between an extended position and a collapsed position to accommodate movement in the rack-mounted component. Coupled to the cable arm are cable retainers (14). Each cable retainer includes a platform (46) and prongs (42). Each prong includes a stem (48) and a tapered projection (54). The combination of the platform (46), and the stem (48) and tapered projection (54) of adjacent prongs (42) forms a cavity for receiving a cable (16). The cable arm includes a number of slots in the supports of the cable arm for receiving latches, locks, or other fasteners of the cable retainer (14) for coupling the cable retainer (14) to the cable arm (12).

Abstract: A Recuperative Cycle tow-stroke internal combustion engine having an expander cylinder with an open combustion chamber in its working end and a separate compressor for injecting a compressed air charge into the chamber obtains improved Carnot efficiency by the containment of all its working components in a new and novel cylinder head. This head captures thermal energy normally thrown away in engine exhaust and transfers it advantageously back into the working cycle. The result, long sought by others, has been achieved by incorporating compactly within the head an internal exhaust heat recuperator or heat exchanger closely coupled with a combustion chamber open to the expansion cylinder. A recuperator-protecting valve isolates the recuperator from hot combustion gases until they have been cooled by full piston expansion and a catalytic convertor may be placed in an optimum temperature position within the recuperator chamber.

Abstract: A process for treating sulphate-containing waste water comprises introducing a feedstock comprising sulphate-containing waste water, into a pond. The sulphate-containing waste water is subjected to biological sulphate reduction in the pond, thereby to convert dissolved sulphate anions to dissolved sulphide anions. Treated waste water, containing the dissolved sulphide anions, is withdrawn from the pond.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing transmyocardial revascularization provides a closed-chest formation of a channel in a wall of a heart. An articulating scope in one embodiment includes a flexible distal portion which provides for a coupling of a surface of the heart to the distal portion. The articulating distal portion is coupled to a control member to provide articulation. Movement of the control member causes deflection, including articulation, of the generally flexible working end of the scope. The coupler may be a two way valve to provide both vacuum and flushing solutions. The articulating scope can be supported by a scope holder that is table mounted or mounted to the patient. An access port provides for the introduction of tools and instruments. An adaptor couples the access port with a handle. The handle provides a working channel for the introduction of an energy delivery device.

Abstract: A characteristic feature on a generally longitudinal member is detected as the member is longitudinally advanced on a path extending from a first position to a second position. Based on the detection of the feature on the member and monitoring of the advance of the member on the path, indicia can be applied to a desired position on the member. The detected feature can be an S-Z reversal existing or created on a strand of S-Z stranded optical fiber buffer tubes included in an optical fiber cable which is undergoing cable manufacture along a cabling line. Intensity data values representative of an optical image sample of the strand with the S-Z reversal feature, where the image sample is obtained by an optical radiation detector coupled to the path, are processed for identifying the S-Z reversal feature on the strand.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration consisting essentially of a gelatin at a concentration up to 5% by weight as a carrier, a solvent, and, as an active ingredient, a dopamine agonist. Alternatively, the invention relates to a composition that takes the form of a solid, unitary fast-dispersing dosage form comprised of a network of an active ingredient after and a water-soluble or water dispersible matrix forming agent or carrier which is inert towards the active ingredient after subliming solvent from the composition in the solid state. The dosage is designed to completely disintegrate within 1 to 30 seconds of being placed in the oral cavity. Compositions which further comprise an anti-emetic and/or an opioid antagonist are also provided herein.

Abstract: Cooking appliances, cooking assemblies, and cooking assembly components that improve heat distribution are provided. In one embodiment, a cooking assembly has a sear grid including a radiant panel having an undulating shape. The panel defines at least one generally parabolic dome with a radiused peak to allow liquids at the peak to be rapidly heated by the burner. The dome has sides extending away from the peak with a generally increasing slope to cause liquids flowing down the sides of the dome to accelerate. In another embodiment, a double U-shaped burner is provided. A U-shaped burner has a base for positioning at the front of the cooking assembly and a pair of legs that extend toward the rear of the cooking assembly. A second U-shaped connecting tube is positioned to connect the U-shaped burner base to the front of the cooking assembly housing.

Abstract: An outside rear view mirror is provided for vehicles. The outside rear view mirror has a mirror housing having an interior and exterior. There is provided at least one light exit opening in the mirror housing. Also included is a repeating flashing light having at least one light source associated with the light exit opening in the mirror housing. A luminous film is located on the exterior of the mirror housing. The light exit opening is filled at least partially with a light guide connected with the light source.

Abstract: A 2.4 Å crystal structure of a protein construct containing the catalytic kinase domain of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2/KDR), a key enzyme in angiogenesis, has been determined in an unliganded, phosphorylated state. This protein construct, contains a modified catalytic linker and has comparable in vitro kinase activity to constructs containing the entire KID. The resulting construct retains comparable in vitro kinase activity to that of the wild-type KID, and more importantly, allows complete crystallization of the protein such that it may be characterized by X-ray crystallography. The present invention further discloses the use of x-ray crystallographic data for identification and construction of possible therapeutic compounds in the treatment of various disease conditions.

Abstract: Alignment arrangement between a valve module and a base containing outlet chambers assures that the valves in the valve module are correctly positioned relative to the chambers. A plurality of posts between a valve actuating assembly in the module and a shut-off plate also in the module assures proper seating of the shut-off plate in the base of the valve.

Abstract: This invention is a thermoacoustic sonar system for detecting a target that is located at or beneath the surface of the water. The foregoing system comprises a laser or particle accelerator that is located above the water and a plurality of passive receivers that are located on or above the water. The laser produces a light beam whose amplitude is subsequently modulated or whose pulses are varied in time. A particle accelerator would produce a pulsed particle beam that varies in time. These modulated or varied pulses are focused or deflected to a small layer of water at the air/water interface so that the beam will be absorbed by the water causing the water to produce an acoustic signal that may propagate to a target where the acoustic signal will be reflected and possibly detected by one or more passive receivers.

Abstract: A method for detecting reverse transcriptase (RT), utilizing RT-catalyzed generation of cDNA complementary to an RNA template and detecting cDNA in a DNA hybridization reaction, is provided. Also provided is a method for detecting and/or quantitating drug resistance of reverse transcriptase in a sample and a method for evaluating ability of a compound to inhibit reverse transcriptase activity.

Abstract: A power connector for receipt and releasable engagement with a wire to effect a transmitting power electrical connection to the wire. The power connector includes a connector housing having a wire insertion side with an opening for receiving the wire. A spring contact is disposed within the housing and includes an attachment end for attaching the spring contact to the connector housing and a contact end for contact with the wire. The spring contact includes a substantially C-shaped segment extending between the attachment end and contact end. The C-shaped segment is dimensioned to be maintained under compression and so that the spring contact applies a contact force against an inserted wire at the contact end with a force sufficient for supporting the conducting of electricity between the wire and contact end.

Abstract: A distribution terminal for connecting incoming telephone cable wires to drop lines has a plurality of bases. Each of the bases has a platform and two lateral sides on opposite edges of the platform. Mating releasable connectors are on each of the lateral sides of the bases for securing a number of the bases together, side-by-side. Each of the bases has three electrically conductive penetrators extending through the platform. Two of the penetrators have terminal ends for connection to a twisted-pair of wires of the incoming telephone cable. The third penetrator is connected to a ground. A module may be releasably secured to each of the bases over the platform. Each module has a pair of IDC clips. Each clip engages one of the penetrators when the module is secured to the base. Each of the modules has a pair of holes adjacent to the clips for receiving ends of drop wires. An actuator for each of the modules pushes the drop wires into engagement with the clips.

Abstract: A method and package for storing a pressurized container which is filled with a drug formulation at a predetermined pressure. The drug formulation includes a mixture of a drug and a propellant. The package which encloses the pressurized container substantially prevents ingression of water vapor and particulate matter into the package while permitting egression of the propellant which may leak from the pressurized container.