Abstract: A fluid release valve includes valve housing (VH) coupled between a pump and an outlet pipe, VH chamber providing fluid from its inlet and outlet when the pump starts, and fluid release orifice (FRO) draining outlet pipe fluid flowing back into the VH when the pump stops; and check valve (CV) combination having a CV shuttle that moves towards/away from the inlet/outlet and an internal shuttle chamber (ISC), and having a CV that moves towards/away from the inlet/outlet within the ISC. The CV combination responds to a pumped fluid pressure when the pump's pumping and stops the fluid from flowing from the inlet around the CV shuttle and out the FRO. The CV combination responds to a fluid differential pressure (FDP) when the pump stops and allows the outlet pipe fluid to drain out the FRO until the FDP reaches an equilibrium.

Abstract: A fluid release valve includes valve housing (VH) coupled between a pump and an outlet pipe, VH chamber providing fluid from its inlet and outlet when the pump starts, and fluid release orifice (FRO) draining outlet pipe fluid flowing back into the VH when the pump stops; and check valve (CV) combination having a CV shuttle that moves towards/away from the inlet/outlet and an internal shuttle chamber (ISC), and having a CV that moves towards/away from the inlet/outlet within the ISC. The CV combination responds to a pumped fluid pressure when the pump's pumping and stops the fluid from flowing from the inlet around the CV shuttle and out the FRO. The CV combination responds to a fluid differential pressure (FDP) when the pump stops and allows the outlet pipe fluid to drain out the FRO until the FDP reaches an equilibrium.

Abstract: A pump system includes a pump unit an assembly frame that receives first and second pumps. A first and second pedal respectively couples to a first and second pump actuating portion. A rocker arrangement has a rocker that pivotally couples the first and second pedals, so a pushing movement of the first pedal in one direction causes a pulling movement of the second pedal in an opposite direction, and vice versa. The first and second pedals respond to a pushing force, respectively move the first and second pump actuating portions for pumping a fluid from the first and second pumps, and correspondingly move the first and second pump actuating portions for drawing the fluid to be pumped into the first and second pumps.

Abstract: An improved locking floor sink drain screen for an enlarged drain is provided. The locking floor sink drain positively precludes passage of large objects, while permitting free passage of fluid and which can quickly and easily be removed for cleaning. Vertical separators provide spaces through which water can flow from the enlarged drain opening into a standard drain pipe. In some embodiments, a special, tamperproof locking key may be used to prevent unauthorized disassembly of the installed floor drain screen.

Abstract: A pump system includes a pump unit an assembly frame that receives first and second pumps. A first and second pedal respectively couples to a first and second pump actuating portion. A rocker arrangement has a rocker that pivotally couples the first and second pedals, so a pushing movement of the first pedal in one direction causes a pulling movement of the second pedal in an opposite direction, and vice versa. The first and second pedals respond to a pushing force, respectively move the first and second pump actuating portions for pumping a fluid from the first and second pumps, and correspondingly move the first and second pump actuating portions for drawing the fluid to be pumped into the first and second pumps.

Abstract: A ball valve having a cam element, and a ball having a left arm and a right arm with a slot between each arm. A terminal portion of each arm is positioned adjacent the cam element. The cam element is shaped so that, when the ball is rotated from the open condition to the closed condition, the cam element forces the arms through three distances of separation. A first distance, when the ball has undergone no rotation from the fully open condition. A second distance, when the ball has undergone some rotation from the fully open condition towards the closed condition but has not reached the closed condition. A third distance in which the ball has undergone rotation to the closed condition. The third distance is greater than the first distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

Abstract: A ball valve having a cam element, and a ball having a left arm and a right arm with a slot between each arm. A terminal portion of each arm is positioned adjacent the cam element. The cam element is shaped so that, when the ball is rotated from the open condition to the closed condition, the cam element forces the arms through three distances of separation. A first distance, when the ball has undergone no rotation from the fully open condition. A second distance, when the ball has undergone some rotation from the fully open condition towards the closed condition but has not reached the closed condition. A third distance in which the ball has undergone rotation to the closed condition. The third distance is greater than the first distance, and the second distance is greater than the third distance.

Abstract: An in vitro method to conduct genomic replication of the viral genomes of viruses that utilize RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication (RDRP viruses), such as HCV. The method employs a construct comprising the 3′ and 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the viral genome which are operably linked on the 5′ and 3′ ends of a reporter sequence, in antisense orientation, such that when viral replication is occurring within the cell which produces RDRP, the reporter protein will be made. The method of the invention provides an efficient means for measuring genomic replication in RDRP viruses, and also for the rapid screening of compounds for their ability to inhibit genomic replication of RDRP viruses, including the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Abstract: An in vitro method to conduct genomic replication of the viral genomes of viruses that utilize RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication (RDRP viruses), such as HCV. The method employs a construct comprising the 3′ and 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the viral genome which are operably linked on the 5′ and 3′ ends of a reporter sequence, in antisense orientation, such that when viral replication is occurring within the cell which produces RDRP, the reporter protein will be made. The method of the invention provides an efficient means for measuring genomic replication in RDRP viruses, and also for the rapid screening of compounds for their ability to inhibit genomic replication of RDRP viruses, including the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying to confectionery or ice cream products whereby the coating dispensing devices moves in a path along or between one or more rows of ice cream or confectionery products, thereby applying a patterned coating that is preferably reproducible.

Abstract: An in vitro method to conduct genomic replication of the viral genomes of viruses that utilize RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication (RDRP viruses), such as HCV. The method employs a construct comprising the 3′ and 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of the viral genome which are operably linked on the 5′ and 3′ ends of a reporter sequence, in antisense orientation, such that when viral replication is occurring within the cell which produces RDRP, the reporter protein will be made. The method of the invention provides an efficient means for measuring genomic replication in RDRP viruses, and also for the rapid screening of compounds for their ability to inhibit genomic replication of RDRP viruses, including the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for applying to confectionery or ice cream products whereby the coating dispensing devices moves in a path along or between one or more rows of ice cream or confectionery products, thereby applying a patterned coating that is preferably reproducible.

Abstract: A shaft for a probe, especially suited for TEE and nasogastric applications, with superior bite-through resistance in the outermost probe layer. The probe shaft includes a crush-proof monocoil surrounded by coiled sheathing and an outermost layer of heat shrinkable polymer tubing. The heatshrinkable polymer provides superior resistance to lacerations from sharp objects such as patients teeth. Moreover, in an embodiment using clear polymer over darker inner layers marked with light colored depth markings, the depth markings are protected from wearing off. The preparation method includes inserting a monocoil and sheath into a tube of heatshrinkable material and applying heat sufficient to cause the heatshrinkable material to mechanically adhere to the sheath.

Abstract: An improved slice stacking device for a food slicing machine. The machine has a reciprocating carriage to which an elongated food product workpiece is mounted. The workpiece reciprocates through a cutting blade, forming a slice in each cycle. A stacking bed has a textured surface for unidirectional sliding resistance and is mounted to the carriage beneath the blade. Multiple curved fingers are rigidly mounted below an outfeed table and extend downwardly to contact, or be closely spaced from, the upper surface of the stacking bed during a portion of the reciprocation cycle. A slice removed from the workpiece lands on the stacking bed and passes beneath the fingers. During the rearward motion of the stacking bed, the slice is wiped from the stacking bed by the wiper fingers. Another embodiment includes a rake having downwardly extending tines positioned above the stacking bed. The tines extend downwardly into grooves between ridges on the stacking bed.

Abstract: Novel cell lines and methods are provided for inducibly expressing the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome within cultured cells. Cells are stably transformed with an HBV genome under control of an operator/promoter target sequence which can activate expression of the HBV genome when bound by a cognate transactivator protein. The cell lines are also stably transformed with a gene that encodes and expresses a suitable transactivator protein. Cells may be maintained under non-inducing conditions whereby the transactivator protein is unable to interact with the operator/promoter target sequence, so the HBV genome is not expressed. Under appropriate inducing conditions, the transactivator protein is enabled to interact with the operator/promoter target sequence, thereby activating expression of the HBV genome. The inducible system provides an effective and rapid cell-based assay to screen compounds for anti-hepadnaviral activity.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer having a base formed of a transducer backing material for use in supporting an array of active elements. The backing material is formed as a composite of a preform, preferably selected according to a fiber architecture, and an acoustically-attenuating matrix. Preferred embodiments of the preform include linear, planar, and integrated fiber systems. A particularly preferred embodiment includes a macroporous mesh structure provided in the form of stacked sheets, or an integrated fiber system, having therein fibers arranged in spaced relationship. The fibers define a plurality of openings which in turn provide voids that may be filled by the matrix via techniques such as vacuum-impregnation.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an ultrasound transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasound energy and one or more interface elements for conducting transmitted ultrasound energy from the transducer to a patient's body and for conducting received ultrasound energy from the patient's body to the transducer. At least one ultrasound-transmissive interface element is fabricated of a polymeric material. The material preferably has a sound speed that approximately matches the speed of sound in human tissue. The material comprises at least one primary rigid component material and at least one secondary component material, and has a Shore D durometer hardness value of greater than about 60D, and a sound speed of between about 1,450 meters/second and about 1,700 meters/second. The ultrasound-transmissive element fabricated of a polymeric material can be a protective lens cover, an ultrasound lens or lens element, an ultrasound-transmissive window or a sound pipe.

Abstract: A shaft for an invasive bodily probe which includes a central core, a metal sheath surrounding the core and an outer elastomeric coating. A membrane formed of a textile layer disposed between two layers of a flexible, tough film is disposed between the sheath and the outer elastomeric coating. The membrane typically is formed of a woven material whose interstices have been completely filled by two layers of a urethane material. The membrane completely seals the sheath and core to protect the patient from electrical currents carried by wires within the core, and to prevent bacteria and fluids from being trapped in cuts in the shaft. The wires are also protected from damage from bodily fluids and cleaning solutions, since the core is sealed from the environment.

Abstract: A shaft for an invasive probe used for medical applications which includes a central core, a metal sheath surrounding the core and an outer elastomeric coating. A dielectric sleeve is disposed between the core and sheath for electrically isolating the core from the sheath. A dielectric spacer used in conjunction with a fitting disposed at the end of the shaft completely seals the core from other portions of the probe to protect the patient from electrical currents carried by wires within the core. The wires are also protected from damage from bodily fluids and cleaning solutions by the dielectric sleeve and spacer, since the core is sealed from the environment.