Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular and allergic diseases and disorders, methods for inhibiting the growth of, or reducing the volume of, a solid tumor, as well as methods for preventing progression to AIDS in an HIV-infected human, by administering a peptide derived from T cell receptors, or a derivative thereof The present invention also relates to peptides derived from T-cell receptors, and derivatives thereof, which are useful in such methods.

Abstract: An extract of the skin or peel of passion fruit is prepared. The extract has the effect of ameliorating the symptoms of inflammation disorders, including asthma and osteoarthritis, in mammals, including humans, when administered in an effective amount.

Abstract: An extract of passion fruit is prepared. The extract has the effect of lowering blood pressure and serum nitric oxide levels in mammals. The extract also provides a hepatoprotective effect, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in mammals. A novel compound was identified in the extract and given the name edulilic acid.

Abstract: A high load structural bearing primarily comprising a high strength elastomer and a housing with top closure plate. The housing is composed of sidewalls and is attached to a bottom base plate. The elastomeric pad has its top edge chamfered to produce a void that allows the pad to expand while being compressed without being squeezed into the gap between the sidewalls and the closure plate. The high load elastomer and surrounding housing are designed such that the elastomer is loaded in two phases in a controlled, predictable fashion. In the first phase the elastomer expands unrestrained on its lateral sides until it makes contact with the sidewalls. In the second phase the elastomer vertical compression increases and subsequently tensile stresses existing at the end of the first phase are mitigated to a predetermined level via lateral confinement from the housing sidewalls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a safe deposit box stored in a vault. The safe deposit box includes a customer lock and a bank lock, each of which must be opened to access the box. Apparatus is provided to permanently maintain the bank lock in an open position and to enable a customer to enter the vault without requiring the assistance of a bank teller.

Abstract: A filtering system which is secured to a traditional air register. The filter uses a flange adapted to encircle the outlet of the traditional air register. Connected to the flange is an air filtering material which collects the dust and pollen at the air register, before the air enters the room. In one embodiment of the invention, an electro-static charge is used by the filtering material to assist in the collection of the dust and pollen. To assist the user in determining when the filter system should be replaced, the air flow pushes a flag; hence as the air flow decreases as the filter becomes clogged, the location of the flag notifies the user that the air filter system should be replaced. While a hook-and-loop fastener is sometimes used to secure the filter to the air register, the preferred embodiment uses a releasable adhesive.

Abstract: An aerial still camera including: a video camera; a device for elevating the video camera relative ground level; structure for suspending the video camera from the elevating device; first self-levelling structure for levelling the video camera in a first direction; second self-levelling structure for levelling the video camera in a second direction; first drive structure for rotating the video camera to control the image scanned by the video camera along a first axis; second drive structure for rotating the video camera to control the image scanned by the video camera along a second axis; a tether attached at one end to the elevating device for holding the elevating device and the video camera in the elevated position, the tether including electrical conductors; and an electrical control device attached at another end of the tether for controlling the first and second drive structure so as to control the image scanned by the video camera, the control structure further including a video display so to display t