Abstract: Described are methods of inducing a protective immune response against Lassa virus comprising administering a prophylactically effective amount of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a Lassa virus glycoprotein precursor (LASV GPC) to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A novel protective batting glove which is used specifically for protecting the most vulnerable parts of a batter's hands and wrists when the batter is standing at home plate and is gripping the end of a baseball bat and awaiting the arrival of a baseball which is thrown by the pitcher. The invention comprises a unique protective system of a design of a matched pair of batting gloves with one matched pair designed for a right handed batter and one matched pair designed for a left handed batter. For each matched pair of batting gloves, impact and shock absorbing material is incorporated onto selected portions of the exterior of the glove where the grip on the bat causes the hand to be most exposed to a pitch thrown at the batter. Alternatively, the glove has a cuff with an affixed interior impact and shock absorbing material to provide double protection for the ulna bone of an arm.

Abstract: A method for producing a bicycle brake arch and fork legs assembly. The method comprises the steps of first forming a low-tolerance brake arch and two low tolerance fork legs separately, and then bonding the brake arch with the two fork legs in high-precision alignment and orientation with a structural adhesive.

Abstract: Improved handlebars for bicycles, motorcycles, power vehicles such as two wheeled power vehicles and all terrain vehicles, including off road bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, all terrain bicycles, all terrain vehicles and jet skis. The improved handlebars eliminate the need of a crossbar by increasing the diameter and sidewall thickness of the central section of the handlebars, and diminish the stiffness of the handlebars by decreasing the respective diameter and sidewall thickness of the two grip sections of the handlebars. The improved handlebars are incorporated with unique tapered sections and are manufactured through a process that causes greater amount of metal to be located in the widest diameter section of the handlebars, and smaller amount of metal to be located in the narrowest diameter section of the handlebars. The handlebars have a longer unsupported span than conventional handlebars, thereby providing more cushioning strength and greater steering control.

Abstract: Improved handlebars for power vehicles such as two wheeled vehicles and all terrain vehicles, and in particular to handlebars for off road motorcycles, dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles and jet skis. The improved design eliminates the requirement for a crossbar by designing handlebars that have a larger diameter central portion including the area where the handlebars are attached to the vehicle, and a unique tapered configuration wherein the handblebars are manufactured through a process that causes the same amount of metal to be located in the widest diameter portion of the handlebars as in the narrowest diameter portion of the handlebars. The handlebars have a longer unsupported span than conventional handlebars, thereby providing more cushioning strength and greater steering control.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for retaining a bicycle in the manner of a conventional bicycle repair stand, and which can be used in conjunction with a conventional sports rack attached to the roof of a car or van. The apparatus can be attached to the conventional bicycle sports rack which is attached to the roof of a car and therefore utilizes the car and the sports rack as the supporting body framework to hold and support a bicycle in any desired orientation. The apparatus comprises an elongated member whose exterior cross-sectional dimensions are slightly smaller than the interior cross-sectional dimensions of the elongated base of a conventional sports rack attached to the roof of a vehicle, and is fitted into the interior section of the elongated base of the sports rack and retained therein by a press fit. Additional portions attached to the elongated section support a clamping mechanism which can retain a portion of a bicycle such as the horizontal tube of the frame.

Abstract: A motorcycle boot includes a lower vamp shell having a front tongue and rear tapering flaps which extend into an upper shell assembly formed by a hinged front door and a rear cuff. The door, of impact resistant plastic to protect the wearer's shin, interleaves with the cuff and is closed by overlying flexible straps. A closure system includes wire bales, longitudinally adjustable within holes spaced along the straps, and received with toothed latched receivers. The side legs of each wire bale snap-fits under locking flanges when the bale is closed over center. A connector hinge assembly includes a slotted plate, attached to the vamp shell, through which extends a freely movable pivot pin journalled in the upper shell to allow forward and rearward motion, rockable sideways motion, and lateral twisting of the shells. A replaceable sole insert, formed by a resilient pad molded to a carrier plate, is mechanically locked within a base recess on the bottom of the shell.