Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.

Abstract: A method in a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver 100 including acquiring a plurality of at least two SPS signals, estimating frequency error for each of the plurality of SPS signals, and compensating for the frequency error of each of the plurality of SPS signal based on the estimated frequency errors for all of the plurality of SPS signals.

Abstract: A method in a satellite positioning system receiver, including acquiring (210) a set of satellite positioning system satellites, determining (220) satellite subset time based on over-determined position solutions for at least two different subsets of the satellites acquired, determining (230) satellite time from at least two satellite subset times, computing (250) a position solution based on the satellite time or a refined (240) satellite time.

Abstract: A hoist is powered by a separate power unit. The hoist unit includes: a motor, a mounting connector, a spool, webbing, auto cut-off and a first portion of a mating electrical connector. The control unit includes a hollow pole, a hook, a second portion of the mating electrical connector, a control switch, electrical circuitry and a battery pack.

Abstract: A method in a mobile satellite positioning system receiver operating in cold-start mode, including searching for and detecting (310) a first satellite in a constellation of orbiting satellites, searching (320) for a second satellite based on detection probability information for non-detected satellites, the detection probability information obtained using information about one of satellites not detected or the first satellite detected. In one embodiment, the detection probability information is based on a measure of range between the non-detected satellites and the first satellite detected, and in another embodiment the detection probability information is based on a measure of angle between the non-detected satellites and the first satellite detected.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) for determining time within a global navigation satellite receiver comprises a correlator (1), a combiner (35, 37), a comparator, and a processor. The correlator (1) comprises a means for determining a common data pattern between received signals of at least two satellites, and a means for calculating a dot product (15) for each of the at least two received signals. The combiner (35, 37) combines the calculated dot products to generate a combined dot product result. The comparator (41, 43) compares the combined dot product results with the common data pattern to generate a comparing result. The processor (47) determines a time from the comparing result.

Abstract: A saddle tee and tap combination for making a fluid connection with an irrigation line in an irrigation system. The saddle tee includes a base having a passage therethrough, and a clamp thereon for engaging an irrigation line. The clamp holds the irrigation line in alignment with the passage, and compresses the irrigation line into an generally oval cross-section elongated in the direction of the axis of the passageway. The tap has a tip with a pointed end adapted to be inserted into the passageway so that the pointed end penetrates the wall of the irrigation line engaged in the clamp, in the direction of the elongation of the cross section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for publishing and subscribing information between entities on heterogenous networks. In a preferred embodiment an agent is provided that includes an interface for an entity that resides on the LAN and an interface to a WAN with a publisher/subscriber architecture. The WAN interface includes publisher and subscriber services for the entity on the LAN. Additionally, the agent may include a translator to translate between the protocols used by the platforms and systems on the LAN and WAN. Moreover, the translator may use XML to accomplish translations. Furthermore, the LAN protocol may be TDM and the WAN protocol may be an Internet protocol.

Abstract: A method (200) and apparatus (900) for correcting frequency errors of received signals in a wireless communication receiver are disclosed. The wireless communication device (900) receives (204) a signal; correlates (206) the received signal with the plurality of offset prestored data sets; generates (208) at a predetermined data rate interval a plurality of signal correlations where each of the plurality of correlations is correlated to each of the plurality of offset prestored data sets; and computes (210) a frequency error estimate based upon the plurality of signal correlations.

Abstract: A house address number sign includes a first light that is activated when the level of ambient light drops below a preset level, and a second light which is manually activated to provide an easily identified alert for emergencies or the like.

Abstract: A method (200, 600) and an apparatus (700) for a wireless portable communication device (102) for determining coarse position information are provided. The wireless portable communication device (102) receives information about a plurality of visible satellites (106, 108, 110), and determines a coarse position of the wireless portable communication device (102) and uncertainty parameters expected at the coarse position, using the determined coarse position and uncertainties to acquire satellites.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a user through a complex process having a plurality of steps is provided. The system may permit a user with little or no knowledge of the process to complete the process. The guidance system may include a logical structure which models the process steps within the process and guidance pages which provide the user with additional information about how to proceed through the process. The guidance pages may have one or more page fragments and each page fragment may be dynamically generated based on certain preconditions so that the guidance pages are easily customizable.

Abstract: A saddle tee and saddle tee tap combination for making fluid connections with an irrigation line. The saddle tee comprises a body having first and second ends, and a passage therethrough, and a clamp on the second end of the body engaging the irrigation line in alignment with the passage, the clamp being larger than the irrigation line. In one embodiment the clamp defines first and second cross sectional areas for receiving the irrigation line, and an insert separating the first and second areas and confining the irrigation line to the first area. In another embodiment, the tap for making a fluid connection has a flange thereon engaging the exterior of the irrigation line in the clamp. In another embodiment the saddle tee includes a resilient member in the clamp for resiliently engaging an irrigation line in the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a respiratory condition wherein said condition results from an infection by a pathogan and wherein said infection is characterised by a differing T helper cell response, said method including administering an effective amount of an agent to induce an equivalent T helper cell response which favours treatment of the respiratory condition.

Abstract: A saddle tee and tap combination for making a fluid connection with an irrigation line in an irrigation system. The saddle tee includes a base having a passage therethrough, and a clamp thereon for engaging an irrigation line. The clamp holds the irrigation line in alignment with the passage, and compresses the irrigation line into an generally oval cross-section elongated in the direction of the axis of the passageway. The tap has a tip with a pointed end adapted to be inserted into the passageway so that the pointed end penetrates the wall of the irrigation line engaged in the clamp, in the direction of the elongation of the cross section.

Abstract: A cutter adapted for cutting a range of different diameter plastic pipe and tubing with a pair of jaw members pivoted on a pivot pin intermediate their ends with the first of the jaw members pivoted within the second of the jaw members. The first of the jaw members having a knife blade and the second jaw member having a cradle with a cutting cage into which the knife extends. The pivot pin being longitudinally adjustable in the second jaw member for changing the pivot axis.

Abstract: Dynamic balancing reduces quadrature bias in microfabricated vibrating instruments such as tuning fork gyros so that a purity of motion is achieved in the absence of any angular rate input. Balancing is achieved by ablating (74) or depositing (72) onto support structure (62) for a tuning fork gyroscope rather than the proof mass (60) itself by melting and moving material on a tuning fork beam (62). Such adjusting is advantageously done during actual operation of the gyro by laser beam application through an encapsulating transparent cover which can be either part of the chip die or an external package.

Abstract: A self-tapping tee for heavy walled plastic pipe such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thick walled polyethylene tubing. The self-tapping tee includes a saddle for gripping a tubular line to be tapped, a coupling tap with a stem for poking a hole in a sidewall of the line, with the sidewall of the line around the hole stretched about the stem, forming a seal, and a removable mandrel for supporting the stem while the hole is being made.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a user through a complex process having a plurality of steps is provided. The system may permit a user with little or no knowledge of the process to complete the process. The guidance system may include a logical structure which models the process steps within the process and guidance pages which provide the user with additional information about how to proceed through the process. The guidance pages may have one or more page fragments and each page fragment may be dynamically generated based on certain preconditions so that the guidance pages are easily customizable.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a user through a complex process having a plurality of steps is provided. The system permits a user with little or no knowledge of the process to complete the process. The guidance system includes a logical structure which models the process steps within the process and guidance pages which provide the user with additional information about how to proceed through the process. The guidance pages have one or more page fragments and each page fragment is dynamically generated based on certain preconditions so that the guidance pages are easily customizable.