Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of an epitope defined by residues of Toll-like Receptor (2). Targeting a binding compound, such as an antibody to the epitope results in antagonism of Toll-like Receptor (2). Further provided by the invention is the use of polypeptide comprising amino acid residues which form the epitope for use in screening for binding compounds which bind thereto, as well as to polypeptide compound which comprise the amino acid sequences of the epitope for use as vaccine compositions, when the generation of antagonistic antibodies which have binding specificity to Toll-like Receptor (2) are required, for example in the treatment of Toll-like Receptor (2) mediated disease conditions.

Abstract: An artificial disc implant and associate methods and instrumentation are provided for the artificial disc implant that includes opposite vertebral endplate members and a spacer member between the vertebral endplate members. An anchoring member extends from at least one of the vertebral endplate members toward an adjacent vertebral endplate when the implant is positioned between vertebrae. The anchoring member can be received in an anchor seat formed in the adjacent vertebral endplate without requiring the artificial disc implant to be impacted into the space between vertebrae to engage the anchoring member in the seat.

Abstract: A device for positioning and attaching a member within a patient. The device includes a handle and a connector. The handle comprises relatively movable first and second sections. The connector includes an alignment surface that may have an outwardly-extending mount. The connector further includes a pair of arms having an abutting surface and an inner surface. The device is movable between a first orientation with the alignment surface and the arms spaced apart, and a second orientation with the alignment surface and arms working in combination to hold the member in two separate directions.

Abstract: Apparatus for adding materials, especially powdered or granular materials, to a flowing stream, e.g. of molten metal, comprises a nozzle for compressed gas, blowing the additive into the stream, and a detector that detects the stream and switches the flow of additive on and off according to whether the stream is present or absent. The detector is preferably of a non-contact type, sensing radiation from the stream, preferably visible light. The rate of flow of additive can be adjustable. There can be a fail-safe optical detector arrangement monitoring the flow of additive and signalling an alarm if the flow fails or if the nozzle is blocked. The timings of the start and end of the flow in relation to the detection of the metal stream are independently adjustable to ensure that the additive and metal coincide.

Abstract: In a method of forming foundry sand moulds employing a cold-setting sand mixture pressed around a pattern by the use of pneumatic pressure acting on a flexible diaphragm, the sand is formed into a horizontal layer of approximately uniform thickness in a frame of which the bottom wall is formed by the diaphragm, the pattern is then pressed into that layer of sand, causing the diaphragm to bulge downwards, then the gas pressure (conveniently air pressure) is applied to compact the sand, which thereupon sets to allow separation of the resultant mould body from the diaphragm and pattern. During the initial formation of the layer the diaphragm can be supported by a further, stronger diaphragm, which is perforated to allow the gas pressure through, or by a rigid pad, or both.

Abstract: In a method of forming foundry sand moulds employing a cold-setting sand mixture pressed around a pattern by the use of pneumatic pressure acting on a flexible diaphragm, the sand is formed into a horizontal layer of approximately uniform thickness in a frame of which the bottom wall is formed by the diaphragm, the pattern is then pressed into that layer of sand, causing the diaphragm to bulge downwards, then the gas pressure (conveniently air pressure) is applied to compact the sand, which thereupon sets to allow separation of the resultant mould body from the diaphragm and pattern. During the initial formation of the layer the diaphragm can be supported by a further, stronger diaphragm, which is perforated to allow the gas pressure through, or by a rigid pad, or both.

Abstract: In foundry core-making or mold-making apparatus employing a rotary mixer working in a chamber and mixing together a sand-resin mix and a sand-catalyst mix to produce a cold quick-setting mixture that is then quickly discharged through the bottom of the chamber into a core-blower or molding machine, the chamber is fixed and has two separately movable sliding shutters controlling openings in its floor (it may be one long opening), one shutter controlling discharge into the blower or molding machine and the other controlling discharge of any residue to a waste chute. Preferably the first shutter uncovers a peripheral portion of the floor first, the discharge area thus growing from the periphery in a radial inward direction.