Abstract: A retractable window covering for arched or palladian style windows. The covering has a pair of shade members that can be remotely operated by an activator such as a pull cord for opening and closing the shades. The shade members are suspended from a carriage that is movable within an arched track. The shade members can be drawn along the track in opposite directions independently from a horizontal retracted position to an expanded position such that the shade members meet at the apex of the arched window. The present invention includes an embodiment that includes a shield to cover a portion of the drive assembly resting on the window sill or other horizontal surface.

Abstract: A system and method of combining plant productivity testing data with environmental data and geographic data of testing sites in a computer program comprising at least one database for receiving, storing, analyzing and outputting the data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing paper pulp from cornstalks comprising the steps of cooking, washing, screening, thickening, bleaching, beating and drying performed under moderate conditions which have little noxious effects on the environment. By using cornstalks as raw materials for paper pulp, it becomes possible to replace import of wood raw materials, to save foreign currency, to increase rural income, and to make high quality paper.

Abstract: A stator for use in internal combustion engine, the stator comprises a central core having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The central core includes a plurality of poles extending outwardly from the periphery of the core. The periphery of the core and the poles are electrically insulated from the central core by an insulating material. Wire is wound on the poles to produce wire coils around each of the poles. The wire coils are electrically connected to lead wires from ignition and/or charging system circuitry or components. Wires from the wire coils and the lead wires are inserted into at least one of the openings in the central core where they are terminated and secured with lead wires from ignition and/or charging system circuitry or components. The wires from the wire coils and the lead wires can also be connected prior to their insertion into the openings wherein the connected wires are secured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing phosphorus from phosphorus containing waste. In one embodiment, the method is preferably carried out by contacting the phosphorus containing waste with a non-cellular membrane and precipitating phosphorus from the waste as struvite. Another aspect of the invention includes a method of removing phosphorus from phosphorus containing sewage comprising filtrates and biosolids. The removal of phosphorus as struvite occurs in two stages as primary and secondary removal. In the primary removal process, the sewage from a dewatering unit is contacted with a first polymeric membrane reactor and the phosphorus is removed as primary struvite. Subsequently Mg is added so as promote struvite formation and the secondary removal process of struvite. In the secondary removal process, the sewage from GBT Filtrate well or Centrifuge Liquor well is contacted with a second monomolecular membrane and the phosphorus is removed as secondary struvite.

Abstract: A connector has a female receptacle and/or a male plug, or combination thereof. The female receptacle has a sleeve for holding prongs plugged into the receptacle and a mechanism for applying pressure against the sleeve such that actuation of the collar causes the socket to clamp to the prong. The male plug has a prong for insertion into a socket or other receptacle and a mechanism for applying pressure against the prong to clamp the prong within the socket or other receptacle.

Abstract: A merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a base having a front and a back, the base being configured to support the articles and defining a first space for containing the articles. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the articles toward the front of the base, wherein the assembly comprises a member configured to extend beyond the base to create a second space for containing the articles in addition to the first space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for removing oil, extinguishing fire and containment for oil spills using crushed glass.

Abstract: Genetic and biochemical characterization of the leinamycin biosynthesis gene cluster from Streptomyces atroolivaceus S-140 revealed two PKS genes, lnmI and lnmJ, that encode six PKS modules, none of which contains a cognate AT domain. The AT activity is provided in trans by a discrete protein, LnmG, which loads the malonyl coenzyme A extender unit onto the ACP domains of all six PKS modules. This finding provides a basis for methods of engineering modular polyketide synthases and polyketide synthase/nonribosomal peptide synthetases.

Abstract: A lamp assembly that may be used as a fog lamp or headlamp includes a mounting bracket, a reflector, and an adjuster. The reflector is pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket and the adjuster is secured to the reflector. The adjuster is also secured to the mounting bracket such that rotation of an aiming screw forming part of the adjuster causes pivoting of the reflector and aiming of the lamp. The bracket and adjuster are provided in pre-assembled fashion such that the lamp may be easily attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides AeSCP-2 polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding AeSCP-2 polypeptides, and methods for producing such materials by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing AeSCP-2 polypeptides to screen for compounds exhibiting antagonist or agonist activity toward AeSCP-2 biological activity, in particular, cholesterol transport.

Abstract: A compact battery powered mover for heavy rollable loads, having a ventilated battery compartment incorporated into the body of the mover and a removable rechargeable ventilated battery that permits the replacement of a spent battery with a fresh battery at the work location. The mover also has incorporated into its compact design a motor controller that enables the use of a heavy current draw when needed for brief periods without developing excessive heating. The configuration of the critical components in and on the mover body permits the substitution of one critical component with another component having different operating properties without significantly changing the compactness of the mover.

Abstract: The connector is capable of securing a cord to an outlet, of securing extension cords, and/or of securing an extension cord to the cord of a power tool. The device may have a female receptacle and a male plug, only a female receptacle, or only a male plug. The female receptacle may have a screw-style plunger, a sleeve-style plunger, or other means for applying pressure against the sleeves holding the prongs that are plugged into the receptacle. The male plug can use a sleeve-style plunger or other means to apply pressure against at least one of the prongs, causing the plug to be clamped into a receptacle. The female receptacle and male plug of the device can be separated by a cord to create an extension cord. The female receptacle or male plug could also be placed on the cords of a tool or appliance. A plurality of female receptacles could be used in a single unit to create a power strip having locking receptacles.

Abstract: The present invention provides counter flow cascade separation systems useful to separate solute/solute pairs present in a solvent. The separation systems include a series of interconnected stages with each stage comprising a combination of a diafilter preferentially permeable for one solute and an ultrafilter that accepts a permeate flow from the diafilter. The ultrafilter is permeable to solvent. Solute/solute pairs are preferentially separated by the diafilter into permeate and retentate flows and excess solvent is removed from the permeate flow by the ultrafilter and recycled back into the system. Stages are combined to form a counter flow cascade separation system capable of operation approaching an ideal counter flow cascade.

Abstract: A support structure for a pet, wild bird or small animal treat which includes a stem having a first end and a second end. At the first end there is a disk and hanger that fit into a mold. At the second end is a branch member perpendicular to the stem. Food is packed into the mold so that is surrounds the stem and branch. The resulting treat is removed from the mold for packaging.

Abstract: A method of forming a liquid crystal device, includes: contacting an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant and a receptor molecule with a top surface of a liquid crystal. The liquid crystal is in a holding compartment of a substrate, and the receptor molecule is adsorbed on the top surface of the liquid crystal forming an interface between the liquid crystal and the aqueous solution. The receptor molecule is different than the surfactant. A method of detecting a compound in a flowing stream includes passing an aqueous solution over a top surface of a liquid crystal in a holding compartment of a substrate. The method also includes determining whether a change in the orientation of the liquid crystal occurs as the aqueous solution is passed over the top surface of the liquid crystal. A change in the orientation of the liquid crystal indicates the presence of the compound in the flowing stream.

Abstract: A merchandising system for articles comprising a connector, a first divider coupled to the connector, and a second divider coupled to the connector wherein a compartment of a first size is provided when the first divider is coupled to a portion of the connector and the second divider is coupled to a portion of the connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant nucleotidylyl-transferases, such as Ep, having altered substrate specificity; methods for their production; and methods of producing nucleotide sugars, which utilize these nucleotidylyl-transferases. The present invention also provides methods of synthesizing desired nucleotide sugars using natural and/or modified Ep or other nucleotidyltransferases; and nucleotide sugars sythesized by the present methods. The present invention further provides new glycosyl phosphates, and methods for making them.