Abstract: A vent cap cover for a recreational vehicle (RV) is provided which allows for dry air entry during rainy conditions. The vent cap cover allows easy observation of the vent cap and maximum air and light availability. Easy maintenance, cleaning and repairs of the vent cap from the exterior of the RV is possible by simply opening the upper, transparent section of the vent cap cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the Bacillus cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising (i) a tandem promoter in which each promoter sequence of the tandem promoter is operably linked to a single copy of a nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide and alternatively also (ii) an mRNA processing/stabilizing sequence located downstream of the tandem promoter and upstream of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having pectin acetylesterase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a Bacillus host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the Bacillus cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising (i) a tandem promoter in which each promoter sequence of the tandem promoter is operably linked to a single copy of a nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide and (ii) an mRNA processing/stabilizing sequence located downstream of the tandem promoter and upstream of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide; and (b) isolating the polypeptide from the cultivation medium.

Abstract: A dielectric material having a dielectric constant which varies inversely with frequency, and preferably with the second power of frequency, fills the space between a radiator and a reflecting groundplane. The back-directed wave is reflected back to the radiator in phase with the directly radiated wave over a wide frequency band, increasing the radiator efficiency.

Abstract: A planar antenna is described which comprises a sandwich like structure of a radiating patch, ground plane and transmission feed line. Capacitive means connect the path to the feed line through a rectangular aperture in the ground plane. The energization of the feed line excites radiating modes in both the aperture and the space between the radiating patch and ground plane thereby resulting in an improved impedance bandwidth.

Abstract: A variable force exerting clamp assembly having a variable clamping area. A stretchable strap which deforms or "thins" to a smaller width in response to stretching is provided with a first work-engaging clamp secured to one end thereof and a second movable clamp which is slidable between the ends of the strap. The clamps are disposed for engaging a workpiece or workpieces between each other or for securing a pair of members together, and tension is applied until the strap is stretched to exert the desired force on the members, whereby, upon release of the tensional force, the strap tends to assume its original configuration, and the second clamp exerts a clamping force on the strap responsive to the strap expanding to its original width.

Abstract: A variable force exerting clamp assembly having a variable clamping area. A stretchable strap which deforms or "thins" to a smaller width in response to stretching is provided with a first work-engaging clamp secured at one end thereof and a second movable clamp which is slidable between the ends of the strap. The clamps are disposed for engaging a workpiece or workpieces between each other, and tension is applied until the strap is stretched to exert the desired force on the members, whereby, upon release of the tensional force, the strap tends to assume its original configuration, and the second clamp exerts a clamping force on the strap responsive to the strap expanding to its original width.

Abstract: An adjustable device that provides a secure anchor in a crevice or other irregularity. The anchor may be used to assist rock climbers, rescue groups, military personnel, construction workers, etc. The device is comprised of a spring loaded sleeve mounted on a first end of a threaded shaft and limited in its movement on the shaft by a pin and slot arrangement. The sleeve provides a means for adjusting the length of the device. A first locking means releasably secures the sleeve in a retracted position, and a second locking means secures the sleeve at the desired extended position. A lever assembly is provided at the second end of the device in such a manner that a force applied to an attachment point of the assembly will be translated along the longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: A laser which discriminates against a high gain transition in laser materials allowing a low gain transition to oscillate is provided by using more than two mirrors in the laser cavity which are highly reflective at the frequency of the high gain transition.

Abstract: A height adjust mechanism which may be advantageously used to set a keyboard to a predetermined number of angles with respect to a support surface upon which the keyboard sits. The apparatus is integral with the keyboard base and includes an adjustment foot member having a ratchet surface with four detents therein. The foot member is pivotally mounted within the keyboard base and extends downward through a hole in the keyboard base. An adjustment lever is also pivotally mounted within the keyboard base and includes a pawl which engages one of the detents of the adjustment foot member. A single spring is connected to the adjustment foot and to the adjustment lever. This spring biases the adjustment foot in a downward direction, while at the same time biasing the adjustment lever so that the pawl positively engages one of the detents of the ratchet surface.

Abstract: A reuseable plastic cap is disposed over a seal closure on a vial neck to retain the seal closure in place thereon, the cap comprising a body of resilient material having a base overlying the seal closure, opposed jaws on the base for gripping a bead on the vial neck, gripper flanges for manual engagement to spread apart the jaws so as to install or remove the cap on the vial neck, and a releasable locking bar to hold the gripper flanges spread apart and thereby retain the jaws in a locked condition on the vial neck.

Abstract: A lens disinfecting unit comprises a housing with adjacent compartments separated by a barrier wall. One compartment is adapted to receive the lens case for heating while the other compartment contains the heater and related circuitry. The barrier wall includes a heat sink which is insert-molded into the barrier wall to provide a water-tight seal such spilled liquid cannot leak from the lens case compartment to the heater compartment. The casing for the unit is made up of sections permitting sequential assembly, namely, two members are employed, one being a lid pivotally mounted over the heating well and the other being snap-fitted over the compartment containing the circuitry; and a third member serves to maintain the other two members in captive relationship.

Abstract: A disposable lancet for use in obtaining blood samples comprises a plastic housing and a resilient blade in a retracted position within the housing, the blade being bent in an arcuate form to provide a source of spring energy biasing the piercing edge of the blade toward an opening in the housing. A releasable trigger means retains the blade in its retracted position in the housing but is readily operable to release the blade to cause the part of the blade with the piercing edge to be driven through the opening a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A lens case comprises an outer case member and a drawer with "left" and "right" contact lens wells slidable on the case member. Removable caps are friction fitted over each well, the caps also being hinged to the drawer. A foldout lid with a mirror is adapted for disposition over the caps. The arrangement is such that as the drawer is shifted to the closed position in the case member, a wall of the case applies pressure to the caps through the mirror or through tapered ribs on the caps to maintain the caps sealed on the wells.

Abstract: Modular lens disinfecting device comprises a plastic housing with a heater and a heat sink lining a portion of the cavity and pressing against opposed caps on a lens case within the housing, thereby transmitting heat to opposed lens cavities within the lens case. A radial flange on the lens case body projects laterally from the housing when the lens case is inserted into the housing, thereby to facilitate manipulation of the lens case upon insertion into or removal from the housing. In making the lens case, the parting plane for the mold that forms the lens case body is positioned so that flash at said plane is precluded from projecting into either of the lens chambers.