Abstract: A motorcycle rack for supporting a motorcycle in a generally upright position on the bed of a truck or trailer has a main support member transversing the bed to connect to and be supported by a first and second support assembly. The motorcycle rack has one or more wheel chock assemblies on the main support member for receiving a motorcycle wheel and supporting the motorcycle while the user places restraints, when necessary, around the motorcycle. The support assemblies and/or wheel chock assemblies can include loops for securing the motorcycle. One or more moveable tie-down holds can also be placed on main support member. The support assemblies can be removably mounted on the sidewall of the vehicle using a side member and clamp or mounted to the bed using a leg and receiver combination. Cradling or clamping wheel chock assemblies can be utilized to cradle or clamp the motorcycle's wheel.

Abstract: The Nebulized Airborne Biohazard Stage Alert (NABSA) is a method utilizing an optical particle counter in conjunction with a fluorometer as triggers to detect and assess potential biohazard threats infused into surrounding air. In the first stage an optical particle counter is constantly passing sampled air in front of an energy source, in turn scattering light. This scattered light is evaluated to establish if the particles are above one micrometer in concentrations, and thus potentially an aerosolized threat. Such detection triggers the secondary stage in which the sample particles are tested for viability via processing through a dye with fluorescent properties affected when bonded with an entity universally found in all biological substances and a UV light source. The detection of concentrations of oversized, viable particles triggers the third stage to compare a sample of the particles to known biowarfare agents to delineate the specific agent species.

Abstract: A rack for pickup trucks configured to carry cargo above the truck bed. The rack is easily installed on and removed from the truck without requiring drilling or other modifications to the truck and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing lightweight materials. The rack has a pair of rack assemblies that each comprise a span member, a downwardly disposed engaging member attached to the span member, a leg member engaged at its upper end with the engaging member, a gusset member interconnecting the span, engaging and leg members and an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the rack to the truck bedrails. One span member is partially received in the other span member to form an interconnected span member. Preferably, for added strength, the engaging member is outwardly inclined and configured to be received inside the tubular upper end of the inwardly inclined leg member.

Abstract: A utility rack for pickup trucks with a pair of rack assemblies configured to carry cargo above a pickup truck bed. The rack is easily installed and removed without requiring drilling or other modifications to the pickup truck and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing relatively lighter weight materials. The rack assemblies have an elongated main body member with support assemblies at each end and a clamp assembly for securing the support assemblies to the truck bedrails. Each support assembly has two legs and a base member forming a triangular configuration with a receiver member disposed at the upper ends of the legs to connect to the main body member. The legs pivotally mount to the base member to allow the base member to correspond to the angle of the bedrails. One or both rack assemblies can be a sawhorse for use off of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A clamp for securing the base member of a truck rack to the bedrail of a pickup truck is easy to install and remove without requiring drilling holes or other modifications to the pickup truck. The clamp comprises a lower clamp assembly, an upper clamp assembly and an engaging mechanism configured to join the two assemblies together and clamp the base member to the bedrail. The lower clamp assembly has a platform member with an engaging member and a spaced apart insert member upwardly disposed thereon. The upper clamp assembly has a clamp member with an attached or integral channel member that defines an insert channel configured to slidably receive the insert member. The engaging mechanism, preferably a screw or like connector, connects to the insert member to clamp the base member between the clamp member and the bedrail while the engaging member abuts the underside of the bedrail.

Abstract: Mutant bacteria with improved poly-3-hydroxylalkanoate (PHA)-producing characteristics and methods of producing and using them are provided.

Abstract: A heat sink assembly for cooling a DVR enabled set-top box. A heat sink is coupled to a chassis of the set-top box as well as to a storage device within the chassis. Heat is transferred from the storage device to the exterior of the chassis to be vented to the exterior environment surrounding the set-top box.

Abstract: A utility rack for pickup trucks with a pair of rack assemblies configured to carry cargo above a pickup truck bed. The rack is easily installed and removed without requiring drilling or other modifications to the pickup truck and is configured to carry heavy loads while utilizing relatively lighter weight materials. The rack assemblies have an elongated main body member with support assemblies at each end and a clamp assembly for securing the support assemblies to the truck bedrails. Each support assembly has two legs and a base member forming a triangular configuration with a receiver member disposed at the upper ends of the legs to connect to the main body member. The legs pivotally mount to the base member to allow the base member to correspond to the angle of the bedrails. One or both rack assemblies can be a sawhorse for use off of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A motorcycle rack for supporting a motorcycle in a generally upright position on the bed of a truck or trailer has a main support member transversing the bed to connect to and be supported by a first and second support assembly. The motorcycle rack has one or more wheel chock assemblies on the main support member for receiving a motorcycle wheel and supporting the motorcycle while the user places restraints, when necessary, around the motorcycle. The support assemblies and/or wheel chock assemblies can include loops for securing the motorcycle. One or more moveable tie-down holds can also be placed on main support member. The support assemblies can be removably mounted on the sidewall of the vehicle using a side member and clamp or mounted to the bed using a leg and receiver combination. Cradling or clamping wheel chock assemblies can be utilized to cradle or clamp the motorcycle's wheel.

Abstract: An animal litter container includes a bottom and a wall extending from the bottom. The wall includes a first portion and a second portion. An opening extends through the first portion and the first portion is shorter than the second portion. The first portion includes a ledge and the second portion includes a lip. The lip defines at least a portion of the opening and the ledge is wider than the lip. The bottom is textured to provide footing for the animal. A pair of slots extend through the ledge and a door extends across the opening and is attached to the wall utilizing the slots.

Abstract: A litter composition including paper, sawdust, and zeolite molecular sieve is described. The composition is formed into pellets or discs having a size, soil-like consistency, and texture which is believed to be attractive to dogs. In addition, the litter has a high degree of absorption and odor control. The litter composition may further include sphagnum moss to provide additional absorbency.

Abstract: Connection apparatus for connecting frame members and panel members is provided for constructing a storage building primarily from sheet metal. The apparatus utilizes connecting members that may be made from thermoplastic or metal materials. The number of threaded fasteners and time required to assemble the storage building is reduced dramatically from that of prior designs.

Abstract: A spline counting mechanism for determining the number of splines on a shaft. The spline counting mechanism includes a plunger urged into engagement with the shaft and adapted to be rotated with respect to the shaft. The plunger is adapted to engage each spline on the shaft as the plunger is rotated through one revolution and is operable to establish and cut off electrical continuity in an electrical circuit as the plunger rotates into engagement with and then beyond each spline. The mechanism further includes a digital counter for counting and displaying the number of times that electrical continuity is established in the electrical circuit, this number being equal to the number of splines on the shaft.