Abstract: The disclosure generally provides a Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein (DARPin) that specifically binds to an antigen, the DARPin having an N-terminal cap section, at least two Ankyrin Repeat (AR) module sections, and a C-terminal cap section, characterized in that the DARPin has a charge that is less negative than known 5 DARPins. The disclosure also provides for generation of a library of the less negative DARPins.

Abstract: A wheel trim adapter adapted to be securely affixed to the wheel of a vehicle without the use of tools, wherein the adapter can be used in a system for affixing a wheel trim or wheel cover to said vehicle, and methods for using same.

Abstract: A training mat for teaching controlled directional hitting of a ball. The mat consisting of a home plate zone, a plurality of equally spaced pitching lanes defined by a plurality of lines extending longitudinally through home plate. The pitching lanes including at least an inside lane defining the ball path of an inside pitch and at least an outside lane defining the ball path of an outside pitch. Each lane having a predetermined ball contact location defined by a marking indicia s the respective lane. The ball contact locations being configured and arranged to facilitate hitting of a baseball to a predetermined field location.

Abstract: A training mat for teaching controlled directional hitting of a ball. The mat consisting of a home plate zone, a plurality of equally spaced pitching lanes defined by a plurality of lines extending longitudinally through home plate. The pitching lanes including at least an inside lane defining the ball path of an inside pitch and at least an outside lane defining the ball path of an outside pitch. Each lane having a predetermined ball contact location defined by a marking indicia s the respective lane. The ball contact locations being configured and arranged to facilitate hitting of a baseball to a predetermined field location.

Abstract: A thermal energy recovery system for an ice making plant of an ice rink includes a refrigeration unit for generating temperatures suitable for maintaining an ice surface that generates low grade heat as a by-product. A storage tank for storing a heat transfer fluid is provided. A refrigeration loop conveys heat transfer fluid containing low grade heat from the refrigeration unit to the storage tank. A thermal energy utilization loop provides fluid communication from the storage tank to a building HVAC system. There is at least one heat pump on the thermal energy utilization output conduit adapted to take heat transfer fluid containing low grade heat and convert the low grade heat into one of high grade heat or comfort cooling for use in the building HVAC system.

Abstract: A wall system for clean rooms employs an elongated framing member having four channels each with a thread slot in the bottom of the channel. This four channel arrangement facilitates the concealment of the fasteners and brackets used to join framing members to one another.