Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: An access ladder for accessing a ceiling from a floor. The ladder comprises a plurality of sections which telescope open and closed, and from a bottom section each section telescopes open to positively lock to the section below it with plungers that lock and unlock each section in sequence as the sections open and close, respectively.

Abstract: The treatment, prevention and prophylaxis of conditions such as sepsis, septic shock, systemic inflammatory response syndrome or “SIRS”, SIRS with organ dysfunction or failure, organ failure and organ dysfunction are described. These conditions are associated with infection by Gram-positive bacteria. The treatment involves the administration of compositions containing a phospholipid, a neutral lipid, and a bile acid or a bile acid salt.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for coupling communications signals to an underground medium-voltage power line includes a medium-voltage power line, a ground conductor, one or more ferrites, and a low-voltage communications line. The medium-voltage power line includes a center phase conductor and a concentric neutral conductor. The ground conductor couples the concentric neutral conductor to a ground connection. The one or more ferrites substantially surround at least a portion of the ground conductor. The low-voltage communications line includes a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the concentric neutral conductor. And the second conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the ground connection.

Abstract: A router bit with a position stop is disclosed. The router bit includes a body with a collar extending outwardly from it and a shaft extending outwardly from the collar. At least one cutter blade is mounted to the body and the cutter blade may be used to cut a profile into a workpiece. The collar has a first diameter, the shaft has a second diameter and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The collar has a face formed a spaced distance or height from the transition point between the collar and the body. The face rests against the upper surface of a chuck when the shaft is secured in the chuck. This allows the body and hence the cutter blades to be held a predetermined distance above the upper surface of the chuck. A second router bit may be provided to cut a complimentary second profile in a second workpiece.

Abstract: An access ladder for an access hole in a building includes a plurality of sections which telescope relative to each other between an extended position, where the sections define a plane and a user can climb the sections, and a retracted position where the sections are folded on each other. Several of the sections have a least one step which preferably moves between an unfolded position where the user can stand on the step when the sections are in the extended position, and a folded position when the sections are in the retracted position. Each section slides relative to another section of the plurality of sections which it is in contact in order for the sections to telescope. A method for using an access ladder attached to an end of an access hole of a building.

Abstract: A ladder includes a first section having at least one step. The ladder includes a second section having a least one step. The ladder includes a platform attached to the first and second sections. The ladder includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first section and second section, about which the first section and second section move between an open state, where the first and second sections are in an angular relationship for use, and a folded state where the first and second sections and the platform are essentially in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The ladder includes a foldable tray mechanism attached to the hinge mechanism about which the foldable tray mechanism moves between the open state independently of the first and second sections, where the foldable tray is in an angular relationship with the first and second sections for use, and a folded state where the foldable tray essentially forms a plane with the first section. A hinge for a stepladder. A step to a ladder.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than 3/4 as tall and 1/2 as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: An apparatus for cranking a shackle of a pump jack. The apparatus includes a shaft which fits through the shackle. The apparatus includes a handle for cranking the shaft. The handle having a locked state in which the handle is unable to rotate the shaft, and an unlocked state in which the handle is able to rotate the shaft. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism engaging the handle at a pivot point and the shaft, the locking mechanism placing the handle in the lock state or the unlocked state by moving the handle about the pivot point to a first position or a second position, respectively. A method for cranking a shackle of a pump jack.

Abstract: A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.

Abstract: A payment performance score is calculated for particular industries, payment ranges, and time periods, such as 3, 6, 9, and 12 month calculations. The score is predictive of how a company will pay a particular party. The score is based on trade experiences and is provided in a report.

Abstract: Methods are described for attaching molecules to a solid phase, such as a magnetic bead. Reactive groups on the solid surface react with a molecule that contains a sulfhydryl group. The sulfhydryl group may, but need not be protected. The molecule is then reacted with a conjugate and ligand. The linker has a reactive group, such as a maleimido group, which reacts with sulfhydryl, and also contains a ligand, such as an antibiotic, antibody, aptamer, or other molecule of interest. The invention also involves methods for quantifying usable reactive groups on a solid phase, where the sulfhydryl group containing moiety is bound, and measured. The first step of the reaction, and preferably the second step as well, take place in non-aqueous, aprotic solvent.

Abstract: A long-handled shovel includes a head having a blade and a socket and an elongate handle member partially extending into the socket of the head. The handle member is a tube. A rod partially extends into the handle member and partially extends into the socket to provide resilient flexing between the head and the handle member when prying forces are applied thereto. A collar encircles the socket to limit outward expansion of the socket. A continuous outer layer of plastic material is molded over the entire length of the handle member and at least partially molded over the socket and the collar. The outer layer provides added strength by extending over the joint between the handle member and the socket.

Abstract: A shingle removal tool includes a base, a forwardly extending blade, and a rearwardly extending shaft. A pair wheels are rotatable about a laterally extending axis located rearward of the blade. The blade has a planar portion forming a leading edge. The shaft has an obtuse angle forming a forward portion having a central axis which intersects the plane formed by the planar portion between the planar portion and the wheels and a rearward portion which intersects the plane formed by the planar portion forward of the planar portion. A rear grip can be mounted to the shaft either rigidly or for impact absorption and a fore grip can be adjustable along the shaft.

Abstract: Methods are described for attaching molecules to a solid phase, such as a magnetic bead. Free amine groups on the solid surface react with a molecule that contains a sulfhydryl group. The sulfhydryl group may, but need not be protected. The molecule is then reacted with a conjugate of linker and ligand. The liner has a reactive maleimide or sulfhydryl group which reacts with the molecule on the solid phase.

Abstract: A router bit with a position stop is disclosed. The router bit includes a body with a collar extending outwardly from it and a shaft extending outwardly from the collar. At least one cutter blade is mounted to the body and the cutter blade may be used to cut a profile into a workpiece. The collar has a first diameter, the shaft has a second diameter and the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The collar has a face formed a spaced distance or height from the transition point between the collar and the body. The face rests against the upper surface of a chuck when the shaft is secured in the chuck. This allows the body and hence the cutter blades to be held a predetermined distance above the upper surface of the chuck. A second router bit may be provided to cut a complimentary second profile in a second workpiece.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) wherein R represents OH or NHOH; R1 represents hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, cycloalkyl-lower alkyl, or acyl derived from a carboxylic acid, from a carbonic acid, from a carbamic acid of from a sulfonic acid; R2 represents biarylsulfonyl or aryloxyarylsufonyl; R3 represents hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, cycloalkyl-lower alkyl or acyl derived from a carboxylic acid, from a carbonic acid or form a carbamic acid; R4 and R5 represent independently hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl, aryl-lower alkyl or cycloalkyl-lower alkyl; m is zero, 1, 2 or 3; pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug derivatives thereof; pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds; and their use for inhibiting matrix degrading metalloproteinases and preventing or treating matrix metalloproteinase dependent conditions in mammals.

Abstract: An snow removal tool having an insert-molded wearstrip is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tool includes: a plastic blade portion and a wearstrip attached to each other by insert molding. Insert molding is performed by placing the wearstrip, which has one or more openings therethrough, in a recess of a mold cavity. Plastic is injected into the mold cavity and flows through the openings in the wearstrip. Upon solidification of the plastic, the final molded product has a cutting edge of the wearstrip protruding from a front edge of said snowtool. Preferably the wearstrip is made from galvanized steel and has a fold or ridge across it to increase stiffness of said snowtool in bending.

Abstract: The invention includes a tool holder for at least one tool having a working end and a handle. The tool holder comprises a gripping device for the handle of the at least one tool, a base for supporting the working end of the at least one tool, and a substantially vertical structural support connected to the gripping device and the base for supporting the gripping device vertically upward from the base. The base includes an irregular surface for contacting an edge of the working end of the at least one tool, thereby restricting movement of the working end of the at least one tool along the base.