Abstract: A method of generating and assigning identifying tags to sound files according to standardized criteria that result in substantially unique tags while minimizing differences in sound files that are ideally identical. A number of points in the sound file's unique frequency domain are chosen to create a position in N dimensional space, and this position is used to determine similarities and differences among sound files.

Abstract: A method of producing recombinant proteins, or polypeptides, in bacteria or other host cells grown on a substantially solid, i.e., solid or semi-solid, nutrient growth medium harboring DNA sequences of interest for encoding the recombinant proteins under the control of an inducer-regulated promoter or constitutive promoter. The bacteria are harvested from the solid or semi-solid nutrient medium and the desired recombinant protein is recovered by disrupting the surface of the bacteria.

Abstract: An artificial shingle adapted for mounting on substantially any roof surface (e.g., spaced slat- or solid sheathing-type construction) whereupon conventional shingles might alternatively be mounted, wherein the artificial shingle provides superior cost, wear, fire resistance, weight, or other characteristics while presenting a substantially realistic appearance and resemblance to a natural material (e.g., slate, cedar). The artificial shingle comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. A lower top exposure portion of the top surface and an upper bottom exposure portion of the bottom surface are both provided (e.g., stamped, molded, imprinted) with a relief or three-dimensional pattern substantially resembling the natural material of which conventional shingles are constructed. Other features include a midline groove with a cuttable end tab, and a portion of reduced thickness with strengthening corrugations.

Abstract: A bearing-like device using magnetic force to both passively facilitate and actively aid or enhance a turning, spinning, or other movement of an attached shaft or other member. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a conical male component spirally wrapped in magnetic material outwardly presenting a magnetic pole of a particular orientation and received within a correspondingly shaped female component including magnetic material outwardly presenting a magnetic pole having the same particular orientation, such that the male component is both magnetically repelled from the female component and magnetically induced to turn or spin relative to the female component.

Abstract: A drain fitting device (10) adapted to seal and facilitate introduction of a fluid, such as tap water, or a gas, such as compressed air, into a clogged drain (12), thereby pressurizing the drain (12) and removing the clog. In a preferred first embodiment, the device (10) broadly comprises a stopper element (14); a hose attachment mechanism (16); an expander mechanism (18); and a hose (20). The stopper element (14) fits within and substantially seals the drain (12). The expander mechanism (18) allows for compressing the stopper element (14), resulting in a circumferential expansion of the stopper element (14) to achieve a tighter seal with the drain (12). The hose (20) extends between and couples the device (10) with a source of pressurization (60) such that the fluid or the gas flows therefrom through the device (10) and into the clogged drain (12).

Abstract: A bearing-like device using magnetic force to both passively facilitate and actively aid or enhance a turning, spinning, or other movement of an attached shaft or other member. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a conical male component spirally wrapped in magnetic material outwardly presenting a magnetic pole of a particular orientation and received within a correspondingly shaped female component including magnetic material outwardly presenting a magnetic pole having the same particular orientation, such that the male component is both magnetically repelled from the female component and magnetically induced to turn or spin relative to the female component.