Abstract: A high molecular weight (“HMW”) protein of Chlamydia, the amino acid sequence thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind the HMW protein are disclosed as well as the nucleic acid sequence encoding the same. Also disclosed are prophylactic and therapeutic compositions, comprising the HMW protein, a fragment thereof, or an antibody that specifically binds the HMW protein or a protein thereof, or the nucleotide sequence encoding the HMW protein or a fragment thereof, including vaccines.

Abstract: A powertrain configuration for a truck chassis includes a chassis having at least two frame rails and at least one intermediate cross member. A forward wheel assembly is attached to a forward region of the chassis and a rearward wheel assembly is attached to a rearward region of the chassis. An engine is positioned adjacent to the forward wheel assembly and attached to two chassis frame rails such that, at most, only ten percent of an overall engine height extends above a top of the chassis frame rails. The powertrain configuration may further include a transmission attached to the engine and a driveshaft attached to the transmission.

Abstract: A flow controller for a container including a slide member guide, having a first peripheral flange on an outer surface, and configured to be either integral with the container or to be attached separately to a neck of the container. The neck includes a seal. A slide member is slideably and rotatably carried within the slide member guide. The slide member includes a second peripheral flange attached to an outer surface of the slide member to provide a space for insertion of a shipping pin between the first and second peripheral flanges. The shipping pin prevents an inner edge of the slide member from contacting and puncturing the seal. The container can include a lancing pin disposed on the inside of the container and is configured to contact the slide member at a top end and actuate an air vent at the opposite end.

Abstract: A durable weighted vest insert to produce a calming effect in users. The insert has a plurality of sealed compartments having weights in an anterior and posterior portion. Weight distribution is configured to provide a uniform and even pressure predominately over the upper muscles of the back and high on the pectoral muscles (i.e., an anterior and posterior shoulder girdle) when placed on a user and can be determined as a percentage of a user's body weight. The insert has mechanical fasteners such as pressure sensitive fastening materials, zippers, buttons, ties or hooks on an exposed surface. The invention can also include a vest having an interior surface comprising opposing mechanical fasteners placed corresponding to the fasteners of the insert whereby the insert can be incorporated and concealed within the vest.

Abstract: A multi-disciplinary educational tool having a plurality of commodity representations, a plurality of instruction cards, and at least one cargo transfer means that is moved among a plurality of geographical regions is disclosed. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a playing surface to represent a plurality of geographical regions. The commodity representations comprise physical samples, pictorial representations or a combination of physical samples and pictorial representations of the represented commodities. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a quantity of money for use during trading and exchange rates, wherein the exchange rates can set prices and exchange rates for the plurality of commodity representations. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a plurality of impact cards that affect trading.

Abstract: A food service receptacle suited for storing and protecting a variety of prepared food items using efficient and manageable containers to allow easy and efficient food transfer. One embodiment includes a box, a closure unit, specialized containers and support members. The box can be lined with a watertight material such as plastic or galvanized metal. The closure unit is hingedly mounted to said box and has openings covered by a netting material and also has a plurality of collapsible support arms to support an open position. The support members can be detachable and covered with a non-corrosive material at their bottom.

Abstract: A seatback assembly having an integral generally “U” shaped head/neck rest within its seatback that can be configured to accommodate a variety of positions while in use and incorporated into the seatback when not in use. The seat assembly has a seatback attached to a lower seat having a support arch and an opening. A generally “U” shaped head/neck rest is disposed within and pivotally attached to the seatback opening by a pair of mounting bars. The pivotal mount allows an open position for use and a closed position that is integral with the seatback. The mounting bars can be slidably mounted to the seatback and have locking mechanisms. Other features can include an internal frame, a pivotal attachment between the lower seat and seatback and the support arch can be made of tube steel and have padding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydroforming system and method eliminating the need for a solid steel die (or mold) set operated by a conventional high tonnage hydraulic press. The invention utilizes a fabricated or bar-stock die set integrated to a series of adjustably placed hydraulic cylinders to create a self-contained operating unit. The system can include a die set, a plurality of activation and clamping hydraulic cylinders, a computer control system and reinforcement and support structures. The die set can be a mounted lower die half and an adjacent movable upper die half, each constructed of individual pieces of plate or bar stock. The computer control system interprets incoming linear position data from all of the activation hydraulic cylinders and monitors and controls hydraulic fluid flow into and out of each cylinder. The system can also have a plurality of support pillars affixed to the lower die half.

Abstract: An improved heavy vehicle chassis for recreational vehicles, busses and trucks is provided. According to the invention, the chassis has a front frame chassis subcomponent and a rear chassis subcomponent. The front chassis subcomponent contains appropriate chassis subcomponents such as wheels, axles, a suspension unit, braking and steering apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the engine is disposed between the front chassis subcomponent axles allowing better handling, turning, and maneuverability, while not significantly reducing overall vehicle ground clearance. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear chassis configuration has increased storage capacity to accept items as large as additional recreational vehicles such as a personal water craft, golf cart, dirt bike, and the like. A drop deck can be added to assist in delivering the small recreational vehicle to ground level.

Abstract: This invention is an efficient and cost effective bi-directional DC/DC converter that can effectively reduce the switch voltage stress (such as a semiconductor) with an accelerated commutation circuit, and thus allowing a low-cost passive clamp circuit to be used. Specifically, the invention is a method and system to accelerate commutation for passive-clamped isolated boost converters, which can also be a boost mode in a bi-directional DC/DC converter. A primary circuit has a snubber comprising a diode, a capacitor and an energy dissipater (such as a resistor or small buck converter). The primary circuit can be a “full bridge converter” or a “push-pull converter” or an “L-type converter” configuration. The commutation of the present invention protects the primary circuit switches from voltage spikes during switching conditions.

Abstract: The invention is an improved trailer adapted for golf equipment. The preferred embodiment has a chassis with wheels having a braking and suspension system and a trailer tongue with a hitch to attach to a motorcycle or a golf cart. An aerodynamic housing provides insulated storage accessed by a hingedly mounted seat. The housing also contains a golf bag seat with means to support and secure a plurality of golf bags. A collapsible or detachable roof, signal lights, additional storage baskets, and a golf ball washer can also be added. The brakes can be configured to activate when the roof or a seat back is raised. The invention can be easily, economically, and efficiently manufactured and marketed using many components already manufactured for use on prior art golf carts.

Abstract: The invention is an extensible and retractable bathtub spout. The spout has a stationary base with a means to attach the stationary base to a structure, a detachable pull-out spout unit having a releasable mount to a front opening of the stationary base, a pressurized water supply, and a length of extensible hose attached to water supply and the pull-out spout unit. The extensible hose is contained in a stored position behind the rear opening of the stationary base and capable of being extended outwardly. The pull-out spout unit can also have a diverter valve and diverter controller, to divert pressurized water to a showerhead whether the pull-out spout unit is in the extended or retracted position. The pull-out spout unit can also have a backflow preventer. The extensible hose can have a means to prevent over-extension of the extensible hose.

Abstract: A reusable, releasable, bottle holder device is disclosed and adapted for use with bottles now commonly used. The device has a pair of rigid semi-annular plates hingedly mounted to each other along one edge. Each of the rigid plates is pre-formed with a curve which is concave from the other to receive a bottle. The device includes a first and second handle half attached to a second edge of each of the semi-annular plate edges and having at least one pin in a second handle half situated to co-operably engage with a ring opening in a first handle half in a closed position, the pin having a flexible and deformable cap. The device can be made out of clear materials allowing easy identification of the contents. When the curved rigid plates are in an open position, they are stackable allowing for space efficient transport and display.