Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for lipid matrix-assisted chemical ligation and synthesis of membrane polypeptides that are incorporated in a lipid matrix. The invention is exemplified in production of a prefolded membrane polypeptide embedded within a lipid matrix via stepwise chemoselective chemical ligation of unprotected peptide segments, where at least one peptide segment is embedded in a lipid matrix. Any chemoselective reaction chemistry amenable for ligation of unprotected peptide segments can be employed. Suitable lipid matrices include liposomes, micelles, cell membrane patches and optically isotropic cubic lipidic phase matrices. Prefolded synthetic and semi-synthetic membrane polypeptides synthesized according to the methods and compositions of the invention also permit site-specific incorporation of one or more detectable moieties, such as a chromophore, which can be conveniently introduced during synthesis.

Abstract: A fire escape device includes first and second cable drums rotatably mounted on a mounting shaft and spaced apart from each other axially, first and second support cables respectively wound around hub portions of the cable drums, and a coupling mechanism disposed between the cable drums to interconnect releasably the same. The first support cable is unreeled to generate a jerking force to permit rotation of the second cable drum with the first cable drum. Unreeling of the second support cable can rotate the first and second cable drums to reel the first support cable. Thus, alternately lowering people one after another from an elevated floor to a safe location can be achieved.

Abstract: A ventilation module optimized as to size, accessibility and air circulation, including an motorized fan unit (MFU) (2) for at least one suction turbine (16), a shell housing (15) accommodating the turbine (16) driven in rotation by an electric motor about a central rotational axis (Z′Z), the shell (15) being coupled to at least one air intake (11, 12) and outlet (13) formed in an outer casing (10), the incoming air being sucked in by the turbine (16) through at least one central orifice (&OHgr;1, &OHgr;2) formed in the shell (15). An air-inlet flap (17) extends on either side of the shell (15) and is driven in rotation by actuating means about an axis parallel to the rotational axis (Z′Z) of the turbine (16).

Abstract: A soft heating element utilizing individually insulated electrically conductive carbon or metal containing threads/fibers or metal wires that are woven together with nonconductive threads, into sheets, sleeves or strips. The individually insulated conductive threads/fibers or metal wires can be laminated between layers of nonconductive insulation. Nonconductive polymer insulation can be extruded around the non-insulated electrically conductive threads/fibers or metal wires to form strips, sheets or sleeves/pipes. The heating element core is shaped in a desired pattern and connected in parallel or in series to the energizing bus conductors. The thermostats are located in areas of folds in order to control their cycling. When dictated by the heating element design, the electrically conductive threads/fibers have a polymer base, which acts as a Thermal-Cut-Off (TCO) material at predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: The system for determining domestic consumption of electricity, heat, water and gas includes: a number of measuring units (2) for measuring consumption of electricity, heat, water and gas; a concentration unit (4) connected to the measuring units (2) to acquire consumption data from the measuring units (2) and transmit the consumption data via radio; a mobile collecting unit (6) for collecting consumption data transmitted by the concentration unit (4); and a remote central processing unit (8) for collecting and processing the consumption data supplied by the mobile collecting unit (6).

Abstract: A microcomputer-based electronic control system for a full time four wheel drive torque transfer case monitors the relative slip between the front and rear output shafts of the transfer case, and generates a signal to engage an electromagnetic clutch for a predetermined time period in the event a predetermined slip threshold is exceeded. The control system continuously interrogates two Hall effect sensors positioned over toothed wheels on the front and rear outputs of the transfer case. Tooth counts are stored in two numerical stacks (one for each sensor), the depth of which may be adapted to the requirements of the particular design. Upon detecting a tooth count, the system adds the count to the sensor's current stack register and pushes all of the registers of the other stack down one register. The last register is pushed out or deleted from the stack memory.

Abstract: A device (1) for locking the steering spindle (2) of a steering gear of a vehicle, having a blocking pin (6) which is arranged in a housing (3) and can be displaced from a release position into a locking position and vice versa. In order to prevent manipulation of the device (1) by an unauthorized third party if the housing (3) of the device (1) has been forcibly opened and the blocking pin (6) is located in its locking position, a spring-actuated securing element (17; 17′) is arranged in a guide part (12; 12′) of the blocking pin (6), said securing element being fixed in its position by a closure element (20) which is fastened on the inside of the housing (3). If the housing (3) is opened by an unauthorized third party, then the closure element (20) is also removed together with the corresponding housing region and the securing element (17; 17′) is at least partially displaced into a recess (21) of the blocking pin (6) and secures the latter in its locking position.

Abstract: Paper machine felt for use in a papermaking machine, and especially at the press section, incorporates an adhesive which takes up the draw forces on the seam joint between the stepped surfaces of the ends of the belt when mated together to form a continuous belt.

Abstract: The present fishing rod comprises a pair of hood portions (14, 16) which are respectively disposed back and forth in such a manner that they are opposed to each other, while the two hood portions (14, 16) respectively include openings for receiving the leg of the reel. At least one of the pair of hood portions, that is, the hood portion (16) is of a movable type, while the movable hood portion (16) can be moved back and forth as a nut member (18) is rotated.

Abstract: A pillow securing device for releasably holding a pillow in position on an elevated surface comprising a plurality of straps with one end attached to a connector ring and a clasp secured to the other end of each of the straps so that in use at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the pillow and at least one of the straps is secured by means of the clasp to the elevated surface. The straps may have varying lengths and adjustment means.

Abstract: A boat fender with an outer contour designed to prevent damage to the boat, to enhance the retention of a boat to a dock or pillar, and to prevent movement of a boat along its longitude or length while moored to a dock. The boat fender has a V-shaped outer contour designed to receive the pillar of a dock or other docking structure. The boat fender of this invention is designed to easily receive the cylindrical post or pillar common forming the docking structure used during boating.

Abstract: A small diameter duo two leading type drum brake that can mount a built-in parking brake mechanism. The brake has a link mechanism that includes a pivot lever that is rotatably and pivotally supported at a central region of a first brake shoe. A first strut is provided between a first end of a pivot lever and a second brake shoe. A second strut is substantially parallel to the first strut and is provided between the second end of the pivot lever and the second brake shoe. A parking brake actuator is provided to activate the link mechanism to open the pair of first and second brake shoes. A service brake actuator has an automatic shoe clearance adjustment device and one of the first and second struts has an automatic parking stroke adjustment device.