Abstract: The invention provides immunostimulatory oligonucleotides having at least one CpG dinucleotide and a secondary structure at the 5?- or 3?-end. These oligonucleotides have either reduced or improved immunostimulatory properties. The invention establishes that 5?-terminal secondary structures affect immunostimulatory activity significantly more than those at the 3?-end. The invention also provides methods for increasing or decreasing the immunostimulatory activity of a CpG-containing nucleic acid.

Abstract: A retainer for a bag shoulder strap, including a flat longitudinal member having a retaining portion on one end, a pin retaining member secured to one side of the flat longitudinal member, and a pin member. The pin retaining member defines a transverse space between the retaining member and the longitudinal member adjacent the longitudinal member other end, and also includes wings spaced from the longitudinal member and projecting inwardly from opposite sides adjacent the longitudinal member one end. The pin member includes a transverse portion pivotally trapped in the transverse space, and first and second pin legs extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the transverse portion to pointed ends adjacent the longitudinal member one end. In a securing position the pointed ends of the pin legs are between the pin retaining member wings and the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A motorized roller includes a roller body of a cylindrical shape, in which a motor and a reducer are housed. The motorized roller has fixed shafts protruding out of both ends of the roller body. A first fixed shaft has a cavity, in which a first connector is housed. A second connector is connected to the first connector. The first fixed shaft has a first engaging part (inside screw) for preventing disengagement of the second connector, so that a part (screw forming part) of the second connector is engaged with the first engaging part.

Abstract: A log splitter having a bed for accepting a log. The bed has an operating length between first and second components, with the former a wedge. The log splitter can be placed in: (a) a first operative state wherein the bed has a first operating length; and (b) a second operative state wherein the bed has a second operating length. With the log splitter in the first operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a first starting position in a first lengthwise direction to effect splitting of a log; and (b) thereafter, oppositely to the first lengthwise direction back into the first starting position. In the second operative state, the wedge is movable: (a) from a second starting position to effect splitting; and (b) thereafter, back into the second starting position. The log splitter further has an operating assembly to move the first component.

Abstract: A method of forming a power transmission belt including the steps of: providing a first layer made from rubber and having first and second oppositely facing sides; providing a mold; pressing the first side of the first layer conformingly against a surface on the mold having alternating projections and recesses to thereby form alternating teeth and troughs on the first layer; locally pressing the second side of the first layer at locations coinciding lengthwise with the teeth to thereby eliminate or prevent the formation of discrete holes; and joining the first layer, having the alternating teeth and troughs thereon, to at least one other component to define the power transmission belt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percussion assembly comprising a multitude of percussion instruments, means for playing said percussion instruments and input means for inputting a tone pitch selection for the purpose of producing a tone pitch selection signal. The percussion assembly further comprises sensor means for producing a synchronization signal when at least one of said percussion instruments is being played. The percussion assembly furthermore comprises control means for receiving the tone pitch selection signal and the synchronization signal and for producing an audio signal dependent on the tone pitch selection signal synchronously with the synchronization signal. The invention further relates to drumsticks and to input means for use with a percussion assembly as described in the foregoing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device 28 in which a plating mask 38, 39 having a noble metal plating layer 35 as an uppermost layer is formed at a predetermined portion on an obverse surface side or a reverse surface side of a leadframe material 10, and the leadframe material 10 is consecutively subjected to etching by using the plating mask 38, 39 as a resist mask, so as to form external connection terminal portions 22 which electrically communicate with a semiconductor element 18 disposed in an interior of an encapsulating resin 21, and which project downwardly. Base metal plating or noble metal plating 33 exhibiting etching solution resistance is provided as a lowermost layer of the plating mask 38, 39.

Abstract: A medical training apparatus comprises a frame defining a work space simulating a body cavity and having an access opening to allow introduction of a medical instrument to the working space from externally of the working space. A sensor platform is rotationally mounted in the working space for rotating the platform to select angular positions for performing a series of simulated medical procedures. A plurality of modules are mounted around a perimeter of the platform. Each module comprises a different model upon which an associated medical procedure can be performed with a medical instrument. A plurality of sensors are each operatively associated with one of the modules for sensing progress of the associated medical procedure. A control unit is coupled to the sensors for monitoring progress of the medical procedures and providing an indication of status of the medical procedures.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser (10) includes a container (12), a cover (14), and a rotatable member (16). The container (12) is adapted to hold a quantity of earplugs (18) to be dispensed, and has a downwardly opening mouth (20). The cover (14) is attached to the container (12) to close the downwardly opening mouth (20). The rotatable member (16) is carried in the cover (14) for rotation about a vertical axis (22). The cover (14) has a base (24), a dispensing port (26) extending through the base (24), and a facing cylindrical surface (28A) extending up from the base (24) and centered on the vertical axis (22). The rotatable member (16) has a plurality of conduits (29) extending vertically through the rotatable member (16), with each conduit (29) adapted to receive an earplug (18) from the container (12) and align one at a time with the dispensing port (26) to allow an earplug (18) carried in the conduit (29) to be dispensed downwardly through the dispensing port (26).

Abstract: Mineral oil compositions with trace portions of additives contain as additive a comb polymer containing ester linkages, either based on a) ethylene-vinylester copolymers modified by hydroxy groups or glycidyl groups with molecular mass weight averages from 3000 to 50000 and an ethylene portion of 50 to 90 mass %, and b) partially imidated and/or partially esterified maleic anhydride copolymers, wherein in the comb polymer based on a) and b) the modified ethylene-vinylester copolymer component is connected by means of ester linkages to the partially imidated and/or partially esterified maleic anhydride copolymer component, or a comb polymer containing ester linkages based on c) ethylene-vinylester copolymers modified by acid and/or acid anhydride groups with molecular mass weight averages from 3000 to 50000 and an ethylene portion of 50 to 90 mass %, and d) polyalcohols partially esterified with C12-C40-monocarboxylic acids wherein in the comb polymer based on c) and d) the ethylene-vinylester copolymer c

Abstract: A method for controlling Dipteran larvae or a method for inhibiting the development of larvicidal resistance, controlling resistant populations and reducing resistance levels in Diptera by introducing a larvicidally-effective amount of a combination of a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis and a strain of Bacillus sphaericus into an environment containing Dipteran larvae; and a composition of the combination are disclosed. Preferably both strains are non-genetically modified.

Abstract: A method for the production of a plant-based medicament which contains Iberis amara, Menthae piperitae folium, Matricariae flos, Carvi fructus, Melissae folium, Angelicae radix, Liquiritiae radix, Cardui mariae fructus and Chelidonii herba in the form of alcoholic extracts and a medicament produced according to this method, and its use.

Abstract: A trimmer head wherein the driveline of the power tool is connected to a core member. A spool is mounted to the core member and directly driven by the core member. A housing is mounted for axially sliding on the core member and a spring urges axial movement of the housing relative to the core member. Interlocking structure on the spool and housing produces interlocking for common rotation of the spool and housing responsive to urging by the spring. Release of the interlocking structure is affected by opposing said spring urging. Desirable additional features include selective alternate positioning of the spring for automatic and manual only release of said interlocking and a line loading assist provided by a tubular post through the spool alignable with housing eyelets for threading line through the eyelets and spool and winding thereof onto the spool by manual turning of the spool relative to the housing.

Abstract: A carrier ring assembly is provided for use with a closure for a container. The carrier ring assembly includes a carrier ring and a valve. The carrier ring includes a retention bead and a retention space. The valve is located at least partially within the carrier ring and has a retention portion positioned within the retention space.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula: to compositions containing these compounds, and to methods of treatment employing the compounds and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a series of compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and to use of the compounds and compositions as therapeutic agents. More specifically, compounds of the present invention are hexahydroazepinoindole and octahydroazepinoindole compounds. These compounds are serotonin receptor (5-HT) ligands and are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and conditions wherein modulation of the activity of serotonin receptors (5-HT) is desired (e.g. anxiety, depression and obesity).