Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing the generation of active thrombin on the surface of cells. The present methods are based upon the surprising discovery that expression or activation of an ER resident chaperone protein in a cell inhibits the generation of thrombin on the surface of the cell. Accordingly, expressing or activating an ER resident chaperone protein can be used to treat or prevent any of a number of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention includes spring loaded elongated cylindrical perches incorporated into bird feeders, wherein the perches have typically a round perch member which, when loaded by an undesirable bird or other pest, will sense the weight of the pest and the weight will overcome the spring loaded perch and the perch will collapse at a fulcrum point thereby dislodging the bird or pest. The spring is designed to have the capability of elongating upon the application of a predetermined force being applied to the spring by means of the weight of the pest on the perch, and then the spring will elongate causing the perch to bend vertically downward with respect to the ground dislodging the pest, and when the longitudinal force on the spring is relaxed, the spring then resumes its relaxed length and draws the perch back into battery with respect to the spring housing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes spring loaded elongated cylindrical perches incorporated into bird feeders, wherein the perches have typically a round perch member which, when loaded by an undesirable bird or other pest, will sense the weight of the pest and the weight will overcome the spring loaded perch and the perch will collapse at a fulcrum point thereby dislodging the bird or pest.