Abstract: Disclosed is a developmental animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy and other seizure-related disorders. In particular, the invention provides a method of inducing a permanent change in the neurological development of a rodent, such as a rat, comprising daily administration of low doses of a kainate receptor agonist to the animal in the second postnatal week, wherein after treatment with the kainate receptor agonist the animal exhibits reproducible seizure-like symptoms when exposed to mild to moderate stressors. Rats treated using the above method are particularly useful as a non-human system for studying temporal lobe epilepsy, as well as for studying the efficacy of potential anti-epileptic compounds and pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser is based on a frame that defines a refrigeration chamber that houses a unit cooler, which is in communication with a cooled air plenum that, in turn, is in communication with a display chamber. The unit cooler supplies cooled air to the plenum. The cooled air that is supplied to the plenum is then provided to a shelf that is mounted in the display chamber. Additionally, the cooled air is provided to at least one drawer, which is slidably mounted in the display chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic spool lock with a hydraulic spool housing, first and second hydraulic spools mounted within the hydraulic spool housing for independent selective movement with respect to the hydraulic spool housing, and a lock plunger movable mounted to the hydraulic spool housing. The present invention allows independent movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in the unlocked position. The present inventions prevents movement of the spools with respect to the hydraulic spool housing when the hydraulic spool lock is in a locked position.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for storing at least one valve of toddler training cups in a dishwasher for cleaning. The dishwasher basket is assembled by a top shell and a bottom shell. The top shell and bottom shell are substantially symmetrical to each other. At one part of the peripheries, the top and bottom shells are hinged with each other. At the opposing part of the peripheries, a latching means is formed, such that the dishwasher basket can be open for loading or unloading the valves, and close to securely lodging the valves therein for cleaning in the dishwasher. The dishwasher basket is attached to a top rack of the dishwasher by a basket attachment right above the water jet source, such that cleaning effect is enhanced by the pressure generated by the water jet.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for storing at least one valve of toddler training cups in a dishwasher for cleaning. The dishwasher basket is assembled by a top shell and a bottom shell. The dishwasher basket is attached to a top rack of the dishwasher by a basket attachment right above the water jet source, such that cleaning effect is enhanced by the pressure generated by the water jet. In another aspect, a soaking container is disclosed, suitable for soaking the dishwasher basket and its contents. The soaking container has a suction cup affixed to its bottom to thereby anchor the container to a counter top or similar surface. Also, the soaking container has a lid to prevent foreign material from falling into the soaking solution and to limit spillage of the soaking solution. The soaking container advantageously facilitates cleaning of the valves.

Abstract: A steamer apparatus for steaming bread-type food products includes a housing defining a steam chamber having a heated platen therein. A water conduit delivers water onto the heated platen to convert the water into steam in the steam chamber. The water in the conduit is preheated by the heated platen, itself, prior to delivering the water to the heated platen.

Abstract: Provided is a hygienic wipes steamer for warming hygienic wipes. The hygienic wipes steamer comprises a housing assembly contains a liquid container, a roller assembly, a heater assembly and an ejector assembly. The liquid container stores a quantity of liquid. The roller assembly rotatably supports a roll of material and cuts the material into individual hygienic wipes during unwinding of the material. The heater assembly has a beating element and has steam holes formed therealong. The heater assembly is in fluid communication with the liquid container and receives hygienic wipes from the roller assembly. Upon activation of the hygienic wipes steamer, liquid flows into the heater assembly from the liquid container and is transformed into steam when heated by the heating element such that the steam passes through the steam holes and warms the hygienic wipe that is supported by the heater assembly. The ejector assembly ejects the warmed hygienic wipes from the hygienic wipes steamer.

Abstract: A freestanding cover for a food tray has a flange section and a support section extending downwardly from the flange section. The support section supports the cover independently of the tray, with the flange section positioned above the tray opening. The freestanding is inserted into a heated compartment in a food warming cabinet and is supported on a shelf mounted in the food warming cabinet. A retainer provided on the cover engages the shelf to prevent the cover from moving forward or backward. With the retainer so engaged, a tray containing previously cooked food portions may be inserted into and removed from a receiving space in the cover, leaving the cover inside of the compartment.

Abstract: A freestanding cover for a food tray has a flange section and a support section extending downwardly from the flange section. The support section supports the cover independently of the tray, with the flange section positioned above the tray opening. The freestanding cover is inserted into a heated compartment in a food warming cabinet and is supported on a retaining mechanism positioned on the shelf of the food warming cabinet. The retaining mechanism, in the form of a wire rack, prevents the cover from moving forward or backward. With the cover retained by the wire rack, a tray containing previously cooked food portions may be inserted into and removed from a receiving space in the cover, leaving the cover inside of the compartment.

Abstract: A grill scraper is provided for scraping the surface of a cooking grill or the like. The scraper includes an elongated frame defining a longitudinal axis which extends between a front head end of the frame and a rear handle end of the frame. A blade head is mounted at the head end of the frame for mounting a scraping blade thereon. A first handle is mounted at the handle end of the frame and extends downwardly therefrom. A second handle is mounted on the frame rearwardly of the head end but remote from the first handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a enzyme predicted to be a serine protease, which is specifically expressed in association with embryo implantation and placentation in pregnant uterus. The enzyme of the invention is useful in the evaluation of fertility and monitoring of early pregnancy, placental development and function, fetal development, parturition, and conditions such as pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, early abortion, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and cancers, and may provide a potential target for contraception. It may also be important in diseases of the heart, testis or ovary, and may play a role in muscle function, including cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, lung and the diaphragm. In addition the enzyme of the invention is useful in the screening of candidate drugs for fertility control or for treatment of fertility-related disorders.

Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer comprising a housing which defines an upper housing wall. It also comprises a liquid tank assembly that has an upper tank surface defining at least one vapor aperture therethrough. The tank assembly is disposed within the housing in a manner as to form an inside compartment between the upper housing wall and the upper tank surface. The warmer further comprises a heating element which is disposed within the housing to provide heat to the tank assembly. In this regard, a portion of liquid within the tank assembly transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element and flow to the inside compartment through the vapor aperture(s). By providing the vapors, the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported therein can be maintained while warming them.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket, having an upper compartment providing a common storage area for various types of accessories and a lower compartment particularly designed for storing baby bottle nipples. The lower compartment has two trays so structured that nipples rest therein with a specific angular orientation to achieve optimal cleaning effect. The dishwasher basket further has a spinning storage compartment insertable between the tray underneath the upper compartment. The spinning storage compartment has at least one rotor therein to rotate about the central axis thereof. The spinning storage compartment may be used to store small articles such as valves of toddler training cups. The angular orientation of the valves relative to the water jet is varied as the rotor rotates, such that the valves can be thoroughly cleaned.

Abstract: A composite sports racquet frame is made by placing a first prepreg tube into a first mold plate and a second prepreg tube into a second mold plate. A plurality of pin plates, each having a plurality of pins which are at least substantially parallel to one another, are secured to the mold plate so that, when the mold is closed, the pins extend between the two tubes. The tubes are pressurized to assume the shape of the mold and contact one another, and the mold is heated to allow resin to flow between the tubes as they cure, the pins forming pin holes in the frame. Once cured, the frame is removed from the mold, and the pins are withdrawn. If desired, the ends of the tubes forming the handle section can be kept separate from one another during the molding process, by using a removable mold plate. In this manner, not only do the two tubes become integral with one another, at least in the head portion, but string holes do not need to be drilled after the racquet is molded.

Abstract: There is provided a seat cover for accommodating a child safety chair upon a seat. The seat cover comprises a lower protective member which is disposable upon a seating portion of the seat. This lower member can accommodate the child safety chair when positioned in a rearward-facing direction to prevent it from permanently compressing the seating portion. The seat cover further comprises an upper protective member that is disposable against a seat-back portion of the seat. This upper member is selectively attachable with and detachable from the lower member. By doing so, the upper member can further prevent the chair from permanently compressing the seat-back portion when it is repositioned in a forward-facing direction and placed in contact therewith.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder assembly includes an electrical sensing device for sensing the relative position of a hydraulic piston within the cylinder. The sensor assembly includes a spool which is connected to one end of a wire that extends outside the cylinder. The spool may be rotated to take up any slack in the wire. Also, the wire is connected to a header assembly in the wall of the cylinder. The header assembly includes an internal member to which the wire is connected that does not rotate with respect to the outer header member during the threading of the outer header member into the wall of the cylinder.

Abstract: A ligand for a neuropeptide Y receptor which has the formula: Ac-Ala-Arg-Ala-Ala-Leu-Asn-Ala-Ala-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2 (SEQ ID NO:1), or Ac-Ala-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2 (SEQ ID NO:2), or Ac-Leu-Ala-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2 (SEQ ID NO:3), or Ac-Leu-Arg-Ala-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2 (SEQ ID NO:4), or Ac-Leu-Arg-His-Ala-Leu-Asn-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2, (SEQ ID NO:5), or Ac-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Ala-Asn-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2(SEQ ID NO:6), or Ac-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Ala-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2, (SEQ ID NO:7), or Ac-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ala-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2, (SEQ ID NO:8), or Ac-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Ala-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2, (SEQ ID NO:9), or Ac-Ala-Arg-His-Ala-Leu-Asn-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2, (SEQ ID NO:10), or Ac-Leu-Arg-Ala-Ala-Leu-Asn-Leu-Leu-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2, (SEQ ID NO:11), wherein Ac is acetyl.