Abstract: A portable neck strength testing device includes a support member securable to the body of a subject, a measurement unit coupled to the support member and a head mount adjustably connected to the measurement unit. The head mount includes a first portion configured to engage the head of the subject and the head mount is displaceable in response to motion of the first portion. The measurement unit is configured to detect displacement of the head mount and measure therefrom at least a force or a torque exerted on the head mount.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to inhibit replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by negatively modulating or altering the cytoskeleton, more precisely the proteins forming the intermediate cytoskeletal filaments, wherein the the proteins are vimentin and/or keratin-10. The replication of the virus is inhibited in human cells by intervening in the structure of these proteins. The present invention is also related to the use of agents, including peptides and/or interfering RNA and/or lipidic compounds, the agents producing a negative modulation or alteration of the cytoskeleton to prevent or to treat the HIV infection.

Abstract: A remote-controlled robotic equipment for tree pruning near energized power lines, which, provides a remote-controlled robotic equipment in its own, specific electromechanical structure coupled to a truck and based on a robotic arm with a stand, a positioner, a handler and an end effector-pruning tool, a collection bin and a tree branch shredder, which are all integrated, for robotized tree pruning near energized power lines, which can conveniently, safely and precisely streamline the procedures adopted in the maintenance of aerial electric power distribution networks, more specifically, tree pruning near urban electric power distribution networks, combined with full ergonomics and no exposure of operators.

Abstract: A remote-controlled robotic equipment for tree pruning near energized power lines, which, provides a remote-controlled robotic equipment in its own, specific electromechanical structure coupled to a truck and based on a robotic arm with a stand, a positioner, a handler and an end effector-pruning tool, a collection bin and a tree branch shredder, which are all integrated, for robotized tree pruning near energized power lines, which can conveniently, safely and precisely streamline the procedures adopted in the maintenance of aerial electric power distribution networks, more specifically, tree pruning near urban electric power distribution networks, combined with full ergonomics and no exposure of operators.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to inhibit replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by negatively modulating or altering the cytoskeleton, more precisely the proteins forming the intermediate cytoskeletal filaments, wherein the said proteins are vimentin and/or keratin-la The replication of the virus is inhibited in human cells by intervening in the structure of these proteins. The present invention is also related to the use of agents, which comprise peptides and/or interfering RNA and/or lipidic compounds, said agents producing a negative modulation or alteration of the cytoskeleton to prevent or to treat the HIV infection. The invention provides means and methods for altering the cytoskeleton/filament structure of cells, as a result of which the infection of human cells by HIV is disturbed and can even be completely inhibited. The cytoskeleton is altered by reducing the amount of vimentin and/or keratin (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to inhibit replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by negatively modulating or altering the cytoskeleton, more precisely the proteins forming the intermediate cytoskeletal filaments, wherein the said proteins are vimentin and/or keratin-10. The replication of the virus is inhibited in human cells by intervening in the structure of these proteins. The present invention is also related to the use of agents, which comprise peptides and/or interfering RNA and/or lipidic compounds, said agents producing a negative modulation or alteration of the cytoskeleton to prevent or to treat the HIV infection. The invention provides means and methods for altering the cytoskeleton/filament structure of cells, as a result of which the infection of human cells by HIV is disturbed and can even be completely inhibited. The cytoskeleton is altered by reducing the amount of vimentin and/or keratin (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to inhibit replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by negatively modulating or altering the cytoskeleton, more precisely the proteins forming the intermediate cytoskeletal filaments, wherein the said proteins are vimentin and/or keratin-10. The replication of the virus is inhibited in human cells by intervening in the structure of these proteins. The present invention is also related to the use of agents, which comprise peptides and/or interfering RNA and/or lipidic compounds, said agents producing a negative modulation or alteration of the cytoskeleton to prevent or to treat the HIV infection. The invention provides means and methods for altering the cytoskeleton/filament structure of cells, as a result of which the infection of human cells by HIV is disturbed and can even be completely inhibited. The cytoskeleton is altered by reducing the amount of vimentin and/or keratin (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to inhibit replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by negatively modulating or altering the cytoskeleton, more precisely the proteins forming the intermediate cytoskeletal filaments, wherein the said proteins are vimentin and/or keratin-10. The replication of the virus is inhibited in human cells by intervening in the structure of these proteins. The present invention is also related to the use of agents, which comprise peptides and/or interfering RNA and/or lipidic compounds, said agents producing a negative modulation or alteration of the cytoskeleton to prevent or to treat the HIV infection. The invention provides means and methods for altering the cytoskeleton/filament structure of cells, as a result of which the infection of human cells by HIV is disturbed and can even be completely inhibited. The cytoskeleton is altered by reducing the amount of vimentin and/or keratin (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to inhibit replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by negatively modulating or altering the cytoskeleton, more precisely the proteins forming the intermediate cytoskeletal filaments, wherein the said proteins are vimentin and/or keratin-10. The replication of the virus is inhibited in human cells by intervening in the structure of these proteins. The present invention is also related to the use of agents, which comprise peptides and/or interfering RNA and/or lipidic compounds, said agents producing a negative modulation or alteration of the cytoskeleton to prevent or to treat the HIV infection. The invention provides means and methods for altering the cytoskeleton/filament structure of cells, as a result of which the infection of human cells by HIV is disturbed and can even be completely inhibited. The cytoskeleton is altered by reducing the amount of vimentin and/or keratin (e.g.

Abstract: The process described by this invention involves the hydroconversion of vegetable oils appropriately selected for the production of N-paraffins, through hydrotreatment of a stream of vegetable hydrocarbon oils in and/or natural fats that may be used in a pure state or in a mixture with mineral hydrocarbon oil. This mixture flow is submitted to the process of hydrotreatment, obtaining as a result, a product flow with an elevated content of N-paraffins in the range of C10-C-13. This process provides an alternative to the usual process that uses a mineral hydrocarbon oil load (petroleum kerosene of paraffin base) to produce C10-C13 N-paraffins that are raw materials for the production of detergents (LAB), being, therefore, especially advantageous for use in situations where kerosene is a limiting factor for producing N-paraffins, resulting in a product of good quality with a reasonable gain in the production of N-paraffins.

Abstract: A valve spring compressor apparatus and method for compressing cylinder valve springs for the removal and installation of their locks or keepers and for replacement of valve stem seals or broken springs on an internal combustion engine, while the cylinder head is mounted on the engine or supported on a work bench. A compressor tool adjustably mounted on a support assembly temporarily secured over the cylinder head has a pivoting hand lever and spring biased push rod which, when manually depressed, moves a compressing member at the bottom of the push rod downward to engage and depress the valve spring and its retainer to gain access and removal of the lock or keeper though openings in the compressor tool.

Abstract: A process is described for production of Bio-Oil by delayed coking with modified feedstock, in which the feed of the conventional coke unit envisages, in addition to the usual fresh feed of hydrocarbon (vacuum residue, atmospheric residue etc.), the feeding of a biomass for coprocessing. Said biomass can be selected from the group comprising sugar cane straw, sugar cane bagasse, castor seed cake, coconut shells, rice husks, raw soya, castor seed, canola, oil palm, and cottonseed oils, and oils and fats of animal origin, which can be used separately, or as mixtures thereof in any proportions.

Abstract: Special service tool and method for compressing cylinder valve springs for the removal and installation of their locks or keepers and for replacement of valve stem seals or brocken springs on an internal combustion engine, while the head still mounted on the engine or is on a work bench. Service tool comprising a multiple of attachment members for configuring the tool as need depending of the cylinder head design. Support means temporarily secured over the cylinder head and employing existing threaded opening for securing camshaft caps are arrange to mount the tool over slidably dispose bars and brackets, this method allow technicians to overcome the problems of removal and replacement of overhead valve springs by performing this task faster and in a safer manner.

Abstract: Process for hydroconversion of loads of mixtures of waxes from renewable resources that may be made up of waxes of mineral origin or waxes of animal origin, that may be used in their pure form or mixed in any proportion, that may optionally be combined with loads of hydrocarbons of mineral origin, as is the case of waxes obtained from petroleum, by industrial treatment. This mixture flow is submitted to a hydrotreatment and hydroisomerization/hydrofinishing process and the referenced process takes place under the usual hydroconversion conditions, in the presence of a hydrogen stream and hydroconversion catalysts, resulting in obtaining products referred to as biolubricants and bioparaffins, that present characteristics of being biodegradable and less of an environmental pollutant.

Abstract: The process described by this invention involves the hydroconversion of vegetable oils appropriately selected for the production of N-paraffins, through hydrotreatment of a stream of vegetable hydrocarbon oils in and/or natural fats that may be used in a pure state or in a mixture with mineral hydrocarbon oil. This mixture flow is submitted to the process of hydrotreatment, obtaining as a result, a product flow with an elevated content of N-paraffins in the range of C10-C-13. This process provides an alternative to the usual process that uses a mineral hydrocarbon oil load (petroleum kerosene of paraffin base) to produce C10-C13 N-paraffins that are raw materials for the production of detergents (LAB), being, therefore, especially advantageous for use in situations where kerosene is a limiting factor for producing N-paraffins, resulting in a product of good quality with a reasonable gain in the production of N-paraffins.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, this present invention provides methods of identifying and using agonists and antagonists of Delta-like 4 (Dll4) signaling.