Abstract: A simple-to-use motorcycle stand does not require any moving parts, and adequately supports a motorcycle in an upright position. The motorcycle is simply pushed forward onto the stand and pulled backward off the stand causing rotational movement of at least a portion of the stand, which may include some translational movement of the stand across an underlying surface. The stand includes one or more structures that engage portions of the motorcycle as the motorcycle is pushed into the stand, thereby causing the rotational movement. As the motorcycle continues moving forward over the stand, the one or more structures engage the body of the motorcycle behind the front wheel, supporting the motorcycle in an upright position. Meanwhile an opposite side of the stand engages the ground. The entire process for engaging or disengaging the stand can be accomplished in one smooth movement of pushing the motorcycle forward or backward.

Abstract: Motorcycle ramps that permit a single individual to safely and easily load a motorcycle to/from an elevated surface, such as a truck bed, without assistance of a second individual are described. The motorcycle ramp includes a fixed or moveable resting platform that receives and secures a rear wheel of the motorcycle, thereby preventing gravity from causing the motorcycle to roll uncontrolled down the ramp. When the rear wheel is resting on the platform, the person pushing the motorcycle up or down the ramp is more easily able to climb to and from the elevated surface, as the individual only needs to steady the motorcycle against sideways motion and needs not worry about backward motion down the ramp. The person is commonly able to prevent unwanted sideways motion using a single hand, freeing the person's other hand to assist in climbing up to or down from the elevated surface.

Abstract: Convertible, multi-functional furniture is disclosed that has at least a standard configuration and a converted configuration, the standard and converted configurations providing different uses for the convertible furniture.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that biological and non-biological materials can be sterilized, decontaminated, or disinfected by repeatedly cycling between relatively high and low pressures. Pressure cycling can be carried out at low, ambient, or elevated temperatures (e.g., from about −40° C. to about 95° C., or intermediate ranges). New methods based on this discovery can have applications in, for example, the preparation of vaccines, the sterilization of blood plasma or serum, plant, animal, and human tissue, sputum, urine, feces, water, and ascites, the decontamination of military devices, food and beverage production, and the disinfection of medical equipment. The new methods can also be incorporated into production processes or research procedures.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that biological and non-biological materials can be sterilized, decontaminated, or disinfected by repeatedly cycling between relatively high and low pressures. Pressure cycling can be carried out at low, ambient, or elevated temperatures (e.g., from about −40° C. to about 95° C., or intermediate ranges). New methods based on this discovery can have applications in, for example, the preparation of vaccines, the sterilization of blood plasma or serum, plant, animal, and human tissue, sputum, urine, feces, water, and ascites, the decontamination of military devices, food and beverage production, and the disinfection of medical equipment. The new methods can also be incorporated into production processes or research procedures.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that biological and non-biological materials can be sterilized, decontaminated, or disinfected by repeatedly cycling between relatively high and low pressures. Pressure cycling can be carried out at low, ambient, or elevated temperatures (e.g., from about −40° C. to about 95° C., or intermediate ranges). New methods based on this discovery can have applications in, for example, the preparation of vaccines, the sterilization of blood plasma or serum, plant, animal, and human tissue, sputum, urine, feces, water, and ascites, the decontamination of military devices, food and beverage production, and the disinfection of medical equipment. The new methods can also be incorporated into production processes or research procedures.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that biological and non-biological materials can be sterilized, decontaminated, or disinfected by repeatedly cycling between relatively high and low pressures. Pressure cycling can be carried out at low, ambient, or elevated temperatures (e.g., from about −20° C. to about 95° C.). New methods based on this discovery can have applications in, for example, the preparation of vaccines, the sterilization of blood plasma or serum, the decontamination of military devices, and the disinfection of medical equipment. The new methods can also be incorporated into production processes or research procedures.

Abstract: A combined photofinishing storage, display, and ordering merchandising unit. The unit includes an order workstation having a front wall, and a writing surface extending from the wall. A dispenser for dispensing order envelopes, and a collection bin for receiving filled order envelopes. A pair of display sections are provided for displaying of merchandise, one display section being placed on each side of the order workstation and positioned so as to define a storage area between the pair of display sections and workstation. At least one of the display sections is movable so as to allow access to the storage area. A display tower disposed adjacent the shelf which can be used for highlighting a featured product. One of the display sections may be movable for adjusting the width of the merchandising unit.

Abstract: A security system includes a service platform attached to a telephone network and accessible through the network. The platform is responsive to calling line identity signals (CLI) provided by the network operator to identify individual telephone lines from which calls originate and in response thereto to transmit a data list identifying protected apparatus at customer premises and release codes therefor. A home control center is responsive to signals received over a mains electricity line from protected apparatus to transmit to the apparatus a release code, the apparatus including a security module responsive to receipt of the respective release code to supply power to operational circuits of the apparatus. If a valid release code is not received from the home control center on request from the apparatus then power is denied to the apparatus.

Abstract: A hose coupling assembly (10) of the type adapted to secure a hose (12) to a fitting. The assembly (10) includes a hose (12). A coupling member (16) is provided which includes an insert portion (18) for disposition within an opening (14) in the hose (12). An inner collar (28) is positioned about the exterior of the hose (12) and radially spaced from the insert portion (18) of the coupling member (16). An outer collar (38) is positioned over the inner collar (28) to provide an inwardly directed force thereto. The inner collar (28) has a plurality of slots (34) therein. The slots (34) compress in response to the inwardly directed force from the outer collar (38) to reduce the inner diameter of the inner collar (28) to thereby provide radial compression completely about the hose (12). The compression prevents removal of the coupling member (16) from the hose (12).

Abstract: A vehicle seat track assembly for allowing a seat to be selectively moved rearwardly and forwardly. The seat track assembly allows the vehicle seat to be secured at a desired selected position. The seat track assembly further allows the seat to be moved forwardly to provide access to the area behind the seat. When the seat is moved forwardly, the seat track assembly has a memory that will remain in place and stop the seat upon its return to the selected position.