Abstract: This invention is a device that utilizes a specialized shocking mechanism to deter nuisance animals. Through cognitive learning, the device teaches animals to keep away from areas where they have established themselves as a problem.

Abstract: A method of determining the health of a battery is provided. The method includes measuring at least one parameter value related to at least one of a voltage of the battery or a temperature of the battery. The method also includes comparing the measured parameter value to a corresponding predetermined parameter value. The method also includes determining the health of the battery at least partially based on a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: The invention is a system that displays the status of a motor vehicle child lock.

Abstract: The invention is a quick-remove window system that provides for the rapid removal of a window from a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the system alters a window assembly to provide the ability to remove a vehicle window from a vehicle window frame.

Abstract: The invention is a quick-remove window system that provides for the rapid removal of a window from a motor vehicle. The system includes a motor vehicle window frame, a window disposed in the motor vehicle window frame, a window packing disposed between the window and the window frame, and a cord disposed in the window packing such that when the cord is moved a known length, an amount of the window packing is removed for facilitating removal of the window from the window frame.

Abstract: The invention is a system and device that enables a seatbelt to provide functionality other than seatbelt fastening.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery having an internal resistance and an external resistance connected to the battery includes applying electrical energy to the battery. The method also includes adjusting, at a plurality of predetermined intervals, the electrical energy applied to the battery based on at least one of the internal resistance of the battery and the external resistance connected to the battery.

Abstract: A microporous membrane comprising a highly electropositive hydrophilic material capable of irreversibly binding one or more nucleic acids, the membrane being useful for isolating, amplifying and detecting nucleic acids is disclosed. Methods of making the membrane and using the membrane for amplifying nucleic acids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel multi-layered, composite microporous membrane comprising in at least one layer a highly electropositive hydrophilic material distributed throughout wherein the material is capable of irreversibly binding nucleic acid and, optionally, at least one layer where the material is associated with sequence-specific peptide nucleic acids, permitting the simultaneous or sequential capture, amplification and/or identification of specific nucleic acid sequences of interest. Also disclosed herein are methods of use of the composite membranes of the invention in applications based on the sequence-specific capture and/or amplification and identification of nucleic acid from complex biological samples.

Abstract: A microporous membrane comprising a highly electropositive hydrophilic material capable of irreversibly binding one or more nucleic acids, the membrane being useful for isolating, amplifying and detecting nucleic acids is disclosed. Methods of making the membrane and using the membrane for amplifying nucleic acids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of installing a telescopic shelf in a cabinet comprises installing a pair of facing guides, each guide having first and second brackets fixed at opposed ends of the guide and each bracket having either a planar lug or a hook for engaging with a series of mounting holes. When the guides have been installed, a telescopic shelf can be slid into the facing channels. As the brackets are fixed to the guide and, the fixing of the guides within the cabinet is carried out purely by engagement of parts of the brackets with the mounting post, there is never any need for loose pieces to be used within the cabinet. The brackets are telescopically adjustable to accommodate guides and shelves of different dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of compounds that are potent inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase and HIV integrase. In addition to being multienzyme inhibitors, the inventive compounds of the present invention are remarkable in at least two other respects. First, they do not appear to be toxic to cells at typical therapeutic concentrations. Second, they appear to be equally effective against mutant strains of HIV reverse transcriptase commonly found in patients who have developed resistance to current reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Because the inventive compounds show promise in combatting viral resistance and are potent inhibitors of both HIV reverse transcriptase and integrase, they are ideal candidates for use in combination with existing therapies or alone in treating AIDS or HIV infection.

Abstract: A method of adsorbing from a solution comprising a biological sample viruses which retain their viability and infectivity. The method comprises adjusting the pH of said solution to pH 6.0 to 8.0; adding an effective amount of a water insoluble cross-linked polycarboxylic acid polymer ("WCPP") into said solution in a volume:volume ratio of WCPP to solution of 100:1 to 1:10,000 to form a WCPP-solution mixture; incubating said WCPP-solution mixture for a time sufficient to immobilize said viruses on said WCPP forming a WCPP-virus matrix; and separating said matrix from said solution. This novel method is suitable for removing, purifying, recovering and analyzing viable viruses as well as viral components such as viral proteins and nucleic acids.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge (10) is attached to a carrier (1) of a printing device such that it is tiltable along an axis that is parallel to the print line to drop the ribbon such that the print line is visible. That part of cartridge (10) which is opposite of the ribbon exposing part and on the other side of tilting axis (18) is on its bottom provided with a ribbon advance knob (8). Into this knob (8) two essentially upright standing walls and inclined ramps (11) are molded. The ribbon feed device (6), provided on carrier (1), has a blade (5) or noses (17) which cooperate with slot-forming walls (12) of knob (8). In ribbon drive direction (14) cartridge (10) automatically drops into coupling interconnection for ribbon feed. Upon turning ribbon feed device (6) in reverse direction (16) blade (5) or noses (17) slide up ramp (11) and lift the rear part and drop the front part of the cartridge (10) so that the print line is rendered visible.

Abstract: An improved core servicing apparatus for a nuclear reactor having a vessel, a head for the vessel, one or more penetration openings in the head and a core within the vessel of the type having an array of fuel assemblies and including apertures in the array for neutron absorbers. The servicing apparatus includes a support column adapted to be supported by and depend from the head in registry with a penetration opening; a plurality of core servicing elements which may include neutron absorber actuating means and/or instrument packages are supported by the support column; and means are provided for laterally displacing at least some of the servicing elements relative to the support column between a laterally compact and a laterally expanded configuration.In one embodiment, instruments may be located at the lower end of long resilient cables and are longitudinally movable within and beyond guide channels supported by the support column.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for providing a dual voltage electrical power supply for a variable load such as an electro-mechanical clutch-brake power transmitter of the type used for instance for a loom transmitter. A control arrangement is disclosed in which high voltage is continuously available under control of low voltage timing and drive circuits.

Abstract: A device is provided which is installed in a reactor prior to carrying out refueling operations and which accurately locates and isolates a selected core location to permit rapid withdrawal and insertion of fuel subassemblies at that location. A shielded plug designed to cooperate with the refueling apparatus is inserted into an access port in the reactor head. A structural shroud extends down from the plug and carries at its lower end a radially floating, hexagonal spreader tube with mechanisms to rotate it for angular alignment purposes and a linear drive for inserting it into the core. The upper end of the spreader tube serves as a guide for leading the fuel handling apparatus into alignment with the chosen subassembly.