Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes a first member having a slot formed therein, a pin laterally extending into the slot and having an abutment facing the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member, and a second member rigidly secured to the pin and movable relative to the first member along the slot. A plastic bushing encircles the pin and extends into the slot. The bushing has a flange engaging the first member on a side of the first member opposite the second member. A plastic washer encircles the pin and is located between the first and second members. A spring washer such as a wave or Belleville washer is located between the abutment and the flange and resiliently biases the second member relative to the first member to resist relative lateral movement between the first and second members to reduce lash therebetween. The pin can be either a guide pin or a drive pin of the control pedal.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes an upper arm and a lower arm carrying a pedal. The lower arm is selectively moveable relative to the upper arm to adjust the position of the pedal relative to the upper arm. A drive screw is secured to the upper arm. A drive nut threadably engages the drive screw and is adapted to move axially along the drive screw upon rotation of the drive screw. A motor is operatively connected to the drive screw to selectively rotate the drive screw. The lower arm is operatively connected to the drive nut for fore-aft movement of the lower arm relative to the upper arm upon axial movement of the drive nut along the drive screw. A control system includes a sensor located at the drive screw and adapted to directly sense rotation of the drive screw and a controller in communication with the sensor to receive electrical signals from the sensor.

Abstract: This invention pertain to a new and unique spoon and the process of manufacturing them. The new type of spoon includes a pliable core encased within soft or rubber body. A pliable core allows adjustment of the shape of the spoon to provide differing wobble and swim patterns in the water. The core, which may be made of thinly drawn metal or wire, may bear visual enhancing decals; the body may be either translucent or opaque. Rings at the ends provide a place to attach tackle. Terminal tackle, such as a treble hook, may be attached at either end, thereby giving an angler a choice of two distinct riggings for the spoon; one rigging that leads with the narrow end and the other that leads with the wide end. The unique spoon and the method of manufacturing thereof creates a lure that is more attractive and acceptable to game fish.

Abstract: An adjustable control pedal for a motor vehicle includes an upper arm and a lower arm carrying a pedal and selectively movable relative the upper arm to adjust the position of the pedal. The upper arm has a vertically extending flat or planar portion and a substantially horizontal slot formed at the planar portion. A drive screw is secured to the upper arm and is laterally spaced apart from the planar portion generally parallel to the slot. A drive nut threadably engages the drive screw and moves axially along the drive screw upon rotation of the drive screw. A motor is connected to the drive screw to selectively rotate the drive screw in one direction or the other. The lower arm has a guide extending into the slot which is connected to the drive nut for linear fore-aft sliding movement of the guide along the slot upon rotation of the drive screw and resulting linear fore-aft movement of the pedal.

Abstract: Methods are described for producing recombinant DNA molecules from suitable host vectors and nucleic acids subjected to 3'-terminal transferase activity. In one embodiment, the method takes advantage of the single 3'-deoxy-adenosine monophosphate (dAMP) residues attached to the 3' termini of PCR generated nucleic acids. Vectors are prepared with recognition sequences that afford single 3'-terminal deoxy-thymidine monophosphate (dTMP) residues upon reaction with a suitable restriction enzyme. Thus, PCR generated copies of genes can be directly cloned into the vectors without need for preparing primers having suitable restriction sites therein. The invention also contemplates associated plasmid vectors and kits for implementing the methods.

Abstract: A device for protecting floors and floor coverings from paint and splatter having a board with flexible lips that can seal the wall from the floor surfaces. The device can also be bent to accommodate curved surfaces, such as columns.

Abstract: Methods are described for producing recombinant DNA molecules from suitable host vectors and nucleic acids subjected to 3'-terminal transferase activity. In one embodiment, the method takes advantage of the single 3'-deoxy-adenosine monophosphate (dAMP) residues attached to the 3' termini of PCR generated nucleic acids. Vectors are prepared with recognition sequences that afford single 3'-terminal deoxy-thymidine monophosphate (dTMP) residues upon reaction with a suitable restriction enzyme. Thus, PCR generated copies of genes can be directly cloned into the vectors without need for preparing primers having suitable restriction sites therein. The invention also contemplates associated plasmid vectors and kits for implementing the methods.