Abstract: System for assisting in reducing the spread of fire between adjacent rooms in a building proximate to the ceiling thereof includes an elongated header track, at least one elongated filler constructed at least partially of compressible or elastic material and at least one fire-blocker constructed at least partially of fire retarding material.

Abstract: A universal tuning knob for stringed instruments is presented. The invention consists of a knob with an elongated and threaded cylindrical shaft. The shaft includes a lumen sized to receive the machine head post of any stringed instrument. The outside perimeter of the knob is configured for grip. The threaded cylindrical shaft includes a slot on its side wall to receive and retain a bushing. The bushing includes a second slot that can be notched (i.e. sized) to fit and lock the machine head post of any stringed instrument. A sleeve lock with internal threads is threaded onto the threaded cylindrical shaft of the knob thereby retaining the bushing. An optional second lumen on the head of the knob is configured to receive a mounting screw.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a variable valvetrain system for improving the range of controllability of the internal EGR technique adjusts the internal EGR lift in a more favorable window and position compared to the internal EGR window typically utilized. In particular, a combined change of lift, phase and duration of the internal EGR lift of the exhaust vale improves the controllability and stability of the desired amount of internal EGR. The present system achieves a high internal EGR capability at low loads and lower back pressure. The system also achieves controllability of internal EGR at high loads without requiring ultra low lifts. The system also allows warm-up of the exhaust after treatment system faster for higher conversion efficiency, reduced HC and NOx engine-out emissions and increased combustion stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid aptamer with the capability of binding specifically to and inhibiting TLR-4, to a complex comprising said aptamer and a functional group, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention also relates to uses and methods for detecting TLR-4 and to uses and methods for inhibiting TLR-4. Finally, the invention also relates to an aptamer for use in manufacturing a drug for the treatment of a pathology characterized by an increase in expression of TLR4 and/or an increase in activation of TLR-4.

Abstract: A universal tuning knob for stringed instruments is presented. The invention consists of a knob with an elongated and threaded cylindrical shaft. The shaft includes a lumen sized to receive the machine head post of any stringed instrument. The outside perimeter of the knob is configured for grip. The threaded cylindrical shaft includes a slot on its side wall to receive and retain a bushing. The bushing includes a second slot that can be notched (i.e. sized) to fit and lock the machine head post of any stringed instrument. A sleeve lock with internal threads is threaded onto the threaded cylindrical shaft of the knob thereby retaining the bushing. An optional second lumen on the head of the knob is configured to receive a mounting screw.

Abstract: An assembly can include a turbine housing that includes a bore, a wastegate seat and a wastegate passage that extends to the wastegate seat; a bushing disposed at least in part in the bore; a rotatable wastegate shaft received at least in part by the bushing; a wastegate plug that extends from the wastegate shaft; a control arm operatively coupled to the wastegate shaft; a control link operatively coupled to the control arm; a pin that forms a joint between the control arm and the control link; and a biasing element coupled to the pin and to the control link.

Abstract: Shielding device for web cameras built into mobile devices such as smart-phones, tablets, netbooks and laptop computers providing such web cameras with a security cover to prevent unintentional or malicious recording of video or images. This security cover or lid allows for parental control through its activation via a driving elements which only the administrator or owner of the device possesses.

Abstract: A method for producing high pressure laminates (HPL) with an embossed-in-structure texture on the surface. In the method, a first structure embossed on the surface of the HPL is in perfect alignment with a second identical structure printed on the decor sheet of the HPL.

Abstract: A method for producing rigid high pressure laminates (HPL) with an embossed-in-structure texture on the surface, wherein a first structure embossed on the surface of the HPL is in perfect alignment with a second identical structure printed on the decor sheet of the HPL.

Abstract: A system to decrease the World Wide Web network usage at peak hours by clients requesting viewing of videos. The system will use a video content server and a software application running on a client's computer. The software application will schedule at off peak hours the pre-load of videos for the client. The selection of the pre-load list of videos will be calculated between the video content server and the software application based on the client's past behavior of video selections, and the current list of most popular videos available in the video content server. The pre-load videos will be stored at a client local storage. Whenever the client wants to watch videos a list of the pre-loaded videos will be presented and all selections done by the client on this list will save World Wide Web network peak hour utilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3 and take various meanings, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in medicine, particularly for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a bacterial infection disease.

Abstract: Shielding device for web cameras built into mobile devices such as smart-phones, tablets, netbooks and laptop computers providing such web cameras with a security cover to prevent unintentional or malicious recording of video or images. This security cover or lid allows for parental control through its activation via a driving elements which only the administrator or owner of the device possesses.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a method for determining an ophthalmic prescription. An examination room is lighted to simulate daytime viewing and a conventional eye chart is used as a visual stimulus. A first corrective spherical lens power is determined by varying spherical lens power and identifying when perceived vision is best. The examination room is kept dark to simulate nighttime viewing conditions. The visual stimulus utilized is a white point source on a dark background, or a self illuminated symbol on a dark background. A second corrective spherical lens powered is determined by varying spherical lens power and identifying when perceived vision is best. An ophthalmic prescription such as one or more lenses, one or more surgical corrections or a combinations thereof is provided including a first corrective component including the first preferred spherical lens power, and a second corrective component including the second preferred spherical lens power.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a nucleic acid sequence from Nicotiana megalosiphon encoding for an anti-pathogenic protein. The invention comprises the use of this nucleic acid molecule in transgenic plants of agricultural interest to confer resistance to pathogens. The invention also includes a bioproduct that comprises this anti-pathogenic protein to control plant pathogen agents.

Abstract: An assembly can include a turbine housing that includes a bore, a wastegate seat and a wastegate passage that extends to the wastegate seat; a bushing configured for receipt by the bore; a rotatable wastegate shaft configured for receipt by the bushing; a wastegate arm extending from the wastegate shaft; and a wastegate plug extending from the wastegate arm where the wastegate plug includes a profile, defined in part by a portion of a torus, for contacting the wastegate seat to cover the wastegate passage and, for example, defined in part by a portion of a modified sphere or a portion of a cone. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a method for determining an ophthalmic prescription. An examination room is lighted to simulate daytime viewing and a conventional eye chart is used as a visual stimulus. A first corrective spherical lens power is determined by varying spherical lens power and identifying when perceived vision is best. The examination room is kept dark to simulate nighttime viewing conditions. The visual stimulus utilized is a white point source on a dark background, or a self illuminated symbol on a dark background. A second corrective spherical lens powered is determined by varying spherical lens power and identifying when perceived vision is best. An ophthalmic prescription such as one or more lenses, one or more surgical corrections or a combinations thereof is provided including a first corrective component including the first preferred spherical lens power, and a second corrective component including the second preferred spherical lens power.