Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, wherein the polynucleotide molecule lacks at least one detectable antigenic epitope of North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides vaccines comprising genetically modified North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising the isolated polynucleotide molecules. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules further comprising at least one nucleotide sequence that encodes a detectable heterologous antigenic epitope, and vaccines comprising North American PRRS virus, RNA molecules, plasmids and viral vectors comprising such isolated polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules, including plasmids; viral vectors; and transfected host cells that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a North American PRRS virus; and also North American PRRS viruses encoded thereby. The invention further provides isolated infectious RNA molecules encoding a North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides isolated polynucleotide molecules, infectious RNA molecules, viral vectors, and transfected host cells encoding genetically-modified North American PRRS viruses; and genetically-modified North American PRRS viruses encoded thereby. The invention also provides vaccines comprising such plasmids, RNA molecules, viral vectors, and North American PRRS viruses, and methods of using these vaccines in swine and in other animals. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules, viral vectors, and transfected host cells that comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide of a North American PRRS virus.

Abstract: Disclosed are belt adjustment systems, particularly for wearing around a user's waist, that permit a continuum of belt loop sizes or a larger selection of belt loop sizes. The belt adjustment system includes an elongate belt member having a first end, a second end and a series of teeth positioned on an inner surface near the second end and a fixation member having first and second adjustment elements.

Abstract: A media player provides on-screen desktop imagery such as background wallpaper and/or interactive features, related to music or other content being played. The presentation of the content-related imagery and/or features is not limited to the area of the screen associated with the media player, but can extend to other areas of the screen as well. The content-related imagery and/or features may be displayed, for example, as desktop wallpaper, so that it appears as a background to other user interface elements such as icons and windows.

Abstract: A temporary dam system for containing a body of water is provided. The temporary dam system is constructed with a number of dam sections. Each dam section has three or more supports and a back brace for supporting a resistant membrane backed by a plate. The supports comprise an end support, a middle support, and a top support in an A-frame structure. A membrane backing plate is attached to the front of the assembled support structure. The overall containment dam system is constructed by connecting dam sections together to form a continuous wall of rigid plates facing a body of water. A flexible liquid-impervious membrane is then placed over the rigid plates to contain the water.

Abstract: A drawer slide system having an elongated base channel, an intermediate assembly at least partially received within the elongated base channel, a longitudinally extending I-beam assembly at least partially received within the intermediate assembly, and a pantry mount lock assembly including forward and rearward mounting plates adapted to be coupled to a bottom surface of a drawer. The pantry mount lock assembly can be accessed through the bottom of the drawer to achieve engagement or disengagement between the pantry mount lock assembly and the I-beam assembly. The rearward mounting plates having lateral portions extending over the upper surfaces of the I-beam assembly upper flanges to permit a tilting adjustment of the drawer relative to the drawer slide system. A soft close assembly can be included to provide a soft close for the drawer. A vertically adjustable rear panel can inhibit goods from being lost over the back of the drawer.

Abstract: Disclosed are belt adjustment systems, particularly for wearing around a user's waist, that permit a continuum of belt loop sizes or a larger selection of belt loop sizes. The belt adjustment system includes an elongate belt member having a first end, a second end and a series of teeth positioned on an inner surface near the second end and a fixation member having first and second adjustment elements.

Abstract: A non-destructive examination pipe scanner that employs a main carriage on which a sensor is mounted, a tensioner carriage and an idler carriage. The main carriage and the tensioner carriage are positioned around the pipe at spaced locations and connected on either side by a spring band. The idler carriage is slidably supported by the spring band in between the main carriage and the tensioner carriage. The sensor on the main carriage collects data about a circumferential weld on the pipe as the main carriage drives the tensioner carriage and the idler carriage around the circumference. The tensioner carriage has a variable length connection that adjusts the tension on the spring band to urge the main carriage, idler carriage and tensioner carriage into contact with the surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A security tag that can be attached to an item or items that provides a zero or low impact to the item or items such as elegant or soft goods. The security tag includes a security element that is enclosed within a pliable material that is looped around the item or items it is protecting and then is closed on itself or on an extension of the pliable material. No puncturing, piercing or adhesive attachment to the elegant or soft goods occurs, thereby making a “zero or low impact” on the item while also making a pleasant presentation to customers when the item (or items) is displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: An equipment pad for a condensing unit including a base and at least one substantially hollow riser affixed to the base, wherein the at least one substantially hollow riser extends substantially vertically from the base to support the condensing unit. The equipment pad may be stackable or nestable with a second equipment pad.

Abstract: A non-destructive examination pipe scanner that employs a main carriage on which a sensor is mounted, a tensioner carriage and an idler carriage. The main carriage and the tensioner carriage are positioned around the pipe at spaced locations and connected on either side by a spring band. The idler carriage is slidably supported by the spring band in between the main carriage and the tensioner carriage. The sensor on the main carriage collects data about a circumferential weld on the pipe as the main carriage drives the tensioner carriage and the idler carriage around the circumference. The tensioner carriage has a variable length connection that adjusts the tension on the spring band to urge the main carriage, idler carriage and tensioner carriage into contact with the surface of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules, including plasmids; viral vectors; and transfected host cells that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a North American PRRS virus; and also North American PRRS viruses encoded thereby. The invention further provides isolated infectious RNA molecules encoding a North American PRRS virus. The invention also provides isolated polynucleotide molecules, infectious RNA molecules, viral vectors, and transfected host cells encoding genetically-modified North American PRRS viruses; and genetically-modified North American PRRS viruses encoded thereby. The invention also provides vaccines comprising such plasmids, RNA molecules, viral vectors, and North American PRRS viruses, and methods of using these vaccines in swine and in other animals. Also provided are isolated polynucleotide molecules, viral vectors, and transfected host cells that comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a peptide of a North American PRRS virus.

Abstract: A boat trailer system includes a step that is cantilevered from a rearwardly-extending truss of the trailer's framework.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved devices for rotatably-coupled trailer coupler assemblies. The disclosed devices include a lock assembly that can be used to lock and unlock a coupler arm of a swing-type trailer coupler assembly in predetermined positions, such as towing and storage positions. The lock assembly includes a lock member that moves between a locked an unlocked state. In the locked state, the lock member locks the coupler arm of the assembly in a predetermined position, such as a towing position. In the unlocked state, the lock member does not interfere with the coupler arm such that the coupler arm is free to move between the towing and storage orientations. An actuator is coupled to the lock assembly. The actuator can be actuated to transition the lock member between the locked and unlocked states. The lock assembly is fixedly mounted to the coupler assembly so that a user does not have to insert and remove the lock member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flush mounted lighting system for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the lighting system includes a frame member and a light member mounted in the frame member. The frame member is disposed within a portion of the vehicle so that the frame member is flushly mounted with an outer surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides alpha-carboline compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and x are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Abstract: A method for generating supporting documents for command code in a command line oriented operating environment is disclosed. The method includes creating an XML source file, the XML source file including information required for generating parser code. The parser code facilitates compiling the command code. The method further includes generating at least two of a man page file, a usage message file, and the parser code from the XML source file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making polymer tapes utilizing metallocene catalysts. An isotactic propylene polymer is prepared by polymerizing propylene in the presence of an isospecific metallocene catalyst. The resulting polypropylene is heated, extruded and withdrawn as a sheet. The sheet is then slit longitudinally into tape segments and drawn in the longitudinal direction to a draw ratio of at least about 4.5:1 to produce an oriented tape. It has been found that these polypropylene tapes have different characteristics than those polypropylene tapes produced using Ziegler-Natta catalyst drawn at the same draw ratios.