Abstract: A shrinkage compensating device for seismic restraint in wood building construction combines a spring-operated take-up device (TUD) with a ratcheting split nut. The split nut, attached to or formed as part of a rotatable component of the TUD, acts as the securing nut for the TUD and allows the TUD with the split nut to be slipped over the top of a threaded rod and pulled down along the rod into place against a structural member. Several forms of attachment of the split nut to the spring-operated TUD are disclosed, as is a simplified rotatable split nut version.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a target microorganism in a sample to be tested, the method comprising: combining with the sample an amount of bacteriophage capable of attaching to the target microorganism to create a bacteriophage exposed sample, and a substance which enhances bacteriophage amplification or sensitivity; providing conditions to the bacteriophage-exposed sample sufficient to allow the bacteriophage to infect the microorganism; and assaying the bacteriophage-exposed sample to detect the presence or absence of a bacteriophage marker to determine the presence or absence of the target microorganism.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as catamenial tampons, are disclosed. The absorbent articles include an effective amount of an isoprenoid inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The isoprenoid inhibitory compounds of the present invention include terpenes and terpenoids which substantially reduce the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an aromatic inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The aromatic inhibitory compounds of the present invention have the general formula: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OR5, —R6C(O)H, —R6COOH, —OR6COOH, —C(O)NH2, and NH2 and salts thereof; R5 is a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R6 is a divalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R7 is a trivalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R8 is a monovalent substituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety which may or may not be interrupted with hetero atoms; R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, COOH, and —C(O)R9; R9 is hydrogen or a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a target microorganism in a sample to be tested, the method comprising: combining with the sample an amount of bacteriophage capable of attaching to the target microorganism to create a bacteriophage exposed sample, and a substance which enhances bacteriophage amplification or sensitivity; providing conditions to the bacteriophage-exposed sample sufficient to allow the bacteriophage to infect the microorganism; and assaying the bacteriophage-exposed sample to detect the presence or absence of a bacteriophage marker to determine the presence or absence of the target microorganism.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles containing an additive are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an inhibitory compound such as cerulenin, triclosan, or hexachloroprene, for example, to substantially inhibit the production of TSST-1 by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that authenticates the identity of the person behind a username and stores that information in a manner that allows a first person communicating on a social network with a second person to confirm that the identity of the second person is known and authenticate without requiring the second person to reveal identity information (other than their user name/screen name) to the first person and vice versa.

Abstract: An exercising system has a frame defining a space in which a user is positioned for performing a large number of different exercises. Frame members have holes within which flexible bars are positioned, spanning across the machine, for low-impact exercising using the bars. In a preferred embodiment the bar-supporting frame members, or some of them, are adjustable in position so as to provide a nearly unlimited number of positions for different users and for different exercises. A few of the many exercises facilitated by the system are described.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles containing an additive are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an inhibitory compound such as cerulenin, triclosan, or hexachloroprene, for example, to substantially inhibit the production of TSST-1 by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first elongated tension member having proximal and distal ends, the first elongated tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second elongated tension member having proximal and distal ends, the second elongated tension member being anchored at its distal end, and the proximal ends of the first and second elongated tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler, having a surrounding sleeve, the coupler being formed with a connection end and a take-up end, and a central bore wherein at least a portion of the central bore is formed as a substantially cylindrical inner surface and wherein at least a portion of the cylindrical inner surface is formed with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member, having a distal end and a proximal end, the rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve, the first rotational member ha

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the production of TSST-1 from Gram positive bacteria are disclosed. The methods comprise exposing the Gram positive bacteria to compounds capable of inhibiting the production of TSST-1 from the Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: Absorbent articles containing an additive are disclosed. The absorbent articles include an effective amount of an inhibitory compound, such as thiolactomycin or thiomalonate, to substantially inhibit the production of TSST-1 by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles include an effective amount of an aromatic inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The aromatic inhibitory compounds of the present invention have the general formula: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, —OR5, —R6C(O)H, —R6OH, —R6COOH, —OR6OH, —OR6COOH, —C(O)NH2, and NH2 and salts thereof; R5 is a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R6 is a divalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R7 is a trivalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R8 is a monovalent substituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety which may or may not be interrupted with hetero atoms; R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, COOH, and —C(O)R9; R9 is hydrogen or a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles, such as tampon applicators, containing an additive are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an inhibitory compound, such as thiolactomycin or thiomalonate, for example, to substantially inhibit the production of TSST-1 or exoprotein by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: An exercising system has a frame defining a space in which a user is positioned for performing a large number of different exercises. Frame members have holes within which flexible bars are positioned, spanning across the machine, for low-impact exercising using the bars. In a preferred embodiment the bar-supporting frame members, or some of them, are adjustable in position so as to provide a nearly unlimited number of positions for different users and for different exercises. A few of the many exercises facilitated by the system are described.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for inhibiting the production of exotoxins are disclosed. The compositions include an effective amount of an isoprenoid inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: A generator controller, in its various embodiments, displays genset fault messages, a genset elapsed time hour meter, service countdown reminder, monitors battery voltage changes over multiple periods of time to establish and display the “battery level,” uses the “battery level” to automatically start and stop the genset, and accepts multiple run requests from AC loads such as HVAC systems, and incorporates safety or other start inhibit features.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an aromatic inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The aromatic inhibitory compounds of the present invention have the general formula: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, and NH2 and salts thereof; R5 is a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R6 is a divalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R7 is a trivalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety; R8 is a monovalent substituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety which may or may not be interrupted with hetero atoms; R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, COOH, and —C(O)R9; R9 is hydrogen or a monovalent saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl moiety.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles, such as tampon applicators, containing an additive are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an inhibitory compound, such as thiolactomycin or thiomalonate, for example, to substantially inhibit the production of TSST-1 or exoprotein by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: A generator controller, in its various embodiments, displays genset fault messages, a genset elapsed time hour meter, service countdown reminder, monitors battery voltage changes over multiple periods of time to establish and display the “battery level,” uses the “battery level” to automatically start and stop the genset, and accepts multiple run requests from AC loads such as HVAC systems, and incorporates safety or other start inhibit features.