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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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, 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.

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: An apparatus for mounting an article to a roof includes a base plate, threaded stud, lag bolts, spacer, and flashing. The base plate includes bolt holes to accommodate the lag bolts to secure the base plate to the roof. The threaded stud is secured to and extends vertically from the base plate. The spacer is inserted over the stud so that the stud passes through an aperture in the spacer, and is secured by a nut. The spacer acts as a lift for mounting an article up off the roof, thereby permitting drainage. The spacer includes a recess to accommodate the head of a lag bolt. The wrap-around flashing is captured between the base plate and spacer, creating a water free environment underneath the assembled unit. The flashing slides up underneath the roofing shingles to prevent water from penetrating the structure, and includes a lip to accommodate the base plate, and a detent to accommodate the bolt heads beneath it.

Abstract: Compositions including an aromatic compound for inhibiting the production of exoproteins by Gram positive bacteria are disclosed. The aromatic inhibitory compounds of the present invention have the general formula: wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, 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 polish apparatus for planarizing wafers and films over wafers comprising the following. A substrate chuck for holding a substrate with a surface to be polished thereof being directed about vertically. A first drive means for rotating the substrate chuck. A polishing head having a polishing surface which is adjacent to the substrate during the polishing of the substrate. The polishing surface of the polishing head is smaller than the surface of the substrate. A polishing solution supply means for supplying a polishing solution through the polishing head to the substrate held by the substrate chuck. A reciprocating means for reciprocally moving the polishing head on the surface to be polished. A pressing means for pressing the polishing pad against a substrate held by the substrate chuck by way of the polishing head. The polish head is preferably comprised of one piece of molded polymer. No polish pad is used.

Abstract: A partially interconnected network has a plurality of nodes, which nodes include either Allocated Nodes and Star Nodes (STARs), wherein the Allocated Nodes are each allocated to one of a number of Areas (AREAs) and the partially interconnected network also comprises point-to-point interconnections between the Allocated Nodes and the STARs, where the number of AREAs with Allocated Nodes interconnected to an individual Star forms the number of Routes from an individual STAR, the Allocated Nodes of a first of the AREAs being interconnected to a set comprising some, but not all, of the STARs, and wherein further of the AREAs are similarly interconnected to further sets each comprising STARs and where there is at least one interconnection choice (Choice) between any two Allocated Nodes in different AREAs and where an interconnection route comprises two point-to-point interconnections interconnected in series by a STAR; or at least six Topological Nodes, each Topological Node having at least three point-to-point To

Abstract: A network has a plurality of nodes, wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes includes a switch arranged to carry out a Simple Transit Core Function and three or more of the plurality of nodes include a Single Link Interface which Single Link Interface has associated Output Attributes and/or Input Cognizant Attributes. Each Simple Transit Core Function at one node is not logically connected to another Simple Transit Core Function at another node. Each Simple Transit Core Function at one node is logically connected to at least three Single Link Interfaces at other nodes. The nodes including Single Link Interfaces which are connected to one instance of a node arranged to carry out a Simple Transit Core Function are controlled by respective Intercommunicating Connection Acceptance Control Processes according to the respective Output Attributes and/or Input Cognizant Attributes.

Abstract: A partially interconnected network comprises a plurality of allocated nodes, each allocated to one of a number of areas, a plurality of star nodes, and point-to-point interconnections between the allocated nodes and the star nodes. The number of areas with allocated nodes interconnected to an individual star node forms the number of routes from an individual star node, each of a proportion of the plurality of star nodes having connected thereat one of a group of point of presence (PoP) units. The group of PoP units is arranged to provide access to a selected service or selected services. The allocated nodes of a first of the areas are interconnected to a set comprising some, but not all, of the star nodes. Further of the areas are similarly interconnected to further sets each comprising star nodes.