Abstract: An installation pilot device includes: a base having a bottom surface and a top surface, the bottom surface being arranged to couple to a top surface of a first construction member; a bore extending through the base at an angle in the range from 50 to 70 degrees with respect to the lower surface, the bore configured to receive a fastener to be driven therethrough; a first positioning stop and a second positioning stop, each of the first and second positioning stops extending from the lower surface, the first and second positioning stops configured to receive the first construction material therebetween when the lower surface is coupled to the top surface of the decking board, and an immovable handle attached to the top surface of the base, wherein the base, the first positioning stop, and the second positioning stop are formed as a single monolithic piece.

Abstract: A gas spring adapted for automatically re-adjusting to a predetermined position, the gas spring incorporating a delay mechanism so that the automatic re-adjustment is delayed by a predetermined amount of time, and articles incorporating such a delay gas spring, such as a height adjustable chair. In one embodiment, the delay mechanism comprises a delay valve.

Abstract: An improved baby changing station which is utilized primarily to change the diapers of a baby or young child. The design includes an upper changing area with specially shaped protective ridges. The design further includes a lower supporting portion which is divided into at least three distinct areas. A first area is utilized for undersink storage. A second lower area includes multiple drawers for storage of sundry items. A third lower area contains stairs or steps for a toddler to use as needed. The design provides a safe floor-mounted and efficient changing station as compared to the fold-down wall mounted units currently in widespread use.

Abstract: DescripWriter, A process for providing sellers at online auctions, classifieds, and other e-commerce sites a pre-written item title and description with the steps of: A database composed of pre-written titles and descriptions, A specific different title and description for each kind of product or service within that database, A method for the user to access this database of pre-written titles and descriptions by use of their computer, An interactive working environment on either a website or within a software program that allows the user to select, adjust, and/or modify the data with optional variables within the title and description, A method for the user to place the finished title and description within the so designated areas of an online e-commerce site.

Abstract: A method of freeze drying sucralose includes contacting a sucralose solution with a cold surface or a cold fluid to freeze the solution, and evaporating the solvent to dry the sucralose. The sucralose solution may include undissolved crystalline sucralose. Non-agglomerated sucralose spheres may be produced in some aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side ann and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas spring adapted for automatically re-adjusting to a predetermined position, the gas spring incorporating a delay mechanism so that the automatic re-adjustment is delayed by a predetermined amount of time. In one embodiment, the delay mechanism comprises a delay valve that. The invention further provides articles incorporating such a delay gas spring, such as a height adjustable chair.

Abstract: The illuminated automotive wind blocker allows the simple and inexpensive manufacture of a wind blocker for any number of automobiles which utilize illuminated text and/or artwork. The design of the illuminated automotive wind blocker allows such text or artwork to be quickly and inexpensively applied based on customer requirements. The use of computer aided etching techniques allow the illuminated automotive wind blocker to be cost effectively manufactured with custom artwork in quantities as low as one item. This allows the end customer to utilize any artistic design desired to create a completely custom, one-of-a-kind accessory for the customer's automobile.

Abstract: An injection port for an intravenous bag including a generally hollow tube that is mountable to the intravenous bag. The hollow tube has a first end. A polymeric plug is mounted in the first end. The polymeric plug is integrally molded into the tube proximate the first end. A method for constructing the injection port including injecting a first molding material into a mold cavity, allowing the first molding material to at least partially cure and harden, moving a movable mold part to expose a first cavity defined by inner surfaces of the at least partially cured and hardened molding material, injecting a second mold material into the first cavity, allowing the second molding material to at least partially cure and harden such that the second molding material bonds with the inner surfaces and removing the injection port from the mold.

Abstract: An injection port for an intravenous bag including a generally hollow tube that is mountable to the intravenous bag. The hollow tube has a first end. A polymeric plug is mounted in the first end. The polymeric plug is integrally molded into the tube proximate the first end. A method for constructing the injection port including injecting a first molding material into a mold cavity, allowing the first molding material to at least partially cure and harden, moving a movable mold part to expose a first cavity defined by inner surfaces of the at least partially cured and hardened molding material, injecting a second mold material into the first cavity, allowing the second molding material to at least partially cure and harden such that the second molding material bonds with the inner surfaces and removing the injection port from the mold.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus (511) and methods for screening the effect of test formulations on the barrier properties of a membrane (212), that are especially beneficial when skin is used as the test membrane (212). The apparatus (511) and methods enable more efficient measurements of skin permeabilization, of the permeation of molecular or particulate entities through skin, and of the absorption and adsorption by skin of ingredients in fluid formulations, together with screening of exfoliation of material from the exterior of the stratum corneum. The apparatus (511) provide for fluid contact to the skin from both donor and receptor sides, for measurements of skin electrical response in the presence of test formulations, of permeation and permeation enhancement, for the depth profiling of test formulation constituents through the skin, of stratum corneum component disruption, and of loss of material from the stratum corneum.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing such polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A battery load leveling system for an electrically powered system in which a battery is subject to intermittent high current loading, the system including a first battery, a second battery, and a load coupled to the batteries. The system includes a passive storage device, a unidirectional conducting apparatus coupled in series electrical circuit with the passive storage device and poled to conduct current from the passive storage device to the load, the series electrical circuit coupled in parallel with the battery such that the passive storage device provides current to the load when the battery terminal voltage is less than voltage on the passive storage device, and a battery switching circuit that connects the first and second batteries in either a lower voltage parallel arrangement or a higher voltage series arrangement.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle includes a heat engine, a transmission including an input and output, and an electrical device. The transmission input is coupled to the engine and the transmission output is coupled to the electrical device such that substantially all of the torque generated by the heat engine is channeled through the transmission to the electrical device, and a differential, the electrical device coupled to the differential such that during a first mode of operation the electrical device functions as a motor to receive substantially all the torque generated by the engine through the transmission, and such that during a second mode of operation the electric device functions as a generator to receive substantially all the torque generated by the vehicle through the differential.

Abstract: A vehicle propulsion includes an alternating current (AC) traction drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the traction drive through a direct current (DC) link, a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the traction drive such that the voltage output from the second energy storage system is decoupled from the DC link using a bi-directional boost converter, and a uni-directional current device that is poled to conduct current from the low voltage side of the boost converter to the high voltage side of the boost converter.

Abstract: A locomotive, a battery system and a method for monitoring a battery are provided. The battery has a first plurality of cells electrically coupled in series to one another. The first plurality of cells includes a second plurality of cells and a third plurality of cells electrically coupled together at a node. The method includes calculating a first number of failed cells in the first plurality cells. The method further includes calculating a second number of failed cells in the second plurality cells and a third number of failed cells in the third plurality cells.

Abstract: A keyboard support mechanism containing a novel articulating arm mechanism for permitting vertical movement of the keyboard shelf. The articulating arm mechanism has six major components: (1) a mounting bracket, (2) a mounting bracket support in combination with a swivel bracket, (3) a shelf bracket, (4) an upper arm, (5) at least one side arm, and (6) at least one stopping means. The upper arm links the shelf bracket and the mounting bracket; the side arm and the stopping means cooperate to keep the shelf bracket (and hence the keyboard shelf) at a constant angle relative to the ground.