Abstract: Catalytic converter anti-theft devices and systems are described.

Abstract: Catalytic converter anti-theft devices and systems are described.

Abstract: Disclosed are durable ceramic flatware utensils and utensil sets as well as methods of making the same. The utensils are preferably manufactured from stabilized or partially stabilized zirconia with yttria or magnesium used as a dopant. The improved ceramic flatware may or may not take the form of multipurpose hybrid utensils or forks embodying one of several durability features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a pressure vessel containing a bed of particulate material comprising substantially leveling the bed and employing a fluid flow distributor above the bed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing interactions between nonpolar substances and polar liquids, such as interactions between nonpolar polymers and aqueous systems, using amphipathic peptides, without the need for conventional surfactants. The nonpolar substance may either be pretreated to enhance its interactions with polar liquids, or the polar liquid (e.g., water) may be pretreated to enhance the interactions. It is possible to coat large surface areas on nonpolar substances uniformly with polar liquids. Nonpolar particles may be uniformly suspended in polar liquids, to an extent that has not been previously reported. The alteration of the nonpolar surface can be surprisingly durable. The treated surface may be rinsed, and the treated nonpolar surface will still retain its enhanced properties for interacting with polar liquids. By contrast, conventional surfactants are washed away when the water or other polar liquid is removed.

Abstract: Adding free thiol compounds to colloidal gold markers enhances both the rate at which they bind to proteins or other analytes, and the sensitivity of those reactions. The addition of thiol is most effective when the thiol is added to the reaction mixture at about the same time as the gold nanoparticles. The presence of thiol compounds in colloidal gold staining reactions enhances both kinetics and thermodynamic equilibrium. The reaction time decreases, and the sensitivity of detection increases by approximately an order of magnitude.

Abstract: A power transfer case for a four wheel drive land cruiser is altered to provide overdrive capability. A main drive gear is journaled for rotation about a main drive shaft driven by the vehicle transmission system. The main drive gear includes an axially extending hub section. A direct drive gear is splined onto the main drive shaft, as is an overdrive driving gear. An overdrive idler gear provides a mechanical speed advantage and is engaged with an overdrive driven gear that is journaled for rotation about the main shaft. A shift collar is splined in continuous engagement with the hub section of the main drive gear, and is longitudinally shifted to alternatively effectuate splined engagement with either a direct drive gear or with an overdrive driven gear. The vehicle is provided with four wheel overdrive drive capability without axial relocation of any of the major structural drive line supports or assemblies.