Abstract: Isolated tellurite-resistant or selenite-resistant marine organisms capable of precipitating tellurium or selenium when grown aerobically are described. A method for using these isolated organisms to produce an aqueous suspension of purified nanoparticles comprising tellurium or selenium and the nanoparticles comprising tellurium or selenium produced by this method are also described. The nanoparticles may further comprise cadmium or zinc. A method of remediation utilizing the described organisms is also presented.

Abstract: A multi-layer abstraction bucket mechanism connected between applications programs and at least one data source and providing to the users transformations of data and the results of processes performed on the data. The multi-layer abstraction bucket mechanism includes hierarchically connected abstraction layers, each including a methods object for storing methods for performing operations on data received from a data bucket of a hierarchically next lower abstraction layer, a data operation object for selecting a method to be executed by the method object, a data bucket for storing the results of an executed method, and a map for storing information for constructing the data bucket and for relating requests to methods residing in the methods object. The mechanism includes a data extraction layer and an abstraction layer. At least one abstraction layer is a data transformation layer while others include a data processing layer and a rules transformation layer for performing the rule based decision operations.

Abstract: A hand bag for striking by a back of a game player's hand comprises a plurality of panels first stitched together to form first and second panels that are then stitched about their periphery. The hand bag contains disk-shaped fluid pellets of a high density polyethylene material therein or a gel therein. The ellipsoid-shaped filler pellets are contained within an inner lining for insertion into the hand bag during assembly. Lacing extends about the stitched periphery to further secure the panels while protecting the initial stitching. The plurality of panels with lines of flexion therebetween are configured to complement the back of the user's hand so that upon striking an improved lift and airborne flight is imparted to the hand bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing access to database data by applications programs executing on a computer system wherein a database bucket mechanism is interposed between one or more application programs and one or more databases. The bucket mechanism is comprised of an applications interface communicating with each of the applications programs in their native modes and a bucket engine generating "buckets" containing "bucket objects". Each bucket represents a group or class of database data members and contains one or more bucket data objects containing members of the databases, a database object mapping the bucket data object to the databases and an access object containing methods for accessing the databases in their native modes. Buckets and bucket data objects are constructed by the bucket engine according to information stored in an object map and a table map.

Abstract: A hand bag for striking by a back of a game player's hand comprises first and second panels stitched about their periphery and containing fluid pellets of a high density polyethylene material therein. Lacing further extends about the stitched periphery to further secure the panels while protecting the initial stitching. The panels are configured to complement the back of the user's hand so that upon striking a desired lift and airborne flight is imparted to the bag.

Abstract: A slitter is disclosed for slitting a cable-like item longitudinally to a controlled depth with a blade. The cable-like item is drawn through a guide which is shaped to correspond to the cross-section of the item, thereby ensuring proper twist as the item is drawn under the slitter blade.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a coffeemaker with a variable brew strength apparatus which comprises a base which contains a water reservoir and a heater and which supports a coffee carafe. The base supports a variable brew strength apparatus directly over the coffee carafe. The variable brew strength apparatus includes a water restrictor member which is rotably mounted on the cover of a coffee basket member. The water restrictor member and the coffee basket member, in combination, form a valve which either admits heated water to an inner basket which is mounted in the coffee basket and which contains ground coffee, or causes a portion of the heated water to bypass the inner basket and enter the coffee basket to mix with and dilute coffee brewed in the inner basket. The coffee basket supports a special coffee scoop which has a tabular indicia relating the number of cups of coffee desired, the brew strength desired, and the number of scoops of coffee required.

Abstract: A cartridge for housing a supply of ribbon for typewriters or like machines. The cartridge includes an arm extending therefrom to guide the ribbon from the cartridge to the typewriter print point and to reverse the direction of the ribbon for guiding the ribbon back to the cartridge which is supported on a machine rigid frame on one side of the print point. The arm is provided in several embodiments of the invention, with a tab-like extension near its end to be engaged by the typewriter lift mechanism whereby it may be driven by the lift mechanism to carry the ribbon from a point adjacent the print point to the print point as a ribbon vibrator.