Abstract: A the Modular Raceway System For Electrical Components is provided that includes horizontal members (10) to accommodate the attachment of trim (30), the attachment of vertical members (20) containing slots (22) for connecting the attachment brackets (40) and other brackets used to secure electronic devices (26) or other objects. Used as a means for concealing wiring (16) and minimizing the amount of holes required for wall (24) connection points in a finished room.

Abstract: A the Modular Raceway System For Electrical Components is provided that includes horizontal members (10) to accommodate the attachment of trim (30), the attachment of vertical members (20) containing slots (22) for connecting the attachment brackets (40) and other brackets used to secure electronic devices (26) or other objects. Used as a means for concealing wiring (16) and minimizing the amount of holes required for wall (24) connection points in a finished room.

Abstract: An electrical assembly selectively receives power from an external power supply. The electrical assembly includes a base that at least partially defines a tool port and a battery port and an electrical tool selectively coupled to the tool port. A rechargeable battery pack is selectively coupled to the battery port and a circuit is supported by the base and is operable to direct power to the tool port and the battery port such that the external power provides power to the electrical tool to operate the electrical tool and to recharge the rechargeable battery pack.

Abstract: A method of forming metallic connector patterns for solar cells, whereby an embosser having raised features shaped in the form of a metallic connector pattern is used to attach a portion of a metallic foil to a transparent conductive layer formed on a top transparent surface of a solar cell structure. The raised surfaces of the embosser press the metallic foil portion against the transparent conductive layer. Heat and pressure directed to the metallic foil portion attach the metallic foil portion to the underlying transparent conductive layer, and then the rest of the metallic foil, which is not attached to the transparent conductive layer, is removed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for determining immunologically cross-reactive molecules comprising a cross-reactive antigenic determinant are provided, in particular for determining proteins comprising cross-reactive antigenic determinants, in particular for determining proteins that are cross-reactive based on serological screens using sequential immunological challenges to an animal, including determining cross-reactive H. parasuis proteins. Also provided are compositions, vaccines, and kits using the molecules for diagnostics and methods for preventing or treating a disease, disorder, condition, or symptoms thereof associated with infectious agents, in particular infectious microorganisms, in particular for preventing or treating a disease, disorder, condition, or symptom thereof associated with H. parasuis infection.

Abstract: An ultra lightweight semiconductor device such as a photovoltaic device is fabricated on a non-etchable barrier layer which is disposed upon an etchable substrate. The device is contacted with an appropriate etchant for a period of time sufficient to remove at least a portion of the thickness of the substrate. The barrier layer prevents damage to the photovoltaic material during the etching process. Photovoltaic devices fabricated by this method have specific power levels in excess of 300 w/kg.

Abstract: A spacer for use with, and to prevent or reduce the occurrence of stiction in, a fluid device such as a pump. The spacer has a generally ring-shaped body, which has first and second facing surfaces separated by a thickness. The spacer is positioned between a movable member of the pump and a stationary member of the pump such that the first facing surface of the spacer is contactable with the movable member and the second facing surface is contactable with the stationary member. The spacer has at least a fluid receiving groove formed in at least one of the first and second facing surfaces.

Abstract: A spacer for use with, and to prevent or reduce the occurrence of stiction in, a fluid device such as a pump. The spacer has a generally ring-shaped body, which has first and second facing surfaces separated by a thickness. The spacer is positioned between a movable member of the pump and a stationary member of the pump such that the first facing surface of the spacer is contactable with the movable member and the second facing surface is contactable with the stationary member. The spacer has at least a fluid receiving groove formed in at least one of the first and second facing surfaces.

Abstract: An ultra lightweight semiconductor device such as a photovoltaic device is fabricated on a non-etchable barrier layer which is disposed upon an etchable substrate. The device is contacted with an appropriate etchant for a period of time sufficient to remove at least a portion of the thickness of the substrate. The barrier layer prevents damage to the photovoltaic material during the etching process. Photovoltaic devices fabricated by this method have specific power levels in excess of 300 w/kg.

Abstract: A method of forming metallic connector patterns for solar cells, whereby an embosser having raised features shaped in the form of a metallic connector pattern is used to attach a portion of a metallic foil to a transparent conductive layer formed on a top transparent surface of a solar cell structure. The raised surfaces of the embosser press the metallic foil portion against the transparent conductive layer. Heat and pressure directed to the metallic foil portion attach the metallic foil portion to the underlying transparent conductive layer, and then the rest of the metallic foil, which is not attached to the transparent conductive layer, is removed.

Abstract: Battery chargers and combinations. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a combination including a battery charger having a housing and a charging circuit, and protective structure separate from and connectable with the battery charger. The protective structure, when connected, extending from the housing beyond a battery connected to the battery charger. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may also provide a combination including a first battery charger, a second battery charger and a connecting structure operable to connect the first battery charger and the second battery charger as a unit. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may further provide a combination including a battery charger and a handle separate from and connectable with the battery charger. In addition, in some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide a battery charger including a housing having a base and an upper portion opposite the base.

Abstract: A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell.

Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: A battery pack that is configured to be coupled to an electrical device comprises a housing, at least one battery cell positioned in the housing, and a terminal assembly configured to electrically connect the battery cell to the electrical device. The battery pack also includes a locking assembly that is configured to engage the electrical device. The locking assembly includes a locking member, an actuator coupled to the locking member, and a biasing member. The locking member is movable about a pivot point between a first position to engage the electrical device and a second position. The actuator is actuatable to move the locking member from the first position to the second position. The biasing member biases the locking member to the first position.

Abstract: Liquid-liquid extraction elements are described. A liquid-liquid extraction element includes a first layer pair and a second layer pair disposed adjacent the first layer pair forming a stack of layers. The first layer pair includes a first polymeric microporous membrane, and a first flow channel layer oriented in a first flow direction having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on first opposing sides of the extraction element. The second layer pair includes a second polymeric microporous membrane and a second flow channel layer oriented in a second flow direction different than the first flow direction and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on second opposing sides of the extraction element. The first microporous membrane is disposed between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. Methods of extracting a dissolved solute from a first liquid to a second liquid are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack includes a housing, a cell supported by the housing, a circuit supported by the housing and operable to control a function of the battery pack, and a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the circuit and operable to dissipate heat from the circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for battery protection. In some aspects, a battery pack configured to be interfaced with a power tool includes a housing, a cell, a controller, and a circuit. The circuit is operable to enable the controller to operate when the voltage supplied by the cell to the controller is below an operating voltage threshold off the controller.

Abstract: A method and system for battery charging. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a controller and a charging circuit that is operable to charge Lithium-based batteries of varying nominal voltages and/or number of battery cells.