Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of generating antibodies against a species of pathogen that involve identifying the pathogen that is most genetically representative of member of pathogen species and using the identified pathogen to generate an antibody.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of generating antibodies against a species of pathogen that involve identifying the pathogen that is most genetically representative of member of pathogen species and using the identified pathogen to generate an antibody.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for amplifying nucleic acid from a target. In certain aspects, methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample including a target, conducting an assay that isolates the target from the sample, lysing the target to release the nucleic acid, and amplifying the released nucleic acid such that the amplifying occurs in the presence of debris from the lysing step.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing, a rule blade coilable within the housing, and an edge guide coupled to the housing. The edge guide may be oriented in either a first position, in which the edge guide contacts the edge of a work surface, or a second position, in which the edge guide does not contact the edge of the work surface. The edge guide may be permanently or releasably connected to the housing. The tape measure may further include a laser assembly that generates a laser line intersecting the rule blade and the work surface and a calibration mechanism to adjust the alignment of the laser line. In use, the edge guide may orient the tape measure on the work surface such that the laser line is generally perpendicular to the work surface edge.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing, a rule blade coilable within the housing, and a light plane generator disposed on the housing. The light plane generator may include a laser source for emitting a laser beam and a line lens in the path of the laser beam for converting the laser beam into a laser plane. Preferably, the laser plane intersects both the rule blade and a workpiece. The light plane generator may be pivoted about a horizontal axis and/or a vertical axis.

Abstract: A trimming tool includes a selectable blade attachment for effecting a conversion between a string trimming mode and a blade trimming mode without requiring disassembly of the unit. The assembly includes a locking mechanism selectively engageable with a pivoting trimming blade that pivots between a retracted position and an extended position by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is reciprocated between the locked position and the unlocked position based on a rotation direction of the motor. The locking mechanism itself may also be reciprocated by centrifugal force. A spool lock, which is also positioned by centrifugal force, disables automatic string feeding in the blade trimming mode. The trimming tool may also be provided with a blower function incorporating a blower attachment readily attachable as a trimming guard of the trimming tool or a blower assembly integrated into the tool components.

Abstract: A trimming tool includes a selectable blade attachment for effecting a conversion between a string trimming mode and a blade trimming mode without requiring disassembly of the unit. The assembly includes a locking mechanism (46) selectively engageable with a pivoting trimming blade (40) that pivots between a retracted position and an extended position by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is reciprocated between the locked position and the unlocked position based on a rotation direction of the motor. The locking mechanism itself may also be reciprocated by centrifugal force. A spool lock, which is also positioned by centrifugal force, disables automatic string feeding in the blade trimming mode. The trimming tool may also be provided with a blower function incorporating a blower attachment readily attachable as a trimming guard of the trimming tool, or a blower assembly integrated into the tool components.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter having a mulching blade system including a cutting blade and an independent vortex inducing blade. The cutting blade performs no vortex inducing function but rather only operates to cut vegetation. The vortex inducing blade is designed strictly to provide vortices at the outer ends thereof, and does not perform any cutting function. The vortices operate to even more effectively suspend vegetation trimmings within a volute cutting chamber of a deck of the vegetation cutter such that the trimmings can be cut several times by the cutting blade before being deposited back into the vegetation over which the cutter is traversing.

Abstract: A trimming tool includes a selectable blade attachment for effecting a conversion between a string trimming mode and a blade trimming mode without requiring disassembly of the unit. The assembly includes a locking mechanism (46) selectively engageable with a pivoting trimming blade (40) that pivots between a retracted position and an extended position by centrifugal force. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is reciprocated between the locked position and the unlocked position based on a rotation direction of the motor. The locking mechanism itself may also be reciprocated by centrifugal force. A spool lock, which is also positioned by centrifugal force, disables automatic string feeding in the blade trimming mode. The trimming tool may also be provided with a blower function incorporating a blower attachment readily attachable as a trimming guard of the trimming tool, or a blower assembly integrated into the tool components.

Abstract: A power tool system has detachable and interchangeable implements and driving sources. The interchangeable implements and driving sources use a housing having common mating interface to selectively assemble a power tool having the desired characteristics. A latch is used to hold a selected implement and driving source in functional engagement. An adjustable bale handle provides a comfortable and safe handhold for various configurations of the interchangeable implements.

Abstract: A frame for a portable sprayer having an interlocking joint for securing sections of a frame on opposite sides of a tank. The interlocking joint facilitates attachment and detachment of tanks with respect to the frame, as well as securing a telescopic handle relative to the frame. An extension rib prevents the tank from tipping-over.

Abstract: A release mechanism is provided for a portable sprayer having a pump unit removably connected to a fluid tank. The release mechanism provides locking for the connection between the tank and the pump unit. Moreover, the release mechanism unlocks the connection between the pump unit and the tank, and operates in conjunction with a pressure relief mechanism to concurrently de-pressurize the tank to ease disconnection from the pump unit. Further, the compass of the pressure relief mechanism also serve to automatically relieve pressure when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical interlock and module system for an electrically powered device such as a cordless, electric lawn mower that includes a normally open interlock switch for controlling the enabling of the power circuit for the lawn mower. A key member is adapted for insertion into a specially configured opening in the mower housing to actuate and close the interlock switch. With the interlock switch closed, energization of the motor is controlled by a separate handle-mounted ON/OFF switch in a conventional manner. In addition, a modular assembly technique is disclosed which facilitates ease of manufacturing while assuring proper alignment between the various components of the interlock system.