Abstract: A tool chuck may include a shaft supporting chuck jaws. The shaft may provide a first transmission power path for rotationally driving the chuck jaws. The shaft may have a through hole. A chuck actuating mechanism may be provided in the through hole. The chuck actuating mechanism may provide a second transmission power path for opening and closing the chuck jaws.

Abstract: An air compressor package having improved stability and portability. The air compressor package is positionable in an operational position, wherein the air compressor package is positioned on a base, and a transport position, wherein the air compressor package may be more readily transported. Positioning of the air compressor package into the transport position is accomplished by rotating the air compressor about a rotational axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the air tank. The air compressor package includes a protective stop configured to contact a support surface when the air compressor package is moved between the operating position and the transport position, thereby preventing slippage of the air compressor package away from the user.

Abstract: A hand-held tool with a backbone, a motor assembly that is mounted to the backbone, and a plastic housing. The motor assembly can include a driver and can be selectively actuatable to translate the driver along an axis. The plastic housing can be coupled to the backbone and can shroud at least a portion of the backbone.

Abstract: An air compressor package having improved stability and portability. The air compressor package is positionable in an operational position, wherein the air compressor package is positioned on a base, and a transport position, wherein the air compressor package may be more readily transported. Positioning of the air compressor package into the transport position is accomplished by rotating the air compressor about a rotational axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the air tank. The air compressor package includes a protective stop configured to contact a support surface when the air compressor package is moved between the operating position and the transport position, thereby preventing slippage of the air compressor package away from the user.

Abstract: A control panel for a portable electric generator. The control panel includes three distinct zones having logically organized switches and outlets. The first zone includes those switches used most frequently. The second zone includes a plurality of 120 VAC electrical outlets and at least one 120/240 VAC outlet. The 120 VAC outlets are separated from the 120/240 VAC outlet by a horizontally arranged, rocker style voltage selector switch for selecting either 120/240 VAC or 120 VAC operation. A third zone includes an auto throttle control for controlling an engine of the generator. The placement and organization of the switches and electrical outlets within clearly defined zones reduces the possibility of the operator unintentionally selecting the wrong outlet for use or unintentionally selecting the wrong switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for translating includes translating data of one species of a generic language into data of another species of the same generic language. Furthermore the method and apparatus may translate data of a species of a first generic language into data of a species of a second generic language.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing accelerated loading of operating system and application programs upon system boot or application launch. In one aspect, a method for providing accelerated loading of an operating system comprises the steps of: maintaining a list of boot data used for booting a computer system; preloading the boot data upon initialization of the computer system; and servicing requests for boot data from the computer system using the preloaded boot data. The boot data may comprise program code associated with an operating system of the computer system, an application program, and a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the boot data is retrieved from a boot device and stored in a cache memory device.

Abstract: A gripper having an elongated first member which has a pair of spaced walls which form a locking channel into which a second member having a projecting tubular locking portion can push a layer of flexible material. The flexible material and the tubular locking portion are releasably held by the locking channel on the first member. A layer of adhesive material is on the back of the first member for attaching the first member to a surface. A keeper is provided for connecting the first and second members when not in use.