Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a system to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: A method for displaying a region of interest within visual information on a display screen of a computer, the region of interest including a focal region and a base region. The method includes the steps of: providing means for selecting at least one parameter for transforming at least one of the region of interest, the focal region, and the base region; selecting the parameter using the means for selecting; transforming the visual information in accordance with a predetermined distortion function and the parameter to produce transformed visual information; and, displaying the transformed visual information on the display screen.

Abstract: A method for displaying a region of interest within visual information on a display screen of a computer, the region of interest including a focal region and a base region. The method includes the steps of: providing means for selecting at least one parameter for transforming at least one of the region of interest, the focal region, and the base region; selecting the parameter using the means for selecting; transforming the visual information in accordance with a predetermined distortion function and the parameter to produce transformed visual information; and, displaying the transformed visual information on the display screen.

Abstract: A method for removing inert solids from low-yield wastewater treatment processes. The method includes combining wastewater with bacteria-laden sludge in a mainstream reactor to form a mixed liquor, separating the mixed liquor into a clear effluent and activated sludge, returning a first portion of activated sludge to the mainstream reactor, treating a second portion of activated sludge in a sidestream bioreactor prior to returning the second portion of activated sludge to the mainstream reactor, and employing a screening device within the wastewater treatment process to remove inert solids.

Abstract: An angle grinder is provided including a trigger assembly for selectively actuating the angle grinder. A particle separation assembly is provided for the removal of any dust, particle, or artifacts that may have entered into the housing of the angle grinder. A brush biasing system is also provided to ensure proper and efficient operation of the motor of the angle grinder. An overload monitoring system is included to monitor the loading on the motor. A clutch mechanism is also included to prevent overloading on the motor of the angle grinder. A gear wheel lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the wheel spindle from rotating during installation or removal of a grinding wheel on the wheel spindle. An anti-locking flange system is also included to prevent the over-tightening of the flanges and the grinder wheel during the operation of the angle grinder. A gear case labyrinth feature is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient aziridination of organic molecules, especially olefins. More specifically, the invention is directed to a mild, selective, and efficient aziridination protocol that involves catalysis by a mixed-valent dirhodium(II,III) catalyst (Rh25+). Especially preferred sources for forming such mixed-valent dirhodium(II,III) catalyst (Rh25+) are dirhodium(II) carboxamidates, such as dirhodium(II) caprolactamate, and their derivatives and analogues.

Abstract: An interconnection assembly for the transport of a fluid between an external fluidic means and a mounting block of a modular fluid distribution system, comprising: a cylindrical cavity formed through a face of the mounting block; a cylindrical flow element, a fluid passage formed therethrough, at least one retaining groove being formed on the outer surface; a retaining means; wherein the cylindrical flow element is inserted into the cylindrical cavity, the annular sealing means being compressed, the annular sealing means forming a hermetic seal between the fluid passage and the fluid port, the retaining means engaging retaining groove, the retaining means being braced against the mounting block; and wherein said fluid is transported between said external fluidic component and said mounting block via said cylindrical flow element.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide high availability with respect to equipment deployed in a distributed system architecture. The distributed system architecture may comprise one or more equipment clusters of a plurality of processor-based systems cooperating to host one or more application servers. Redundancy is provided with respect to equipment of the equipment clusters to provide high availability with respect to equipment used in providing services of the application servers as well as to provide continuity of applications provided by the application servers. Various equipment elements of an equipment cluster may be provided different levels and/or types of redundancy. Other equipment elements of an equipment cluster may be provided different levels and/or types of redundancy.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating records. Certification information may be encoded in graphical form. This graphical form, or design, may be referred to as an “Indicia.” The record at issue may be printed out by a computer or stored electronically and bear on it an indicia that relates to the authenticity of the document. The indicia (and record) may then be scanned and interpreted by the computer to authenticate the record.

Abstract: A system is described which provides the capability for high-level extensible scripting language interpreters to incorporate and employ Web browser plug-ins as components within script-based programs. A script interpreter extension is described which simulates the plug-in API interface of a Web browser, from the point of view of the browser plug-in, to allow program scripts to cause browser plug-ins to be launched and manipulated, in a manner similar to the scripting platform's native widgets, from within the executing program script. This system allows embedded external program objects to be used to display and enable interactive processing of embedded data objects.

Abstract: A composition and method for the inhibition of microorganisms.

Abstract: Strains of pro-biotic bacteria, their isolation, characteristics and methods of use to prevent or treat carriage by a food production animal of Salmonella that causes human salmonellosis are provided. Methods for isolating and characterizing the probiotic bacteria are also provided. The present invention further provides methods for using the probiotic bacteria to prevent or treat Salmonella strains that cause human salmonellosis found in food production animals.

Abstract: A modular system for enabling a distribution of fluids, including a plurality of individual fluid path blocks that can be joined to substrate plates and component interfacing blocks to form gas sticks and gas panels. Each gas path block will have a fluid passageway with an entrance port and exit port accessing a common surface. Active components are mounted to the interfacing blocks, with each gas path block extending and interconnecting across immediately adjacent components in a stick or immediately adjacent sticks. Alignment features are provided to ensure that entrance and exit ports are accurately positioned to facilitate sealing.

Abstract: An improved battery construction for increasing the life of a storage battery by providing a housing integral with the battery case or jar which will condense escaping dielectric fluid and cause the condensed liquid to return to the main supply of dielectric fluid.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a system to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for radon mitigation using natural convection to remove radon-contaminated air from beneath the slab foundation of a structure, building, or dwelling, comprising a section of vertically mounted convection duct including an internal heat source, an inlet duct extending from said convection duct through the slab into the gas permeable sub-slab layer, an outlet duct extending from said convection duct through the structure and out the roof thereof, the internal heat source comprising a thermally conductive tube disposed concentrically within said convection duct and heated by one or more electrical heater elements to assist the upward airflow of the radon-contaminated air from the structure.

Abstract: A method for navigating a computer generated original image presented on a display screen, comprising: displaying a first region of the original image; distorting the original image to produce a presentation having a distorted region for the first region and displaying the presentation; receiving a signal from a user to select a second region of the original image through the presentation; and, displaying the second region.

Abstract: A two-stage, retrofit filter is adapted for use with an electrical discharge machine (EDM) includes nested inner and outer filtering elements that may be placed as a unit in the same tank and over the apertured standpipe used for a one-stage filter, such that the fluid to be filtered now flows through each of the multiple filter elements. The retrofit EDM filter may be configured for flow in either direction, though the usual arrangement is one whereby the fluid being filtered flows up through the bottom of the tank, out the apertured standpipe, and into the inner filter element. Preferably, the filter elements are cylindrical, pleated elements composed of a technical grade filter paper. In the preferred embodiment, a pressure-operated release valve is provided in conjunction with the inner filter, such that when a predetermined pressure is reached due to the entrapment of contaminants by the inner filter, the valve opens to allow the fluid to be filtered to flow through the outer filter.

Abstract: An improved keeper for positioning ring seals is provided. The keeper includes a substantially planar sheet defining upper and lower surfaces. Projecting through the planar sheet are one or more holes configured for affixing corresponding one or more ring seals. The keeper further includes one or more nodes which extend outwardly from the planar sheet beyond the dimensions of the mating surfaces between which a sealed joint is obtained. The one or more nodes identify the position and number of holes constructed for receiving corresponding ring seals.

Abstract: A system is provided for touching up a chipped and scratched painted surface by applying a solvent solution to the surface, applying a selected touch-up paint, and removing a portion of the applied touch-up paint from the painted surface. The removing step includes applying a wax and solvent mixture (e.g., about 40% wax and about 60% naphtha) and then removing a residue of wax and paint by substantially immediately wiping the painted surface with a cloth. The solvent solution may include naphtha. The touch-up paint may have a tone substantially the same as the tone of the painted surface and is slightly darker than the painted surface.