Abstract: An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly comprises an outer housing and an inner housing defining a chamber. A biased urging member is held at least partially within the outer housing and slidably biased toward a surface of the inner housing. When the biased urging member is at least partially retracted, a space is defined between the urging member and the surface of the inner housing for accommodating at least one preconcentrator chip. A continuous fluid flow path is defined through the outer housing and through the space. The interchangeable preconcentrator assembly may further comprise at least one modular preconcentrator carriage.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to an analyte collection device of the type that includes at least one plate for storing the analyte and a heating element for heating the at least one plate. An example device comprises a controller linked to the heating element that heats the at least one plate to a first temperature, takes a measurement of a property of the at least one plate, and uses the measurement to estimate one or more of the amount of the analyte on the plate and the amount of contaminant on the plate.

Abstract: An exercise device provides a revolving range of motion around an axis designed to provide an exercise of the whole torso muscles in one block. Multiple embodiments include a base frame, an arm portion connected to and extending from the base frame and a rotatable platform mounted on the arm portion. In some embodiments, the arm portion is adjustable and is configured to form a plurality of angles with the base frame, and the platform is configured to be mounted on the arm portion at a plurality of distances from a center of the base frame. Other embodiments include a base frame, a substantially enclosed track mounted on the base frame, a rolling mechanism that rides on the substantially enclosed track and a rotatable platform that rides on the rolling mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise device including a frame including a base frame and first and second posts extending substantially orthogonally from substantially outer ends of the base frame, a first platform rotatably connected to the base frame and selectably lockable in at least one position. The first platform includes a curved track mounted on the first platform such that a lowest point of the curved track is substantially near a center of the first platform and a pair of high points are located substantially near opposite outer edges of the first platform. A rolling mechanism is configured to ride on the curved track. A second platform rotatably mounted to the rolling mechanism is selectably lockable in at least one position. Such an exercise device provides multiple ranges of motion designed to provide an abdominal exercise that targets various different abdominal muscle regions, and may also provide an aerobic and/or cardiac workout.

Abstract: A system for automatically merging multiple time-stamped transcriptions is provided. The system includes a transcription server for receiving a signal having time-stamp information, a splitter, a merging utility, and a text output. A method for automatic merging of multiple time-stamped transcriptions comprises the following steps: transferring a signal having timestamp information encoded therein to a splitter which yields a mixed audio output having resultant corresponding audio channels, transferring the mixed audio output to a transcriber server which thereby yields one or more text outputs, and the text outputs being merged by a merging utility with the timestamps included in the signal thereby providing a single text file.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting and analyzing welded structures includes a laser for directing at least one beam of light at a weld bead to define at least one visible profile line; a camera directed at the weld bead for capturing an image of the at least one profile line and generating a usable image signal based on the image; and a preprogrammed microprocessor assembly configured for receiving the usable image signal and processing the signal as an image to determine a dimension of the weld bead defined along the at least one profile line and comparing the dimension of the weld bead with a predetermined dimension set point to determine the quality of the weld bead.

Abstract: A marker pole for embedding in a support medium for drawing attention to potentially hazardous subsurface structures within the support medium includes a generally elongate pole body molded from a generally brightly colored plastic material with a penetrating end formed with a tapered tip for insertion into the support medium, the taper being greater than forty-five degrees from a centerline longitudinal axis of the; and a metal impact cap fitted over the end opposite the penetrating end, the impact cap including a generally cylindrical body having an access opening on one end thereof and a substantially planar surface opposing the access opening, the planar surface being in substantial contact with the upper surface of the pole body for enhanced force transmission between the impact cap and the pole body during insertion of the pole into the support medium using an impact producing tool.

Abstract: A marker pole for embedding in a support medium for drawing attention to potentially hazardous subsurface structures within the support medium includes a generally elongate pole body molded from a generally brightly colored plastic material with a penetrating end formed with a tapered tip for insertion into the support medium, the taper being greater than forty-five degrees from a centerline longitudinal axis of the; and a metal impact cap fitted over the distal end, the impact cap including a generally cylindrical body having an access opening on one end thereof and a substantially planar surface opposing the access opening, the planar surface being in substantial contact with the upper surface of the pole body for enhanced force transmission between the impact cap and the pole body during insertion of the pole into the support medium using an impact producing tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for restricting movement of a lawn implement shaft, for use in a lawn implement support system in cooperation with a vertically upstanding support member for horizontal support of shafted lawn implements during storage or transportation thereof including a support post for supporting a first end of a shafted lawn implement in conjunction with the vertically upstanding support member for supporting a second end of the shafted lawn implement. Further the apparatus includes a shaft support hook mounted to the support post, and projecting outwardly therefrom for a predetermined distance, the support hook being curved generally vertically and at a predetermined angle away from a first generally vertical plane defined by the support post, with a distal end of the shaft support hook being curved back toward a second vertical plane defined by the support post and perpendicular to the first vertical plane to define a shaft support region intermediate the hook and the support post.