Abstract: A method for aligning a first optical transceiver includes steps of splitting, directing, recording, and actuating. The splitting step includes splitting a light beam into a) a reference beam that propagates along a common optical path within the first optical transceiver and b) a transmit beam that that propagates away from the first optical transceiver and toward a second optical transceiver. The directing step includes directing, with a beam director, a receive beam from the second optical transceiver onto the common optical path. The recording step includes recording, with a tracking focal-plane array (FPA) that intersects the common optical path, a reference-position of the reference beam and an initial-received-position of the receive beam on the tracking FPA. The actuating step includes actuating the beam director based upon the initial-received-position to achieve a subsequent position of the receive beam on the tracking FPA.

Abstract: Technology is described for a system to provide skill training in various fields, including professional fields involving hand-held instruments. The system senses a user's manipulation of an instrumented work piece, handheld instrument or tool using various sensors, e.g., for a dental tool, an array of pressure sensors in the instrumented work piece and/or the tool's tip, grip sensors, and sensors to track the position and movement of the tool and/or work piece relative to each other. The system includes lessons to train users in the proper methods to manipulate the instrumented work piece and/or the tool and provides guidance and feedback based on the user's performance to build the user's skills, prevent injury, and document competency.

Abstract: Technology is described for a system to provide skill training in various fields, including professional fields involving hand-held instruments. The system senses a user's manipulation of an instrument or tool using various sensors, e.g., for a dental tool, an array of pressure sensors in the tool's tip, grip sensors, and sensors to track the position and movement of the tool. The system includes lessons to train users in the proper methods to manipulate the tool and provides guidance and feedback based on the user's performance to build the user's skills, prevent injury, and document competency.

Abstract: A device for isolating DNA from a sample containing cells, including a cartridge having an entrance port and an exit port, a membrane disposed between the entrance port and the exit port, and a plurality of channels between the membrane and the exit port. Additionally, systems and methods for isolating DNA from a sample containing cells and also systems and methods for amplifying and isolating single-stranded DNA from a sample containing DNA.

Abstract: A posting module enables a user to specify information for a first date posting, including a first date venue. Optionally, a database is accessed and information related to the first date venue is received. The first date posting is optionally populated with information specified by the first user and at least a portion of the information received via the database. A search engine may identify the first date posting at least partly in response to an action of a second user, and provide the first date posting for display to the second user. A module is configured to cause an invitation control to be displayed to the second user in association with the first date posting, detect the second user activating the invitation control, and cause an invitation, to go on a date corresponding to the first date posting of the first user, to be presented to the first user.

Abstract: Technology is described for a system to provide skill training in various fields, including professional fields involving hand-held instruments. The system senses a user's manipulation of an instrument or tool using various sensors, e.g., for a dental tool, an array of pressure sensors in the tool's tip, grip sensors, and sensors to track the position and movement of the tool. The system includes lessons to train users in the proper methods to manipulate the tool and provides guidance and feedback based on the user's performance to build the user's skills, prevent injury, and document competency.

Abstract: A device for isolating DNA from a sample containing cells, including a cartridge having an entrance port and an exit port, a membrane disposed between the entrance port and the exit port, and a plurality of channels between the membrane and the exit port. Additionally, systems and methods for isolating DNA from a sample containing cells and also systems and methods for amplifying and isolating single-stranded DNA from a sample containing DNA.

Abstract: A solar powered LED portable light tower. A solar powered LED portable light tower may comprise: one or more photovoltaic modules, an adjustable masthead, one or more lamps, one or more batteries, an inverter, a controller, and a base. The lamps may be light emitting diodes. The controller may be configured to turn on and off and dim said one or more lamps, and preferably comprises a motion sensor. The portable light tower may also comprise a concrete ballast, fork lift option, and/or a trailer option.

Abstract: A system of user-customizable golf putters. The system provides golf putters having replaceable, removable handles, multi-part modular head components, and adjustments for the handles in relation to the club heads, including adjustable handle-positioners.