Abstract: Disclosed is an insert apparatus for a preexisting cart. The insert apparatus includes a support structure having a base portion and a containment portion with an inner area. The base portion operatively engages the preexisting cart. A retaining element is provided and in operative communication with the containment portion of the support structure. The retaining element retains a material within the inner area of the containment portion of the support structure. A kit for an insert apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce a decorative appearance on the surface of a bumper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to create a decorative alloyed layer on the surface of a bumper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a method for enhancing the wear resistance of an aluminum cylinder bore comprising laser alloying of the cylinder bore with selected precursors. The present invention is particularly well suited for enhancing the wear resistance caused by corrosion in an aluminum block engine comprising aluminum cylinder bores.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of improving the corrosion and wear resistance of a transport trailer surface. More specifically the present invention relates to a method of laser alloying the surface of a transport trailer to enhance the corrosion and wear resistant properties of the surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using a laser to produce alloyed bands or strips on the surface of a piston for an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a laser alloying method to produce superior wear resistant properties for an aluminum internal combustion engine piston.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for plasma assisted laser surface alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward a method for surface alloying using a laser beam having a rectangular cross sectional area and a plasma arc, in order to produce an alloyed substrate on the surface of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking, tracking, and managing hospital instruments. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for marking instruments with information indicative of the manufacturer, part number, and serial number of each instrument, inputting such information into a database, inputting information into the database regarding the desired maintenance schedule for each instrument, inputting information into the database regarding the usage of each instrument, and tracking the usage and/or maintenance of each instrument by using the information in the database. The method also includes asset management, instrumentation identification and counting, and assembly of surgical trays and kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for joining metals or alloys together. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method comprising the laser alloying of a first metal/alloy piece so that it can be joined with a second metal/alloy piece of a nonidentical composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved laser beam useful in material surface processing and an apparatus for producing the improved laser beam. The improved laser beam of the present invention comprises a power distribution that is more intense at the outer regions than in the central region. The invention includes an apparatus comprising a power spherical and cylindrical optical elements aligned to focus and/or shape a laser beam into a novel profile useful in material surface processing. The invention further includes a method of using this apparatus to focus and/or shape a laser beam for producing Laser Induced Surface Improvements, hereinafter referred to as "LISI".

Abstract: A computer system manages files shared by first and second heterogeneous clients. The first client exhibits a first protocol such as SMB and the second client exhibits a second, different protocol such as NFS. A first protocol converter receives requests from the first client to create, read and update the files, and converts the requests to corresponding requests exhibiting a common protocol. A second protocol converter receives requests from the second client to create, read and update the files, and converts the requests to corresponding requests exhibiting the common protocol. A file manager is common to both clients and both protocol converters, receives the converted requests exhibiting the common protocol and executes the requests in a name space and data area which are both common to the first and second clients. The name space stores names of the files and the data area stores the files.

Abstract: A bracketless extension rod includes a locking mechanism for holding the rod in place between two opposing support surfaces. The rod includes an inner rod section telescopingly fitted within channel means formed on a outer rod section. The locking mechanism includes a locking plate slidably received within the channel means and a tang means affixed to the locking plate. An extendable lever mechanism is attached to the inner rod section and to the locking plate. The tang permits the rod sections to move only in the direction of extension of the rod by engagement with opposing walls of the channel means. When extended, the lever mechanism places the rod in compression between two opposing supporting surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for communicating between a virtual machine application of a transparent services access collection and an external resource outside the collection. A second virtual machine is provided within the collection, for servicing a request to the external resource. The second virtual machine converts a VM request to CONNECT from the first virtual machine to a VTAM allocate command. An interface is provided at the collection for mapping each VM verb to a VTAM verb, for transmission over the VTAM network. The interface is bi-directional whereby VTAM commands received by a collection are mapped and converted to a VM verb and associated protocol.