Abstract: One or more devices are provided that are configured to detachably engage within a modular system. The one or more devices are expandable to provide a surface to perform work.

Abstract: A method for operating a wireline communication device on a wireless communication network includes (a) receiving a downlink radio frequency (RF) electrical signal at a first connector, (b) converting the downlink RF electrical signal to a downlink access signal having a format that is compatible with the wireline communication device, and (c) providing the downlink access signal to a second connector for transporting to the wireline communication device. A method for extending a wireline communication network includes (a) receiving a downlink wireline signal at a node of the wireline communication network, (b) converting the downlink wireline signal to a downlink RF electrical signal, and (c) converting the downlink RF electrical signal to a downlink wireless signal, for transmission to one or more communication devices which are not physically connected to the wireline communication network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-magnetic alloy workpiece comprises heating the workpiece to a warm working temperature, open die press forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a central region of the workpiece, and radial forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a surface region of the workpiece. In a non-limiting embodiment, after the steps of open die press forging and radial forging, the strain imparted in the surface region is substantially equivalent to the strain imparted in the central region. In another non-limiting embodiment, the strain imparted in the central and surface regions are in a range from 0.3 inch/inch to 1 inch/inch, and there exists no more than a 0.5 inch/inch difference in strain of the central region compared with the strain of the surface region of the workpiece. An alloy forging processed according to methods described herein also is disclosed.

Abstract: An ambidextrous safety for a firearm is provided. The ambidextrous safety includes separate first and second opposed and spaced-apart thumb safeties that are interconnected by a shaft extending therebetween. The shaft is formed by a first shaft portion extending from the first thumb safety and a second shaft portion extending from the second thumb safety. The first and second shaft portions are interlocked, for instance, via a tongue-and-groove connection. The shaft extends through a separate sleeve which surrounds and reinforces the tongue-and-groove connection and prevents loosening and disconnection thereof.

Abstract: An ambidextrous safety for a firearm is provided. The ambidextrous safety includes separate first and second opposed and spaced-apart thumb safeties that are interconnected by a shaft extending therebetween. The shaft is formed by a first shaft portion extending from the first thumb safety and a second shaft portion extending from the second thumb safety. The first and second shaft portions are interlocked, for instance, via a tongue-and-groove connection. The shaft extends through a separate sleeve which surrounds and reinforces the tongue-and-groove connection and prevents loosening and disconnection thereof.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-magnetic alloy workpiece comprises heating the workpiece to a warm working temperature, open die press forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a central region of the workpiece, and radial forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a surface region of the workpiece. In a non-limiting embodiment, after the steps of open die press forging and radial forging, the strain imparted in the surface region is substantially equivalent to the strain imparted in the central region. In another non-limiting embodiment, the strain imparted in the central and surface regions are in a range from 0.3 inch/inch to 1 inch/inch, and there exists no more than a 0.5 inch/inch difference in strain of the central region compared with the strain of the surface region of the workpiece. An alloy forging processed according to methods described herein also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-magnetic alloy workpiece comprises heating the workpiece to a warm working temperature, open die press forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a central region of the workpiece, and radial forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a surface region of the workpiece. In a non-limiting embodiment, after the steps of open die press forging and radial forging, the strain imparted in the surface region is substantially equivalent to the strain imparted in the central region. In another non-limiting embodiment, the strain imparted in the central and surface regions are in a range from 0.3 inch/inch to 1 inch/inch, and there exists no more than a 0.5 inch/inch difference in strain of the central region compared with the strain of the surface region of the workpiece. An alloy forging processed according to methods described herein also is disclosed.

Abstract: Split pass forging a workpiece to initiate microstructure refinement comprises press forging a metallic material workpiece in a first forging direction one or more times up to a reduction ductility limit of the metallic material to impart a total strain in the first forging direction sufficient to initiate microstructure refinement; rotating the workpiece; open die press forging the workpiece in a second forging direction one or more times up to the reduction ductility limit to impart a total strain in the second forging direction to initiate microstructure refinement; and repeating rotating and open die press forging in a third and, optionally, one or more additional directions until a total amount of strain to initiate microstructure refinement is imparted in an entire volume of the workpiece.

Abstract: Split pass forging a workpiece to initiate microstructure refinement comprises press forging a metallic material workpiece in a first forging direction one or more times up to a reduction ductility limit of the metallic material to impart a total strain in the first forging direction sufficient to initiate microstructure refinement; rotating the workpiece; open die press forging the workpiece in a second forging direction one or more times up to the reduction ductility limit to impart a total strain in the second forging direction to initiate microstructure refinement; and repeating rotating and open die press forging in a third and, optionally, one or more additional directions until a total amount of strain to initiate microstructure refinement is imparted in an entire volume of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of processing a non-magnetic alloy workpiece comprises heating the workpiece to a warm working temperature, open die press forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a central region of the workpiece, and radial forging the workpiece to impart a desired strain in a surface region of the workpiece. In a non-limiting embodiment, after the steps of open die press forging and radial forging, the strain imparted in the surface region is substantially equivalent to the strain imparted in the central region. In another non-limiting embodiment, the strain imparted in the central and surface regions are in a range from 0.3 inch/inch to 1 inch/inch, and there exists no more than a 0.5 inch/inch difference in strain of the central region compared with the strain of the surface region of the workpiece. An alloy forging processed according to methods described herein also is disclosed.