Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing a representative, homogeneous, and planarized target for solid sample laser ablation. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, removing portions of a solid sample with an abrasive sampling system, the abrasive sampling system including at least one of a plurality of abrasive particles configured to hold the portions of the solid sample on an abrasive substrate between the abrasive particles or a texturized surface configured to hold the portions of the solid sample on the texturized surface; transferring the abrasive sampling system holding the portions of the solid sample to a laser ablation system; and ablating the portions of the solid sample held by the abrasive sampling system with the laser ablation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transferring gas from an ablation cell to an inductively coupled plasma analysis system via a gas exchange membrane transfer line to exchange gas introduced to the ablation cell with a sweep gas. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a laser ablation cell configured to generate a sample transfer stream through laser ablation of a sample and introduction of a carrier gas to flow the ablated sample from the laser ablation cell; an inductively-coupled plasma analysis device configured to measure one or more analytes in the sample transfer stream; and a gas exchange membrane transfer line fluidically coupled between the laser ablation cell and the inductively-coupled plasma analysis device, the gas exchange membrane transfer line configured to replace gas in the sample transfer stream with sweep gas via gas exchange across a membrane of the gas exchange membrane transfer line.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling flow of a purge gas introduced to an ablation cell between samples to remove atmospheric gas. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a spray chamber including a spray chamber body, a transfer gas inlet configured to receive gas from a laser ablation sample cell, a first outlet line configured to transfer gas from the spray chamber to an inductively-coupled plasma torch, and a second outlet line coupled to the spray chamber body, the second gas outlet having a larger internal cross-sectional area than an internal cross-sectional area of the first outlet line; and a valve fluidically coupled to the second outlet line, the valve configured to transition between at least an open configuration configured to permit transfer gas through the second outlet line and a closed configuration configured to prevent transfer of gas through the second outlet line.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for validating customer use of application programing interfaces (APIs). An exemplary computer-implemented method includes, in response to a request from a customer computing device for use of an API hosted by an API computing device, selecting a test case specific to the API for a test project and transmitting the test project to the customer computing device for execution by the customer computing device. The method also includes monitoring data payloads between the API computing device and the customer computing device and compiling and transmitting a report indicative of a result of the test case based on the monitored data payloads, where the report is indicative of whether the monitored data payloads are compliant with a standard associated with the API, thereby indicating certification of the customer's use of the API to provide at least one service associated with the API, or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing a representative, homogeneous, and planarized target for solid sample laser ablation. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, removing portions of a solid sample with an abrasive sampling system, the abrasive sampling system including at least one of a plurality of abrasive particles configured to hold the portions of the solid sample on an abrasive substrate between the abrasive particles or a texturized surface configured to hold the portions of the solid sample on the texturized surface; transferring the abrasive sampling system holding the portions of the solid sample to a laser ablation system; and ablating the portions of the solid sample held by the abrasive sampling system with the laser ablation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for securing fabric, paper, and film samples for analysis by laser ablation. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, securing a thin, solid sample with a sample holder system, the sample holder system configured to hold the thin, solid sample in a taut configuration between a piston and a sample holder base; transferring the sample holder system to a laser ablation system; and ablating at least a portion of the thin, solid sample in the taut configuration with the laser ablation system to provide an ablated sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for validating customer use of application programing interfaces (APIs). An exemplary computer-implemented method includes, in response to a request from a customer computing device for use of an API hosted by an API computing device, selecting a test case specific to the API for a test project and transmitting the test project to the customer computing device for execution by the customer computing device. The method also includes monitoring data payloads between the API computing device and the customer computing device and compiling and transmitting a report indicative of a result of the test case based on the monitored data payloads, where the report is indicative of whether the monitored data payloads are compliant with a standard associated with the API, thereby indicating certification of the customer's use of the API to provide at least one service associated with the API, or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for validating customer use of application programming interfaces (APIs). An exemplary method includes selecting an API defining at least one service to be used by a customer and a standard associated with the API for data payloads directed to the API, and identifying the customer. The method also includes selecting at least one test case for the API and the customer, bundling the test case(s) into a test project for the customer, and transmitting the test project to the customer whereby the customer is able to execute the test project. The method further includes monitoring data payloads between the API and the customer and compiling a report indicative of a result of the test case(s) where the report indicates whether the data payloads are compliant with the standard associated with the API and whether the customer is certified to use the API, or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for validating customer use of application programming interfaces (APIs). An exemplary method includes selecting an API defining at least one service to be used by a customer and a standard associated with the API for data payloads directed to the API, and identifying the customer. The method also includes selecting at least one test case for the API and the customer, bundling the test case(s) into a test project for the customer, and transmitting the test project to the customer whereby the customer is able to execute the test project. The method further includes monitoring data payloads between the API and the customer and compiling a report indicative of a result of the test case(s) where the report indicates whether the data payloads are compliant with the standard associated with the API and whether the customer is certified to use the API, or not.

Abstract: A method for utilizing transformer capacity allows multiple transformer users to have ordered access to the same backup transformer. When one of the users requires the use of a transformer, the users in line ahead of this user must exercise their rights to use the transformer or pass on their rights allowing the next user to decide whether or not to use the transformer. The method allows transformer owners to offer extra transformer capacity to those who desire backups while protecting their ownership interest and their need for the use of the backup. The method also provides those who need backup transformers a system to obtain access to the required backup without requiring them to purchase a new transformer or to wait for the transformer to be built.

Abstract: A business form and method of constructing a business form suitable for variable printing, including: a first portion including at least one removable label on a label portion thereof, and an attaching portion extending rearwardly from the label portion, wherein said label portion has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of said attaching portion; and a second portion made substantially of a single sheet that can be printed thereon by a cut sheet printer. A bottom surface of a forward edge of said second portion is secured to a top surface of a rear edge of said attaching portion in a manner that defines an overlapping portion of said business form that is adjacent to said label portion. The overlapping portion has a thickness that substantially corresponds to the thickness of the label portion.

Abstract: A cradle for holding and feeding a stack of sheets in a printer or copier which compensates for non-uniformities in the stack, and especially non-uniformities in the central portion of the stack, thereby presenting a level top sheet to a sheet feeder regardless of how many sheets are in the stack. The cradle broadly comprises a rectangular base plate and four support posts arranged proximate the corners of the base plate. Two extension springs are arranged diametrically with respect to one another, each spring supported at its ends by the support posts, with the springs intersecting one another at approximately the center of the base plate. The extension springs support a plastic sheet, upon which the stack of sheets is laid.

Abstract: An inexpensive material dispenser for a roll or rolls of linerless labels may be in tube form, or constructed from a folded sheet blank. The tube may be removably closed at one or both ends and have an exterior peripheral surface with at least a portion of adhesive release material. A roll of linerless labels is loose in the tube interior and dispensed through an opening in the peripheral surface. A cardboard or paperboard blank may be folded so that end tabs are received within (having an interference fit with) a roll core, or a core for a plurality of label rolls. The labels of the plurality of rolls are prevented from touching each other.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, and easy to construct label dispenser is provided for linerless labels. The dispenser is made from a rectangular strip of cardboard or paper board having four parallel fold lines defining the strip into first through fifth panels and with first and second openings in the first and fifth panels and a third opening in the third panel. The strip is folded about the fold lines to form an open ended rectangular parallelepiped with the first and fifth panels in face to face engagement. A plastic plug is inserted into the first and second openings, making a friction fit with them and holding the first and fifth panels together. A second plug is inserted into the third opening, and the plugs define a pivot axis for a roll of linerless labels.