Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for creating marks on an anodized aluminum specimen with selectable color and optical density. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters. The laser marking system is directed to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density in the presence of a fluid directed to the surface of the anodized aluminum specimen while marking.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for creating a color and optical density selectable visible mark on an anodized aluminum specimen. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters and a controller with stored laser pulse parameters, selecting the stored laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density, directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds to impinge upon said anodized aluminum.

Abstract: A firearm grip sleeve with retention feature has a body including a central bore and a meeting element. The mating element is connected to a mating feature on the frame of a firearm. The mating element is connected to a mating feature on the frame of a firearm. The mating element prevents undesirable movement of the body with respect to the firearm while the mating feature is connected to the mating element. The mating element may prevent axial movement and upward longitudinal movement of the body. The firearm may include a removable back strap insert.

Abstract: Window with an interior pane; and an interior pane system having a frame unit, a pane unit connected to the unit, the pane unit having a pane, the frame unit applicable to a window, the window having an exterior pane, the window having a window opening, the frame unit sized and configured for positioning at the window opening; in some aspects, such a system including the window; and/or, in some aspects, such a system including a window cover connected to the frame. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A laser micro machining system includes a laser source positioned to direct a laser pulse through a scan lens to a work piece mounted on a work surface and a mirror positioned between the scan lens and the work piece and tilted with respect to the work surface to reflect the laser pulse toward the work piece. The mirror can be indexed to a number of positions so that only portions of the mirror are used for a number of processing steps, extending the life of the mirror.

Abstract: Software products and methods for recording student scores in relation to questions within a grading chart, the grading chart being displayable using a computer. The grading chart can be a matrix with fields that can be selected and used for visually entering scores corresponding to students and questions. The fields can be associated with pre-designated score alternatives, and the scores selected in the fields can be stored with individual associations to various educational standards-relevant factors.

Abstract: The present invention is operative to determine the angular pose of an assumed object. A series of projection sums are calculated from a sample image of the known object where the known object has an assumed pose. The projection sums are calculated for a range of angles and organized into a two dimensional array coined a projection image. An image of the known object is provided where the known object has an unknown pose. A projection sum is calculated across the image of the known object with the unknown pose preferably at the perpendicular. This projection sum is correlated against the projection image and the angle corresponding to the best correlation is determined to be the angular pose of the known object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production and isolation of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) from plant extracts. Specifically the present invention provides a method to produce D-chiro-inositol from a precursor moiety by conversion in concentrated hydrochloric acid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for the efficient production of DCI by a process involving the extraction of D-pinitol from soy hulls followed by conversion thereof to DCI.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wide format color digital print engine, and in particular to a drum-based large format digital ink jet print engine having a vertically articulated carriage portion which carries both the print heads and an imaging array, adjustable saber angles for print heads, a novel service station, and an extremely robust weight-bearing carriage architecture. In particular, the present invention provides a highly manufacturable print engine benefiting from a discrete few controlled mounting locations so that accurate mounting of the cooperating sub-assemblies allow a very stable carriage assembly for driving said carriage laterally with respect to a printing medium coupled to the exterior of a drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production and isolation of D-chiro-inositol (DCI) from plant extracts. Specifically the present invention provides a method to produce D-chiro-inositol from a precursor moiety by conversion in concentrated hydrochloric acid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for the efficient production of DCI by a process involving the extraction of D-pinitol from soy hulls followed by conversion thereof to DCI.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing digital color images with non-impact print heads whereby fluid flowing at a relatively high velocity proximate ink emitting nozzles affects flight trajectories of undesirable satellite ink droplets incidentally emitted from the nozzles, but does not affect flight trajectories of primary droplets. In one embodiment, a single fluid deflector member oriented upstream of the print head causes fluid flow intermediate the print head and the printing surface and urges the satellites to a preferred location on the printing media. In another embodiment, at least one additional deflector member is oriented to cooperate with the deflector member to ensure that such satellites encounter a forced fluid flow intermediate the print head and print surface.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is adapted for attaching an article to a workpiece having a slot. The fastener assembly includes a flanged nut which has internal threads and a non-circular cross-section, and a bolt having a threaded shank for engagement with the internal threads of the nut. The fastener assembly also includes a plate which comprises a main body and a tab portion extending from the main body. The plate has an opening complementary to the non-circular cross-section of the nut for receiving the nut therein and for securing the nut against rotation relative to the plate when the nut is placed in the opening. Alternatively, a nut is fixed to an underside of the plate against rotation and the opening in the plate is adapted for receiving the bolt therethrough. The tab portion of the plate extends into the slot in the workpiece for retaining the plate and nut and allowing limited float of the plate and nut with respect to the workpiece.

Abstract: The system provides a way to use a single RF channel in a cellular, RF meter reading system. In order to avoid adjacent cell concentrator interference while reducing the overall time required to perform repetitive tasks such as meter reading and performing load survey reads, the system has each of the concentrators send out a general command to all of the meter interface units ("MIUs") in its cell, and the MIUs then each send back their data in turn. In order to accomplish that result, the MIUs in each cell are preprogrammed to transmit a preset time period (different for each MIU in a particular cell) following receipt of the general command requesting data.The AMR reporting sequence in each cell is assigned based upon the physical distance of an MIU which is being assigned an AMR reporting sequence number from the MIU which had been assigned the prior AMR reporting sequence number.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wide format color digital print engine, and in particular to a cooperating group of print engine sub-assemblies comprising a sealable enclosure defining electronics and printing sub-spaces within the enclosure and supporting two critical alignment plates which alone control alignment of all major sub-assemblies of the print engine and which provide accurate attachment points for a carriage drive and rail sub-assembly, a motor and drum mounted to rotate within a printing bay, and mounting points for a service station for cleaning and storing a plurality of marking elements associated with replaceable ink emitting cartridges. The subassemblies cooperate to generate high quality colored images as a drum-based large format digital ink jet print engine.