text: The Company’s operating income for 2003 was $6.9 million, compared with $5.8 million in 2002 and $5.8 million in 2001. Revenue growth, manufacturing 
  efficiency improvements, cost containment and cost reduction activities were the major contributors to the operating income improvements during 2003. 
  Revenue growth, cost containment and cost reduction activities during 2002 were offset by lower gross margins compared with 2001, which combined to 
  cause relatively flat operating results. 
  
  Interest expense was $195,000 in 2003 compared to $432,000 in 2002 and $300,000 in 2001. The decrease in 2003 is primarily related to lower average 
  borrowings during 2003 as compared with 2002. The increase in 2002 is primarily related to higher average borrowings during 2002 as compared with 
  2001 partially offset by a significant reduction in interest rates in 2002. The higher average borrowings during 2002 is primarily related to borrowing of 
  funds under the Company’s credit facility in late December 2001 in connection with its repurchase of outstanding common stock of the Company under a 
  tender offer. The other income in 2001 was primarily related to the Company’s one-time pre-tax gain of $428,000 on the sale of a patent. 