Abstract: A videophone apparatus and a method for automatically adjusting a videophone visual indicator are provided. The videophone includes a camera unit with an imager. Data from the imager and imager data processed by an image signal processor may be converted into a value that can be compared to a scale correlating to a brightness condition of an area in which the imager is located, allowing the brightness condition to be determined. The visual indicators of the videophone can be set to illuminate based upon the determined brightness condition. Thus, the brightness condition of a room can be determined using components already found on the videophone, without the need for additional sensors, hardware or software that increase the cost and complexity of the videophone.

Abstract: A videophone apparatus and a method for automatically adjusting a videophone visual indicator are provided. The videophone includes a camera unit with an imager. Data from the imager and imager data processed by an image signal processor may be converted into a value that can be compared to a scale correlating to a brightness condition of an area in which the imager is located, allowing the brightness condition to be determined. The visual indicators of the videophone can be set to illuminate based upon the determined brightness condition. Thus, the brightness condition of a room can be determined using components already found on the videophone, without the need for additional sensors, hardware or software that increase the cost and complexity of the videophone.

Abstract: A fluid bin assembly includes a bin having a floor with a side wall upstanding therefrom. The floor and the side wall bound a chamber. The floor has an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the chamber. A retention plate is removably mounted to the floor of the bin so as to at least partially cover the opening extending therethrough. The retention plate at least partially bounds a porthole that openly communicates with the chamber of the bin.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a housing and a motor mount disposed on the housing and having a passage extending therethrough. A dive motor is coupled with the motor mount for selectively rotating the motor mount relative to the housing. A rotational assembly includes a hub having a passageway extending therethrough and a casing at least partially encircling the hub, the hub being rotatable to the casing. The rotational assembly is removably coupled to the housing so that the passageway of the hub aligns with the passage of the motor mount.

Abstract: A sparger includes a body bounding a compartment. A tubular port or tube is coupled with the body. The tubular port or tub bounds a passage that communicates with the compartment of the body. At least a portion of the body includes of a first sparging sheet. The first sparging sheet includes a flexible sheet of a gas permeable material such that a gas passing into the compartment of the body through the passage can exit the compartment by permeating through the first sparging sheet.

Abstract: A tube port includes a tubular first stem having an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between a first end and a longitudinally spaced apart second end. The interior surface bounds a passage that longitudinally extends through the first stem. The tube port also includes a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the first end of the first stem. The flange and the first stem are integrally formed as a unitary member comprised of a flexible elastomeric material having a durometer on a Shore A scale with a value of less than 90.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A system for mixing a liquid solution or suspension includes a collapsible container having an interior surface bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a liquid solution or suspension. A mixer is enclosed within the compartment of the container. A shaft has a first end connected to the mixer within the compartment of the container and a second end disposed outside of the compartment, the shaft being selectively movable relative to the container. A gas pathway extends from a portion of the shaft disposed outside of the container to a portion of the shaft or mixer disposed within the compartment of the container, the gas pathway extending through at least a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A container system includes a substantially rigid container having a floor and a side wall upstanding therefrom. The side wall and floor bound a chamber. A magnetic mixer is disposed below the floor of the container. A mixing bag assembly is disposed within the chamber of the container. The mixing bag assembly includes a collapsible body having a first end and an opposing second end. The collapsible body bounds a compartment. A mixing dish is disposed at the second end of the collapsible body so as to communicate with the compartment thereof. A magnetic stir bar is disposed on the mixing dish.

Abstract: An optical waveguide assembly has integral alignment features. The waveguide assembly is formed by fabricating a waveguide on a substrate prior to forming the alignment features, removing a portion of the waveguide to reveal the substrate, and forming the alignment feature in the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stirred-tank reactor system and methods of preparing such systems. The present invention further encompasses the use of the stirred-tank reactor system as a disposable bioreactor and in kits with disposable elements.