Abstract: Immersion probes and related methods are generally described. In some embodiments, the probe comprises a shaft with a spiral strake disposed along at least a portion of the length of the shaft and/or a porous shroud extending from a distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An entertainment apparatus (1) comprising two upright walls (3a, 3b), each having an inner surface. A plurality of game pieces (9) are located in the space (5) between the walls (3a, 3b), each of the game pieces (9) being in contact with the inner surface of at least one of the walls (3a, 3b).Each of the game pieces (9) comprises a drive assembly for moving the game piece over that inner surface, the drive assembly comprising a traction element (11), such as a wheel, for generating traction against the inner surface and an actuator for moving the traction element relative to the surface. At least one, and preferably both, of the walls (3a, 3b) are transparent, for example they are glass, such that a user can observe the game pieces (9) within the space (5), from outside the apparatus (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus to grow cells where the cultivation chamber (1) is partially filled with liquid cultivation medium and cells. Mixing and aeration is achieved by generating intermittently one single large gas bubble (6) at the bottom of the column bioreactor, the single large bubble width representing from 50 to 99% of the tank width, preferably from 60 to 99%, more preferably 98.5%. The culture medium flows out as a film between the large bubble and the inner wall of the bioreactor. This rising bubble allows mixing and aeration of the bulk. As the design of the invention is very simple, it is possible to manufacture it with flexible plastic material and use the apparatus as a disposable system. Moreover, such a mixing/aeration principle minimizes cell damages usually due to shear stress and small bubbles and allows easy and efficient scale-up from small scale to a larger one. Such a large-scale, efficient and disposable culture system can largely reduce production costs.

Abstract: When implemented on a single access point, the system autonomously adjusts the operating channel of an 802.11h compliant network so the network operates on the channel with the least interference. When deployed on the access nodes in a campus or urban setting, the system rapidly converges to a stable interference-minimizing frequency re-use pattern with the average reduction in interference realized by each 802.11 cluster in the range of 19 dB (as device density increases, the expected reduction in interference increases with the exact gain in interference reduction a function of the specific propagation environment and network topology). Significant, though smaller, expected reductions in interference are also realized by legacy systems which are not implementing the algorithm but operating in the presence of the enhanced access points. When new access points are added to the network, the network automatically converges to a near optimal frequency reuse pattern.

Abstract: A ski attachment kit for a kick scooter having a scooter steering assembly that includes a front fork configured for attaching a front wheel, a scooter body that includes a stand-on area and a rear fork rearward of the stand-on area configured for attaching a rear wheel, and a coupling that couples the steering assembly and the scooter body. The kit includes a front ski assembly having a scooter steering assembly mount that receives and releasably retains the steering assembly while providing a clearance for an attached front wheel. The kit also includes a rear ski assembly having a scooter body mount that receives and releasably retains the scooter body while providing a clearance for an attached rear wheel.

Abstract: A device for regulating the relative humidity of a closed chamber includes a layer of material capable of being impregnated with liquid and of adsorbing or desorbing vapor of the liquid. The material has on one of its surfaces a membrane which is permeable to vapor but not to liquid. The membrane having an outer surface which is hydrophobic. The adsorbent/desorbent material can be arranged in a sealed tank with an opening for filling with liquid. The device is especially suitable for a paint palette in a chamber having a cover, so that paint can remain on the hydrophobic surface without drying.

Abstract: The invention provides transaction synchronization in the form of COMMIT processing in a distributed, heterogeneous database system wherein some resources are synchronized to a transaction by a single-phase commit procedures while other resources synchronize by multi-phase commit procedures. The invention invests an application requestor at an application site with authority to represent all single-phase commit resources in multi-phase commit processing.

Abstract: A phase modulated DC-to-AC or a DC-to-DC power converter utilizes input terminals connected to a source of power and output terminals connected to a suitable load. The transfer of power between the power source and the load or from the load back to the power source is accomplished by electronic switching that is phase displaced controlled in all four quadrants.