Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that allows for a more rapid sensing of thermal changes. In preferred embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a housing, sensor package, bushing, coupling and gasket. The bushing is made from a conductive material like copper or silver and provides a conductive path from the bottom of the sensor package directly into the medium whose temperature is to be sensed or close thereto. A coupling is provided between the conductive bushing the metal housing to prevent heat exchange between the metal housing and the bushing. The gasket is placed in compression and provides a constant force holding the conductive bushing against the bottom of the sensor package.

Abstract: Sensor packages and methods of assembling a sensor in a sensor package are provided. A preferred embodiment comprises: a base including a sensor coupled to the base wherein the base has at least one electrical connection location and a first mechanical mating interface in the shape of an arc; an electronics package with at least one electrical connection location; and a ring coupled between the base and the electronics package wherein the ring electrically connects the at least one electrical connection location on the base and the at least one electrical connection location on the electronics package and wherein the base has a second mechanical mating interface in the shape of an arc that is reciprocal to the first mating interface.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that allows for a more rapid sensing of thermal changes. In preferred embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a housing, sensor package, bushing, coupling and gasket. The bushing is made from a conductive material like copper or silver and provides a conductive path from the bottom of the sensor package directly into the medium whose temperature is to be sensed or close thereto. A coupling is provided between the conductive bushing the metal housing to prevent heat exchange between the metal housing and the bushing. The gasket is placed in compression and provides a constant force holding the conductive bushing against the bottom of the sensor package.

Abstract: Sensor packages and methods of assembling a sensor in a sensor package are provided. A preferred embodiment comprises: a base including a sensor coupled to the base wherein the base has at least one electrical connection location and a first mechanical mating interface in the shape of an arc; an electronics package with at least one electrical connection location; and a ring coupled between the base and the electronics package wherein the ring electrically connects the at least one electrical connection location on the base and the at least one electrical connection location on the electronics package and wherein the base has a second mechanical mating interface in the shape of an arc that is reciprocal to the first mating interface.

Abstract: A clam shell buckle including an elongated base and cover plate, pivotally connected together at one extremity to be selectively pivoted from a closed to an open position. The cover includes on its free end a depending capture pin to engage a base in the free end of a strip anchored on its opposite end to the base.

Abstract: The present invention is related with the Microbiology in particular with a selective culture medium for the isolation and detection of species of Streptococcus genus. The proposed medium allows the identification of species of Streptococcus by the appearance of three different tonalities in the organisms to detect and the appearance of fluorescent emissions, besides changes of the coloration of the medium that offers the identification with a high degree of sensibility and specificity. The medium includes specific ratios of mixtures of nutritive bases, rich in compounds of protein origin (polypeptides, peptides, proteoses, and aminoacids) and vitamins, which facilitate an abundant growth of the target species. In addition, the inclusion of the blood enzymatic hydrolyzate, guarantees the presence in the medium of blood-derived substances or of its fractions that are necessary for the Streptococcus growth, without interfering the identification.

Abstract: A method of managing the risk of a grower of a crop comprises obtaining individual risk factor data for growing a particular crop in a grower's field or fields and regional risk factor data for a region associated with grower's field or fields. A data processing system determines a regional risk coverage component for the particular crop for the grower's fields based on an assessment of at least one of the individual risk factor data and the regional risk factor data. An insurer, an agent or another recommends an area-based crop insurance plan to achieve the determined regional risk coverage component. An insurer, an agent or another offers an endorsement or crop insurance policy that covers individual risk of the grower at a premium or rate based on an evaluation of the individual risk factor data.

Abstract: A method for providing risk protection to a grower of a crop comprises reviewing a first crop insurance policy covering a first risk associated with an average yield of a group of growers. An insurer receives an assignment of at least a portion of the indemnification under the first crop insurance policy. An insurer issues a second crop insurance policy in exchange for the assigned indemnification to the first crop insurance policy. The second crop insurance policy covers a second risk associated with an average yield of an individual grower within the group of growers.