Abstract: A playground apparatus comprises a frame adapted to rest on a ground surface, the frame comprising a pair of laterally opposed outermost sides having first ends arranged towards an outermost end of the frame and second ends opposed to the first ends, wherein the outermost sides taper inwardly towards the first ends. Monkey bars are supported by the frame above the ground surface that comprise a plurality of graspable rungs arranged in a row. The playground apparatus also comprises a pair of upright support poles, wherein uppermost sections of the upright support poles are connected to the frame towards the first ends such that the uppermost sections are laterally inwardly disposed relative to the second ends. Lowermost ends of the upright support poles extend outwardly away from one another and towards the outermost end to increase a surface area of the ground surface engaged by the upright support poles.

Abstract: A system is provided to evaluate users for credentials, career objectives and other characteristics (e.g., traits). The system also evaluates job openings for credentials, career objectives, and other characteristics. A matching process is implemented to match users to job openings based on credentials, career objectives, and traits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving cell lysis procedures and yields of intracellular biomolecules extracted from biomass. The methods comprise storing the microbial cells in ultra-low temperature (ULT) conditions for at least 10 minutes prior to lysing the cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating composition comprising one or more polyamide resins and one or more polyethylenimine (PEI) resins, preferably dissolved in one or more solvents. When used as a primer, the coating composition of the present invention improves adhesion of subsequently printed inks and coatings to the substrate. Advantageously, the coating composition of the present invention used as a primer improves adhesion of inks and coatings to metallized film substrates.

Abstract: A playground apparatus comprises a frame adapted to rest on a ground surface, the frame comprising a pair of laterally opposed outermost sides having first ends arranged towards an outermost end of the frame and second ends opposed to the first ends, wherein the outermost sides taper inwardly towards the first ends. Monkey bars are supported by the frame above the ground surface that comprise a plurality of graspable rungs arranged in a row. The playground apparatus also comprises a pair of upright support poles, wherein uppermost sections of the upright support poles are connected to the frame towards the first ends such that the uppermost sections are laterally inwardly disposed relative to the second ends. Lowermost ends of the upright support poles extend outwardly away from one another and towards the outermost end to increase a surface area of the ground surface engaged by the upright support poles.

Abstract: An intensity modulated fiber optic acceleration sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a fiber bundle, comprising a transmitting optical fiber and at least one receiving optical fiber, and reflector spaced apart from the fiber probe. The reflector is attached to an element that exhibits a physical displacement in response to acceleration, such as a cantilever or a coil spring. The reflector moves in a direction relative to the fiber optic probe in response to acceleration. The amount of light received by the receiving fiber changes in response to the change in distance between the reflective surface and the fiber probe due to acceleration. A fiber optic sensor system for detecting acceleration along multiple planes of an object or objects of interest is disclosed. A triaxial sensor system has fiber optic sensors and may be configured to measure acceleration signals along three axes from a common plane of an object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting non-authentication tasks using an authentication system of a workstation. A task module configured to conduct a non-authentication task is loaded to an authentication system. The invention finds advantageous use relative to upgrades in that the task module may be configured to conduct a userless logon of a workstation and display messages even though no user is signed on to the workstation. The task module may also be configured to receive responses to the messages.