Abstract: An NMR sample tube assembly for holding a sample comprises a sample tube, a sealing plug for sealing the sample within the sample tube, and a rotor for spinning the assembly. The plug is clamped to the sample tube by an axial force. Preferably, the sample tube has a sealing flange protruding from the sample tube exterior along an inlet region of the sample tube. A filling part of the plug is sized to maintain an air escape clearance between the filling part and the sample tube for allowing air to escape out of the sample tube as the filling part is inserted therein. The rotor is secured to a protruding sealing part of the plug and clamps the sealing part to the sealing flange. The designs allow the use of wide sample tube mouths, and reduce the amount of air bubbles present in the samples during measurements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of monitoring a fermentation process. In particular, the invention relates to a method of monitoring a fermentation process comprising the step of measuring the expression level of one or more zinc regulated nucleic acid molecules from a microorganism, preferably selected from the group consisting of Escheridia, Bacillus, Cyanobacter, Streptomyces, Corynebacteria, Zymomonas, Saccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, and Schizosaccharomyces cells, present in the fermentation and comparing said expression level to a reference level of expression for said nucleic acid molecules, wherein said expression level is indicative of sub-optimal fermentation. Preferably the fermentation process in a beer brewing process.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primer sequences have been designed which are capable of uniquely amplifying DNA from Toxoplasma gondii when utilized in a polymerase chain reaction assay. In addition, a probe effective for detection of amplification products, particularly in a fluorogenic real time assay system has also been designed. The primers and probe are derived from the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of the T. gondii 18S rRNA gene.

Abstract: A method of controllably attenuating a beam of light coupled into a port includes directing the beam of light against a mirror, and controlling an orientation of the mirror such that a predetermined fraction of the beam of light is coupled into the port. The predetermined fraction is less than a maximum fraction corresponding to optimal coupling of the beam of light into the port. The method may be implemented with a variable optical attenuator including a first port, a second port, a mirror located to direct light output by the first port to the second port, and a controller coupled to the mirror to align it such that the predetermined fraction of light is coupled into the second port. The method may also be implemented with an optical switch.

Abstract: A wireless network access system and method that provides a multiplicity of access point devices, each being capable of relaying information The upstream network access may include an omni-directional antenna for downstream communications. The wireless network is provided as a tree structure wherein each access point feeds back to a higher access point of the multiplicity of access point devices. The described system does not employ routers, and thereby speeds processing time and reduces network latency and costs associated with a mesh network employing routers. A multiplicity of customer premise wireless network devices are provided with a wireless modem for communication from the customer premise limited to a path all the way back to a main gateway upstream to the wired side of the network where the gateway provides a T3 or other high speed Internet connection.

Abstract: Nanometer-sized particles comprise a mixed oxide of titanium and antimony and are characterized by rutile-like crystal phases. The particles are easily prepared by hydrothemal processing, and may be used as colloids, or in various compositions and articles.

Abstract: A method of controllably attenuating a beam of light coupled into a port includes directing the beam of light against a mirror, and controlling an orientation of the mirror such that a predetermined fraction of the beam of light is coupled into the port. The predetermined fraction is less than a maximum fraction corresponding to optimal coupling of the beam of light into the port. The method may be implemented with a variable optical attenuator including a first port, a second port, a mirror located to direct light output by the first port to the second port, and a controller coupled to the mirror to align it such that the predetermined fraction of light is coupled into the second port. The method may also be implemented with an optical switch.

Abstract: An axial sample conveyer for transferring samples into an analysis device such as a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe of an NMR spectrometer includes an auger having a helical thread for axially constraining the samples, and a plurality of guides facing the auger for laterally constraining the samples to follow a linear axial path as the auger is rotated. Samples are inserted into the conveyer through plural input apertures. The samples abut the helical thread of the auger, and are moved through the conveyer as the auger is rotated about its axis. The samples exit the conveyer through corresponding output apertures aligned with the input apertures. Each guide extends between an input aperture and an output aperture.

Abstract: An axial sample conveyer for transferring samples into an analysis device such as a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe of an NMR spectrometer includes an auger having a helical thread for axially constraining the samples, and a plurality of guides facing the auger for laterally constraining the samples to follow a linear axial path as the auger is rotated. Samples are inserted into the conveyer through plural input apertures. The samples abut the helical thread of the auger, and are moved through the conveyer as the auger is rotated about its axis. The samples exit the conveyer through corresponding output apertures aligned with the input apertures. Each guide extends between an input aperture and an output aperture.

Abstract: The anti-splitting device of the present invention has a central-web portion and a pair of end web portions, which are joined adjacent to their midpoints to opposite ends of the central web portion to provide the device with generally I-shaped cross-sectional configurations. The web portions have first side edges tapered to define a cutting edge and second side edges serving to define a planar driven surface disposed parallel to the cutting edge. And on the central web portion are at least two projections to upstand from driven surface. The projections are adapted to removably attach the device to a driver employed to insert the device into a log. The driver of the present invention is preferably in the form of a manually operational hammer having a planar driver surface of circular plan form configuration and a circular groove that has an outer diameter equidistant and an inner diameter equidistant from a given fixed point, the center of the planar driving surface.

Abstract: An antenna cosite analysis system with: interactive displays for i) designing an antenna tower for placement of one or more antennas on the tower, ii) designing wireless communication circuits, and iii) relating the antennas on the tower to the wireless communication circuits; and an RF analysis system for analyzing interference between the wireless communication circuits.

Abstract: An antenna cosite analysis system with: interactive displays for i) designing an antenna tower for placement of one or more antennas on the tower, ii) designing wireless communication circuits, and iii) relating the antennas on the tower to the wireless communication circuits; and an RF analysis system for analyzing interference between the wireless communication circuits.

Abstract: Described herein is a continuous process for polymerizing 1-alkenes. In this process, which operates free of any hydrogen control feed, the resultant polymer has an inherent viscosity that is closely centered around a predetermined targeted value. If desired, the targeted value can be changed while the process is being performed. The process is carried out in a reactor that allows for essentially plug flow of material passing therethrough. Additionally, the temperature profile of the reactor is controllable.

Abstract: A generally I-shaped, plastic anti-splitting device is provided with projections serving to removably attach the device to a driver, such as a manually operated hammer.