Abstract: A method is disclosed of assessing timeslot interoperability between a first platform and a second platform communicating over a Time Division Multiple Access network. An exemplary method includes obtaining data representing a metamodel of communication characteristics of the first platform and the second platform, the metamodel including information regarding at least transmit timeslots for the first platform, and information regarding at least receive timeslots for the second platform. The method can be queried to assess interoperability between the transmit timeslots and the receive timeslots, for outputting timeslot interoperability data based on a result of the querying.

Abstract: A method of assessing transaction-level interoperability over a Tactical Data Link (TDL) (104) is provided. The method includes obtaining (202) transaction model data for a platform (102) and/or a TDL standard (105), the data representing a plurality of transactions and a plurality of messages that stimulate particular said transactions. Message data representing a message to be transferred over the TDL is obtained and then the message data is used (206A) with the transaction model data to assess which of the plurality of transactions the message represented by the message data will stimulate according to the transaction model. The method may also/alternatively obtain (204B) transaction data representing a desired transaction to be stimulated from amongst the plurality of transactions, and then use (206B) the transaction data with the transaction model data to assess which of the plurality of messages will stimulate the desired transaction according to the transaction model.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing message interoperability between a first platform and a second platform communicating over a Tactical Data Link (TDL). The method includes obtaining first platform model data representing platform-specific message transmit/receive information over the TDL for the first platform and obtaining second platform model data representing platform-specific message transmit/receive information over the TDL for the second platform. The first platform model data and the second model platform model data are used to assess message interoperability between the first platform and the second platform.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of assessing timeslot interoperability between a first platform and a second platform communicating over a Time Division Multiple Access network. An exemplary method includes obtaining data representing a metamodel of communication characteristics of the first platform and the second platform, the metamodel including information regarding at least transmit timeslots for the first platform, and information regarding at least receive timeslots for the second platform. The method can be queried to assess interoperability between the transmit timeslots and the receive timeslots, for outputting timeslot interoperability data based on a result of the querying.

Abstract: A picture frame stand has a bracket (10) for mounting to the rear of a picture frame or to a panel at the rear of a frame. A support (12) is mounted pivotally to the bracket (10) by a cylindrical bar (16) received in a channel (33). The surface of the cylindrical bar is smooth and the channel (33) is a part-cylindrical section of the bracket (10) whose surface also is smooth, but with an inherent radial springiness to grip the smooth bar sufficiently to hold a selected angular position between the bracket and support. However, the frictional grip can be overcome by manually so that the angular disposition of the bracket and support can be adjusted. The channel (33) is defined so that the mouth of the part-cylindrical channel will face towards the rear panel or picture frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transferring growth media or infection fluids to a bioculture bag having Could Process fitting thereon in fluid communication with the inside of the bag. The media or fluid is placed in a flask. A cap is threaded onto the neck of the flask. The cap has a spout with an opening in a distal end of the spout and a vent hole in the cap. The spout has a tubular end in which the opening is formed, with an O-ring seal adjacent the distal end of the tubular end. The tubular end fits within the fitting and the seal forms a fluid tight seal with the fitting to allow fluid transfer to the bag in reduced time with reduced spillage. The cap is preferably used on a flask having shaped baffles in the bottom. The baffles are highest toward the centerline, and decline in height linearly toward the corners of the flask at an angle of about 9° to the horizontal.

Abstract: A stand for a picture frame has a leg is provided which can support the frame in a generally upright position. The stand comprises a bracket coupled to the rear of the frame and the leg is receivable by the bracket in either of a first orientation, in which the leg lies against or adjacent the rear of the frame to minimize the bulk of the stand, and a second orientation in which the leg projects backward from the frame to support it. Engagement of the leg and bracket is by a projection, which is preferably formed on the leg, and a slot, which is preferably defined by the bracket, the projection being insertable in the slot. The bracket may also be adapted to receive a hook for hanging the frame, e.g. by inclusion of an appropriate cut-away.