Abstract: Interruptions between a source in a first network and a destination in a second network are reduced by providing first primary and secondary nodes in the first network, and second primary and secondary nodes in the second network. First primary routes in the first network facilitate delivery of a first set of the data to the first primary node; and a second set of the data to the first secondary node. Inter-network routes between the first and second networks deliver the first and second sets of the data to the second primary node and the second secondary node. Second primary routes in the second network facilitate delivery of at least one of the first and second sets of data to the destination. A selector within the second network selects one of the sets of data. Route selectors select secondary routes in the event that a primary route is disabled.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a bi-connected ring-based network is provided, which designs from scratch or converts an existing network to a dual-homed ring-based network. The network covers the locations capable of being bi-connected with one or more cycles/rings. The traffic demand is then routed via the cycles, in such a way so as to minimize the amount of network traffic management equipment required.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-speed data switching system and method uses several parallel switching systems or fabrics. In one of various embodiments, for example, the constituent data flows in a data stream can be selectively routed to a switching fabric that has the lowest input data rate. Data flows can be assigned to the various switching fabrics so as to balance the amount of data passing through each parallel system. Data flows can be re-assigned on an as-needed basis to insure maximum throughput. In the case where a data flow initially routed into one switching fabric must be re-routed to a different fabric, the ordering of data packets can be preserved by withholding the transfer of packets through the second fabric until the packets previously sent into the first fabric have cleared. Methods and apparatus of the present invention find application to parallel computing as well.

Abstract: The home viewing audience of a program that is broadcast over a television or other mass media network plays a game by matching events on the program or its commercials with a personal telephone number or similar personal codeword. In one version, the organizers distribute a code table listing events that might occur on the program, and associate a code with each such event. A player watches for events listed on the code table, hoping to match the associated codes to parts of his codeword. A player becomes eligible to win if his entire codeword is successfully matched to codes of events that actually occur on the program, and may telephone a predetermined telephone number to declare his eligibility to win prizes. A second version of the game is like the first except there is no code table; the players watch for direct appearances of the codes themselves.

Abstract: The present invention is an electric scooter having batteries concealed below the standing platform in a multipurpose battery pan, an anti-lock brake, a dual suspension, a stow and carry feature, integrated electronics including brake control, throttle control, safety measures and theft protection. The dual suspension scooter includes a chassis; a steering column; a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front axle assembly; a rear wheel rotatably mounted on a rear axle assembly; a front cantilevered suspension mechanism mounted between the steering column and the front axle assembly; and a rear suspension mechanism mounted between the rear end of the chassis and the rear axle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an electric scooter having batteries concealed below the standing platform in a multipurpose battery pan, an anti-lock brake, a dual suspension, a stow and carry feature, integrated electronics including brake control, throttle control, safety measures and theft protection. The dual suspension scooter includes a chassis; a steering column; a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front axle assembly; a rear wheel rotatably mounted on a rear axle assembly; a front cantilevered suspension mechanism mounted between the steering column and the front axle assembly; and a rear suspension mechanism mounted between the rear end of the chassis and the rear axle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an electric scooter having batteries concealed below the standing platform in a multipurpose battery pan, an anti-lock brake, a dual suspension, a stow and carry feature, integrated electronics including brake control, throttle control, safety measures and theft protection. The dual suspension scooter includes a chassis; a steering column; a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front axle assembly; a rear wheel rotatably mounted on a rear axle assembly; a front cantilevered suspension mechanism mounted between the steering column and the front axle assembly; and a rear suspension mechanism mounted between the rear end of the chassis and the rear axle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an electric scooter having batteries concealed below the standing platform in a multipurpose battery pan, an anti-lock brake, a dual suspension, a stow and carry feature, integrated electronics including brake control, throttle control, safety measures and theft protection. The dual suspension scooter includes a chassis; a steering column; a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front axle assembly; a rear wheel rotatably mounted on a rear axle assembly; a front cantilevered suspension mechanism mounted between the steering column and the front axle assembly; and a rear suspension mechanism mounted between the rear end of the chassis and the rear axle assembly.

Abstract: An electric scooter having batteries concealed below the standing platform in a multipurpose battery pan, an anti-lock brake, a dual suspension, a stow and carry feature, integrated electronics including brake control, throttle control, safety measures and theft protection. The dual suspension scooter includes a chassis; a steering column; a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front axle assembly; a rear wheel rotatably mounted on a rear axle assembly; a front cantilevered suspension mechanism mounted between the steering column and the front axle assembly; and a rear suspension mechanism mounted between the rear end of the chassis and the rear axle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an electric scooter having batteries concealed below the standing platform in a multipurpose battery pan, an anti-lock brake, a dual suspension, a stow and carry feature, integrated electronics including brake control, throttle control, safety measures and theft protection. The dual suspension scooter includes a chassis; a steering column; a front wheel rotatably mounted on a front axle assembly; a rear wheel rotatably mounted on a rear axle assembly; a front cantilevered suspension mechanism mounted between the steering column and the front axle assembly; and a rear suspension mechanism mounted between the rear end of the chassis and the rear axle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing nucleic acid amplification (PCR), concentration and detection on a porous membrane. The apparatus of the present invention is of low cost and is amenable to use in the clinic for rapid and facile analysis of patient samples.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an apparatus for pumping a laser (vibronic or otherwise), which comprises: a transition-metal ion-containing solid state laser gain medium; a means for exciting said laser medium to emit coherent radiation said exciting means being a pumping source comprising at least one laser diode operating at a wavelength shorter than 800 nm; and an optical resonator means for generating and controlling said coherent radiation.The present invention also encompasses a method of pumping a laser (vibronic or otherwise) comprising the steps of: generating a laser diode pumping beam at a wavelength shorter than 800 nm; exciting a transition-metal ion-containing solid state laser gain medium by impinging said laser diode pumping beam on said transition-metal ion-containing solid state laser gain medium, so as to excite the laser medium; and an optical resonator to emit coherent radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus to take aseptic samples from bioreactors or other aseptic or sterile containers is disclosed. The invention comprises a hollow cannula (20), a septum (28) which seals a pre-sterilized sample tube (27) and an ultraviolet lamp (22). The cannula is connected to a bioreactor which is to be sampled. The ultraviolet lamp is used to produce light which will sterilize the surface of the septum and cannula prior to sampling, thus maintaining asepsis of both the bioreactor and the sample.