Abstract: An implantable and refillable device for delivering a drug compound is provided. The device comprises a reservoir within which the drug compound is capable of being retained, wherein the reservoir defines a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A release structure comprising a hydrophobic polymer surrounds at least a portion of the reservoir. The release structure is in communication with the reservoir such that the drug compound can pass from the reservoir through the release structure. A septum is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the reservoir and a backing layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reservoir.

Abstract: An implantable and refillable device for delivering a contraceptive agent is provided. The device comprises a reservoir within which the contraceptive agent is capable of being retained, wherein the reservoir defines a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A release structure comprising a hydrophobic polymer surrounds at least a portion of the reservoir. The release structure is in communication with the reservoir such that the contraceptive agent can pass from the reservoir through the release structure. A septum is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the reservoir and a backing layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of determining an organization's network identity capability. The organization's relationships with its employees, customers and business partners, and the organization's technological infrastructure, are examined. By examining the organization's use of identity data (e.g., data identifying customers, employees), the organization's management of that data, and the technology infrastructure can be redesigned to enable better network identity capability. Improved network identity capability enables users' access to multiple applications or services through a single authentication process (e.g., a single login or sign-on), device-independent access to those applications and services, greater protection for the data, improved business processes and collaborations with business partners, etc.

Abstract: A method of determining an organization's network identity capability. The organization's relationships with its employees, customers and business partners, and the organization's technological infrastructure, are examined. By examining the organization's use of identity data (e.g., data identifying customers, employees), the organization's management of that data, and the technology infrastructure can be redesigned to enable better network identity capability. Improved network identity capability enables users' access to multiple applications or services through a single authentication process (e.g., a single login or sign-on), device-independent access to those applications and services, greater protection for the data, improved business processes and collaborations with business partners, etc.

Abstract: A first layer of magnetic material is deposited onto a substrate to form a bottom pole of an inductive transducer. A second layer of magnetic material is plated on the first layer of magnetic material within the pole tip region to form a bottom pole extension. A layer of non-magnetic metal is then plated on the bottom pole extension to form the gap. A third layer of magnetic material is then plated on the gap layer to form the top pole extension. In one form of the invention, a mask is employed to define a good zero throat level surface to the pole tip region.