Abstract: A polymer of a ring-opened functionalized epoxide is formed by the polymerization of a functionalized epoxide monomer having the structure E-CHR-G wherein E represents an epoxide group, R is hydrogen or an alkyl group, and G is a derivatizable group such as an unsaturated functionality or ester substituent.

Abstract: A rapid channel changer for use in a digital broadband access system. The subject rapid channel changer includes a cache buffer for storing the video data and a processor for detecting and pointing to the synchronization frames. When a subscriber's channel change request is received by the processing unit, the corresponding video signal can be quickly accessed and directed downstream to the subscriber, since the processor can immediately synchronize the video data without having to wait for the next synchronization frame.

Abstract: Polycation bioconjugates and a method for producing them. The polycations are capable of transporting active substances of different types. The polycations function as carrier molecules that transport enhancer molecules, thereby enhancing the biological effectiveness of the transported molecules. The polycation bioconjugates of the present invention may inhibit malignant cell proliferation, possess antimicrobial effect, or be configured for gene transport.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. In one embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling. The system includes a container handling mechanism that includes a container block defining a container receptacle, and a cap carrier defining a cap receptacle. The system also includes a dosing portion having a dosing plate defining a dosing hole. The dosing plate is movable between two positions so that when the dosing plate is in the first position the dosing hole is positioned to receive a dose of powder. When the dosing plate is in the second position, the dosing hole is positioned to dispense the dose of powder into the container receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.

Abstract: An interactive advertising and public announcement system having storage and processing capabilities, as well as a display device, configured to store, process and/or display a media presentation. The media presentation proceeds according to a Playlist that may incorporate links to web-based content. The display device includes input devices allowing a user to interact with the media presentation and customer recognition devices for detecting the presence of and identifying the user. The system may also include video-conferencing capabilities, and the ability to detect, upload and respond to information obtained from and regarding the user. The system may also be linked and configured to retrieve and respond to user information collected from the user while the user interacts with the system, as well as user information previously-collected and stored in local or remote databases.

Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for establishing and adapting communication link parameters in xDSL transmission systems. The method determines a frequency allocation scheme that makes the delivery of both xDSL services and traditional telecommunications services possible, and uses information about service bit-rate requirements and the deployment characteristics of a given local loop to select an optimal combination of symbol rate and transmission modulation density that is capable of delivering desired xDSL services. The method includes the steps of establishing communication between xDSL termination units, and determining a maximum transmission modulation density that can be used for a plurality of predetermined symbol rates. One method of performing these steps is a symbol rate stepping method in which communication is initiated at a fraction of the final symbol rate, and the symbol rate is iteratively stepped up until the final symbol rate is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a tire rim or hubcap is provided. A tire rim cover comprising a flexible round body and an elastic ring shaped element coupled to the round shaped body near the outer edge of the round body is provided. One or more clips coupled to the tire rim cover are also provided. The elastic ring shaped element is designed to surround the outer edge of a tire rim or hubcap and the clip is designed to be removably attached to the rim or hubcap to resist dislodging during use. A method for protecting a tire rim or hubcap using such a tire rim cover is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides on-field sports officials and other similarly situated users with systems, methods and portable devices for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating sports, entertainment, news and other events and occurrences in nearly real time. These systems, methods and devices for example select and review images transmitted in a signal, such as a television signal of a football game or as another example from a security system camera. The system for selecting and reviewing signal segments comprises (i) a selection system including means for receiving at least one signal, means for identifying at least one segment of the signal, and means for transmitting the signal segment, and (ii) a reviewing system including means for receiving the signal segment, means for storing the signal segment, and means for reviewing information in the signal segment.

Abstract: A method of treating onychomycosis is described which includes administration of an effective amount of urea in a topical formulation to an infected area around a nail of a patient.

Abstract: Injectable compositions having improved injectability. The injectable compositions include microparticles suspended in an aqueous injection vehicle having a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C. The increased viscosity of the injection vehicle that constitutes the fluid phase of the suspension significantly reduces in vivo injectability failures. The injectable compositions can be made by mixing dry microparticles with an aqueous injection vehicle to form a suspension, and then mixing the suspension with a viscosity enhancing agent to increase the viscosity of the fluid phase of the suspension to the desired level for improved injectability.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing microparticles that exhibit controlled release of an effective amount of an active agent over an extended period of time. More particularly, a method is provided for preparing microparticles having a selected release profile for release of active agent contained in the microparticles. By adjusting the degree of drying that is performed during the preparation of the microparticles, the release profile can be controlled. By performing no intermediate drying, an initial burst and a substantially linear release profile is achieved. By performing substantially complete intermediate drying, an initial lag phase and a substantially sigmoidal release profile is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closure system for an oral active agent delivery device. The device comprises an elongate tubular member having first and second ends. The closure system includes a deformable closure means adapted to allow delivery of the active agent upon deformation. The closure system prevents spillage and maintains the integrity of the dose within the device. In use, the closure system is deformed and separated from the second end of the tubular member, liquid is drawn up into the first end of the member, and the liquid and active agent are drawn out of the second end of the member and into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A composition for the protection, treatment and repair and for reducing the inflammation of connective tissue in mammals and a method for the treatment of connective tissue in mammals by the administration of the composition. The composition includes S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM), and a component selected from an aminosugar or salts thereof (e.g., glucosamine) or glycosaminoglycans (e.g., chondroitin salts) or mixtures or fragments thereof. The composition optionally includes manganese which promotes the production of connective tissue matrix. The composition also optionally includes methyl donors or methyl donor cofactors, such as vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folic acid, dimethylglycine or trimethylglycine.