Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tampon comprises the steps of at least partially overlaying a web of base material with a web of absorbent material. The web of absorbent material is secured to the web of base material with a first securement. At least one of the web of base material and the web of absorbent material is folded after the first securement. The web of absorbent material is further secured to the web of base material with a second securement that is a stronger securement than the first securement. The web of absorbent material and the web of base material together define a web of cover material. The web of cover material is applied to an absorbent structure. The web of cover material and the absorbent structure is manipulated such that the web of cover material extends about a circumference of the absorbent structure to form a tampon.

Abstract: Apparatus and method used to reduce the movement between vertebrae or fractured bones. The implantable device can be deformed from its shape-set configuration for ease of deployment and return to a pre-set shape upon completion of deployment. The apparatus can serve to stabilize fractured bones or as a distraction device and support structure between vertebrae. Device may be made of a material with shape memory and superelastic properties which facilitate the method of implantation. The pre-set shape of the device may include dimensions/geometries which are similar to the natural curvature of the human spine or bone without the use of hinging or connection between multiple pieces. Once deployed, the device can serve to constrain the flow of bone growth material between the inside and outside of the device.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a linear voltage regulator are described that use a bipolar output transistor to deliver current and a regulated voltage to a load. The bipolar output transistor assures low output impedance providing isolation from load induced noise. A first depletion mode field effect transistor FET drives the output transistor dependent on a correction signal from an error amplifier. The error amplifier compares a fixed voltage reference to a portion of the output voltage to set a control voltage for the FET gate. Output voltage is set with an offset voltage referenced to circuit ground and can be generated with a single resistor to circuit ground by a current through the resistor which is set from VREF and the regulated output voltage. Output current is limited with a second depletion mode FET that senses the difference in regulator output voltage and voltage at said first FET transistor drain.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a linear voltage regulator are described that use a bipolar output transistor to deliver current and a regulated voltage to a load. The bipolar output transistor assures low output impedance providing isolation from load induced noise. A first depletion mode field effect transistor FET drives the output transistor dependent on a correction signal from an error amplifier. The error amplifier compares a fixed voltage reference to a portion of the output voltage to set a control voltage for the FET gate. Output voltage is set with an offset voltage referenced to circuit ground and can be generated with a single resistor to circuit ground by a current through the resistor which is set from VREF and the regulated output voltage. Output current is limited with a second depletion mode FET that senses the difference in regulator output voltage and voltage at said first FET transistor drain.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and bi-directional communication device, such as a cable modem, router, bridge, or other communication device adapted to communicate via a network and having a firewall, for identifying those packets associated with inappropriate activity. The communication device includes at least one user discernable indicator associated with the firewall. The at least one user discernable indicator contemporaneously indicates that a number of packets associated with the inappropriate activity has exceeded a threshold level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting disturbances in an alternating current (AC) supply. A method includes a step of indicating a relationship between supplied AC voltage and a threshold voltage for at least a portion of each cycle of the supplied AC voltage. A circuit for detecting disturbances in supplied alternating current (AC) is provided. The circuit includes a threshold detector coupled to a source of supplied AC. The threshold detector provides a signal indicating a relationship of the supplied AC levels to a threshold level for at least a portion of each cycle of the supplied AC.

Abstract: A combination of differently sized structured packings in the wash zone of distillation towers is provides advantages at high vapor rates. The use of a large crimp structured packing below a smaller crimp size structured packing is advantageous for vacuum crude unit service where fouling resistance is desirable and liquid entrainment into the wash zone is a problem at high vapor rates. The tower may be operated at high vapor flux rates or C 0.4 ft/sec or higher (0.12 m/sec). An unexpected characteristic of the combinations is that the entrainment increases only slowly with increasing vapor flux rate up to Cs values of at least 0.55 ft/sec (0.17 m.sec), as compared to other packings such as random packing, grid packing and combinations of grid packing with structured packing which allow entrainment to increase sharply at high vapor rates.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel analogs of FR901464, as well as an improved methodology for preparing FR901464 and its analogs. These compounds display an anti-cancer activity and are candidates for therapies against a number of disease states associated with dysfunctional RNA splicing.

Abstract: An improved de-entrainment device for use in distillation towers, especially vacuum distillation towers used for fractionating petroleum atmospheric resids comprises a baffle which is to be located in the portion of the tower below the feed zone and at the top of the flash zone. The baffle is in the form of an apertured plate above the stripping zone and in its preferred form comprises number of radial fins or blades, resembling a static fan with openings between the fins to permit vapors from the lower portions of the tower to pass upwards through the baffle with a minimal pressure drop. The fins of the baffle are preferably oriented at an angle between 30° and 60° away from the incoming feed so that the incoming feed stream skims over the top edges of the fins.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting presence of service on a telephone line prior to and during activation of alternative service on the line. The method comprises performing a first voltage detection on a subscriber line (S20), activating a subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC) if no pre-existing service is detected (S30), the SLIC providing an interface between the subscriber line and a service provider, and performing a second voltage detection on the subscriber line after a usage-dependent time has elapsed (S60), the time being determined by heuristics which consider several factors, including usage history of the line and time of day.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directional communication, such as a cable modem, adapted to interface with a plurality of consumer electronics devices such as external storage of memory. The communications device has a first interface adapted to provide data transfer between a host device and a communications network. A second interface is adapted to provide data transfer between the host device and an external storage device or consumer electronics product having a memory storage device. The second interface circuitry is adapted to determine a type of external device coupled thereto and responsively retrieve data therefrom, the retrieved data being provided to the host device.

Abstract: A ring boost circuit has a first switching device coupled to a ring node. The first switching device is responsive to a ring operation. A charge pump is connected to the ring node, and the charge pump provides a voltage offset to enhance a differential voltage between the ring node and a tip node when the first switching device is activated during the ring operation.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting presence of service on a telephone line prior to and during activation of alternative service on the line. The method comprises performing a first voltage detection on a subscriber line (S20), activating a subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC) if no pre-existing service is detected (S30), the SLIC providing an interface between the subscriber line and a service provider, and performing a second voltage detection on the subscriber line after a usage-dependent time has elapsed (S60), the time being determined by heuristics which consider several factors, including usage history of the line and time of day.

Abstract: A ring boost circuit has a first switching device coupled to a ring node. The first switching device is responsive to a ring operation. A charge pump is connected to the ring node, and the charge pump provides a voltage offset to enhance a differential voltage between the ring node and a tip node when the first switching device is activated during the ring operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bi-directional communication, such as a cable modem, adapted to interface with a plurality of consumer electronics devices such as external storage of memory. The communications device has a first interface adapted to provide data transfer between a host device and a communications network. A second interface is adapted to provide data transfer between the host device and an external storage device or consumer electronics product having a memory storage device. The second interface circuitry is adapted to determine a type of external device coupled thereto and responsively retrieve data therefrom, the retrieved data being provided to the host device.

Abstract: A telephone handset interface reduces or eliminates feedback induced singing in a telephone handset/hybrid loop. The interface provides for user selectable volume control settings, each setting representing an amount of gain or loss to be applied to the transmit and receive signals within the telephone set. The gain settings are selected to limit overall loop gain so as to reduce or eliminate any tendency of the handset to sing at high receive gain levels. Loss inserted into the transmit circuit is removed when user speech is detected in the transmit circuit.

Abstract: Levobupivacaine is used for providing anesthesia or analgesia in a human patient in and after facial surgery, especially in dentistry or ophthalmics.

Abstract: Levobupivacaine is used for providing anaesthesia or analgesia in human paediatric surgery.

Abstract: An improved caller identity on call waiting unit permits caller identification signals to be received without changing the direct current state of a customer telephone station. This is accomplished by using a capacitor/inductor circuit with appropriate bypass to accomplish the function of blocking voice band signals to and from the station. Advantageously, such an arrangement avoids the problem of falsely disconnecting calls on hold.

Abstract: A telephone handset interface reduces or eliminates feedback induced singing in a telephone handset/hybrid loop. The interface provides for user selectable volume control settings, each setting representing an amount of gain or loss to be applied to the transmit and receive signals within the telephone set. The gain settings are selected to limit overall loop gain so as to reduce or eliminate any tendency of the handset to sing at high receive gain levels. Loss inserted into the transmit circuit is removed when user speech is detected in the transmit circuit.