Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as an incontinence pad that is both comfortable and suitable for absorbing and containing large volumes of body liquids rapidly without leakage, especially a subsequent gush of liquid. The absorbent article has a pair of end regions, and a central region disposed between the end regions. The central region includes a pair of spaced apart longitudinal side portions and a central portion disposed between the longitudinal side portions. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and backsheet, and an acquisition component positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The acquisition component has a total void volume. The portion of the acquisition component with the central region provides at least about 50% of the total void volume of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sampling a partial response input signal including a signal sampler for generating a sampled digital signal representation of a sampled analog signal in response to a sample-time control signal, and a timing error detector having an input port receiving the digital signal and generating a timing error control signal at an output port. The timing error control signal is a function of the non-return to zero (NRZ) sequence which was originally recorded or otherwise transmitted or communicated, the synchronous sampled data value, the estimated ideal partial response sample value, and the timing error estimate. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) receives the timing error control signal and generates the sample time control signal. Several multi-level data estimators are described.

Abstract: Method of preserving mineral slurries from microbiological attack comprising introducing a nitrite or TBIP followed by sufficient 3-isothiazolone biocide to protect the slurry from attack. Mineral slurries which are so protected are also disclosed.

Abstract: A video special effects system and method includes at least one signal system operating in real time to transform one or more input video signals to generate an output video in response thereto, a work station, an operator control panel and a control system communicating with the signal systems, the work station and the control panel. Control surfaces defined by one or two control curves are developed at the work station and subsequent used by the control system to define a video effect in which portions of the input video images are selectively mapped to the control surfaces and subsequently manipulated to define an output video image. The control system operates to define each parameter controlling the output image at selected event times and to individually interpolate each given parameter between the event times at which the parameter is defined. The signal systems generate the output images in response to input images and the instantaneous values of control parameters defined by the control system.

Abstract: Addition polymers derived from norbornene-functional monomers are terminated with an olefinic moiety derived from a chain transfer agent selected from a compound having a terminal olefinic double bond between adjacent carbon atoms, excluding styrenes, vinyl ethers, and conjugated dienes and at least one of said carbon atoms has two hydrogen atoms attached thereto. The addition polymers of this invention are prepared from a single or multicomponent catalyst system including a Group VIII metal ion source. The catalyst systems are unique in that they catalyze the insertion of the chain transfer agent exclusively at a terminal end of the polymer chain.

Abstract: A video special effects system and method includes at least one signal system operating in real time to transform one or more input video signals to generate an output video in response thereto, a work station, an operator control panel and a control system communicating with the signal systems, the work station and the control panel. Control surfaces defined by one or two control curves are developed at the work station and subsequent used by the control system to define a video effect in which portions of the input video images are selectively mapped to the control surfaces and subsequently manipulated to define an output video image. The control system operates to define each parameter controlling the output image at selected event times and to individually interpolate each given parameter between the event times at which the parameter is defined. The signal systems generate the output images in response to input images and the instantaneous values of control parameters defined by the control system.

Abstract: A strain of Enterococcus faecium, deposited as NCIMB 40371, has valuable probiotic properties and is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in human patients. The strain can be used in the manufacture of human foodstuffs.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable self sealing valveless fluid or gas container useable for a wide variety of applications including cushioning, package filler, mattresses, rafts and the like. The container is formed from one or more inflatable self sealing elements, each inflatable element being formed from a pair of inflatable cells. Each cell is formed from an inner and outer sheet of thermoplastic or other impermeable material, the sheets being sealed together at boundaries which define the inflatable cell. The inner sheets of each cell in the pair are sealed together such that the boundaries of the seal define a fill channel through which fluid or gas may pass between the cells. Apertures in the inner sheets of both cells within the fill channel allow fluid or gas to pass from the fill channel into both cells to cause inflation.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of preparing copolymers from norbornene-type monomers and cationically polymerizable monomers or polymers from catalytically polymerizable monomers by employing Group VIII transition metal ion source in a solvent for said monomers at a temperature in the range from -100.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. Also disclosed are copolymers from norbornene-type monomers and catalytically polymerizable monomers.

Abstract: A card cage for housing a plurality of circuit boards and passive optical fiber couplers contains a tray for storing express optical fibers or express optical fiber tubes not to be coupled within the card cage but rather expressly routed through a distribution point accommodating the card cage. The tray has a flexible hinge thereon and means for keeping the tray passively deflected away from the optical couplers for facilitating insertion and removal of optical fibers into and from the couplers. A card cage housing snap fits to a card cage base without requiring screws or other physically detachable elements. The housing also includes a plurality of flexible deflectable clips integrally molded as part of the card cage housing which normally keep the circuit cards or boards within the card cage housing but which are deflectable so as to allow the boards to be slideably inserted and removed from channels within the housing for guiding the boards.

Abstract: A cable block for telecommunications cable includes first and second half shell members which together form a substantially cylindrical stepped longitudinal bore therethrough, portions of the bore being sealingly engaged against progressive stripped outer parts of a stripped part of the cable so as to sealingly engage against each intermediate layer thereof which could form a water channel between its adjacent cable layer. Metal pins are also provided which extend into the channel and electrically connect to a ground shield of the cable for dissipating electrical currents during current surges as can occur when lightening strikes. The cable block is useable for terminating an end of a cable of an intermediate section thereof at which access to the telecommunications conduction media is required without breaking the conduction media.