Abstract: A data network routing apparatus and method are presented. The data switch comprises a packet engine integrated with an optical engine. The optical engine and packet engine are under common software and/or hardware control, and communicably interconnected. As a result, the physical state of the optics is continually and immediately available to the packet engine, in substantially real time. The packet engine implements a routing algorithm which operates on at least the data traffic in the network and the optical transport topology. The routing apparatus periodically updates the routing algorithm's operands under normal operation, and in the event of the failure of a communications link in the network, the routing apparatus immediately updates the routing algorithm operands in response. A network comprising a plurality of nodes with such immediate rerouting capability is achieved by utilizing a plurality of the disclosed data switches as its nodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to topical cosmetic and pharmaceutical composition for enhancing collagen levels in skin cells, the compositions comprising an effective amount of a biologically active phenolic compound-containing extract, or active fraction thereof, obtainable from Mimosa pudica.

Abstract: A simplified data link protocol which may be implemented in a very high-speed transmission system, e.g., SONET, processes a datagram received from an IP facility according to QoS considerations and scrambles a datagram before it is again scrambled by a transmission system, e.g., a SONET transmitter, to ensure that the pattern of a user's data does not match the transmission scrambling pattern. The data link protocol scrambler also employs a novel synchronization scheme. We also use a pointer system which identifies the location of a datagram in a frame to eliminate flags and the need to process user data to ensure that it does not contain and a boundary flag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in mammalian tissue which comprises supplying to the tissue a composition comprising an effective amount of epigallocatechin-gallate, epicatechin gallate or a combination thereof. The method is particularly useful in the treatment of angiogenesis-related skin conditions in which the catechin is applied topically, such as the treatment of various skin cancers, psoriasis, spider veins or undereye circles.

Abstract: The delineation and quick invocation of protection switching is achieved by generating a protection indicator having an initial state at the point that a transmission facility failure is detected and passing the indicator downstream. A switch that receives the indicator either increments or decrements the indicator in accordance with predetermined rules. However, a switch that receives the indicator when it reaches an active state immediately invokes protection switching if that switch is at the sink end of an associated protection path.

Abstract: A Virtual Path Group (VPG) technique that utilizes network elements (NEs), i.e., nodes, that are visible to ATM specific defects, and allows for fast ATM virtual connection/restoration with a minimum of processing. This is realized by employing a Virtual Path Group transport architecture comprises at least one (1) working route, one (1) protection route, and VPG bridge and selector functions at each end of the routes. It is applicable to 1+1, mesh and ring protection switching and is extensible to any virtual connection segment or end-to-end network (cross-subnetwork) virtual connections, and extensible to 1:1 and M:N protection switching. Additionally, the protection switching arrangement of the invention includes an architecture for the Virtual Path Group (VPG) concept in which the associations among individual ATM virtual channels (VP/VCs) and VPGs are maintained entirely within the network element management function.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a high contrast image of a living subject includes an X-ray source capable of generating an X-ray beam having an energy between about 4 MeV and about 40 MeV, means for directing the X-ray beam generated by the X-ray source to a preselected area of the body of a living subject, and at least one scintillating detector capable of detecting photons which are generated as a result of the interaction of the X-ray beam with the body of the living subject.

Abstract: In a method of logging a well in a subterranean formation which formation has been fractured by injecting proppant tagged with at least one radioactive material into the formation through the well, the improvement comprising: utilizing a spectral gamma-ray tool in performing the logging. By analyzing one or more selected ratios of counting rates at certain energy areas of the spectrum one can determine the vertical height of the fracturing in the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting and locating the origin of a gamma ray in a medical diagnostic imaging system. At least one primary fiber, which is a scintillating optical fiber, is positioned to receive radiation from a gamma ray source. At least one secondary fiber intersects the primary fiber at a non-zero angle. Both fibers have a core surrounded by a cladding, with the claddings of the two fibers in optical contact at an intersection point. Both the primary and secondary fibers are provided with means for detecting light propagated in the fibers. The interaction of radiation such as a gamma ray with the primary fiber will result in the propagation of light in both the primary and secondary fibers, thereby permitting the determination of the site of impact of the gamma ray in the detector, and possibly also enabling the determination of the path of incidence of the gamma ray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting and locating the origin of a gamma ray in a medical diagnostic imaging system. At least one primary fiber, which is a scintillating optical fiber, is positioned to receive radiation from a gamma ray source. At least one secondary fiber intersects the primary fiber at a non-zero angle and is in optical contact with the primary fiber. Both the primary and secondary fibers are provided with means for detecting light propagated in the fibers. The interaction of a gamma ray with the primary fiber will result in the propagation of light in both the primary and secondary fibers, thereby permitting the determination of the site of impact of the gamma ray in the detector, and possibly also enabling the determination of the path of incidence of the gamma ray.

Abstract: An improved electrode sealing arrangement for use on lead assemblies to be coupled to an implantable pulse generator to form a cardiac pacer apparatus. The conductive portion of the lead includes a terminal pin which is both rigid and durable, and which is arranged to be clamped between a set screw and a terminal post. The improved sealing means includes a generally closed cylindrical resilient segment which is arranged generally coaxially of the lead conductor, with a resilient peripheral sleeve extending outwardly of the cylindrical segment and having a raised resilient ring extending continuously about the outer periphery of the peripheral sleeve. The raised resilient ring is disposed axially outwardly from the distal end of the terminal pin, so as to provide an axial displacement between the terminal pin and the resilient sealing ring.

Abstract: A battery powered electronic circuit adapted for surgical implantation in the body of a patient suffering from intermittent heart block for providing electrical stimulation of the heart muscle upon detection of failure of normal heart activity. The circuit includes a pulse generator comprising an astable multivibrator which normally functions to produce a series of pulses of predetermined duration and at a predetermined repetition rate. The pulses are fed to a voltage doubler pulser which amplifies the pulses before they are applied through the output electrodes to the heart muscle. Also included in the system is an integrated circuit differential bandpass amplifier which is coupled to the output electrodes for amplifying the electrical output signal from the heart which is detected when ventricular contractions occur. The system further includes a level detector and a refractory one-shot multivibrator network.

Abstract: Non-ferrous metals are recovered from metal bearing ores or other metal sources in substantially quantitative yields by treating a finely divided metal bearing material with an aqueous inorganic acid to form a slurry and baking the slurry at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of about 350.degree. to 800.degree.C. or higher under quiescent conditions for a period of time sufficient to convert the non-ferrous metals into soluble salts. The fumes from the baking process are scrubbed with a dilute acid solution to extract volatile metal salts. The residue is leached with an appropriate solution or solutions to recover the soluble metal salts which are then recovered from the solution by conventional techniques.