Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of client and server software communicating with each other via the internet to create and maintain a multi-user role-playing game. The virtual world of the game is presented to each user by means of text and dimensional audio. The virtual world of the game is infinitely expandable and updateable, and the software reacts to user inputs to make the virtual world change according to user actions. New users may join an in-progress game at any time.

Abstract: A circuit includes a plurality of logically identical clock modules which are all capable of driving the same clock output. The circuit has a selection input for selecting one of the clock modules for driving the clock output. After a change of the selection, a clock module just deselected awaits the completion of a period of the own clock signal before switching to deselection. The clock modules have a hold-off input which is coupled to a common signal line. A newly selected clock module switches to a selection state only after a beginning of a period of the own clock signal, provided that the selected clock module previously detects a signal on its hold-off input which indicates that all clock modules have deselected themselves. The common signal line is preferably coupled to the clock output, deselection being detected on the basis of the signal level which occurs after the beginning of the period after a change of the selection.

Abstract: SOD and other active oxygen inhibitors are directly applied in combination with a barrier material at local sites of tissue injury to prevent or decrease formation of adhesions and undesirable proliferation of cells. Preferred barrier materials are polymeric hydrogels providing controlled release of AOI which are directly applied to the afflicted tissue. Examples demonstrate the effects of SOD on pelvic adhesions in the rat when administered by intraperitoneal (I.P.) bolus and by localized sustained release from a topically applied hydrogel system.

Abstract: A setting (10) is disclosed for removably receiving decorative articles such as gemstones (12) and pictures. The setting includes a lower member (15) and an upper member (13), each having left and right side segments (20, 22, 26, 28) that are hingedly attached by left and right pivot pins (24, 30). The side segments (20, 26) of the lower member (15) define a plane (18) along which the gemstone (12) is free to slide when inserting into and removing from the setting (10). The upper member (13) of the setting can be pivoted from a closed position where stop surfaces (54, 56) intersect the plane (18) and hold the gemstone (12) captive within the setting to an open position where the stop surfaces (54, 56) are well away from the plane (18), thereby permitting the removal of the gemstone (12).

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the quiescent current of a digital IC includes a current sensor connected in series with the IC and the voltage supply, a voltage stabilization circuit for stabilizing the voltage across the IC and a signal processing circuit coupled thereto for processing the measured quiescent current. The quiescent current is measured when no flip-flops are switched in the IC. By means of the arrangement, it is possible to measure rapidly and accurately whether the quiescent current assumes an abnormal value, which indicates that the IC contains defects. The signal processing circuit may include a current mirror which is coupled to a current comparator circuit supplying a digital output signal for determining the existence of a defect.

Abstract: Ionographic raster scan printing apparatus capable of printing with selectable print density utilizes an imaging drum having a surface movable in a process direction, a connector assembly for receiving an imaging module having a characteristic dot density determined by a set of control electrodes individually driven by clocked driver elements, a sensor module for generating density signals representative of the characteristic dot density, and a position encoder for generating position signals representative of the instantaneous position of the imaging drum surface. A scan clock synthesizer module generates activation signals for clocking the driver elements, the signals having a clock frequency proportional to an algebraic combination of the density signals and the position signals.

Abstract: A process for the electrodeposition of metal onto the particles of a fluidised bed cathode is of particular use in the electro-winning of metals. Agglomeration of particles is substantially avoided by the elimination of sharp corners within the portion of the cell where there is electrodeposition and by the removal of particles from the fluidised bed cathode before they reach a size where they tend to lodge adjacent structural surfaces within the cathode compartment. Flow of electrolyte into the base of the cathode compartment may conveniently be distributed by a porous plate or a "V" shaped trough.

Abstract: A process for the electrodeposition of metal onto the particles of a fluidised bed cathode is of particular use in the electro-winning of metals. Agglomeration of particles is substantially avoided by the elimination of sharp corners within the portion of the cell where there is electrodeposition and by the removal of particles from the fluidised bed cathode before they reach a size where they tend to lodge adjacent structural surfaces within the cathode compartment. Flow of electrolyte into the base of the cathode compartment may conveniently be distributed by a porous plate or a "V" shaped trough.