Abstract: An implantable and refillable device for delivering a drug compound is provided. The device comprises a reservoir within which the drug compound is capable of being retained, wherein the reservoir defines a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A release structure comprising a hydrophobic polymer surrounds at least a portion of the reservoir. The release structure is in communication with the reservoir such that the drug compound can pass from the reservoir through the release structure. A septum is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the reservoir and a backing layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reservoir.

Abstract: An implantable and refillable device for delivering a contraceptive agent is provided. The device comprises a reservoir within which the contraceptive agent is capable of being retained, wherein the reservoir defines a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. A release structure comprising a hydrophobic polymer surrounds at least a portion of the reservoir. The release structure is in communication with the reservoir such that the contraceptive agent can pass from the reservoir through the release structure. A septum is positioned adjacent to the first surface of the reservoir and a backing layer is positioned adjacent to the second surface of the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing intelligent synchronization includes a processing element configured to receive a message indicating that data for synchronization is available. The processing element may also be configured to select, in response to receipt of the message, a synchronization method from a plurality of synchronization methods based at least in part on whether the apparatus includes new data that has not been communicated to a synchronization element.

Abstract: The card game is played using two decks of cards per each hand, with the dealer dealing out two groups of cards face down from one deck and a single face up reference card from the second deck. The dealer then turns up each of the cards sequentially from the two groups of the first deck, with the object being to attain an exact match between any or the cards of the two groups, and the reference card. Optionally, players may wager upon the likelihood of the occurrence of a specific mismatch.

Abstract: A method of bulking tufted pile fabrics by means of the controlled application of dry heat thereto. The method of the present invention is particularly well suited to the continuous in-line bulking of carpet.