Abstract: The present invention provides a filter for removing carcinogens from a gas or liquid. The filter contains nucleic acids, for example DNA or apurinic acid, with which the carcinogens may react. In specific embodiments the filters are used for tobacco smoke or industrial pollutants.

Abstract: A novel metal/ceramic hybrid material in which the void space of the ceramic is filled with metal. The metal may be bonded to the ceramic, for example by formation of a metal oxide. The metal may be introduced into the ceramic as small particles in a suspension then heated to melt the metal, allowing bonding to the ceramic or better filling of the void space. The hybrid material may be used in a variety of applications.

Abstract: Polymers that are biocompatible are useful for various medical purposes such as tissue repair, reconstruction and wound healing. A method and composition for producing a biocompatible polymer formed from nucleic acids is disclosed. The nucleic acid polymer may be used to form a hybrid with an existing polymer to create a copolymer. The nucleic acids may be also be selected to encode particular proteins which may then be expressed in a biological tissue.

Abstract: A support for use with a ball transfer unit associated, in use, with a double-skinned deck panel, the support being characterised by being elongate, rigid, and adapted at one end to receive the housing of a ball transfer unit and to seat beneath a peripheral shoulder of the housing which is presented in use towards the lower skin of the panel, the support further being shaped at its opposite end to present to the lower skin of the panel, in use, a “foot-print” which includes and exceeds the “foot-print” presented in use by the ball transfer unit housing to the lower skin of the panel, the length of the support being such that, in use, with the “foot-print” of the support engaging the lower skin of the panel, the ball of the ball transfer unit protrudes from the upper skin of the panel by a predetermined, desired amount. There is also disclosed a support and unit combination, a deck panel, and a method of repairing a deck panel.

Abstract: A novel line-current protection circuit that is useable with a PCMCIA modem card is disclosed. The protection circuit is adapted to detect when an excessive voltage is present across the tip and the ring leads of a telephone subscriber loop by sensing the amount of line-current being supplied to line interface circuitry disposed on the PCMCIA modem card. The protection circuit includes a current sensing circuit portion that is placed in series with the tip lead and which detects when the line current exceeds a predetermined maximum amount. In the event the line current exceeds the maximum amount, the current sensing circuit asserts an excessive line current signal which is being monitored by a digital processor. The digital processor responds by causing a relay circuit to be opened, thereby causing the PCMCIA modem to be in an "on-hook" state.