Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a bridged peripheral system within a bridged computer system having a host computer and a remote computer. The host computer executes peripheral driver software that initiates at least one communication. The host computer also executes a peripheral emulation that represents a peripheral of the remote client computer, where the at least one communication is processed by the peripheral emulation. In one embodiment, the peripheral is an audio codec.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing cerebrospinal fluid includes a first needle having a first end, a second end, and a passage extending between the first and second ends. The proximal end of the first needle has a handle and the distal end has a cutting tip adapted to penetrate skin. A second needle is slidably disposed within the passage of the first needle. The second needle has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the second needle has a handle. The distal end of the second needle has an atraumatic tip and a microfilter in fluid communication with the lumen for removing cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: A drinking straw (1) for progressively adding an active ingredient to a carrier liquid as the liquid is drawn through the straw. The straw (1) includes a generally elongate tubular body (2) having an internal bore (3) and a sidewall (4). The tube (2) includes first and second filters (5) and (6) disposed at respective first and second ends (7) and (8), of the tube. Together, the first and second filters retain a predetermined measure of soluble active ingredients within the bore of the tube (2), while allowing a carrier liquid to be drawn through the straw, by oral suction. The active ingredient, takes the form of a plurality of solid pellets (9). Each filter is formed by blocking, closing or constricting the tube at or adjacent the corresponding end and providing at least one aperture sized to be sufficiently small to retain the pellets within the tube whilst sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: A flavoring receptacle contains a predetermined portion of flavoring agent for sale and use in conjunction with a compatible pre-packaged unflavored beverage of appropriate relative volume. The flavoring receptacle is generally elongate and tubular in shape and contains end caps. The flavoring receptacle is thereby adapted for use as a straw. Passage of the unflavored beverage through the flavoring receptacle provides for mixing with the flavoring agent to produce a flavored beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a plurality of LAN workstations to the internet via an on-line server/interface that does not require a PC operating system dedicated to the server. The server operates in TCP/IP protocol for communication over the Internet. Only a single connection to the Internet is required in order to permit the entire LAN to operate simultaneously on the Internet. Specifically, only a single phone line is required to simultaneously serve all LAN workstations. The system is equally well suited to connect via a telephone line connection to an Internet providers's slip or PPP or via an Ethernet connection to a router or direct connection by any available means. The system does not disturb the native LAN protocol, while communicating via the internet protocol such as, by way of example, TCP/IP. The LAN is provided with a complete internet protocol service, supporting functions not generally available in the dedicated stacks previously provided for individual PCs.

Abstract: A method of managing access to a distributive network provides both time and site access restraints for users or groups of users on a LAN or WAN adapted for accessing the network through a common network access interface system. The method utilizes the LAN server to develop and monitor the constraints, minimizing the utilization of the access interface system. The management parameters for each group or individual having access to the distributive network via the LAN or WAN is entered into the interface box by the administrator as a compact reference, a series of pointers to the larger database of users and groups stored in the existing LAN server directory services. The existing database of users and groups and their relationships exist already in the LAN servers as a normal consequence of LAN operation and a simple, graphical user interface in the preferred embodiment of the invention permits familiar selection of objects of that database and assignment of access constraints.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a plurality of LAN workstations to the internet via an on-line server/interface that does not require a PC operating system dedicated to the server. The server operates in TCP/IP protocol for communication over the Internet. Only a single connection to the Internet is required in order to permit the entire LAN to operate simultaneously on the Internet. Specifically, only a single phone line is required to simultaneously serve all LAN workstations. The system is equally well suited to connect via a telephone line connection to an Internet providers's slip or PPP or via an Ethernet connection to a router or direct connection by any available means. The system does not disturb the native LAN protocol, while communicating via the internet protocol such as, by way of example, TCP/IP. The LAN is provided with a complete internet protocol service, supporting functions not generally available in the dedicated stacks previously provided for individual PCs.

Abstract: This invention concerns a merchandising display, and in particular an eye level display incorporating internal lighting. The display provides an eye-level merchandising unit, comprising a stage (2) on which to place product (3). A light source (10) is situated below the front of the stage (2) to illuminate product placed at the front of the stage. A transparent screen (12,13) is positioned in front of the light source to allow forward illumination, and signage (14) will often be associated with the transparent screen. A reflector (5) is placed above the front of the stage to reflect light from the light source in the forward direction.

Abstract: A panel fixture adapted to be inserted into a cavity formed in a panel, the panel fixture releasably receiving an accessory. The panel fixture can be mounted within a routed cavity in a panel or wall such that its faceplate can be substantially flush with the panel surface or wall surface to provide a convenient, randomly selected location for supporting an accessory such as a hook bracket or a shelf support bracket. The mounting of the panel fixture into the cavity simultaneously holds the panel against a wall structure. The faceplate has a slot located in an upper portion of the fixture. An accessory bracket to be inserted in the fixture may have a stepped upper plate part and a planar lower plate part and is mountable in/on the fixture with the stepped upper plate part of the accessory bracket inserted and confined in the slot of the fixture faceplate, and with the planar plate part of the accessory bracket fitting flat against the recessed planar surface of the body of the fixture.

Abstract: A support bracket comprises a substantially vertical wall, an upper horizontal wall extending substantially transversely to the vertical wall, the upper horizontal wall having a lower surface, and a lower horizontal wall substantially parallel to the upper horizontal wall, the lower horizontal wall having an upper surface. The upper and lower horizontal walls define a space which, in use, receives a shelf to be supported by the upper and lower walls in cantilever fashion. Track means are provided in the lower surface of the upper horizontal wall and the upper surface of the lower horizontal wall. Adjuster insert means are used in cooperation with the track means, the adjuster insert means having a tracking portion which registers with the track means to securely hold the adjuster insert means relative to the upper and lower horizontal walls respectively. The track means comprise a recess with a projection therein dividing the recess into two channeled grooves.

Abstract: An integrally extruded longitudinally extending panel which can be connected to other such panels to provide an upright display surface having channels therein comprises a planar panel portion, channel means at one side of the panel portion and comprising first connecting means, and second connecting means at the other side of the panel portion; the first and second connecting means of adjacent panels being interconnectable to provide a display surface having a channel therein with an overhanging lip for retaining in the channel the foot of a display means such as a bracket, shelf, hanger, light fitting, etc. The connection between the panels is arranged to be concealed by overlap in the region of the channel.