Abstract: An implantable system for the defibrillation of the atria of a patient's heart comprises (a) a first catheter configured for insertion into the right atrium of the heart, preferably without extending into the right ventricle of the heart; a first atrial defibrillation electrode carried by the first catheter and positioned at the atrial septum of the heart (i.e., an atrial septum electrode); (b) a second atrial defibrillation electrode which together with the first atrial defibrillation electrode provides a pair of atrial defibrillation electrodes that are configured for orientation in or about the patient's heart to effect atrial defibrillation, and (c) a pulse generator operatively associated with the pair of atrial defibrillation electrodes for delivering a first atrial defibrillation pulse to the heart of the patient. The second electrode may be configured for positioning through the coronary sinus ostium and in the coronary sinus or a vein on the surface of the left ventricle, such as the great vein.

Abstract: An absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the resilient member is capable of reverting to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint and the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: There is described a shipper/display carton that has high structural integrity as a shipper carton, is easy opening, and is functional as a display carton. The carton comprises a front panel with a weakened area near a bottom edge, two side panels, each having a weakened area extending substantially diagonally across the sidewall, and a weakened area across a top edge of the rear wall. Additionally, there can be a further weakened region where the rear panel weakened area intersects the weakened areas of the side panels. There is a grip aperture in the rear wall. Due to the placement and structure of the weakened areas, the carton with these weakened areas is sufficiently strong to function as a shipper carton.

Abstract: Branched hydrazone linkers for linking a targeting ligand such as an antibody to a therapeutically active drug. The point of branching is at a polyvalent atom and the number of drugs increases by a factor of two for each generation of branching. A preferred drug is doxorubicin.

Abstract: An outer package is provided for strapping together at least two different articles. The package is a unitary cellulosic board forming primary and secondary hollow cavities of unequal volume, the primary cavity having opposite openings on first and second ends, the secondary hollow cavity having opposite left and right ends each coverable by a closure wall when folded into a closed position. A pair of article anchoring apertures are formed in the floor wall to secure any article held within the primary cavity. A blank is also described which when assembled through adhesive securement of head and tail terminal panels forms the outer package.

Abstract: In a mass storage library, a module storage array includes a back plate having apertures patterned to form a cartridge storage together with cell blocks that mate with the openings in the back plate. A column of cell blocks are held in place between a shelf and a spring load and include calibration targets to align the cell blocks to the library accessor and reader. One stripe the length of the storage cell stack contains a bar-code. The bar-code extends the entire length of the stripe and identifies the individual cell blocks when empty. A plurality of columns of cell blocks provide the complete storage array. Each column of the cell blocks include one stripe with a bar-code along its length that is directly fastened to the back plate with each cell of the column having a separate bar-coding on the strip. The accessor includes a sensor that reads the coding to provide an indication of an empty cell block.

Abstract: A write circuit selectively provides a write current through a write head in first and second opposite directions. The write circuit is connected to the write head by an interconnect, and has a positive supply level and a negative supply level. A first voltage source provides a first control voltage, and a second voltage source provides a second control voltage. A first resistor is provided between the first voltage source and the interconnect for impedance matching to the interconnect, and a second resistor is provided between the second voltage source and the interconnect for impedance matching to the interconnect. The first and second control voltages provide a transient voltage to the interconnect and provide a subsequent steady-state voltage to the interconnect.

Abstract: Semiconductor circuit devices (dies) are incorporated into moisture-impenetrable electronic packages by forming enclosures around the die in three separate parts—base, sidewalls, and lid. The die is first soldered or otherwise bonded to the base, followed by attachment of the sidewalls to the base, and finally the lid to the sidewalls. For procedures involving a heat-conductive base and a high soldering temperature, the die can be secured to the base at the high soldering temperature, followed by application of the sidewalls to the base at a significantly lower temperature, avoiding potential high-temperature damage to the sidewalls. Plastic sidewalls which would otherwise deteriorate or become distorted upon exposure to the high soldering temperature can thus be used.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of the formula: 1

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for receiving a message having a first format and for converting the message from the first format to a second format that is compatible for reception by a messaging interface having a destination address corresponding to an intended recipient. In the preferred embodiment, a computer system is used to receive and send messages between messaging interfaces and networks which may be dissimilar from each other. A variety of network interfaces is used to communicate with the networks and which may optionally have a first interface and a second interface for interfacing to a first and second network, respectively. The messages may optionally be presented through a web page. A forwarding program or equivalent may be used to forward subscriber messages to or from remote locations served by a remote computer system, enabling a messaging user to use the remote computer system as a local access point.

Abstract: Arylpyrazine compounds are provided, including arylpyrazines that can bind with high affinity and high selectivity to CRF1 receptors, including human CRF1 receptors. The invention thus includes methods for treatment of disorders and diseases associated with CRF1 receptors, including CNS-related disorders and diseases, particularly affective disorders and diseases, and acute and chronic neurological disorders and diseases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing compensation-based telemarketing information, including a memory device for storing at least one of individual information for at least one individual, individual contact information, telemarketer information, compensation information, reward information, and telemarketing subject matter, a processor for detecting telemarketing activity, wherein the processor records information regarding at least one of information provided to the individual, information obtained from the individual, and information regarding the telemarketing activity. The processor calculates or determines a compensation or a reward earned by the individual as compensation for the individual at least one of receiving, listening to, and participating in, the telemarketing activity.

Abstract: A method for laser transfer and deposition of a rheological fluid wherein laser energy strikes a target substrate comprising a rheological fluid, causing a portion of the theological fluid to evaporate and propel a jet of non-evaporated rheological fluid onto a receiving substrate.

Abstract: A floor covering is described having a point-bonded nonwoven upper fabric layer and at least one backing layer. The floor covering has excellent abrasion and wear resistance. An antistatic floor covering comprising a point-bonded nonwoven upper fabric layer is also described.

Abstract: A downlink telemetry system providing improved apparatus and methods for communicating instructions via pressure pulses from surface equipment to a downhole assembly. The apparatus comprises a surface transmitter for generating pressure pulses, a control system, and a downhole receiver for receiving and decoding pulses.

Abstract: To determine the transmission efficiency of a data communication network in order to raise the data throughput, the transmission-time, that means the time actually used for user data transmission is determined. By building the ratio of the transmission-time and the duration of the respective user data transfer session the network operator can measure the transmission efficiency. Depending on the transmission efficiency he then can improve the data throughput by either raising the transmission efficiency or by adding more transmission capacity.

Abstract: A robotic accessor in a data storage and retrieval system includes a memory reading device to read data position information from a memory device disposed within a portable data storage cartridge. A portable data storage cartridge including a memory device and data position information stored in that memory device. An automated data storage and retrieval system which includes one or more of Applicants' robotic accessors and one or more of Applicants'portable data storage cartridges.

Abstract: A method for performing business training communications includes determining a targeted business and performing a needs analysis to determine a plurality of recipient events in accordance with the targeted business. A plurality of business training messages is determined in accordance with the plurality of determined recipient events. The method also includes providing an animation for each of the business training messages in accordance with the plurality of determined business training messages to provide a plurality of animation systems and providing the plurality of animation systems to a message user. A recipient event and a targeted message recipient are determined by the message user and an animation system of the plurality of animation systems is selected in accordance with the recipient event and the business training message of the selected animation system.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method, including a first control device, located at a vehicle or premises, capable of controlling one or more of a plurality of at least one of a respective system, equipment system, component, device, equipment, and appliance, of a respective vehicle or premises, with a first signal. The first control device generates and/or transmits the first signal in response to a second signal generated by and/or transmitted from a second control device located remote from the vehicle. The second signal is automatically received by the first control device. The second control device generates and/or transmits the second signal in response to a third signal generated by and/or transmitted from a third control device located remote from the vehicle and the second control device. The third signal is automatically received by the second control device.