Abstract: In an embodiment, there is provided a catheter extender-lengthener comprising end connectors and tubing that comprises a polymer and a substance such as an antibiotic that is safe for exposure to bodily fluids. The catheter extender-lengthener is suitable to connect to a catheter extension set. Antibiotic can be eluted to fluid on both sides of a clamp and can diffuse toward the patient's body. Similar tubing can be used in a catheter extension set and optionally in a cap. The catheter extender-lengthener can be added on to existing catheter assemblies. Drugs can be combined at high concentration with polymer, and the device can elute effective amounts of minocycline and rifampin for more than a month. Use of the devices can provide adjustable antibiotic or dose and can be adjusted in response to a patient's condition. This can lessen the possibility of Catheter Related Blood Stream Infection.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for vascular access via the tributaries. A single lumen catheter, with a bidirectional valve at the tip is disclosed. Flow is out the longitudinal tip of the catheter and not the sides. The two-way valve will act passively but has low opening and closing pressures. A method utilizing endo-to-side port placement of said catheter in vasculature is disclosed. Anastomosis methods are described using said catheter.

Abstract: A mobile computing device can capture a plurality of images of an object to be verified using a camera of the mobile computing device. A first image of the plurality of images is captured while a flash of the mobile computing device is deactivated and a second of the plurality of images is captured while the flash is activated. The verification data can include a first set of verification metrics, which is representative of the light reflectivity of the object, and can be generated by the mobile computing device or a network service by analyzing the first and second images.

Abstract: Oral sorbent compositions that bind small and charged toxins and methods of use.

Abstract: A mobile computing device can capture a plurality of images of an object to be verified using a camera of the mobile computing device. A first image of the plurality of images is captured while a flash of the mobile computing device is deactivated and a second of the plurality of images is captured while the flash is activated. The verification data can include a first set of verification metrics, which is representative of the light reflectivity of the object, and can be generated by the mobile computing device or a network service by analyzing the first and second images.

Abstract: Methods and design for a Slotted T-shaped PD Catheter are disclosed. The present invention includes a unique port design for peritoneal dialysis catheters that allows high outflow and inflow rates, with a minimum fluid velocity through the fluid entry ports. Features of this device include T-shaped catheter with subcutaneous tubing joining to an intraperitoneal portion that is essentially at right angles to the intraperitoneal tubing and slit shaped flow ports as opposed to round shaped flow ports.

Abstract: Oral sorbent compositions that bind small and charged toxins and methods of use.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for vascular access via the tributaries. A single lumen catheter, with a bidirectional valve at the tip is disclosed. Flow is out the longitudinal tip of the catheter and not the sides. The two-way valve will act passively but has low opening and closing pressures. A method utilizing endo-to-side port placement of said catheter in vasculature is disclosed. Anastomosis methods are described using said catheter.

Abstract: Devices for automatic fishing line release during a cast using the acceleration and deceleration of the rod to automatically release the fishing line. In one embodiment, the device is in an under-the-rod position. In another embodiment, the devices is in an over-the-rod position. In other embodiments, the over or under the rod function is determined by manufacturer or user adjustments or changes.

Abstract: Devices for automatic fishing line release during a cast using the acceleration and deceleration of the rod to automatically release the fishing line. In one embodiment, the device is in an under-the-rod position. In another embodiment, the devices is in an over-the-rod position. In other embodiments, the over or under the rod function is determined by manufacturer or user adjustments or changes.

Abstract: A fault current passage indicator (100) is fitted around the earth conductor (11) of a pole (10) supporting a section of an overhead electricity distribution network. This is achieved by means of a clip (110) adapted to provide a loop of ferromagnetic material enclosing the earth conductor (11). The indicator 100 is operable to detect transient earth currents flowing in the earth conductor (11). This is achieved by the provision of a sensor coil (101) is fitted around the clip (110) such that a portion of the clip (110) passes through the core of the sensor coil (101). Detected incidents of transient earth currents are recorded by the indicator (100) and data relating thereto can be retrieved by use of a suitable reader device (200). The indicator (100) is further adapted to scavenge power for operation from either transient earth currents or the reader device (200).

Abstract: An imaging system is described which includes a radiation source outputting radiation incident on a scene. The radiation is pulsed and the reflected radiation is detected by a detector array and a resulting signal output by a read out circuit. The signal output is characteristic of the scene on which the radiation is incident. The output signal is combined over a number of pulses, the averaging being carried out on-chip and within the detector circuitry. The radiation source may be a semiconductor diode source amplified with a doped fibre amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a technique for providing Class-of-Service Routing in an ATM network (10) that utilizes the Private Network-Network Interface (PNNI) protocol. An originating node seeking to route a call to a terminating node does so by initially determining the class-of-service and then selecting a shortest length path there-between. Each successive link on the selected path is examined for sufficient available bandwidth and available depth (i.e., bandwidth not reserved for other services) for the Class-of-Service of the call. If every link possesses sufficient available bandwidth, then the call passes on the selected path. Otherwise, should a link on the selected path lack sufficient bandwidth and available depth, then a crankback message is sent to the originating node, and the originating node selects the next shortest path. Thereafter, the process of examining each link for sufficient bandwidth is repeated. If no path is found, the call is ultimately blocked.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a technique for providing Class-of-Service Routing in an ATM network (10) that utilizes the Private Network-Network Interface (PNNI) protocol. An originating node seeking to route a call to a terminating node does so by initially determining the class-of-service and then selecting a shortest length path there-between. Each successive link on the selected path is examined for sufficient available bandwidth and available depth (i.e., bandwidth not reserved for other services) for the Class-of-Service of the call. If every link possesses sufficient available bandwidth, then the call passes on the selected path. Otherwise, should a link on the selected path lack sufficient bandwidth and available depth, then a crankback message is sent to the originating node, and the originating node selects the next shortest path. Thereafter, the process of examining each link for sufficient bandwidth is repeated. If no path is found, the call is ultimately blocked.

Abstract: The priority of the flow of packets representing calls or other connection requests within a packet network (10) is determined from the Class-of-Service of the call. Upon receipt of a call, a recipient router (121, 122, 123) identifies available paths, typically by exchanging messages with the other routers in the network. After selecting the path, the recipient router or centralized bandwidth broker determines whether the links comprising the selected path have available bandwidth for the class of service of the call. If so, the router routes the call to the next hop along the path. Otherwise, the router selects another path(s) and checks whether the links on the path possess sufficient bandwidth for the class of service of the call.

Abstract: An originating switch (110) in a packet-based telecommunications network (100) routes calls to a terminating switch using the combination of Success-to-the Top (STT) and Class-of-Service criterion. In routing a call to the terminating switch, the originating switch 110 checks for available bandwidth for the class of service of the call on the direct path (116) between switches. If the path has available bandwidth, the originating switch routes on the direct path. Otherwise, the originating switch searches for the most recently successful one of a plurality the via switches (1181-118n) linking the originating and terminating switches to determine whether that via switch can successfully route the call to the terminating switch. If the most recently successful one of the via switches possesses available bandwidth to route the call in accordance with its class of service, the originating switch 110 selects that via switch to route the call.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of improving the growth rate and/or feed conversion efficiency of ruminant livestock during the starter/adaptation phase of feedlotting, wherein said method includes or consists of feeding to the ruminant livestock, protected carbohydrate such that 30-80% of said protected carbohydrate is capable of passing through the rumen undigested leaving 30-80% of said protected carbohydrate available for digestion post-ruminally.

Abstract: The routing of calls in a telecommunications switching system (12.sub.1, 12.sub.2) comprised of one or more fabrics (22.sub.1, 22.sub.2, 22.sub.3) controlled by corresponding fabric controllers (26.sub.1,26.sub.2 and 26.sub.3, respectively) is carried out by a routing processor (28) independent of the fabrics. The routing processor actually selects the route for each call by specifying a channel to a neighboring switching system to carry the call. Further, the routing processor has the capability to respond to queries from other switching systems regarding trunk group status and traffic load to enable the processor to assist the routing processor of the other switching system to make routing decisions. By implementing fabric independent routing, routing processing is re-used for new fabric capacity, and is readily extended to accommodate new service types, such as bursty data services.

Abstract: The routing of calls from one network (100) to another network (170) may be accomplished by tracking the call completion history over each trunk group (174.sub.1 -174.sub.2) connecting the networks. From a knowledge of the call completion history for each route, a Completion Rate Factor (CRF), representing the ratio of completed calls to all calls attempted is computed. The route having the CRF representing the highest number of completions is then selected. Typically, the process is dynamic, so that if the selected route no longer has the highest number of completions, then the route previously found to have the highest number of call completions is selected. The concept of completion rate factor routing can be extended to multiple carriers to yield a carrier completion rate feature routing technique. Routing may also be completed in accordance with network congestion to route advance a call.

Abstract: Local/toll dynamic routing integration is achieved within a telecommunications network (14) that includes at least one dynamic routing local switching system (24-1) for receiving incoming call and a plurality of toll switching systems (27-1 through 27-7) at least one of which is associated with each local switching system. For each incoming call, the local switching system (24-1) derives a set of Class-Of-Service (COS) parameters indicative of the class-of service associated with the call. In accordance with the COS parameters, the local switching system (24-1) determines whether each incoming call is a featured call, requiring routing to the toll switching system associated therewith, or a non-featured call. Featured calls are routed to the toll switching system associated with the local switching system for feature processing, whereas non-featured calls are routed by the local switching system itself in accordance with the COS parameters, thus relieving the load on the associated toll switching system.