Abstract: A consumable liquid is orally drawn into a food product and absorbed by an internal structure of the product, before the product is consumed. The product includes a substantially non-porous coating covering its outer surface. In one embodiment, a channel provides fluid communication between spaced-apart openings in the coating, so that when one opening is immersed in a liquid and a reduced pressure is orally applied to the other opening, the liquid is drawn into the channel and absorbed by the internal structure. Another embodiment employs a porous internal structure, or an internal structure comprising open cells, or interstitial spaces to provide fluid communication between the openings. If the food product is completely sealed by the coating, the coating is removed at two points, e.g., by biting away the coating to expose the interior structure. The interior structure can also comprise a dehydrated material, such as dried meat particles.

Abstract: A subscriber data distribution system comprising first means for translating data received from a transmission line and transmitting the data to a subscriber terminal via a subscriber drop, second means for translating data received from a subscriber terminal and transmitting the data to the transmission line, the first and second means including means for isolating the transmission line from the subscriber terminal, and for regenerating the data transmitted both to and from the subscriber terminal.

Abstract: A synchronization system is provided for a tree-type transmission system comprising a central station connected to a plurality of remote stations in an effectively sequential manner, each station including transmitting and receiving means for digital data in a sequence of frames. Each remote station is instructed regularly by the central station of the time delay between the remote station and the central station. The remote station stores the time delay and arranges to advance information transmitted by the remote station so as to be received by the central station within the proper position in the frame. The time delay is measured by the central station by sensing a pattern of bits repetitively transmitted by the remote station and comparing the received pattern with a stored pattern and counting the number of shifts of the received pattern necessary to match the stored pattern. The delay stored by the remote station is tuned to one quarter of a bit to ensure accurate synchronization.