Abstract: A method and apparatus to recognize a tap gesture on a sensing device. The method may include detecting a presence of a conductive object on a sensing device, determining a velocity of the detected presence of the conductive object, and recognizing a tap gesture based on the velocity. The velocity may be determined by determining a differential of the capacitance over time on a sensing device. The sensing device may include a plurality of sensor elements to detect the presence of the conductive object, and a processing device may be used to determine the velocity of the presence of the conductive object, and to recognize a tap gesture based on the velocity of the presence of the conductive object.

Abstract: A composition of matter for an analgesia and its method of use is disclosed. The method of use is for the treatment of chronic pain, especially to the treatment of heretofore intractable pain as associated with advanced cancer. The pain associated with neurological conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, viral infections and lesions is also contemplated. The method includes administering to a host an alpha-neurotoxin that is characterized by its ability to blocking of the action of acetylcholine at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract: A method of producing analgesia and enhancing analgesia is disclosed. The method includes administering a beta-neurotoxin that is characterized by its ability to bind to pre- and postsynaptic receptors resulting in the inhibition of neurotransmission.

Abstract: Disclosed a pharmaceutical composition including one of crotoxin, mojavetoxin or a related toxin and a carrier for use in the treatment of chronic pain, especially to the treatment of heretofore intractable pain such as that associated with advanced cancer wherein the treatment is independent of the reduction of tumors. The crotoxin is preferably obtained from the snake Crotalus durissus terrificus and the mojavetoxin is obtained from the rattlesnake Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus. Preferably the composition further comprises an effective amount of acetylsalicylic acid whereby the toxin and acetylsalicylic acid together produce a synergistic effect providing enhanced pain relief. The composition of the invention may be delivered in parenteral (i.p.) (intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous) applications. Alternatively, the composition may be applied as a topical application. The biological activity of the composition is characterized by its ability to bind to presynaptic and postsynapic receptor sites.