Abstract: The present invention provides a material for distributing liquid and a method for making such a material. The material includes a substrate permeable to a liquid and a chemical treatment applied to at least a portion of the substrate. The substrate further includes a leakage prevention means of at least one area of an increased concentration of the chemical treatment such that the chemical treatment is non-uniform along a planar dimension of the substrate and creates an area of preferential flow through the substrate. The chemical treatment useful for application to the substrate preferably induces wetting of the substrate by a liquid. The material for distributing liquid has best utility as a component of an absorbent article, e.g. a liner of a diaper. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is attached to an absorbent layer such that the absorbent layer receives and retains the liquid when the liquid flows from a first planar dimension to a second planar dimension.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent structure is disclosed. The interlabial absorbent structure comprises a pair of absorbent panels that are sufficiently flexible such that the panels can, at least partially, conform to the walls of a wearer's interlabial space. The panels are joined by an isthmus which is positioned furthest into a wearer's interlabial space when the interlabial absorbent product is worn. Alternative embodiments of the isthmus are also described which direct bodily fluids that are deposited thereon along the longitudinal length of the interlabial absorbent structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides aneurysm occlusion devices 60, 160 formed from a resilient metal fabric and a method for reliably and effectively occluding aneurysms. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the aneurysm devices include a body portion 80 which is sized to be received within an aneurysm and an anchor 70 which is sized, and may also be preformed into a specific shape, to engage the lumen of a vessel having the aneurysm thereon. The aneurysm occluder 60 may also include a generally tubular central portion 62 extending between the body portion and the anchor, the central portion being sized and shaped to be received within the neck of the aneurysm. The present invention has particular advantages over prior minimally invasive techniques for occluding aneurysms in that it can both fill the aneurysm and occlude or “stent” the neck of the aneurysm in one step. It also minimizes damage to healthy vessel tissue by localizing contact with the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: An intravascular flow modifier and vascular reinforcement for treatment of aneurysms is formed of a single loop of wire formed into a series of transverse loops and longitudinal connecting sections to configure an essentially cylindrical reinforcement device that still allows, if desired, access to the neck of an aneurysm for insertion of embolic coils and the like.

Abstract: A catheter-deliverable filter assembly deployable in a vessel of the body in alternatively a temporary configuration enabling the filter to be removed from the vessel or a permanent configuration, and a method for its use. The filter assembly comprises an elongated support carrying spaced along its length a filter element and a anchoring element with the filter element being spaced distally from the anchoring element. Each element comprises a core mounted to the elongated support and a plurality of flexible, resilient wires extending distally from the core, the wires having proximal portions attached at one end to the core and distal portions. The wires of the anchoring element include gripping elements for gripping the walls of a vessel. The wires are so configured as to support the apices of the filter and anchoring elements substantially in the center of the vessel.

Abstract: A lead having a distal end electrode assembly adapted for implantation on or about the heart or within a vein and for connection to a system for monitoring or stimulating cardiac activity. The electrode assembly includes conductive fixation features, such as conductive tines or flexible members, in combination with non-conductive fixation features. The conductive fixation features also include tines coated with a conductive material. The fixation features further include conductive tines which are retractable. A defibrillation coil is optionally disposed at the distal end of the lead in combination with the conductive tines.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprising a catheter including a stent mounting region. A stent is disposed about the stent mounting region of the catheter, the stent having a distal end and a proximal end. The stent further having an unexpanded state and an expanded state, and at least one stent retaining sleeve having a first end and a second end. The first end overlying an end of the stent when the stent is in the unexpanded state, the second end engaged to at least a portion of the catheter adjacent to the stent mounting region. The at least one stent retaining sleeve being at least partially composed of at least one hydrophilic elastomeric material.

Abstract: An implantable system that includes a carrier and eukaryotic cells, which produce and release a therapeutic agent, and a stimulating element for stimulating the release of the therapeutic agent. The system can also include a sensing element for monitoring a physiological condition and triggering the stimulating element to stimulate the delivery device to release the therapeutic agent. Alternatively, the patient in which the system is implanted can activate the stimulating element to release the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A prosthetic lamina that replaces a portion of the lamina bone structure is described. The prosthetic lamina may be configured with means for delivering a variety of medical treatments, such as electrodes for electrical stimulation, fluid channels, catheters for dispensing drugs and means for healing bone tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to tissue decellularization and, in particular to a method of treating tissues, for example, heart valves, tendons and ligaments, so as to render them acellular and thereby limit mineralization and/or immunoreactivity upon implementation in vivo.

Abstract: Providing a tool path data generation apparatus (41) etc. which can speedily and securely generate tool path data on the basis of CAD data.

Abstract: A GPS system to provide planter tripping for crop research plots provides the longitude and latitude of the first trip location and provide a continuous flow of location information. A control computer calculates the next tripping location and provides a signal to the planter at that location and each subsequent tripping location in the field grid. A GPS receiver mounted on the planter provides location information. When the first plot is manually tripped the computer will use vector information to determine the next tripping location. The computer has a program that allows entry of planted length and alley width so the system can calculate the next plot location from the original planter trip. Additional parameters entered in the program include the number of trips needed to pass across the field and the number of passes that would be needed to complete the planting grid.

Abstract: A computer-based method for the identification of binding targets in proteins and other macromolecules. More particularly, the invention includes an algorithm aimed at predicting binding targets in proteins. This algorithm, named Woolford, requires knowledge of the high resolution structure of the protein but no knowledge of the location or identity of natural binding sites or ligands. Binding targets in the protein are identified and classified according to their expected optimal affinities. Binding targets can be located at the protein surface or at internal surfaces that become exposed as a result of partial unfolding, conformational changes, subunit dissociation, or other events. The entire protein is mapped according to the binding potential of its constituent atoms. Once binding targets are identified, optimal ligands are designed and progressively built by the addition of individual atoms that complement structurally and energetically the selected target.

Abstract: Instead of requiring a customer to carry around one or more prepaid telephone calling cards (such cards are effectively functioning as limited, fixed amounts of money), a communications network-based solution is provided that facilitates both prepayment and use of prepay telecommunications services. A subscriber is assigned a record in a network database. The database record includes an account number and an associated prepaid monetary value. Then when the subscriber calls from a prepaid telecommunications terminal (e.g., a public telephone), requesting a telecommunications service (e.g., a long distance telephone call), the communications network processes the request by analyzing the subscriber database record. If the prepaid monetary value in the subscriber's record is sufficient for the requested service, the service is authorized. The prepaid monetary value in the subscriber's record is decreased in accordance with the service rendered.

Abstract: In recording audio information, an information medium in a format obtained by expanding the RTR (recordable/reproducible DVD) standard is used. For management information about each piece of information recorded on the information medium, an “audio information cell” is defined as a playback unit even for audio information as in the RTR standard. To a PGC (program chain) higher in level than the cell, “playback sequence” information about the relationship between other video information (movie cells) and/or still picture information (still picture cells) is given.

Abstract: A computer database includes information enabling display on a screen of a plurality of objects, in successive groups, together with display of graphics associated with each group. The graphics enable a first user selection of one of the objects of each group and a second user selection related to the object selected by interaction with the screen display, using conventional mouse, touchscreen or other techniques. The user selections are stored in a storage medium so as to generate a database of user choice information from which a behavior analysis is performed. The user selections may comprise food choices and evaluation of enthusiasm, and frequency thereof, whereby a dietary behavior profile is produced. Diet training may then be coordinated by display of a meal and providing the user with the ability to estimate nutrient content as well as participate in interactive adjustment of food items and portion sizes.

Abstract: A method and system for managing data (i.e., objects) that are shared by multiple instances of a shared application program. A shared application program is an application program that is executing simultaneously on multiple computers and that has a copy of data that is being shared by each instance of the application program. In particular, each computer maintains a copy of the shared data. When an instance of the application program modifies the shared data, the modifications are sent to the other computers. Each of these other computers stores the data in its copy of the shared data, and each instance of the application program updates its user interface to reflect the modifications to the shared data. Thus, the users of the shared application program can cooperatively modify and view the shared data. For example, multiple users can be executing a word processing program on their computer and sharing a common document.

Abstract: A system for using a lease to detect a failure and to perform tailure recovery is provided in using this system, a client requests a lease from a server to utilize a resource managed by the server for a period of time. Responsive to the request, the server grants the lease, and the client continually requests renewal of the lease. If the client fails to renew the lease, the server detects that an error has occurred to the client. Similarly, if the server fails to respond to a renew request, the client detects that an error has occurred to the server. As part of the lease establishment, the client and server exchange failure-recovery routines that each invokes if the other experiences a failure.

Abstract: A startup management system and method, particularly adapted for use in computer and other communication networks, is presented. Rate-based flow and congestion control mechanisms have been considered desirable, including to deal with the needs of emerging multimedia applications. Explicit rate control mechanisms achieve low loss because of a smooth flow of data from sources, while adjusting source rates through feedback. However, large feedback delays, presence of higher priority traffic and varying network conditions make it difficult to ensure feasibility (i.e., the aggregate arrival rate is below the bottleneck resource's capacity) while also maintaining very high resource utilization. The invention applies entry and early warning techniques which increase the initial connect rate of newly connecting sources.

Abstract: A smart card comprises a microcontroller, a memory unit, a storage unit, and a communications unit. The smart card may be connected to a terminal, which is in turn may be connected to a host computer and/or a network. The smart card is configured to initiate communications with the terminal, which enables the smart card to control the terminal, host computer, or network and to access the resources connected to the terminal, host computer, or network. A communications protocol defines the commands that the smart card can send and allows the smart card to communicate using asynchronous or logical asynchronous communication.

Abstract: Two different types of memory are integrated on the same type of integrated circuit. A microcontroller is associated with each of these memories. In order that the independence of operation of these microcontrollers may be ensured, they are each provided with time delay circuits whose role is to maintain the read or write operation of one microcontroller when another is selected.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting memory blocks in a block-based flash EPROM device is disclosed. A non-volatile memory array includes a number of blocks that are capable of being placed in a locked state or an unlocked state. A volatile lock register is coupled to each of the lockable blocks in the memory array. A logic gate is coupled to one input of the volatile lock register, and a block set/reset line is coupled to a second input of the volatile lock register. A block latch control line is coupled to one input of the logic gate, and a group latch control line is coupled to a second input of the logic gate.

Abstract: In order to enable data migration between old and new subsystems to be performed under stopless operation, a plurality of first access paths 20 and 21 are prepared between a CPU 10 and an old CU 13 (old subsystem) having an old VOL 14 and a plurality of third access paths 30 and 31 are set between the old CU 13 and a new CU 11 (new subsystem) having a new VOL 12. The connection is switched from the first access paths 20 and 21 of the old subsystem as a replacement source to the second access paths 20′and 21′of the new subsystem as a replacement destination on a plurality of occasions. When the CPU 10 accesses the new subsystem via the second access paths 20′and 21′ on the new subsystem side during the connection change, a path replacement controller 111 relays the access to the old subsystem via the third access paths 30 and 31 and allows the access to be processed.

Abstract: A method and system for bypassing command pipelines in a pipelined memory command generator is used whenever commands must be generated with a latency that is shorter than the latency at which commands can be generated using the command pipelines. The timing of commands issued by the command pipelines is a function of a digital word, and the digital word therefore indicates the latency of the command generator. When the digital word corresponds to a latency that is shorter than the latency at which the command pipeline can generate commands for read and write operations, a bypass circuit—rather than the command pipeline—generates the commands. The bypass circuit is capable of generating the commands with a latency that is shorter than the latency at which the command pipeline is capable of issuing the commands. In addition to issuing the commands, the bypass circuit generates an inhibit signal to prevent the command pipelines from generating duplicate commands.

Abstract: A system for detecting an initialization flag signal and distinguishing it from a normal flag signal having half the duration of the initialization flag signal. The initialization flag detection system may be included in the command buffer of a packetized DRAM that is used in a computer system. In one embodiment, the initialization flag detection system includes a pair of shift registers receiving the flag signal at their respective data inputs. One of the shift registers is clocked by a signal corresponding to an externally applied to command clock signal, while the other shift register is clocked by a quadrature clock signal. Together, the shift registers store a number of samples taken over a duration that is longer than the duration of the normal flag signal. The outputs of the shift registers are applied to a logic circuit, such as a NAND gate, that generates an initialization signal when all of the samples stored in the shift registers correspond to the logic levels of the flag signal.

Abstract: A method for performing garbage collection of memory objects in a memory heap, the method includes the steps of partitioning the heap into old and new generations. There follows the step of applying an on-the-fly garbage collection to memory objects in the young generation, whilst running simultaneously a program thread.

Abstract: A memory module includes a plurality of memory chips on the module; first logic for configuring the memory module to operate in a selectable mode; second logic for storing initial presence detect (PD) data; and third logic for storing modified PD data that corresponds to a requested mode of operation of the memory module received from a system controller.

Abstract: A method of designing a logic circuit including pass transistors is disclosed. A logic group having a complementary variable in a given logical expression to be realized into the logic circuit is mapped using a multiplexer composed of a combination of the pass transistors. The number of transistors used in the logic circuit and the number of stages can be reduced by taking advantage of the multiplexer. When a logic circuit including both pass transistors and a multiple-input logic gate is designed, a logic group having a common variable in the given logical expression is mapped using the multiple-input logic gate. The number of transistors used in the logic circuit and the number of stages can be further reduced by taking advantage of the multiple-input logic gate. In order to ease the above mapping procedure, a complementary variable is identified and the given logical expression is optimized by grouping product terms of the logical expression by the complementary variable.

Abstract: A method of designing a logic circuit including pass transistors is disclosed. A logic group having a complementary variable in a given logical expression to be realized into the logic circuit is mapped using a multiplexer composed of a combination of the pass transistors. The number of transistors used in the logic circuit and the number of stages can be reduced by taking advantage of the multiplexer. When a logic circuit including both pass transistors and a multiple-input logic gate is designed, a logic group having a common variable in the given logical expression is mapped using the multiple-input logic gate. The number of transistors used in the logic circuit and the number of stages can be further reduced by taking advantage of the multiple-input logic gate. In order to ease the above mapping procedure, a complementary variable is identified and the given logical expression is optimized by grouping product terms of the logical expression by the complementary variable.

Abstract: Correction of a program which resides on a main storage and which is simultaneously callable by a plurality of command processors is performed by minimizing the stop time of a computer system without reloading a program. A particular command processor calls a correction execution program which corrects a program in accordance with a program correction command. The correction execution program reads program correction information, sets correction execution declaration information in all entries of other command processor in the correction execution declaration area of the main storage and after clearing all entries, the correction execution program corrects the program in accordance with the program correction information. The correction execution program sets correction completion reporting information in all entries for all of the other command processors in the correction completion reporting area of the main storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the general matter of integration of Internet services and telephony services with a video display (e.g., a television set). In a preferred embodiment, the invention utilizes a personal computer for system intelligence with a connection from a set top box to receive enhanced feature requests originating from a user remote control device. The personal computer processes the requests and generates pop-up windows which are sent back to the set top box for insertion into the video image as interactive displays simultaneously with the entertainment content already found in the video image.

Abstract: Wheat starch of the present invention is obtained from endosperm of a seed of wheat which is modified to lack starch granule protein-1 (SGP-1). The wheat starch has an apparent amylose content of about 35% or more. Wheat flour of the present invention Is obtained from endosperm of a seed of wheat which is modified to lack SGP-1. Wheat of the present invention is modified to lack SGP-1. The wheat flour and the wheat comprise wheat starch which has an apparent amylose content of about 35% or more.