Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.
Abstract:
A mass spectrometer includes an embedded web server that serves one or more web pages to a client computer in data communication with the mass spectrometer via a network. A user may access the one or more web pages via a web browser, and may thereby read data from, and/or control various functions of, the mass spectrometer.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a current generation architecture for an implantable stimulator device such as an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG). Current source and sink circuitry are both divided into coarse and fine portions, which respectively can provide a coarse and fine current resolution to a specified electrode on the IPG. The coarse portion is distributed across all of the electrodes and so can source or sink current to any of the electrodes. The coarse portion is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking a coarse amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes on the device. The fine portion of the current generation circuit preferably includes source and sink circuitry dedicated to each of the electrode on the device, which can comprise digital-to-analog current converters (DACs). The DACs also receives the above-noted reference current, which is amplified by the DACs in fine increments by appropriate selection of fine current control signals. When the coarse and fine current control circuitry are used in tandem, ample current with a fine current resolution can be achieved at any electrode and in a space- and power-efficient manner.
Abstract:
A method of tracking calls received within a call center is disclosed. A call is received within a call center switch that is connected to a call center via a host interface link (HIL). The call center has an automatic call distributor (ACD) server and interactive voice response (IVR) server, which is functionally integrated with the ACD server. The call is routed to the IVR server of the call center and responses are solicited from the caller to determine a requested type of service and what skills are required for answering a call. A route request based on an HIL protocol is determined within the call center and includes a new extension number and HIL messages. The call is routed based on the route request back to the call center and to an agent via the ACD server and HIL link such that the call can be tracked while in the call center and in queue.
Abstract:
A method and system of configuring the scripting of a call center includes an interactive voice response (IVR) server and automatic call distributor (ACD) server and associated graphical user interface contained on a computer screen of an ACD manager that is loaded on a call center computer. A script editor window is displayed as a result of user input as part of a graphical user interface for the call center. The script editor window includes a script display area. Script icons are representative of ACD and IVR scripting actions and are dragged from an action toolbar into the script display area. The script icons are linked based on user input in the order which represents the IVR and ACD scripting within the call center.
Abstract:
The present invention includes a plurality of FETs (211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217) including an operational amplifier with additional FETs (218, 219, 220,221) arranged as current mirrors, and a sense FET (101), and a current sensed at FET (101) is amplified, compared to a reference signal, the difference current derived from the amplified sense current and reference signal being amplified and provided at an output for use in control applications.
Abstract:
A method for preparing a layered dental restoration includes the following: (a) causing a virtual impression a dentition to be created; (b) causing a virtual restoration to be generated, wherein the virtual restoration includes sequential virtual layers; and (c) fabricating a dental restoration from the virtual restoration by sequentially building individual layers of materials to a shape substantially similar with the shape of the virtual restoration exterior surface, wherein each individual layer corresponds to a virtual layer. The materials forming each layer can be a composite, porcelain, ceramic, or other like material. Fabricating a dental restoration can be performed by a restorative matrix system. The system includes a base member having an aperture defined by an aperture wall, wherein the aperture is configured to fit tightly a tooth. The base member also has a seating index. Additionally, the system includes at least one mold that fits the tooth so as to apply a layer of curable composite material thereto. Moreover, the at least one mold has a portion configured to releasable seat into the seating index of the base member.
Abstract:
A method and a BICMOS structure are provided. The BiCMOS structure includes an SOI substrate having a bottom Si-containing layer, a buried insulating layer located atop the bottom Si-containing layer, a top Si-containing layer atop the buried insulating layer and a sub-collector which is located in an upper surface of the bottom Si-containing layer. The sub-collector is in contact with a bottom surface of the buried insulating layer. The structure also includes an extrinsic base heterojunction bipolar transistor located in an opening provided in a bipolar device area of the SOI substrate in which a base region of the bipolar transistor is located directly atop the sub-collector
Abstract:
An improved filter bag is provided for use with a pool cleaner particularly of the type designed for travel over submerged pool surfaces to dislodge and collect debris. The filter bag is generally constructed according to U.S. Patent 4,618,420, to include a primary flow chamber for receiving a flow of water and water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner, and a secondary collection chamber for trapping and collecting the water-entrained debris. A zipper closure on the filter bag can be opened for disposal of debris captured within the collection chamber, followed by re-closure and re-use of the filter bag for a subsequent debris collection cycle.
Abstract:
The ultra-thin rear projection display device described herein includes a wide angle lens system and one or more planar mirrors that are parallel to a screen on which an image is to be displayed. In one embodiment, the screen that has multiple groove angles to provide better illumination than screens with a single groove angle.