Abstract: A cochlear implant system for a patient's cochlea includes an external processor and an implanted internal unit. The internal unit includes one electrode for inserting in the patient's cochlea, and an internal coil for driving the electrode. The external processor includes a microphone for outputting electrical sound signals in response to ambient or other sounds, an oscillator for generating an electrical analog carrier signal, and a modulator for modulating the carrier signal with the sound signals to generate a modulated signal. An external coil couples magnetically the modulated signal to the internal coil. The analog carrier signal has a frequency in the ultrasonic human range, i.e. greater than 20 kHz, such as 32 kHz or 80 kHz. This sampling at higher frequency results in clearer rendering of sounds, and a higher frequency range of rendered sounds.

Abstract: A method for completing a transaction is presented. The method comprises establishing network communications between a user and a server, receiving information, at the server, regarding the transaction, seeking available information pertinent to the transaction from at least one source external to the server and the user, processing data from the available information using a rules based engine including rules established on behalf of a party to the transaction located at the server, and presenting an offer set to the user based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine. The transaction may be one according to a variety of scenarios, and the user may be a appropriate party to the transaction. The user may employ various devices to contact the server and seek to complete the transaction.

Abstract: A method for providing credit score information for a user to the user is provided. The method comprises offering the user an option to obtain information related to a credit score via a computer networking arrangement. The method further determines credit score information once the option is selected by the user, and providing the credit score information determined to the user via the computer networking arrangement.

Abstract: A method for the online modification, submission and approval processing of a future payment request to afford a user the ability to renegotiate established loan agreement debt terms in which network communications are established between a user, such as a debtor, and a server is presented. The method comprises receiving information, at the server, regarding the loan agreement debt terms, presenting received information to a debtor, providing an interactive environment enabling a debtor to modify existing terms, submitting modified terms, processing data from the available information using a rules based engine, and processing a future payment request based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine. While online, the user/debtor may engage in revising a rejected future payment request in an attempt to reach a satisfactory renegotiation of debt terms.

Abstract: A compact portable spatial array sound reproduction system employs a plurality of identical speakers coupled to a mechanical assembly that situates the speakers at a known, fixed distance from each other as well as a central listening point. The speakers can be coupled to a multi-channel amplifier that can be controlled in various known ways to reproduce a desired acoustic experience. The mechanical assembly is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled to permit transport of the system from location to location resulting in the reproduction of the identical acoustic experiences at different locations spaced in time. The system can be employed to standardize the acoustic characteristics of different venues so that uniform aural experiences can be shared simultaneously or sequentially by people at different locations.

Abstract: A sound processing system reduces the instances when only a center speaker is heard. The gain of a volume setting is adjusted for individual speakers in response to one or more input signals. The gain of the center speaker is attenuated in relation to the global volume setting. In addition or as an alternative, the gain of front and/or rear speakers is increased. A virtual center channel is generated for locations where the center speaker may not be heard.

Abstract: A system for the online settling of a transaction in which network communications are established between a user, such as a debtor, and a server is presented. The system comprises a server configured to receive communications from a user. The server is further configured to seek available information pertinent to the transaction from at least one source external to the server and user. The server comprises a rules based engine including rules established on behalf of a party to the transaction, the rules based engine configured to process data from the available information and present a transaction settlement offer set to the user based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine. While online, the user/debtor may accept one of the offers or engage in further approved negotiation of other offers.

Abstract: A method for the online settling of a transaction in which network communications are established between a user, such as a debtor, and a server is presented. The method comprises receiving information, at the server, regarding the transaction, seeking available information pertinent to the transaction from at least one source external to the server and the user, processing data from the available information using a rules based engine including rules established on behalf of a party to the transaction located at the server, and presenting a transaction settlement offer set to the user based on at least one decision made by the rules based engine. While online, the user/debtor may accept one of the offers or engage in further approved negotiation of other offers.

Abstract: A system and method for gathering information pertinent to a transaction for purposes of compiling an offer set of at least one offer for settling the transaction is presented. The design comprises a server configured to seek information, the server configured to seek at least one from a group comprising information related to personal data regarding a user, information related to account data regarding a user account, information related to macroeconomic data, and information related to the transaction. The server seeks all information from a source separate from the server and the user.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed over conventional internal sizing of stock furnish for papermaking, wherein alum is added to the thick paper stock and the long retention time permits complete reaction with the fibers. The invention process permits successfully adding novel aluminum rosinate size composition unconventionally in thin stock furnish, where retention times are on the order of less that 1 minute. The highly charged aluminum rosinate size is able to be quickly adsorbed onto the fiber surfaces to permit surprisingly efficient sizing in thin stock. The quick sizing avoids concern with rising pH over time (in conventional thick stock application) and increases sizing efficiency.

Abstract: A pigment composition containing titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) and calcined clay in a weight ratio of between about 30:70 and 70:30, preferably between about 35:65 and 45:55 that is substantially free of a functional microgel component has advantages over a similar pigment containing a functional microgel. The pigment composition contains an amount of epichlorohydrin dimethylamine condensate that is sufficient to cationize the pigment, and lacks a microgel component. It is liquid when agitated. Preferably the composition has a solids content greater than about 55%, and most preferably between about 59% and about 61%.