Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning components of an optical assembly include a chuck configured to support the optical assembly thereon, and an adjustable flexure assembly disposed around the chuck. The adjustable flexure assembly includes a plurality of flexures. The plurality of flexures are positioned relative to the chuck such that each of the plurality of flexures contact the optical assembly when the optical assembly is positioned on the chuck.

Abstract: A system and method for managing telephone communications. An originating telephone carrier originates telephone calls by users and conveys the telephone calls to an internet protocol network provider for termination. The internet protocol network provider conveys the received telephone calls to a service platform comprising a softswitch for termination. The service platform applies one or more services to received telephone calls and routes the terminated telephone calls to a final carrier. A final carrier receives the telephone calls from the service platform and terminates telephone calls.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity chemiluminescent ELISA-based prion detection method is provided, the method comprising an ELISA plate coated with monoclonal antibody for the capture of PrPsc protein and treated with an optimized blocking reagent, and a set of labeling and detection reagents. The digestion cocktail is preferably a unique combination of proteolytic, lipolytic and nuclease enzymes for the liberation of the prion PrPsc antigen. The ELISA plate is preferably a multi-well, high-protein binding, microtiter plate coated with an anti-prion monoclonal antibody, used to capture the PrPsc antigen. The blocking agent is an optimized protein and buffer solution. The detection antibody is preferably a biotinylated monoclonal antibody. The chemiluminescent conjugate is preferably a conjugate of streptavidin and alkaline phosphatase enzyme. The final component is preferably an optimized chemiluminescent substrate for maximum sensitivity.

Abstract: A speech processor uses at least two speech processing features to enhance the quality of speech signals received by a user during a telephone call. The speech processing features are applied to the speech signals. However, the user only hears speech signals affected by one speech processing feature until both features have fully converged or ramped-up, and the two features are no longer interfering with each other. At that point, a “flash-cut” of the second speech processing feature is activated. The flash-cut instantaneously switches to speech signals affected by both features. This quick transition makes the speech processing features more noticeable to the user, and the user is not subjected to the period where the features interfere. Further, an optional audio indicator is generated before implementing the flash-cut, so the user is alerted to the flash-cut, and the speech processing features are even more noticeable.

Abstract: A method for completing a telephone call originating from a calling party and received by a called party. A menu of options is provided to the calling party during the telephone call. The menu options are announced to the calling party and a response is inputted corresponding to the desired option from the various menus. A comparison is made between the inputted option and a set of valid responses and the responses are processed.

Abstract: A speech processor uses at least two speech processing features to enhance the quality of speech signals received by a user during a telephone call. The speech processing features are applied to the speech signals. However, the user only hears speech signals affected by one speech processing feature until both features have fully converged or ramped-up, and the two features are no longer interfering with each other. At that point, a "flash-cut" of the second speech processing feature is activated. The flash-cut instantaneously switches to speech signals affected by both features. This quick transition makes the speech processing features more noticeable to the user, and the user is not subjected to the period where the features interfere. Further, an optional audio indicator is generated before implementing the flash-cut, so the user is alerted to the flash-cut, and the speech processing features are even more noticeable.

Abstract: A speech processor uses a plurality of speech processing features to enhance the quality of speech signals received by a user during a telephone call. The activation of a second speech processing feature is delayed for a time duration measured after the initiation of a particular call or measured after the activation of a first speech processing feature. This delay eliminates any interference between the second speech processing feature and the first speech processing feature that is active when the call is initiated. The delay also increases the time it takes for the speech processing features to become fully effective, thus making the enhancement in the quality of the speech signals more noticeable to the user. Further, an optionally generated audio indicator is provided when the second speech processing feature is applied so that the additional feature is even more noticeable to the user.