Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus for limiting voltages received by devices in input/output cells to less than the device's breakdown voltage. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an input/output cell having one or more clamp diodes and resistors configured to limit voltages seen by the gates of the devices in the input/output cell. In one embodiment, the clamp diodes are on-chip, while the resistors are off-chip. In a specific embodiment, the clamp diode is connected between an input pad for the input output cell and a supply voltage VCC, while a resistor is off-chip and in series with the input pad. In another specific embodiment, a series of clamp diodes are coupled between ground and an input pad, while a resistor is off-chip and in series with the input pad. In another embodiment, the clamp diode or diodes may be programmably or selectively disconnected. These clamp diodes may be disabled to protect against latch-up.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for a method and system for creating, selecting, and adapting a virtual contact center within a virtual world. A user's interaction with the virtual world is evaluated and one or more environmental characteristics established based on the user's interaction with the virtual world. A virtual contact center having the one or more environmental characteristics is provided based on the user's interaction with the virtual world. The virtual contact center may include one or more environmental characteristics that are updateable in real-time to incorporate the user's preferences and selections within the virtual world.

Abstract: During communications sessions between an agent in a call center and a customer, it is often desirable that a secondary agent is consulted, the secondary agent perhaps more suited to the particular needs of the customer. It is preferred that the original agent is presented with a list of the best-suited agents with which to consult, if needs be. Accordingly, a system and method for managing a list of contacts for presentation to a user of a computer system (e.g. a call center agent) is disclosed. The system provides for the monitoring of live communications between an agent and a customer, and further provides for the detecting of a pattern of data in the monitored live communications interaction (e.g. utilising speech recognition to recognise use of a particular keyword). The system is then operable to present a list of suggested contacts to the agent, the suggested contacts chosen based on a match between selection criteria for that contact and on the particular data pattern detected.

Abstract: Some known Contact Centers rely on a Network Level Router to determine which of a number of available Contact Centers should deal with a given contact. This decision is made by the NLR based on real time information provided by the Contact Centers. However, the format of such information is proprietary which means that the NLR must translate and collate this information. This invention seeks to use session initiation protocol (SIP) Presence for such information transfer which enables improved decision making and further enables additional functionality to be added to the Contact Center system. The invention provides a SIP enabled Contact Center (180, 190, 200) comprising a Contact Center server arranged to send SIP messages to one or more other SIP enabled nodes in a SIP communications network, said SIP messages comprising SIP presence information about the current state of the Contact Center.

Abstract: The present invention optimizes the performance of integrated circuits by adjusting the circuit operating voltage using feedback on process/product parameters. To determine a desired value for the operating voltage of an integrated circuit, a preferred embodiment provides for on-wafer probing of one or more reference circuit structures to measure at least one electrical or operational parameter of the one or more reference circuit structures; determining an adjusted value for the operating voltage based on the measured parameter; and establishing the adjusted value as the desired value for the operating voltage. The reference circuit structures may comprise process control monitor structures or structures in other integrated circuits fabricated in the same production run. In an alternative embodiment, the one or more parameters are directly measured from the integrated circuit whose operating voltage is being adjusted.

Abstract: A device for recording the content of live communications sessions allocates each session with a unique identifier which is also communicated to a server, exchange, switch or endpoint having control of that session.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, e.g. a diaper, having a backsheet, an absorbent core and a topsheet, said absorbent article having a length L, said topsheet having an opening and primary elasticated areas and secondary elasticated areas, the latter being curved or angled, having an overall curvature with a radius of from 0.3 L to 3.2L, wherein the average transverse distance between a primary elasticated area and a secondary elasticated area of a crotch side portion is preferably at least 15 mm.

Abstract: An immobilizer system begins authentication of an identification device in response to an external triggering event. The external triggering event occurs prior to engagement with a reader module within the vehicle. Authorization commences prior to engagement to the reader module and continues after engagement with the reader module to reduce perceived authentication wait time.

Abstract: A kettle for heating water or other liquid has a lid and lid actuator to move the lid between open and closed positions. The lid actuator may be connected to the container and movable relative to the opening about a pivot that is below a pivot about which the lid may move between the closed and open positions. The lid actuator may also lock the lid in position, such as in the open or closed position. The lid and lid actuator may also be arranged for movement independent of each other.

Abstract: A keyless ignition system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates through a wireless link with a start/stop button. The start/stop button includes a plurality of lighting sources to selectively illuminate the start/stop button for communicating current state of a vehicle operating parameter. The lighting sources are powered by a wireless power generating device within the start/stop button.

Abstract: An anodic bonding apparatus includes: a first bonding plate mechanism operable to engage a first material sheet, and to provide at least one of controlled heating, voltage, and cooling thereto; a second bonding plate mechanism operable to engage a second material sheet, and to provide at least one of controlled heating, voltage, and cooling thereto; a pressure mechanism operatively coupled to the first and second bonding plate mechanisms and operable to urge the first and second bonding plate mechanisms toward one another to achieve controlled pressure of the first and second material sheets against one another along respective surfaces thereof; a control unit operable to produce control signals to the first and second bonding plate mechanisms and the pressure mechanism to provide heating, voltage, and pressure profiles sufficient to achieve anodic bonding between the first and second material sheets.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy, intuitive change by aligning the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or relative to a component of the article thereby enhancing the fit and corresponding performance of the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, e.g. a diaper, having a backsheet, an absorbent core and a topsheet, said absorbent article having a length L, said topsheet having an opening and primary elasticated areas and secondary elasticated areas, the latter being curved or angled, having an overall curvature with a radius of from 0.3 L to 3.2L, wherein the average transverse distance between a primary elasticated area and a secondary elasticated area of a crotch side portion is preferably at least 15 mm.

Abstract: A method for producing glass or glass ceramic articles by powder injection molding of glass powder includes mixing together, in a continuous mixing process, ingredients to form a mixture comprising a glass powder and a binder, where the ingredients include a glass powder in a relative amount sufficient to equal at least 50% by volume of the resulting mixture and a binder comprising a thermoplastic polymer, desirably a thermoplastic elastomer, and a wax; forming the mixture into a formed structure; and de-binding and sintering the formed structure. The method desirably involves mixing via a high intensity mixing process, desirably by mixing in a twin-screw extruder. The forming process may include pelletizing the mixture and injection molding the pelletized mixture to form the formed structure. The ingredients of the mixture desirably comprise a glass powder in a relative amount sufficient to equal at least 70% by volume of the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A passive key fob reader for receiving a key fob and controlling actuation of a vehicle is provided with a “wake up” system that includes a sensor, such as a reed or Hall-effect switch which can sense the presence of a magnet on the key fob. The key fob is preferably provided with a magnet such that when inserted into the key fob reader, it wakes up the sensor, and causes the sensor to actuate a control to query the key fob and identify whether the key fob has an appropriate identification number. In a second embodiment, the sensor is located remotely from the key fob reader.

Abstract: The present invention optimizes the performance of integrated circuits by adjusting the circuit operating voltage using feedback on process/product parameters. To determine a desired value for the operating voltage of an integrated circuit, a preferred embodiment provides for on-wafer probing of one or more reference circuit structures to measure at least one electrical or operational parameter of the one or more reference circuit structures; determining an adjusted value for the operating voltage based on the measured parameter; and establishing the adjusted value as the desired value for the operating voltage. The reference circuit structures may comprise process control monitor structures or structures in other integrated circuits fabricated in the same production run.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.

Abstract: A programmable input/output device for use with a programmable logic device (PLD) is presented comprising an input buffer, an output buffer and programmable elements. The programmable elements may be programmed to select a logic standard for the input/output device to operate at. For instance, a given set of Select Bits applied to the programmable elements may select TTL logic, in which case the input and output buffers would operate according to the voltage levels appropriate for TTL logic (e.g., 0.4 volts to 2.4 volts). For a different set of Select Bits, the GTL logic standard would be applied (e.g., 0.8 volts to 1.2 volts). The invention enables a single PLD to be used in conjunction with various types of external circuitry.