Abstract: A method of designing a dental restoration component. A set of design dimensional constraints is defined which must be satisfied for the dental restoration component. A set of design parameters for the dental restoration component also is defined. Using at least in part a penalty function, a value is assigned to each of said design parameters for the dental restoration component, consistent with the constraints for said component, said penalty function taking into account at least more than one of said design parameters and which signals a constraint being reached when the value of any of said parameters violates a constraint.

Abstract: A three-dimensional-based modeling method and system designed for dentistry and related medical (and appropriate non-medical) applications. Data capture means produces a point cloud representing the three-dimensional surface of an object (e.g., dental arch). Three-dimensional recognition objects are provided, particularly within those areas in the image field that have low image definition, and particularly in such of these areas that appear in overlapping portions of at least two images, to provide the three-dimensional image processing software with position, angulation, and orientation information sufficient to enable highly accurate combining (or “stitching”) of adjoining and overlapping images. Alignment, and creation of aligned related objects or models thereof, such as maxillar and mandibular arches, is facilitated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a photovoltaic cell array provide for collecting power generated by each group of at least one but less than all of the cells of the array using each of a plurality of controllers, one controller for each group; converting the collected power at each controller to have a common output parameter, the common output parameter value being greater than the value of the same parameter at each of the individual cells; and combining the outputs from the controllers to generate an output for the array. Each controller thus has connected to it a group of one or more, but less than all, of the photovoltaic cells of the array, and the outputs of the controllers are connected preferably in parallel but potentially in series as well. The cells connected to the controllers are also connected in series, parallel, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: A three-dimensional-based modeling method and system designed for dentistry and related medical (and appropriate non-medical) applications. Data capture means produces a point cloud representing the three-dimensional surface of an object (e.g., dental arch). Three-dimensional recognition objects are provided, particularly within those areas in the image field that have low image definition, and particularly in such of these areas that appear in overlapping portions of at least two images, to provide the three-dimensional image processing software with position, angulation, and orientation information sufficient to enable highly accurate combining (or “stitching”) of adjoining and overlapping images. Alignment, and creation of aligned related objects or models thereof, such as maxillar and mandibular arches, is facilitated.

Abstract: A method of designing a dental restoration component. A set of design dimensional constraints is defined which must be satisfied for the dental restoration component. A set of design parameters for the dental restoration component also is defined. Using at least in part a penalty function, a value is assigned to each of said design parameters for the dental restoration component, consistent with the constraints for said component, said penalty function taking into account at least more than one of said design parameters and which signals a constraint being reached when the value of any of said parameters violates a constraint.

Abstract: A method and system for creating three-dimensional models of implant-bearing dental arches, and other anatomical fields of view, employs three-dimensional scanning means to capture images of an anatomical field of view wherein there have been positioned (and preferably affixed to an anatomical feature) one or more three-dimensional recognition objects having a known geometry, such as a pyramid or a linked grouping of spheres. Image processing software is employed to locate and orient said recognition objects as reference data for stitching multiple images and thereby reconstructing the scanned field of view. Recognition objects placed in areas of low feature definition enhance the accuracy of three-dimensional modeling of such areas.

Abstract: A method and system for creating three-dimensional models of implant-bearing dental arches, and other anatomical fields of view, employs three-dimensional scanning means to capture images of an anatomical field of view wherein there have been positioned (and preferably affixed to an anatomical feature) one or more three-dimensional recognition objects having a known geometry, such as a pyramid or a linked grouping of spheres. Image processing software is employed to locate and orient said recognition objects as reference data for stitching multiple images and thereby reconstructing the scanned field of view. Recognition objects placed in areas of low feature definition enhance the accuracy of three-dimensional modeling of such areas.

Abstract: A method of performing analysis of samples having turbidity and/or high absorbance is disclosed. The analysis utilizes information from multiple factors, which affect transmittance or absorbance. These factors include: absorbance as measured in a non-turbid sample, scattering losses due to particles and limitations of the measurement device as measured in a non-absorbing sample, additional scattering losses due to sample absorbance, variable path length effects due to the sample, variable path length effects due to the measurement device, and additional nonlinear effects. By taking into account additional factors that affect transmittance or absorbance, a more accurate analysis is achieved.

Abstract: A sample cell for use in spectroscopy includes two cell portions that are mutually adjustable to enable a user to vary the cross sectional geometry of sample cell flow path thereof between at least two discrete configurations or positions. In a first position, the flow path may be provided with a relatively small cross-sectional area to provide a relatively small pathlength and generate high velocity fluid flow therethrough. The small pathlength enables use of relatively small sample volumes and facilitates optical measurement of samples, such as blood, which have relatively high optical density, absorbance or light scattering properties. In a second position, the flow path provides a larger cross-section adapted to permit larger agglomerations or clots to pass through the flow path to facilitate cleaning of the sample cell.

Abstract: A method for analysis of samples having turbidity and/or high absorption is disclosed. The analysis incorporates several factors that affect transmittance or absorption. These factors may include: absorption as measured in a non-turbid sample, scattering losses due to particles and limitations of the measurement device as measured in a non-absorbing sample, additional scattering losses due to sample absorption, variable path length effects due to the sample, and variable path length effects due to the measurement device. By taking into account additional factors that affect transmittance or absorption, a more accurate analysis is achieved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-invasively determining blood pH by a multivariate analysis technique, such as classical least squares (CLS), partial least squares (PLS), or principal components regression (PCR). The technique employs at least one spectral factor based on the difference in the spectrum of a hemoglobin fraction (e.g., oxyhemoglobin) at two different pH's (e.g., pH 7.2 and pH 7.8). The spectral factor is preferably evaluated over the wavelength range of 520-680 nm.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods of determining the performance of an absorbance spectrometer, and, in particular, of CO-oximeters. The methods comprise measuring the absorbance spectrum of a quality control sample and comparing it to a standard spectrum of that quality control. Instrumental error will be the primary factor contributing to the observed difference. The present method also provides techniques for converting the instrumental error manifested in the difference between the measured and standard quality control spectra into blood concentration values comparable to that of real blood. Analysis of test samples on a spectrophotometer; and calibration of the spectrophotometer is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for determining the concentration of sample components of a sample by an analytical technique that yields a spectrum that can be written as Y(.omega.)=P(.omega.).multidot.C. The apparatus and methods of the invention account for experimental errors that give rise to distortions in the observed spectrum and that consequently result in inaccurate determinations of sample component concentrations. The invention accounts for such errors by modeling the total experimental error as the sum of one or more types of errors that can be written as .xi..multidot.K. The spectrum is then modeled as Y=P.multidot.C+.xi..multidot.K. Using the observed spectrum, known values for P, and a mathematical model for .xi., this equation can be solved for the best fit value of the sample component concentrations, C, and the magnitudes of the errors, K. The method can be used for any error that can be modeled in the foregoing manner, such as a shift in the spectrum.

Abstract: A control system for providing a drive signal to an ultrasonic transducer and for controlling the tip motion of the ultrasonic transducer wherein the transducer tip is disposed in a hemolyzing chamber. The control system includes a sensor for sensing the motion of the transducer tip and a feedback circuit coupled between the sensor and the transducer where the feedback circuit provides a feedback signal to control the motion of the transducer tip.

Abstract: Solar cell array and method for manufacturing same wherein the individual cells of the array are sandwiched and held resiliently captive between and electrically isolated from a transparent protective front cover and a protective rear substrate by an encapsulating transparent silicone elastomer cast in situ in the interstices between the cover, the cells, and the substrate, the elastomer being introduced, while fluid, into the sandwich through the same terminals used for the electrical connection of the array to its electrical load.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of the heater element of a heating apparatus by controlling the resistance of the heater element. In a preferred embodiment, the control system monitors a sensing excitation voltage at the heater element for comparison with a reference voltage, preferably at or near the zero-crossings of the heater power source cycle, and thereupon operates so that power to the heater element is always applied and terminated at zero-crossings of power cycle. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is arranged to permit only integral cycles of power to be applied to the heater element to avoid a DC bias buildup and undesirable loading of the power line.