Abstract: A method for problem solving in a computer system includes an applications module for sending a problem statement to a complexity module, which configures a solving module with configuration parameters and also determines expected problem solver behavior. The solving module selects a set of parameter configuration vectors, determines a set of search space points, performs a partial search based on the parameter configuration vectors, and determines actual problem solver behavior. The solving module then determines whether a problem solution has been found, whether to perform a solver iteration step or request a complexity module to perform an adaptation step.

Abstract: A graphical input and display system for creating and manipulating electronic images includes input devices permitting a user to manipulate elements of electronic images received from various image input sources. A processor, connected to the system, receives requests for various image editing operations and also accesses a memory structure. The system memory structure includes a user interaction module, which allows a user to enter new image material or select and modify existing image material to form primary image objects, as well as a grouping module, which maintains an unrestricted grouping structure, an output module, and data memory.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer control system utilizes temporal constraints to coordinate multiple planning sessions for multi-step production processes such that scheduling constraints are satisfied and flexibility for individual job planning is retained. The computer control system includes an outer planner loop module, which manages the queue of planned and unplanned jobs and interacts with the computer control system, and an individual job planner. The method includes checking the queue of planned jobs for imminent planned jobs, performing a temporal clamping process for planned jobs scheduled to begin soon, and releasing planned jobs for production. Checking is performed for additional imminent planned jobs and the individual job planner is called to produce a plan for the next job if no imminent planned jobs are identified. A plan is produced for the next job by the individual job planner.

Abstract: For an automated manufacturing system having a number of modules with numerous alternative capabilities, a computer-controlled system provides for configuration-specific reprioritization of jobs. The computer-controlled system includes at least one system controller for planning and scheduling utilization of selected module capabilities in the production of jobs having not less than one work unit. Module capabilities include the relative costs of the module capabilities.

Abstract: A method for problem solving in a computer system includes an applications module for sending a problem statement to a complexity module. The complexity module configures a solving module with configuration parameters and also determines expected solver behavior. A solving module determines actual solver behavior, determines whether a problem solution has been found, and determines whether to perform a solver iteration step or to request a complexity module to perform an adaptation step.

Abstract: For an automated manufacturing system having a number of modules with numerous alternative capabilities, a computer-controlled system provides for monitoring and reporting incremental job status. The computer-controlled system includes at least one system controller for planning and scheduling a variety of jobs submitted to the manufacturing system for processing. The system controller includes at least one planning function, which plans utilization of selected module capabilities in the production of jobs having more than one work unit. A scheduling function schedules utilization of selected module capabilities. A logging and integration function logs execution reports from the various modules in the manufacturing system.

Abstract: A display material for use in an electric paper system includes two opposing outer surfaces, between which is disposed a plurality of optically and electrically anisotropic elements suspended in a substance capable of being liquified. A rotatable disposition of each element is achievable while the element is suspended in the substance and the substance is liquified.

Abstract: An internal field activated display sheet is disclosed which comprises a medial plane disposed between reservoirs in the display sheet. The reservoirs communicate with each other through apertures in the medial plane, which includes a plurality of conductors. At least one of the reservoirs is filled with a liquid means, which is responsive to a peristaltic internal field developed within the medial plane. Applying a field across selected apertures in the medial plane causes the liquid means to be electrically pumped from one reservoir into the other, thereby displaying an image.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display sheet is disclosed which includes a medial layer, formed by a plurality of spheres, which is disposed between a transparent non-conductive first sheet and a non-conductive bottom sheet. The plurality of spheres in the medial layer forms interstices which are filled by a suspension medium in which is suspended at least one form of electrophoretic material.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving, analyzing, and managing a database of calendar information obtained from a variety of source documents. Information derived and extracted from calendar documents is used establish a database of events. Extraction of relevant information from the calendar documents is facilitated by guidance in the form of user input, document templates, or other specification of the structure and content of the calendar documents.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving, analyzing, and managing key information extracted from input documents in multiple document genres. A document “genre” is the social environment that defines the document's expected structure and content. Information is extracted from the input documents based on their genre, and is synthesized into a distributed genre document, or database, representing all extracted information from all input documents. An output document having a selected genre is created by assembling information from the database consistent with the selected genre.

Abstract: A robotic module for a toy construction system includes a housing enclosing a gear mechanism and an actuator connected to a pivot mechanism to supply operational power for rotation. An energy storage device supplies power to the actuator, which rotates in response to instructions received from a control unit connected to the actuator. A connection plate forms a connection between at least two of the modules. At least one position sensor is provided to sense the arrangement of the modules connected together.

Abstract: A controllable ratcheting apparatus having robotic modules rigidly attached for operation near a mechanical singularity includes a plurality of modular joints and ratcheting means. Each one of the modular joints is capable of locking and unlocking to effect performance of a ratcheting motion as the ratcheting apparatus approaches a mechanical singularity. A plurality of links is connected to the modular joints in such a way as to permit movement of the links while under large external forces as the joint approaches a point of mechanical singularity. A control system directs movement of the modular joints and links.

Abstract: A method for enabling a printing machine having a customer billing interface to bill the customer for marking jobs having different sheet sizes includes programming different rates for different size sheets into the printing machine. With receipt of a machine enable signal from the customer billing interface, a sheet is fed and the printing machine determines the sheet size. After the printing machine performs a marking operation, the printing machine emits a signal for each sheet marked to the customer billing interface.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules includes a plurality of robotic modules, with each robotic module having memory capability, an actuator, a joint position sensor, and communication means. The assemblage of robotic modules also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each robotic joint module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: An inverter for reversing the orientation of a moving sheet includes a drive roller and an idler roller in circumferential contact in at least two positions, with a nip defined in each position.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for removing particles from a moving surface includes a movable blade holder having at least one geometrically formed slot. A removable blade matably fits into each geometrically formed slot. Each of the removable blades has at least one cleaning edge, which is in frictional contact with the moving surface during a cleaning operation. An individual blade may be removed from the blade holder by an operator to replace a used cleaning edge with an unused cleaning edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing electrostatically charged particles from a surface such as the backside of an image bearing belt of the type found in an electrostatographic printing apparatus or a drive roller supporting an image bearing belt. The apparatus includes an electrically biased cleaning blade, a supporting device, and a housing for storing the particles removed from the surface by the cleaning blade.