Abstract: A scanning probe microscope includes a scanning probe tip and an electrostatic surface actuator operatively coupled to the scanning probe tip. The electrostatic surface actuator includes a movable member that has a first surface with a first plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface and a stationary member that has a second surface with a second plurality of electrodes disposed on the second surface. The first and second surfaces are disposed in a confronting relationship The movable and stationary members are resiliently coupled so that the movable member is capable of being displaced with respect to the stationary member. The first and second pluralities of electrodes are configured to generate electrostatic forces in response to voltages applied. The electrostatic forces laterally displace the movable member in the direction generally parallel to the first and second surfaces. The scanning probe tip is controllably positioned by displacement of the movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for caching data in a storage device of a computer system. A relatively high-speed, intermediate-volume storage device is operated as a user-configurable cache. Requests to access a mass storage device such as a disk or tape are intercepted by a device driver that compares the access request against a directory of the contents of the user-configurable cache. If the user-configurable cache contains the data sought to be accessed, the access request is carried out in the user-configurable cache instead of being forwarded to the device driver for the target mass storage device. Because the user-cache is implemented using memory having a dramatically shorter access time than most mechanical mass storage devices, the access request is fulfilled much more quickly than if the originally intended mass storage device was accessed. Data is preloaded and responsively cached in the user-configurable cache memory based on user preferences.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accessing data in a computer system. A relatively high-speed, intermediate-volume storage device is operated as a user-configurable cache. Requests to access a mass storage device such as a disk or tape are intercepted by a device driver that compares the access request against a directory of the contents of the user-configurable cache. If the user-configurable cache contains the data sought to be accessed, the access request is carried out in the user-configurable cache instead of being forwarded to the device driver for the target mass storage device. Because the user-cache is implemented using memory having a dramatically shorter access time than most mechanical mass storage devices, the access request is fulfilled much more quickly than if the originally intended mass storage device was accessed. Data is preloaded and responsively cached in the user-configurable cache memory based on user preferences.

Abstract: A system for retrieving and displaying a pictorial user interface on a computer display or other monitor whereby a series of time-lapse pictorial images change, over time, under software control such that the time of day and changes thereof can be visualized both for a user's geographical location or environment, as well as for the geographical location or environment of another person, such as a party telephoning the user from a different geographical location or environment in a different time zone.