Abstract: A business process management/workflow automation system includes a network of computers equipped with software that permits a business process that includes a plurality of tasks to proceed across the network based upon stored rules. Upon the completion of a task, the network looks for a subsequent rule until process completion or a condition of unruliness, at which event a process owner is prompted to add a rule. A rules repository stores previously made rules and rules made by a process owner as the process proceeds, for reuse when the process with the refined rule runs again.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring software usage on a network having a network of computers capable of running at least portions of a computer program. One of the computers in the network acts as a node that monitors the usage by users on the network. The monitoring node is programmed to determine active usage of the computer program by the users on various incidents involving the software, ascertain the total number of unique users using the software at a given time, compare the ascertained total number with an authorized number and issue a signal if the ascertained total number exceeds the authorized number. The present invention further includes a method of determining software license fees for software used intermittently by a plurality of users using the software on a network.

Abstract: An apparatus for workflow automation includes a server computer and a plurality of client computers. Each client computer has an electronic coupling to the server computer for transmission of information between the server computer and each of the client computers and data entry elements and form interfaces for a user to fill out using the data entry elements. The server and client computers are configured to have a main spreadsheet on the server computer and client spreadsheets on the client computers with data entered in the form interfaces also appearing in the client spreadsheets, links from cells in the main spreadsheet to cells in the client spreadsheets, and directional instructions for sequentially routing data from client and server spreadsheets according to a workflow plan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system whereby the microprocessor and the bus controller in a personal computer can be driven at different frequencies. Furthermore with the present invention the COMMAND DELAY and the WAIT STATE signals on the bus can be adjusted under program control.

Abstract: A circuit for waking a microprocessor from a sleep mode and providing it with its microprocessor clock long enough for a refresh, direct memory access (DMA) or master cycle operation to be done by external circuitry. The clock signal is then removed from the microprocessor to put it back into the sleep mode, thereby conserving energy. A hold signal is provided to the microprocessor to cause the microprocessor outputs to be put into a tri-state, high impedance condition, and thus relinquish control of the external bus to the external refreshing circuitry.

Abstract: A non-contact, laser strain extensometer for use in materials testing utilizes a revolving laser beam to measure the separation of benchmarks placed on the specimen to be tested. The reflection of the laser beam from the benchmarks is focused on a photosensor to generate electronic pulses. The time duration between these pulses can be precisely measured using electronic counters. This time duration correlates with the distance separating the benchmarks. The revolving beam can be generated either by rotating polygonal mirror or an oscillating mirror.