Abstract: A plurality of oligonucleotides are synthesized at a plurality of locations on a substrate using a plurality of dispensing bars. Each of the plurality of dispensing bars has a respective plurality of dispensing heads arranged along a respective axis. Each of the plurality of dispensing bars is operative to selectively deposit a volume of a respective one of a plurality of nucleotide bases in any of a row of locations. A positioning mechanism positions the substrate with respect to the plurality of dispensing bars. A controller controls the plurality of dispensing bars and the positioning mechanism so that, at each of the plurality of locations, a respective sequence of nucleotide bases is deposited to form a respective oligonucleotide.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing at least one biological reagent at a plurality of locations on a substrate includes a stamp member onto which the at least one biological reagent is applied. The stamp member defines a plurality of transfer elements patterned to correspond to the plurality of locations. The stamp member contacts the substrate to transfer the at least one biological reagent from the plurality of transfer elements to the plurality of locations. The transfer elements can be defined by reservoirs or projected portions of the stamp member. A method of using said apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Polynomial processors learn expert system rules, for either business or real-time applications, to improve the robustness and speed of execution of the expert system. One or more polynomial processors are constructed which incorporate the production rules of one or more expert systems. Each polynomial processor is constructed of computing elements or neuron circuits each having only one significant processing element in the form of a multiplier. Each polynomial processor utilizes a training algorithm which does not require repetitive training and which yields a global minimum to each given set of input vectors.

Abstract: A method and system for an FIR filter are provided. A sequence of input signal is converted to a corresponding sequence of log signals. FIR filtering coefficients are then added to each log signal to generate a plurality of term signals. The term signals are then converted to inverse-log signals, and the inverse-log signals are summed to produce an output signal. Log/inverse-log conversions of signals are based on estimating a log/inverse-log function using a second-order polynomial.

Abstract: A smart laundry system includes a tag communicating device for reading laundering instructions and water processing information contained in an electronic tag attached to a material item while the material item is within a laundry machine. A controller controls the laundry machine in accordance with the laundering instructions. A water processing system processes waste water produced by the laundry machine in accordance with the water processing information to form gray water for use in a subsequent wash. The electronic tag maintains a count of the number of launderings of the material item. An automatic folding and sorting machine folds and sorts the material item based upon folding and sorting instructions stored on the electronic tag. A tag programming device is used to identify, locate, query, and program the electronic tag.

Abstract: A processor system provides electrical power and processing to a plurality of appliances. A data bus receives a control input signal from each of the plurality of appliances and transfers electrical power and output command signals to each of the plurality of appliances. A processor, coupled to the data bus, generates an output command signal for each of the plurality of appliances in response to the input control signals.

Abstract: A system for producing an animated image sequence comprises an image processor and an animated character generator. The image processor processes a portion of at least one wide-angle image to form an image signal representative of at least one perspective corrected image. The animated character generator is responsive to the image signal and at least one control signal for generating an animated character within the at least one perspective corrected image. The animated character has at least one graphical member which moves in dependence upon the at least one control signal. In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises at least one sensor for sensing a position of a body member of a user. The position of the body member is used to control the movement of a graphical member corresponding to the body member.

Abstract: A converter which may be used for implementing either logarithmic or inverse-logarithmic functions is disclosed. The converter includes a memory, a multiplier, and two adders. The memory stores a plurality of parameters and second-order terms which are derived using a least squares method to estimate a logarithmic or inverse-logarithmic function over a domain of input values. A method of computing the parameters and second-order terms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A message is formed by capturing at least one image of an individual, and producing a first signal representative thereof. A signal is transmitted based upon both the first signal and a second signal which indicates a selected image from a plurality of predetermined images. The message is reconstructed from a received radio frequency signal which contains a third signal representative of the at least one image of the individual and a fourth signal indicative of the selected image. The selected image is retrieved from a plurality of prestored images based upon the fourth signal. At least one combined image is displayed based upon the at least one image of the individual, provided by the third signal, and the selected image.

Abstract: In a polynomial processor a plurality of training data are received which express the desired relationship between the processor's output and input. The terms of a polynomial function are determined using a regression subsets method on the training data. The coefficient for each term is determined and the polynomial processor is programmed by loading the terms and coefficients into the processor.

Abstract: An anti-lock braking system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, and a braking system that includes a brake for braking at least one of the plurality of wheels and a brake valve for controlling a braking pressure in the brake in response to a brake valve signal, includes a plurality of wheel speed sensors for generating a plurality of input signals. A polynomial processor, in communication with the plurality of wheel speed sensors, generates a control signal based on a nonlinear polynomial function of the input signal. A post-processor generates the Brake valve signal based on the control signal so as to provide cyclic control of the braking pressure in the brake.

Abstract: A computer processor for performing mathematical operations includes a logarithm converter which generates log values on a data bus, a plurality of processing elements connected to the data bus, an inverse-logarithm converter which receives values from the processing elements, an accumulator which sums converted values from the inverse-logarithm converter, and a control unit for configuring the accumulator to perform various summing operations. The computer processor also includes a switch for providing processor outputs as feedback. An instruction, selected from a set of instructions, is decoded by the control unit to configure the computer processor to perform operations on a data stream.

Abstract: A computer processor for performing mathematical operations includes a logarithm converter which generates log values on a data bus, a plurality of processing elements connected to the data bus, an inverse-logarithm converter which receives values from the processing elements, an accumulator which sums converted values from the inverse-logarithm converter, and a control unit for configuring the accumulator to perform various summing operations. The computer processor also includes a switch for providing processor outputs as feedback. An instruction, selected from a set of instructions, is decoded by the control unit to configure the computer processor to perform operations on a data stream.

Abstract: A method for creating a filtration knowledge base is used in a filtration process for separating a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry. The concentrations of the solid component in the slurry, and of the solid component in the separated liquid, are monitored and stored in a knowledge base along with a quantity relating to the amount of filtering. The knowledge base can be used for controlling the slurry-producing process, routing the separated liquid, automated billing and automated compliance reporting.

Abstract: A target molecule at a binding site is detected using an optical waveguide having a surface proximate to the binding site, and a waveguide detector coupled to the optical waveguide. An incident light beam is applied to the binding site along an axis transverse to the surface of the optical waveguide. The incident light beam impinges an optical indicator associated with the target molecule to form secondary light which is coupled into the optical waveguide. The secondary light is detected by the waveguide detector to thereby detect the target molecule.

Abstract: A method and system is described which allows execution overlap in a computer having a plurality of processing elements. The method and system provide an accumulation schedule based on the expected completion times of the processing elements. Outputs from the processing elements are accumulated according to the accumulation schedule. The accumulation schedule includes a plurality of accumulation flags which indicate when the outputs are to be accumulated.

Abstract: In an auto-tuning controller the initial values of control coefficients are found by fitting a control polynomial to control transfer characteristic data. The values are then tuned using a descent-based optimization method.

Abstract: A process and system (100) for purifying water includes a pair of electrodes (52) with a gap (58) between the electrodes (52). The electrodes (52) are connected to a power supply (116) that places a voltage across the two electrodes (52). Raw water (51) is then passed through the electrodes (52) which captures a plurality of ionic species (224) resulting in purified water (64). A system (100) that takes advantage of this process has a container (102) that holds the pair of electrodes (52) or filter (102). A controller (120) connected to a current sensor (118) monitors the current across the electrodes (52) and adjusts a valve (108) based on the current. If the current is above a first threshold the water flow is decreased and if the current flow is below a second threshold the water flow is increased.

Abstract: A broadcast for interactive viewing by a plurality of viewers is provided by contemporaneously capturing a plurality of wide-angle image sequences from a plurality of viewpoints. The viewpoints are selected from the group consisting of a space viewpoint, a terrestrial viewpoint, and an undersea viewpoint. The wide-angle image sequences are broadcasted to the viewers. Each of the viewers receives at least one of the wide-angle image sequences, and selects a portion of the at least one of the wide-angle image sequences. A perspective corrected view of the portion is displayed for view by the viewer. Optionally, prestored textual data and a perspective corrected view of a prestored image may also be displayed.

Abstract: An accumulator is provided which includes a plurality of summing circuits, a plurality of switches, and a control unit for controlling the transmission of data generated by the summing circuits. Each summing circuit generates intermediate sums and includes a port for transmitting the intermediate sums. The switches are connected between the ports of the summing circuits. The control unit is programmable to operate the switches and enable the ports at various times, thus allowing the accumulator to be configured to perform any of a variety of summing operations.