Abstract: A database shadowing system for performing data checkout/checkin operations. The system includes performing the steps of 1) identifying a data item stored in a database for editing, 2) copying the data item from the database to an active memory file thereby creating an active memory copy of the data item, 3) associating a tag with the active memory copy of the data item, changing a state of the data item 4) tag depending upon the edit operation performed on the active memory copy of the data item, and 5) saving any change made to the active memory copy of the data item by making the change to the database data item upon issuance of a save command, so that the data item tag of the active memory copy of the data item controls the manner of changing the database data item.

Abstract: The trajectory of a surgical instrument or tool used for a stereotactic medical procedure is controlled by a passive apparatus having two pivots into which the tool may be inserted. The pivots, which serve as end effectors, are placed at points along a selected trajectory. The pivots are mounted to members attached to carriages. The carriages allow movement in a plane, whereas the members may move perpendicular to the plane. Indicia allow the pivots to be moved to a desired point and fasteners then secure the pivots in place, while allowing the pivots free rotation relative to two perpendicular axes.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method for identifying a test to perform for fault isolation. The method comprises the steps of identifying a loop/string of components having at least one component therein which is suspected of faulty operation, identifying a test, from a listing of tests, which satisfies pre-determined conditions, and selecting the identified test for performance.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method for representing component connectivity of components which compose a system. The method comprises the steps of creating a diagram composed of blocks representing components of the system, representing connectivity of the components on the diagram, selected a first start component, assigning a first label to the start component, identifying respective children components of the start component, assigning the respective children components of start component respective labels, the respective labels being unique for each component and representing the component connectivity, selecting another start component if any components in the diagram are unlabelled, and then repeating the above steps for the second start component. The process is repeated until the components and component connectivity are represented in a respective label. The assigned component labels are then stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constraint propagation control including determining whether more than one range is to be propagated through a selected component, propagating the one range if only one range is to be propagated, and propagated a composite range if more than one range is to be propagated and if the ranges are sufficiently identical.

Abstract: A computer implemented process and apparatus for selecting components of an assembly from input design specifications and displaying the selected component to a system user is provided. The selected components can be displayed in one of many formats including in a bill-of-material format. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes selection means for selecting a component from input design specifications and display means for displaying the selected assembly components.