Abstract: Described is a novel relational database architecture that is adapted to storing information regarding the terms of one or more contracts, and the actions required to be performed under it. The database resides on a computer-readable storage medium as part of a multi-user computer network. By using simple subroutines readily apparent to one skilled in the computer arts, one can automatically generate alerts whenever an action needs to be performed. These alerts are then transmitted to users along the multi-computer network, appearing in an e-mail message that specifies the action, the individuals performing it, and the duties of each of these individuals. In this manner, one can ensure timely execution of the actions required under a contract.

Abstract: A device and method for efficiently synthesizing diverse molecular products on substrates. A parent vessel 200 contains a suspension of substrates. The suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred to a plurality of reaction vessels 201-209 in one or more reaction vessel banks where monomer addition reactions take place. Optionally, the substrates may be tagged with a tag monomer. A vortexing motor 300 vortexes the contents of reaction vessels 201-209 during monomer addition reactions to enhance synthesis. After the desired monomer and/or tag monomer addition reaction, the suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred back to parent vessel 200 for mixing. Thereafter, the suspension may be pressurized with argon and reallocated among reaction vessels 201-209 for further synthesis.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes a notebook interface having a plurality of notebook pages, each of which may contain a spread of information cells, or other desired page type (e.g., Graphs page). Methods are provided for rapidly accessing and processing information on the different pages, including displaying a plurality of page identifiers for selecting individual pages, and further including a preferred syntax for referencing information. Additional methods are provided for editing cells and blocks of cells.

Abstract: A debugging system that allows programmers and software developers to more efficiently find and correct for errors in software applications. Preferred methods of the present invention includes the steps of setting and clearing watchpoints, statement stepping a program, and stopping a program from a debugger. One method provides for a table of watchpoints in the debugger. The debuggee is executed and, when an exception is generated, an address location of the exception is evaluated against the table of watchpoints to determine if a watchpoint has been encountered.

Abstract: An event alerter system for notifying one application or process of a change in a database. A database management system includes an event generator that defines events to be reported, such as a change in a particular field of the database. Each time an change occurs, the event generator notifies an event manager of the name of the event. Whenever an event dependent process indicates an interest in a change in a field in a particular record or records in a database, it transfers a command to the event manager identifying each such record and change. When the event dependent process issues such a command, it enters a wait state to process the occurrence of an event in either a synchronous or asynchronous mode. The event manager converts such a command into entries in an event table that identifies, for that and other event dependent processes, the list of events in which a process has an interest.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for optimizing the access of information, particularly in response to ad hoc queries or filters. The system of the present invention includes a computer having a memory and a processor, a database for storing information in the memory as field values in a record, an indexing component for referencing a plurality of records by key values of the field(s), an input device for selecting desired records by entering a filter (query) condition corresponding to values stored in the field(s), and an optimization module for providing rapid access to the desired records. The optimization module employs one or more existing indices for optimizing data access, including using ones which do not directly support the filter expression. In instances where no indices are available, the optimization module may employ a "learned" optimization method of the invention for on-the-fly learning of records which meet the filter condition.

Abstract: A multi-user computer system having methods which provide improved file management by reading an additional amount in a single I/O (Input/Output) operation during file processing is described. A method for storing and retrieving a plurality of information files includes storing the plurality of information files as a single disk file, where the disk file includes at least one storage block of a uniform size for each of the information files. The information files themselves may be of a variable file size. Within the single disk file, the method stores a directory of entries about the information files, each entry describing a location for one of the information files. The method provides steps for retrieving a desired information file by locating a storage block having the desired information file. The steps include reading from the storage block an amount of data equal to the file size of the information file plus an additional amount, in a single I/O operation.

Abstract: A method for reconciling multiple schedules having time slots on a computer system including a processing unit, system memory, display device, and input device. An interval is selected which is common to the schedules and derived schedules are created for each schedule using the common interval. The derived schedules are then synchronized by matching like time slots of the derived schedules. Empty time slots are inserted into each derived schedule to correspond to time slots in the schedules that conflict. The resulting schedules are displayed on the display device for user reconciliation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expert system for suggesting and providing graphic design selections based on a user's desired result. The invention provides a plurality of descriptors to define the characteristics of an output page or document. A user can "scale" or "weight" the descriptors, as desired. The present invention utilizes the weighted descriptors to select a number of solutions from a predefined database of possible solutions. The "fit" of each database solution to the user criteria is determined via an intelligent search. Initially, solutions that do not satisfy rejection constraints are identified and eliminated. These rejection constraints are binary constraints and may be the result of output device limitation, intended audience, environment of use, availability of color, etc. The elimination of solutions that do not meet the rejection constraints reduces the population of possible solutions, simplifying further researches and analysis.

Abstract: A system of the present invention includes a server connected to one or more workstations or "clients" through a computer network. Methods are provided whereby network data access operations, such as are common in shared data processing, are minimized to only those which are necessary for system operation. In all other instances (i.e., time periods when updating is not needed), a workstation may gain access to the data from a local copy stored in a local buffer, preferably a rapid-access memory of the client. At periodic intervals, a workstation is interrupted for marking its local copy of the data as "invalid"--that is, the copy may be inconsistent with a corresponding version stored on the server. With the next access to the data, the local copy is updated from the version resident on the server. Additional optimization may be added for determining whether the server version has been "touched" (i.e.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes a Formula Evaluator having a preferred interface and methods for compiling spreadsheet formulas into native machine language for a target processor/coprocessor. Methods are provided for improved cell lookups, whereby a system memory address for a cell record may be compiled directly into the machine language sequence for a compiled formula. Additional methods are provided for simplifying error checking. The methods adapt NaN (IEEE format) values for encoding spreadsheet ERR and NA values, so that the on-chip logic of the coprocessor may be employed for correctly propagating ERR and NA values. Preferred auditing methodology is also described, which includes further modifying the format of NaN values so that a NaN encoding an ERR or NA also embeds the address of the originating cell (i.e., the first cell which first gave rise to the ERR or NA value).

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes a notebook interface having a plurality of notebook pages, each of which may contain a spread of information cells, or other desired page type (e.g., Graphs page). Methods are provided for rapidly accessing and processing information on the different pages, including displaying a plurality of page identifiers for selecting individual pages, and further including a preferred syntax for referencing information. Additional methods are provided for editing cells and blocks of cells.

Abstract: Graphical user interface system and methods for providing "hints" for screen objects of interest, particularly user interface elements which rely upon multitudes of iconic (bitmap image) indicia. The interface includes a static (status) frame or window positioned in a non-intrusive fashion below or to one side of a client area (active portion) of a user interface. The frame is continually updated with appropriate descriptors or "hints" (e.g., text and/or graphics) as a screen cursor moves from one screen object to another.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes a notebook interface having a plurality of notebook pages, each of which may contain a spread of information cells, or other desired page type (e.g., Graphs page). Methods are provided for rapidly accessing and processing information on the different pages, including displaying a plurality of page identifiers for selecting individual pages, and further including a preferred syntax for referencing information. Additional methods are provided for editing cells and blocks of cells.

Abstract: A development system of the present invention includes a compiler, a linker, and an interface. The compiler serves to compile source listings into object modules (which are initially stored in .OBJ files). A librarian is provided for combining desired ones of the .OBJ files into one or more library files. For each library file, the librarian provides an Extended Dictionary of the present invention, which includes a Dependency List and an Unresolved Externals List for each module of the library. Methods are described for linking object modules from .OBJ files and library files, where library object modules which are not needed for the link may be determined before the libraries are scanned during the first pass of the linker. In this manner, library object modules which are not needed during subsequent linking operations can be skipped.

Abstract: A method for cyclization and reversal of the polarity of polymers on a substrate. The method provides for the formation of a polymer on a substrate (2) with a tether molecule (4). Through unmasking of a protective group (PG.sub.2) a cyclic polymer (6) is formed. Through cleavage of an appropriate bond, a polarity reversed polymer (8) is formed. The method finds particular application in the formation of, for example, peptides and oligonucleotides.

Abstract: A buried Schottky clamped transistor is described in which the Schottky diode comprises a region of metal silicide 24 in the epitaxial layer 15 adjacent the transistor. The structure includes an electrically isolated region of N type epitaxial silicon 15 having an upper surface, a region of metal silicide 24 formed in the epitaxial silicon 15 adjacent the upper surface, an emitter region 33 of first conductivity type also formed in the epitaxial silicon adjacent the upper surface, base region 29 of opposite conductivity type adjacent the upper surface which separates the emitter 33 from the metal silicide 24, and metal connections 37, 38 and 39 for making electrical connections to each of the regions of metal silicide 24, the emitter region 33, and the epitaxial silicon 15.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a planarized or smooth surface binary glass insulating film comprised of germanium dioxide and silicon dioxide by a spin-on process. The resulting structure has a film thickness uniformity which varies less than 5% over the surface of the wafer. The structure is formed by mixing a predetermined solution of TEOS and TEOG in a lower alcohol or ketone solvent and catalyzing by the addition of sufficient acid to raise the pH to 1.5 to 2.0 to favor gel formation. The resultant solution is then spun on at an RPM selected to give the desired film thickness for a given solids content of the solution.

Abstract: Two pressure wheels are mounted on respective support parts and are pressed against respective edges of print medium by a common force-applying device such as a cable acting substantially equally on two mechanical devices on which the pressure wheels are mounted in order to transmit substantially identical forces thereto; each wheel may be mounted at one end of a lever which is hinged to the corresponding support part and which supports a pulley over which the cable passes.

Abstract: A liquid polymeric resin is applied over an irregular surface of a semiconductor substrate by first spinning followed by rotation of the substrate about an axis parallel to and spaced-apart from the plane of the substrate. Such a technique provides for planarization layer having enhanced planarity. When applied over an underlying insulating layer, the planarization layer will typically be etched back in order to planarize the insulating layer. Alternatively, the planarization layer may be formed directly over the semiconductor substrate, and an insulating layer formed over the planarization layer. In either case, the substrates are then ready for subsequent processing according to well known techniques, typically the formation of metallization layers over the insulating layer.