Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that produces a preference ranking for a set of items based on preferences expressed by users. During operation, the system collects preferences from users between pairs of items in the set of items to be ranked. Next, the system then uses the collected preferences to compute an adjacency matrix for the set of items, wherein each element in the adjacency matrix represents preferences between a corresponding pair of items associated with the element. The system then uses the adjacency matrix to compute the preference ranking for the set of items.

Abstract: In an apparatus for xerographically printing a composite record based on first and second complementary sources of information. The first source of information is imaged onto a photoconductive drum to form a first electrostatic image thereof. The second source of information may be derived from a central processing unit in signal form. The signals received from the CPU are used to modulate the output beam of a scanning laser. The modulated laser output beam is directed to a stylus belt positioned in close surface proximity to the photoconductive drum bearing the first electrostatic image. The stylus belt includes an electrcially conductive layer and a photoconductive layer, and is responsive to the incident laser energy to translate it into a corresponding charge pattern. This charge pattern is overlaid on the first electrostatic image to form a composite electrostatic image. The composite image is then developed and transferred onto a record medium in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A development apparatus for dry toning a latent, electrostatic image on a dielectric surface. The developing apparatus includes a rotating, magnetic brush which picks up dry toner from a reservoir and magnetically carries it past a first region on the dielectric surface to allow it to electrostatically adhere thereto. Residual toner carried past the first region is picked up by an impeller that impels the toner toward a second region on the dielectric surface to simulate cascade toning. Finally, toner that centrifugally escapes the magnetic brush effuses outwardly and is guided toward a third region on the dielectric surface to form a toner cloud.

Abstract: The invention deals with the construction and shape of the electrode employed in a duplicating apparatus which uses a drum shaped gas-ion modulating device. The curved modulator is matched with a curved gas-ion collecting electrode so that the propagation of the charged particles follows along the electrical field lines which are symmetrical about a center axis running longitudinally between the modulator and the collecting electrode. The ion optical system assures the production of a charge pattern on the dielectric paper that corresponds to the charge distribution system on the modulator.