Abstract: An optical system including a dual-layer microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device, and methods of fabricating and operating the same are disclosed. Generally, the MEMS device includes a substrate having an upper surface; a top modulating layer including a number of light modulating micro-ribbons, each micro-ribbon supported above and separated from the upper surface of the substrate by spring structures in at least one lower actuating layer; and a mechanism for moving one or more of the micro-ribbons relative to the upper surface and/or each other. The spring structures are operable to enable the light modulating micro-ribbons to move continuously and vertically relative to the upper surface of the substrate while maintaining the micro-ribbons substantially parallel to one another and the upper surface of the substrate. The micro-ribbons can be reflective, transmissive, partially reflective/transmissive, and the device is operable to modulate a phase and/or amplitude of light incident thereon.

Abstract: A flexible material handling system for can handle varied loads and placements including operation in varying weather conditions, and integrates safety systems to tolerate pedestrians and manual vehicles in an operating environment. An autonomous vehicle is operable along a vehicle traversal path within a predetermined set of environmental conditions. A GPS base station is operatively in communication with the autonomous vehicle. A supervisor/orchestrator is operatively in communication with the autonomous vehicle and the GPS base station and is operative to coordinate movement of the autonomous vehicle along the vehicle traversal path and assign one or more tasks for the autonomous vehicle to accomplish.

Abstract: Spatial light modulators (SLMs) and systems using same are described. Generally, the system includes a laser, a fixture holding a workpiece to be processed using the laser, illumination optics to illuminate the SLM with laser light, imaging optics to focus modulated light from the SLM onto the workpiece, and a controller to control the laser, the SLM, imaging optics and the fixture to scan the modulated light across a workpiece surface. The SLM includes an array of microelectromechanical system based diffractors, each including an electrostatically deflectable member coupled to a first light reflective surface and to bring light reflected from the first light reflective surface into interference with light reflected from a second light reflective surface in the SLM. The controller is operable to provide analog gray-scale control of an intensity of modulated light reflected from each diffractor by controlling an electrostatic force generated by a driver coupled thereto.

Abstract: A flexible material handling system for can handle varied loads and placements including operation in varying weather conditions, and integrates safety systems to tolerate pedestrians and manual vehicles in an operating environment. An autonomous vehicle is operable along a vehicle traversal path within a predetermined set of environmental conditions. A GPS base station is operatively in communication with the autonomous vehicle. A supervisor/orchestrator is operatively in communication with the autonomous vehicle and the GPS base station and is operative to coordinate movement of the autonomous vehicle along the vehicle traversal path and assign one or more tasks for the autonomous vehicle to accomplish.

Abstract: A system for directing a vehicle using detected and tracked pallet pocket comprises the vehicle, a navigation system, and a command system which detect and track a pallet pocket during automated material handling using the vehicle where load positions vary and are not accurately known beforehand.

Abstract: Provided are soluble leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) polypeptides, soluble glycoprotein 130 (gp130) polypeptides, and soluble fusion proteins and dimers including such polypeptides. The soluble polypeptides bind to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). In certain aspects, the soluble polypeptides exhibit increased binding affinity for LIF relative to the corresponding wild-type polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such soluble polypeptides, expression vectors including such nucleic acids, and cells including such nucleic acids and/or expression vectors. Methods of using the soluble polypeptides, including methods of inhibiting LIF activity in an individual in need thereof (e.g., to treat cancer), are also provided.

Abstract: A method for document automation where the structured data that determines the content of the document(s) is stored within the metadata of the document(s), the method including obtaining at least one value to be populated into at least one field location in a document, storing each value with a unique identifier in metadata associated with the at least one document, wherein each value with its associated unique identifier is an attribute, and populating the at least one field location in the document with the at least one value.

Abstract: The invention teaches a new method of managing a network and a new kind of network management arrangement. The network management arrangement contains a logical entity which model one or several virtual managed network. These virtual managed networks augment the network layer with end-to-end service details, beyond the raw connectivity information.

Abstract: A mechanism for establishing the requisite drive tension in a magnetic tape cartridge, and, by means of the same mechanism effecting the ejectment of the cartridge at such time as the magnetic recording or transcribing operation is complete. In an alternative embodiment designed for use in situations where the magnetic tape cartridge is inserted and ejected in the vertical plane, an auxiliary spring is utilized to supplement the tensioning and ejectment forces otherwise operative.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tape cartridge receiving and locking mechanism comprised of but three relatively moving parts which collectively function to both receive a magnetic tape cartridge and lock said cartridge into position during the recording and transcription of information therefrom. The combination comprises a table portion upon which the magnetic tape cartridge rides, a generally U shaped rocker arm pivotally mounted on the table, and a relatively straight spring which exerts a biasing force on the rocker arm tending to cause projections on the extremities of the rocker arm to project through cut-out portions of the table and into locking engagement with the cartridge.

Abstract: A mechanism for taking up the slack in a continuous web being fed to the take up mechanism by independent control means. The take up mechanism is automatically switched on whenever feeding of the continuous web by the independent control means commences. The take up mechanism continues to operate as the continuous web is being fed by the independent control means. At such time as the feeding of the continuous web is terminated the automatic take up mechanism continues to take up slack in the paper web until the tension in the paper web precludes further rotation of the geared spindle upon which the continuous web is being wound. Because of the pivotal nature of the drive assembly, comprising a motor and drive gear, the motor continues to turn the drive gear causing the latter to "walk" over the now stationary driven gear and in so doing causes the housing of the motor to come into contact with and depress a microswitch thereby interrupting the flow of electricity to the drive motor.