Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for constructing a multi-level solver, comprising decomposing a graph into a plurality of pieces, wherein each of the pieces has a plurality of edges and a plurality of interface nodes, and wherein the interface nodes in the graph are fewer in number than the edges in the graph; producing a local preconditioner for each of the pieces; and aggregating the local preconditioners to form a global preconditioner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for solving a system on a symmetric diagonally dominant matrix. The method includes constructing an equivalent symmetric diagonally dominant linear system Ax=b from the system on a symmetric diagonally dominant matrix, wherein the matrix A of the equivalent linear system Ax=b has negative off-diagonal entries and zero row sums; constructing a graph of the matrix A of the equivalent linear system; constructing a decomposition of the graph; constructing a two-level process using the decomposition of the graph, wherein the two-level process includes reducing the equivalent linear system Ax=b to a linear system By=c; and extending the two-level process to a multi-level process having more than two levels.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system having a feature section including at least one module, at least one operational unit mounted to the module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit. The local controller is adapted to receive a reference signal and to control the operation of the operational unit based upon the reference signal.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system having a feature section including at least one module, at least one operational unit mounted to the module and a local controller operatively connected to the operational unit.