Abstract: A system includes a hardware platform, at least one driver, a plurality of devices connected to the hardware platform, a middleware interface, and a plurality of software services. Each of the plurality of devices is selected from the group consisting of sensors and actuators. The plurality of software services is generated by the at least one driver, wherein a software service associates with a device, and wherein each of the software services complies with the middleware interface. A method for interfacing a plurality of devices to a hardware platform includes communicably connecting each of the plurality of devices to the hardware platform, converting each of the plurality of devices into a programmable software service using a driver, and programming each of the software services to comply with a middleware interface.

Abstract: A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. Billing is alternatively based on a store-credit or account debiting scheme. The recording of program materials may be directed automatically by subscriber-operated storage management facilities which scan program schedules and select materials to be recorded, based on title, cast, program genre or any other of a variety of viewer/listener preferences. Alternatively, the program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections.

Abstract: A system includes a hardware platform, at least one driver, a plurality of devices connected to the hardware platform, a middleware interface, and a plurality of software services. Each of the plurality of devices is selected from the group consisting of sensors and actuators. The plurality of software services is generated by the at least one driver, wherein a software service associates with a device, and wherein each of the software services complies with the middleware interface. A method for interfacing a plurality of devices to a hardware platform includes communicably connecting each of the plurality of devices to the hardware platform, converting each of the plurality of devices into a programmable software service using a driver, and programming each of the software services to comply with a middleware interface.

Abstract: This invention provides a combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer tag which comprises a plurality of fluorescent molecules, comprising one or more energy transfer donor and one or more energy transfer acceptor, linked through a molecular scaffold wherein the fluorescent molecules are separated along the scaffold to produce a unique fluorescene emission signature. The invention further provides for the use of said tags in multi-component analyses, including multiplex biological analyses.

Abstract: An automated punching arrangement for punching successive sheets or lifts from an input stack of sheets, and arranging those sheets in an output stack. The automated punching arrangement receives the stack at an input platform that automatically advances the stack into the machine where a picker picks a sheet or successive lifts from the stack and delivers them along an input path into direct registration in a die set. Punched sheets are advanced out of the punch at a 90° angle from the input path along an output path, and inverted by an inverter to the output stack on an output platform. The punched stack of sheets is then advanced out of the machine. The machine includes automated set up including reading of dedicated identifying markers on die sets and resulting adjustment of the die set position within the machine and of the back plate within the die set.

Abstract: A punching station that utilizes low cost, interchangeable, linearly operating die sets, and may be disposed in line with a printer to punch individual sheets as they proceed through the printer. Sheets exiting a printer or other machine are rapidly accelerated along a circuitous path in the punching station, and then into position between the die plates of a linearly actuated die. The sheet is stopped and punched, and then rapidly accelerated out of the punch to exit the punching station. Each sheet is accelerated to a speed that is typically greater than the speed of the sheet as it exits the printer. Die sets having different pin sizes and configurations are interchangeable within the punching station in order to permit rapid die changes, and the die pins are preferably made of powdered metal to yield low cost die sets.

Abstract: A sheet or sheet stack handling system for performing at least one operation on successive sheets or stacks of sheets, and interface for the same, wherein the document handling system includes at least two modules selected from a group consisting of an elevator transfer station, a modular transfer station, a storage station, a transportation cart, and a modular processing station. When more than one modular processing station are coupled to form the document handling system, the system may be utilized to perform a series of operations on successive sheets or stacks of sheets. Alternately, the individual processing stations or a group of the processing stations may be utilized to perform only certain functions on the sheets. The modules each contain a plurality of parallel, spaced, elongated support surfaces that form a sheet support surface.

Abstract: A set feeding apparatus (10) separates an uppermost set of paper sheets from a staggered stack of sets (36) with a platform (34) that biases the stack toward a carriage (42) that is moveable with respect to the stack. The carriage includes a cam-activated pic and a knife head that combine to raise the uppermost set from the stack. A plow then engages the raised portion of the uppermost set to move the set off of the stack.

Abstract: A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. Billing is alternatively based on a store-credit or account debiting scheme. The recording of program materials may be directed automatically by subscriber-operated storage management facilities which scan program schedules and select materials to be recorded, based on title, cast, program genre or any other of a variety of viewer/listener preferences. Alternatively, the program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections.

Abstract: A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. The program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections. Display generation circuitry is preferably implemented, enabling the viewer to review selections to be downloaded, those selections available for immediate replay, remaining account balance, and other features, including “parental lockout” and so forth.

Abstract: A feeder roller apparatus for high speed image scanning equipment, which improves feeding of documents, and in particular short documents, sequentially fed from a stack. The feeder apparatus comprises a PIC roller and an infeed roller which are selectively, independently driven via a dual drive shaft, composed of an inner drive shaft and an outer drive shaft, driven together or selectively, independently by a main motor. An electro-mechanical clutch, when energized is used to drive the PIC roller. A sensor is provided downstream of the rollers to recognize when a document is being fed. Initially, the clutch is energized, and both rollers are driven. When the first sheet reaches the sensor, the clutch is de-energized, cutting off the drive to the PIC roller. The main motor continues driving only the infeed roller until the first sheet is fed.

Abstract: A feeder roller apparatus for high speed image scanning equipment, which improves feeding of documents, and in particular short documents, sequentially fed from a stack. The feeder apparatus comprises a PIC roller and an infeed roller which are selectively, independently driven via a dual drive shaft, composed of an inner drive shaft and an outer drive shaft, driven together or selectively, independently by a main motor. An electro-mechanical clutch, when energized is used to drive the PIC roller. A sensor is provided downstream of the rollers to recognize when a document is being fed. Initially, the clutch is energized, and both rollers are driven. When the first sheet reaches the sensor, the clutch is de-energized, cutting off the drive to the PIC roller. The main motor continues driving only the infeed roller until the first sheet is fed.

Abstract: A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. Billing is alternatively based on a store-credit or account debiting scheme. The recording of program materials may be directed automatically by subscriber-operated storage management facilities which scan program schedules and select materials to be recorded, based on title, cast, program genre or any other of a variety of viewer/listener preferences. Alternatively, the program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections.

Abstract: A video time-shifting system characterized in having a continuous recording track accessed by separate, asychronous read and write facilities enables playback of a video program to commence from any point in the program while continuing to be recorded in real time, thus providing VCR-like program control features such as PAUSE/RESUME, REWIND, and FAST FORWARD. A memory is used to store information relating to various points in the program so that even upon receipt of multiple PAUSE commands, the system automatically keeps track of correct program re-entry. In the preferred embodiment, the storage means takes the form of a continuous recording track in a magnetic disk drive.

Abstract: A stored program pay-per-play system includes a high-capacity storage medium facilitating compilation of video, audio or other programs at a subscriber's site. While the recording of such programs may take place at any time preceding playback, billing occurs only when, and if, the subscriber chooses to select a program for replay or actually enjoys the program substantially in its entirety. Billing is alternatively based on a store-credit or account debiting scheme. The recording of program materials may be directed automatically by subscriber-operated storage management facilities which scan program schedules and select materials to be recorded, based on title, cast, program genre or any other of a variety of viewer/listener preferences. Alternatively, the program provider may automatically download programs, either based upon actual or surmised viewer preferences, or at the provider's discretion, for example, using newly-available selections.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for a defrosting operation of a heat pump. External air provides the heat for defrosting the exterior heat exchanger by operating the exterior fan during times when the compressor is not operating, the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger is below freezing and the exterior air temperature is above freezing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger and the exterior are measured via separate temperature sensors. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured via a single temperature sensor and the exterior fan is operated for a predetermined interval of time after the compressor is stopped. Thereafter the exterior fan is operated only so long as the temperature remains at freezing. In a still further embodiment, the exterior fan is operated only so long as it remains less than or equal to freezing and does not reach a plateau at less than freezing.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for a defrosting operation of a heat pump. External air provides the heat for defrosting the exterior heat exchanger by operating the exterior fan during times when the compressor is not operating, the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger is below freezing and the exterior air temperature is above freezing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger and the exterior are measured via separate temperature sensors. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured via a single temperature sensor and the exterior fan is operated for a predetermined interval of time after the compressor is stopped. Thereafter the exterior fan is operated only so long as the temperature remains at freezing. In a still further embodiment, the exterior fan is operated only so long as it remains less than or equal to freezing and does not reach a plateau at less than freezing.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for a defrosting opereation of a heat pump. External air provides the heat for defrosting the exterior heat exchanger by operating the exterior fan during times when the compressor is not operating, the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger is below freezing and the exterior air temperature is above freezing. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger and the exterior are measured via separate temperature sensors. In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured via a single temperature sensor and the exterior fan is operated for a predetermined interval of time after the compressor is stopped. Thereafter the exterior fan is operated only so long as the temperature remains at freezing. In a still further embodiment, the exterior fan is operated only so long as it remains less than or equal to freezing and does not reach a plateau at less than freezing.

Abstract: The present invention is an adaptive method and apparatus for detecting the formation of frost in a heat pump. The compressor cycle is interrupted and a defrosting operation is begun if the difference between the exterior ambient temperature and exterior heat exchanger temperature exceeds a difference function of the exterior ambient temperature. The length this defrosting cycle is measured and the difference function is altered if the measured length deviates from a predetermined length of time. The frost formation difference function is initially set as a linear approximation. Thereafter the difference function value at the particular exterior ambient temperature is increased if the length the defrosting is greater than an upper limit value of six minutes and decreased if the length the defrosting is less than a lower limit value of four minutes.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for determining the exterior ambient temperature in a heat pump. In accordance with the prior art the heat pump defrosts the exterior heat exchanger if the exterior heat exchanger temperature has a predetermined relationship to the exterior ambient temperature. The exterior heat exchanger temperature is measured directly via a temperature sensor. The improvement of the present invention includes operating the exterior fan after operation of the compressor, while repetitively measuring the temperature of the exterior heat exchanger until reaching a plateau temperature other than freezing. The exterior ambient temperature is set to the plateau temperature. In the event that the plateau temperature equals freezing, the exterior ambient temperature is set equal to a compromise temperature slightly above freezing, preferably 34 degrees Fahrenheit.