Abstract: A method and apparatus to index network information is described. A network is searched for files of information relevant to people and resources in a particular field using a search list of weighted links to said files. The information is parsed into content and additional links to additional files. The content is weighted and copied to memory (such as a database). A determination is made as to whether the additional links are relevant to the people and resources in the given technical field. Those additional links that are relevant are weighted using a predetermined weighting algorithm. The relevant additional weighted links are copied to the search list. This process continues until an ending condition occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for determining relative and absolute properties of anatomical matter, such as biological tissue including arteries as well as other surgical and medical materials. An illustrative apparatus includes a probe for probing the properties of the anatomical matter. The probe includes a probe shaft having a sense rod, where the sense rod has a proximal end and a distal end, and where the distal end has a probe tip that is configured to contact and probe the anatomical matter. The probe also includes a sensor in mechanical communication with the sense rod, where the sensor is configured to at least measure tissue relative tissue rigidity and/or absolute tissue rigidity, including rigidity of a material on an interior surface of the tissue, a fluid flow rate in an interior of the tissue, a fluid pressure in an interior of the tissue, and/or a viscosity of a fluid in an interior of the tissue.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of speaklets (MEMS membranes) produces a stream of clicks (discrete pulses of acoustic energy) that are summed to generate the desired soundwave. The speaklets are selected to be energized based on the value of a digital signal. The greater the significance of the bit of the digital signal, the more speaklets that are energized in response to that bit. Thus, a time-varying sound level is generated by time-varying the number of speaklets emitting clicks. Louder sound is generated by increasing the number of speaklets emitting clicks. The present invention represents a substantial advance over the prior art in that sound is generated directly from a digital signal without the need to convert the digital signal first to an analog signal for driving a diaphragm.

Abstract: An actuator including a device made of thin film shape memory material mounted to a substrate. The thin film device is deformed from its original shape. Thereafter, the device is heated to restore the device to its original shape. Motion of the device occurs in the deforming and restoring steps, which is used to produce some form of work result.

Abstract: A computerized transceiver repeatedly sweeps through a set of transmit/receive frequencies to interrogate collectively a plurality of groups of items in a stocking area. Items in each group are tagged with a printed circuit transponder tuned to frequencies uniquely assigned to each group. Data returned is stored and combined mathematically by the computer to arrive at the total number of items in each group. The system is particularly adapted for taking inventory of a large number of retail shelf goods using a mobile transceiver.

Abstract: Miniaturized linear and rotary electrostatic motors. The motors are fabricated by disposing a plurality of conductive lands onto insulating substrates and then filling in the spaces between the lands by deposition of an insulating material. A final layer of insulating material is then disposed over each of the entire surfaces containing the lands to form smooth bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces of two of these elements are placed in contact. In one embodiment, the natural lubrication of the bearing surfaces aids movement. In another embodiment, a special lubricating film is placed between the substrates. Arrangements are made for maintaining alignment of the contacting elements. The lands are selectively energized in a manner to effect movement of one element with respect to the other.

Abstract: An electrically controlled shape memory alloy actuator capable of being miniaturized for use in robotics and other fields. The actuator is made of a shape memory alloy wire which is torsioned end along its longitudinal axis and with its ends constrained against movement. A lever or other suitable element is attached to the wire at a desired point other than at a wire end. A plurality of electrical connections spaced along the wire define a plurality of different sections of the wire. The wire and attached control element is made to rotate by selectively applying voltages to the different sections of the wire to heat the individual sections.

Abstract: A computerized transceiver repeatedly sweeps through a set of transmit/receive frequencies to interrogate collectively a plurality of groups of items in a stocking area. Items in each group are tagged with a printed circuit transponder tuned to frequencies uniquely assigned to each group. Data turned is stored and combined mathematically by the computer to arrive at the total number of items in each group. The system is particularly adapted for taking inventory of a large number of retail shelf goods using a mobile transceiver.