Abstract: A computerized method is presented for the management of job distribution among a population of networked production machines through balancing of the usage load over the population of networked machines based upon wear data. The method includes initializing a production server, which communicates with the networked production machines. The wear rate for each monitored component within each machine is synchronized, as is the residual life for each monitored component. The residual life value for each networked production machine is communicated to the production server. A determination is made as to whether a job request has arrived, and production machine(s) are selected to perform the job, with selection based on the state of wear of each networked production machine and the wear policy being applied to the network. The residual life values for the selected production machine(s) are updated based on the requirements of the job.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method collects operational state and usage data from a population of networked machines in communication with a service center for the purpose of adjusting service schedules. The method includes applying domain knowledge to develop one or more hypotheses defining a correlation between usage/environment and the operational health of the machine(s). The method gathers usage data from the machines, deletes unrelated usage data at a preprocessing stage, and identifies suitable data mining tasks and techniques for analysis of the data. Data mining tools are applied to discover knowledge pertaining to the one or more hypotheses. Discovered knowledge is interpreted and a determination is made on whether to refine the one or more hypotheses. When a determination is made not to continue refining the one or more hypotheses, the manufacturer's service schedule is adjusted and feedback is provided to the machine population.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of modification of an image prior to scanning by a scanning device having a scanning element, a viewing surface, a glass platen, and a controller having memory capability, includes opaque adjustable bounding strips. The bounding strips are viewable through the viewing surface of the scanning device and are located between the inside surface of the glass platen and the scanning element. The bounding strips are movable to identify a selected portion of an image to be scanned. The apparatus also includes software for performing a scan of the selected portion of the image and identifying its location, based on the location of the adjustable bounding strips.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for increasing the number of memory cells associated with a lithographic feature. The systems comprise memory elements that are formed on the sidewalls of the lithographic feature by employing various depositing and etching processes. The side wall memory cells can have a bit line of the wafer as the first electrode and operate with a second formed electrode to activate a portion of an organic matter that is formed there between.

Abstract: A PC board actuator that emulates a muscle fiber includes a first pressure source, a second pressure source lower than the first source, at least one expansion chamber alternately communicating with the first and second pressure sources, first and second valves mounted with the PC board that opens and closes the chamber with respect to the first and second pressure sources, and an actuator member interacting with the expansion chamber to apply a force to the object. The actuator is preferably formed using planar batch technology and the valves preferably comprise electrically controllable flap valves mounted on the PC board. Alternatively, the actuator includes antagonistically arranged expansion chambers that operatively apply reciprocating forces to the object. In other embodiments, the actuator includes plural expansion chambers arranged in series or in parallel in order to increase the overall extent of attainable displacement or to amplify the force generated by the actuator.