Abstract: A gas transfer system is provided for establishing or maintaining a predetermined gas pressure within a plenum, such as a tire. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas transfer system includes a power source, a pressure sensor, a control unit, and a gas transfer mechanism. Preferably, a gas transfer mechanism includes a micromechanical device, comprising one or more pumping units that transfer gas from one pressure zone to another. In one embodiment, pumping is accomplished, in part, by heating the gas within a sealable chamber of a pumping unit to cause the pressure of the gas to increase. In another embodiment, the change in pressure of the gas caused by compression of a tire provides a pumping force. Valves are provided for regulating movement of the gas through the gas transfer mechanism and can include electromechanical valves responsive to signals from the control unit, or passively biased valves responsive to applied gas pressure.

Abstract: A gas transfer system is provided for establishing or maintaining a predetermined gas pressure within a plenum, such as a tire. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas transfer system includes a power source, a pressure sensor, a control unit, and a gas transfer mechanism. Preferably, a gas transfer mechanism includes a micromechanical device, comprising one or more pumping units that transfer gas from one pressure zone to another. In one embodiment, pumping is accomplished, in part, by heating the gas within a sealable chamber of a pumping unit to cause the pressure of the gas to increase. In another embodiment, the change in pressure of the gas caused by compression of a tire provides a pumping force. Valves are provided for regulating movement of the gas through the gas transfer mechanism and can include electromechanical valves responsive to signals from the control unit, or passively biased valves responsive to applied gas pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer retrieval of database material which may be text, computer programs, graphics, audio, object classes, action specifications or other material which may be machine stored. Annotations are provided for at least selected database subdivisions, preferably with natural language questions, assertions or noun phrases or some combination/collection thereof. However, the annotations may also initially be generated in a structured form. Annotations are, if required, converted to a structured form and are stored in that form along with connections to corresponding subdivisions. Searching for relevant subdivisions involves entering a query in natural language or structured form, converting natural language queries to structured form, matching the structured form query against stored annotations and retrieving database subdivisions connected to matched annotations.

Abstract: A data processing system and method for searching for improved results from the process utilizes genetic learning and optimization processes. The process is controlled according to a trial set of parameters. Trial sets are selected on the basis of an overall ranking based on results of the process as performed with a trial set. The ranking may be based on quality, or on a combination of rankings based on both quality and diversity. The data processing system and method are applicable to manufacturing processes, database search processes, and the design of products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer text retrieval which involves annotating at least selected text subdivisions, preferably with natural language questions, assertions or noun phrases. However, the annotations may also initially be generated in a structured form. Annotations are, if required, converted to a structured form and are stored in that form. Searching for relevant text subdivisions involves entering a query in natural language or structured form, converting natural language queries to structured form, matching the structured form query against stored annotations and retrieving text subdivisions connected to matched annotations. The annotation process may be aided by utilizing various techniques for automatically or semiautomatically generating the annotations.