Abstract: A programmable object model includes a plurality of object-oriented message calls for application programming interfaces allowing a user to programmatically access the schema validation model of an application by sending message calls and required parameters to the schema validation model to customize or otherwise modify the operation of the schema validation model as desired by the user. Once the user has access to the schema validation model of an application, the user may attach Extensible Markup Language (XML) schema files to a document and control definitions, grammatical rules, and other settings dictated by the attached XML schema file. The user also is allowed to customize the application's native schema validation functionality with user-defined rules and error text. The XML schema validation model of an application may be accessed from a user-created program written according to a variety of different languages such as C, C++, C#, and Visual Basic.

Abstract: An exemplary heating system can be configured with a control system configured for controlling the heating system to reduce inefficiencies, and/or allow the heating system to operate in a relatively optimum manner. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a closed-loop control system may be configured to control various portions of the heating system based, at least in part, upon signals and/or information received from various sensors of the heating system. For example, among various other types of information provided within a closed-loop feedback, control may be configured based upon the pressure within the combustion chamber. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the closed-loop control system may determine a portion of the heating system is not operating properly, based at least in part upon feedback from one or more sensors configured within the heating system.

Abstract: Self-describing portions of text or data are provided for associating with or inserting in a computer-generated document. Portions of a document, such as individual paragraphs or groups of paragraphs or fragments of text, are provided self-describing properties, such as file format type associated with the portion, style, font, list type, and the like. If such a portion of a document is subsequently linked to or copied or moved to a second document or to a different location in a first document, the self-describing properties provided for the portion travel with the portion to the second document or to the different location in the first document. An application receiving the content portion may consume and display the portion according to the properties provided for the portion.

Abstract: A programmable object model allows a user to programmatically access and utilize a Namespace or schema library containing XML schema files and related XML-based resources for associating the schema files and XML-based resources with one or more documents and for customizing the functionality associated with the schema files and XML-based resources. The programmable object model also allows the user/programmer to remove schema files and other XML-based resources from association with previously associated documents.

Abstract: A conversion tool that is automatically launched enables file formats not understood by a given application to be opened by that application. The converter registers for file types that are not already associated with an application used by the system. When a file that is not supported by another application is opened, the converter automatically converts the file to the target format and then opens the file causing the application that is registered for the target format to be launched.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically replicating table rows and cells marked up with Extensible Markup Language (XML) data (markup) to create new table rows and cells containing the same XML markup as a selected row and cells from which the new row and cells are replicated. A table row with one or more cells may be selected for replication. The selected row (source row) is parsed to determine XML markup (XML elements (tags)) applied to the row or cells contained therein. A new row(s) and corresponding cell(s) is created. XML markup applied to the source row and its cells is automatically applied to the new row and cells contained therein.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for removing malicious code from a file in a first file format by converting the file into a converted file of a second file format. In embodiments, converting the file eliminates malicious code embedded within the file from being stored in the converted file. The conversion is performed within a restricted computer process that has restricted privileges limiting its access to an operating system and an underlying computer system. As a result, even if malicious code embedded within the file executes while the file is being converted into the converted file, the damage to a computer system is mitigated because of the limited privileges provided to the restricted process.

Abstract: A programmable object model allows a user/programmer to programmatically access the Extensible Markup Language (XML) functionality of a software application. The programmable object model is comprised of a plurality of object-oriented message calls or application programming interfaces for allowing a user to access the XML functionality of an application by sending one or more object-oriented message calls or application programming interfaces to the XML functionality of a given application along with any required parameters for customizing or otherwise manipulating XML markup applied to a document.

Abstract: Regions within editable objects of electronic document can be defined such that specific editing permissions can be granted to specific users for specific regions. The regions can be expressed in a ML format such that a variety of applications that consume ML content can operate in accordance with the granted permissions.

Abstract: A draft control system and method can provide for automated control of the air drafting for heating systems. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. Draft plate control system can comprise a control unit, one or more input devices, and one or more actuation systems. During operation, the control unit can receive a signal from an input device and use the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one or more draft plates.

Abstract: Content that is stored using a non-native format is imported into a document using a native open file format. A document structured according to the open file format is designed such that it is made up of a collection of modular parts that are stored within a container. Non-native content is imported into an application's native file format by including the non-native content into one or more of the modular parts of the document. The non-native content is included within a part without the need to change the formatting of the non-native content. The application accesses the included non-native content and imports the non-native content to the native format of the application.

Abstract: A system and method for validating an extensible markup language (XML) document and reporting schema violations in real time. A parallel tree is maintained that includes nodes corresponding to non-native XML elements of the XML document. When changes occur to the XML document, the non-native XML elements corresponding to the changes are marked. The nodes corresponding the marked non-native XML elements are validated against an XML schema that corresponds to the non-native XML markup. The elements and nodes corresponding to errors in the non-native XML markup are then reported to the user according to display indicators in the XML document and the parallel tree.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for imposing structure onto a freeform or irregular table so that a subsequent consuming application may use the table, including presentation of the table and location of the data in the table. A generic grid structure is created having a plurality of uniformly-shaped cells such that if the generic grid is overlaid onto the irregular table, each cell within the irregular table may be located based on its position relative to the uniform cells or grids. The grid structure creates a coordinate system for defining the shape of the irregular table, for defining locations and shapes of cells comprising the irregular table and for addressing the locations of data contained in the irregular table.

Abstract: A draft control system and method can provide for automated control of the air drafting for heating systems. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary draft control system comprises at least one draft plate and a draft plate control system. Draft plate control system can comprise a control unit, one or more input devices, and one or more actuation systems. During operation, the control unit can receive a signal from an input device and use the actuation system to automatically adjust the amount of air intake by controlling movement of one or more draft plates.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a tree view showing unannotated text nodes in a corresponding data formatted document. When the user begins to annotate the document with a desired data format structure, such as a markup language like XML, a tree view pane is displayed to the user to provide the user with an outline of the data structure presently applied to the document or to provide the user with an outline of the data structure applied to the document as the user annotates the document with data structure. In the tree view, an indicator is displayed in the location of any unannotated text nodes relative to their sibling data elements. If the user focuses on a given unannotated text node indicator in the tree view, the corresponding text node in the corresponding document is highlighted to the user to show the user the location of the text node that has not been annotated with data structure.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for downloading software components from a remote source to a software application for providing updates or additions to the application's functionality. All components and files that may be utilized to update or add to functionality available to the application are identified and are assembled on a manifest that may be located on a remote web server accessible by the application. If components of the application should be updated, or corrections or improvements to existing components are available, or new functionality is available that will transform the user's existing application and document into a “smart” application and “smart” document, the application may connect to the web server to download the required components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards providing mixed content flexibility for word-processing document in an XML (or ML) file format. Mixed content can be provided within an XML file such that validation of the file will not produce errors even when an associated schema does not recognize the text. Additionally, the XML (or ML) file can be output such that the mixed content does not appear in the output file.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fireplace system and method for facilitating changes in appearance of a fireplace are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary reconfigurable fireplace system comprises a fireplace having a plurality of design zones that are readily configurable for changes in appearance, with any one or more of the design zones being capable of design changes comprising one or more similar and/or different accents or design elements. As a result, a user can suitably choose a particular design appearance for the fireplace, and then if desired, alter or modify that appearance in numerous ways without having to replace the complete fireplace. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary fireplace comprises at least three zones, with each such zone being configured with one or more accents or design elements to alter the design appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards representing the native document settings of an application in a markup language such as XML. Applications that are capable of parsing the markup language are then able to parse the saved document settings and handle the document accordingly. Document settings saved in XML are human-readable, which simplifies maintenance of the document by humans.

Abstract: A robotic tool coupling system includes a first connecting unit including a piston movable along a longitudinal axis. The piston includes a multifaceted contact surface comprising a tapered locking surface; an initial actuating surface having an angle with respect to the axis not greater than the angle of the tapered locking surface; and a failsafe surface interposed between the tapered locking surface and the initial actuating surface. The system includes a second connecting unit having a plurality of rolling members disposed in a retention chamber including at least one angled surface operative to lock the first and second units together when the rolling members are forced against the angled surfaces by the tapered locking surface. The piston contact surface may additionally include a step surface, generally normal to the longitudinal axis, and a retention surface generally parallel to the axis.