Abstract:
An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
Abstract:
A piston pump for dispensing foam by simultaneously dispensing air and liquid through a foam generator and in which air to be dispensed is drawn into a chamber from which it is to be dispensed, at least in part, through an air inlet passageway which is different than a flow path out which foam is dispensed. A lost link valve arrangement provides for relative motion to open the air inlet passageway when air is drawn into the chamber and to close the air inlet passageway when air is forced out of the chamber to a dispensing outlet. Preferably, the lost link valve arrangement is provided by a piston carrying an actuator member coaxially slidable thereon to selectively open and close the air inlet passageway.
Abstract:
A universal wall plate which can be secured to a wall and to which a variety of dispensers can readily be secured and removed with minimal effort, without the need to remove the wall panel and without causing damage to the wall.
Abstract:
A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
Abstract:
A method and structure for automatically scheduling a meeting in an electronic calendar system. Calendars of all participants invited to a meeting being scheduled are accessed. Each participant's calendar is checked whether that participant is available for the meeting, in accordance with a priority of the meeting. The meeting is scheduled on each participant's calendar if all said participants are available.
Abstract:
An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
Abstract:
A data processing system having shared memory accessible through a transaction-based bus mechanism. A plurality of system components, including a central processor, are coupled to the bus mechanism. The bus mechanism includes a cache coherency transaction within its transaction set. The cache coherency transaction comprises a request issued by one of the system components that is recognized by a cache unit of the central processor as an explicit command to perform a cache coherency operation. The transaction further comprises a response issued by the central processor indicating status of the cache coherency operation.
Abstract:
An automated system and method for budgeting technology expenses for an individual based on an objective standard, wherein the system comprises a database comprising a list of technologies used by the individual; a controller connected to the database, the controller being adapted to establish a monetary budget allotment for the individual corresponding to use of the technologies by the individual; at least one data component connected to the controller, the data component comprising specifications attributed to the individual, wherein the specifications comprise rules for defining the monetary budget allotment for the individual; and at least one monitor connected to the controller, the monitor being adapted to track dynamic parameters affecting the monetary budget allotment for the individual, wherein the individual comprises a mobile employee performing work-related duties for an organization.