Abstract: A framework for use with object-oriented programming systems provides a case-based reasoning (CBR) system shell that permits a framework user to develop a case base having case histories and generates a case-based reasoning system that receives user requests for query solutions and produces a query solution that can be incorporated into the case base. The framework includes a Session component that controls processing of the CBR system, a Control Flow component that manages the extension of the categories and classes of the OO framework, a Data Store component that stores persistent case structure definitions, case instances, and a change log, a Presentation component that manages the user interface to the CBR system user, and a Query Engine that evaluates a received query against the case base. The case definitions and case base descriptions comprise a set of object oriented classes that are organized into an inheritance hierarchy.

Abstract: A cooler tote apparatus can be attached to existing coolers. A tote apparatus (100) for a rectangular cooler (80) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention includes side panels (120, 122, 124, 126) with elastic portions (110, 112, 114, 116) interposed between and attached to the side panels (120, 122, 124, 126). Side panels (120, 122, 124, 126) may include one or more expandable pockets (130-135). A tote apparatus (300) for a cylindrical cooler (90) in accordance with the first embodiment includes side panels (320, 322) with an elastic portion (310) interposed between and attached to the side panels (320, 322). Side panels (320, 322) may include one or more expandable pockets (330, 332).

Abstract: An object oriented framework mechanism provides a straightforward and convenient way to implement metering within an object-oriented computer program for any type of program that needs to be metered. The object metering framework includes core function and extensible function. Core classes and core class relationships define the core function of the framework mechanism. The extensible function is defined by extensible classes that can be extended by a programmer to implement a desired metering environment. The framework provides consistent programmer interfaces over a wide variety of different metering environments, which greatly enhances programmer efficiency and which makes the resultant code much easier to maintain.

Abstract: An apparatus and several methods provide for a more optimized computer program that will have a faster execution time than was possible using the prior art reordering technique that adds to a trace until it finds no more predecessors or successors to add. The apparatus and methods disclosed herein use a variety of methods to reorder the program portions in a more intelligent manner that will improve its run-time performance. Each of these methods involves constructing traces in the control flow graph of the computer program. In a first embodiment, a basic block is only added to a trace if it is not negligible within predetermined limits. This negligibility test results in traces that are not extended for infrequently executed basic blocks. In a second embodiment, a basic block is only added to a trace if it is a perfect partner with the last basic block added to the trace. The concept of a "perfect partner" helps to match basic blocks together in a trace that have the greatest affinity for each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing spill code in regions of low register pressure determines the register pressure at various locations in the computer program. When a live range is selected for spilling, spill code is generated to relieve the register pressure in regions of high register pressure, while spill code is avoided in regions of low register pressure. In this manner a minimum amount of spill code is generated, enhancing both the compile time and the run time of the resultant instruction stream.

Abstract: An object oriented framework provides a set of objects that perform warehouse control functioning and that permit a framework user to add extensions for specific processing features, thereby producing a warehouse control application program for managing the warehouse distribution system of a company. The framework includes a Product category of classes that contains product information for inventory processing, a Posting Combinations category of classes that define valid posting combinations for the general ledger, a Journals category of classes that create, process, validate, and post general ledger journals, a Bank Transactions category of classes that process bank statements, a Bank Statements and Reconciliation category of classes that reconcile bank statements with bank accounts, and a Closing category of classes that validate and close the current accounting period. These classes provide the base framework upon which an account management application program is developed by the framework user.

Abstract: A building block has a cement-based attachment layer on one or both exterior surfaces of the block that receives and holds a penetrating fastener such as a nail, screw, staple, or the like. This allows surficial coverings such as wallboard, siding or other materials to be easily attached to a block wall made of the building blocks. The block includes substantially semi-cylindrical concave portions that form a cross-linked structure of channels when the blocks are assembled into a wall. Once the blocks have been stacked in place in a wall, grout or other suitable filling material is poured into the cross-linked structure of channels. When the filling material hardens, the blocks are locked together. Surficial covering materials may then be nailed, screwed, or stapled directly to the attachment layer of the blocks.

Abstract: According to the present invention, methods for testing interconnections on an electronic assembly in accordance with the disclosed embodiments eliminate some or all signal line contention during boundary scan testing. Each of these methods assumes that a first sequence of test patterns for testing the interconnects has been generated. A method in accordance with the first embodiment determines a safe pattern, and inserts the safe pattern between every two patterns in the first sequence of test patterns to generate a second sequence of test patterns. A method in accordance with the second embodiment analyzes the first sequence of test patterns, determines when a transition between two test patterns may cause possible signal contention, and inserts a safe test pattern between the two to generate a second sequence of test patterns. When a transition between two test patterns may potentially cause contention, the transition is said to be unsafe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus prepares a joint surface to receive a prosthetic joint implant during the replacement of a defective human joint. In particular the invention provides an implant preparation device that will smooth or alter a bearing surface of a first side of a joint before surgically attaching a joint implant to a second side of the joint. The implant or joint preparation device has an abrasive bearing surface that is used to smooth the bearing surface of the remaining natural joint.

Abstract: An object oriented framework mechanism provides a straightforward and convenient way to implement an source code repository for tracking the configuration of various releases of a software product. The source code repository framework includes several classes that are extensible according to the needs of the user. The class relationships define the core function of the framework mechanism. Extensible classes include a source class, a product class, a release class, a version class, a data class, and a lock state class. These extensible classes are extended by a programmer to implement a desired source code repository environment. The framework provides consistent programmer interfaces over a wide variety of different source code repository environments, which greatly enhances programmer efficiency and which makes the resultant code much easier to maintain.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an externalization service method for managing objects and state data related to the objects is disclosed. The present invention provides a method whereby objects with references to other objects can be stored in streams and can be referenced across processes, while maintaining the original object characteristics and relationships. The present invention is an extension to the existing Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) specification for externalization and can manage objects without the inherent limitations of known externalization methods. The objects of the present invention are managed by an object reference manager (reference manager) which is capable of storing and using state data and other object-related data to manage objects and the references to other objects. This information includes all information that is necessary to restore the object's characteristics, security access, state data, etc. when the object is recreated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coloring an interference graph eliminates register copy instructions in an instruction stream by taking into consideration the colors of a node's direct or transitive partners when choosing a color for a node. By assigning a color to a node that is also the color of a direct or transitive partner, register copy instructions between the two partners may be eliminated. If more than one of the partners at any given level are colored, one of the colors may be selected over the others using an appropriate heuristic, such as a scheme that weights the colors appropriately.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows a compiler to optimize code in the presence of exception handlers. According to a first embodiment, arcs are added to a control flow graph, prior to performing global optimizations, to account for exception handling code. According to the second embodiment, information relating to control flow to exception handlers is provided in pseudo-references in the code, which allows the compiler to determine how to appropriately optimize the code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coloring an interference graph yields a higher number of colored nodes by taking into consideration the colors of neighbors of a node's uncolored constrained neighbors. By assigning a color to a node that is also the color of a neighbor of an uncolored constrained neighbor, one color constraint is removed, increasing the probability of coloring the uncolored constrained neighbor. If more than one of the neighbors of the uncolored constrained neighbors are colored, one of the colors may be selected over the others using an appropriate heuristic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for truncating runaway lifetimes of program variables calculates liveness for each variable based on upwardly exposed uses. Reaching definitions are then calculated for at least the program variables that have runaway lifetimes. The liveness information is compared to the reaching definition information to determine whether a variable that is live upon entry to a basic block has a definition that reaches the end of each predecessor block, or has a use within the basic block. If the reaching definition for a variable reaches the beginning of the block and if there is a predecessor block for which there is no reaching definition, the variable has a runaway lifetime. The variable also has a runaway lifetime if there is a use of the variable in a block without a reaching definition for the variable at the beginning of the block. The runaway lifetime is truncated by inserting an instruction such as a pseudo-definition of the variable into the instruction stream at an appropriate place.