Abstract: A method of operating a distributed processing, interactive computer network is described. The network is designed to provide very large numbers of simultaneous users access to large numbers of applications which feature interactive text/graphic sessions. The network includes one or more servers, interactive applications, and one or more reception systems, the reception systems being capable of communicating with the respective servers and receiving applications from them. In this arrangement, application are structured from packets termed “objects”, the objects including the display data and/or program code required to support execution of the application. When a request for an application is received at a reception system, if any objects for the application are unavailable from the reception system, the objects are requested from the server and supplied to the reception systems requesting the application objects.

Abstract: A system and method for providing classified ads over the Internet. The system includes a plurality of regional newspaper World Wide Web servers, and associated newspaper classified ad generators; a central classified ad information collection and distribution facility, and a central World Wide Web application server facility, all connected to the Internet such that Internet users can connect to the Newspaper Web server and central Web application server facility to search for and obtain classified ads. The Web application server facility includes one of more application servers and one or more newspaper classified ad database servers. The system apparatus features elements which enable Internet users to enter the system at the newspaper Web server and subsequently search for classified ads held in the ad databases at the database servers thorugh the application servers at the central Wed application facility.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a distributed processing, interactive computer network. The network is intended to provide very large numbers of simultaneous users access to large numbers of applications which include pre-created, interactive text/graphic sessions. The network includes one or more servers, interactive applications, and one or more user reception systems. The respective reception systems are designed to and are capable of communicating with the respective servers and receiving applications from them. The respective reception systems feature a display interface, as well as reception system software, operating system software and CPU for executing the applications and presenting applications to respective users.

Abstract: A method for locating application records in an interactive-service database is described. The method features steps for creating multiple search tables which represent subsets of the database to be interrogated; for example the applications of an interactive service. In accord with the method, steps are provided for arranging the tables with keyword, record locators, indexed to record identifiers. Additionally, the method includes steps for providing each table with a unique coding and steps for generating table codes at the user reception system in response to a query for a database record entered with a variety of search strategies; as for example, character string searching approximating the record sought, alphabetized record searching, subject matter category searching and personalized record searching, among others. Further, the method includes steps for comparing the table code generated with available table codes for the database to select a table suited for the query.

Abstract: Method for suppressing borer attack and accompanying erosion in a marine structure such as a pier or dock, and a borer-immune structure resulting from application of the method. The method features steps for encasing the exposed surfaces of a wooden marine structure with a plurality of rigid plates sized to the surfaces to be encased. Steps are provided for supplying a water-resistant sealant at predetermined regions on the plates such that the sealant may be spread over predetermined portions of the structure surface and the plates by clamping the plates and sealant to the marine structure with a corrosive resistant fastener. The method also preferably includes steps for providing the encasing plates with sealant-locating furrows at the plate faces that mate with the marine structure to be encased, the locating furrows being provided for receiving the sealant at a prescribed location relative to plate borders and for pre-measuring the amount of sealant to be applied.

Abstract: A method for presenting applications in an interactive service featuring steps for generating screen displays of the service applications at the reception systems of the respective users. Steps are provided for generating the application displays as screens having a plurality of partitions, the partitions being constructed from reusable elements. In accord with the method, the screens include at least a first partition at which an application may be presented and a second, concurrently displayed partition including command functions for managing the display. The method further includes steps for providing command functions that facilitate random navigation to new applications with a variety of different procedures which the user can choose from. In (preferred) one form, the functions are presented as a command bar located at the bottom of the screen.

Abstract: A distributed processing, interactive computer network and method of operation is described. The network is designed to provide very large numbers of simultaneous users access to large numbers of applications which feature interactive text/graphic sessions. The network includes one or more host computers having application data stores; a plurality of concentrator computers, also including application data stores, the concentrator computers being connected in groups of one of more to each of the host computers; and a plurality of reception system computers connected in groups of one or more to each of the concentrator computers, the reception system computers being arranged so that respective users can request interactive applications at the reception system computers. In accordance with the design, the reception system computers also include application data stores.

Abstract: A torque regulating coupling for use with an impact wrench drive and socket, the coupling for connecting an impact wrench drive to the a wrench socket used to tighten threaded fasteners so that the maximum torque applied to the fastener can be limited to a predetermined value. The coupling featuring a slider, movably mounted within in a coupling body which is adapted to be connected to the wrench drive. Additionally, the coupling includes a multi-element, torque transmission member axially disposed within the coupling body and arranged to be connected to a wrench socket for engaging the fastener. Still further the coupling includes a an adjustment mechanism that has a sleeve and position pin in one form and sleeve and gear train in another for locating the slider along the length of the transmission member to regulate the maximum amount of torque delivered from the wrench drive to the fastener.

Abstract: A method for storing data in an interactive computer network is described. In preferred form, the method features steps for establishing data stores of prescribed capacities within a network for delivering an interactive service. The stored data is used in presenting the applications that makeup the service. The method features steps for associating storage control parameters with the application data to be stored and supplying data to the respective stores in excess of their respective capacities. The method includes steps for retaining data at the stores based on the respective prescribed storage control parameters and the date usage experience at the respective stores. In preferred form, the method features steps for providing the data stores with a temporary cache for storing data during a data use session and a variable-content, permanent, file for retaining data between data use sessions.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for selectively monitoring the light intensity emitted from an oil-burner flame for purposes of determining when the burner is in need of preventative maintenance. The apparatus features a monitoring system including: a sensor for detecting burner, flame-light intensity; a comparator for comparing the light intensity sensed to predetermined upper and lower limits; a display for indicating whether the burner is operating acceptably or whether it requires maintenance; and a discriminator for selectively coupling out-of-range, intensity indications representative of a need for maintenance to the display. The discriminator includes measurement-threshold circuitry for determining whether the burner has successfully ignited and whether the flame generated has been sustained long enough to assure thermal stabilization.

Abstract: Method for improving the process of uploading data from a terminal computer to a host computer with interactive, data receiving screens. The method features use of spreadsheet software to format data to be uploaded in a data source file. The data to be uploaded is laid out in single-row, multi-column form within the spreadsheet so that vivid, hard copy journals of the data may be created that facilitate examination of the data and memorializes its existence. Additionally, the data layout may be transformed and provided with additional information using the spreadsheet to create the data source file having a single-column, multi-row format suitable to facilitate entry of the data to the interactive screens for uploading. Additionally, the method features use of a management program that includes instruction for directing and coordinating the feeding of the data contained the source file to an interface program that enters the data in the predetermined fields of the interactive screens.

Abstract: An interactive computer system network enables a user to display desired information, such as news, financial and cultural information, and perform desired transactional services, such as banking and shopping, through any of a plurality of types of personal computers. User inputs are received by the personal computer and are translated into personal computer-independent data objects and executable code objects which are then processed by the network. These objects comprise partitioned applications required to process user inputs, portions of which are distributed and stored either locally within the personal computer or remotely in a host computer. User characteristics are monitored by the system in order to generate and display specific advertisements to the user based on individual usage characteristics and predetermined interests.

Abstract: A compound building member for use in fabricating structures. The member in a first form includes a plurality of elements having a rotationally asymmetric closed plane cross section, the rotational asymmetric elements are helically wound in complementary fashion and intertwined to form a cylindrical lattice body that extends in the members longitudinal direction. In addition, the rotationally asymmetrical elements are twisted about their longitudinal axis to form peaks and valleys in the elements. Further, the elements are aligned when intertwined such that the twist valleys are located at element cross points and the twist peaks located between successive element cross points so that the elements nest with one another at the cross points. Additionally, the slope between the twist valley and peak form shoulders that restrain movement of the member elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the stitch length of double lock stitch sewing machine while the machine is in operation. The apparatus including a first transmission having a variable transmission ratio that can be connected to the machine needle rocking assembly, and a second transmission having a variable transmission ration that can be connected to the machine feed dog assembly. Additionally, the apparatus includes an actuator connected to the first and second transmission that may be activated by a machine operator for synchronously changing the transmission ratio of the first and second transmission to effect change in the machine stitch.

Abstract: An improved superregenerative detector including input elements for receiving a high frequency carrier signal having an amplitude envelope upon which an information signal is impressed, the detector also including a first and a second oscillator and output elements for producing an output signal corresponding to the information signal. The detector features use of feedback components among the output elements, the feedback components including an operational amplifier and reference signal connected to the first and second oscillators such that the output signal of the operational amplifier may be used to constrain a transistor that defines the first amplifier to operate within its linear portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for remotely controlling electrical loads having resistive or complex impedances. The apparatus features a controller having a transmitter and a companion receiver. The transmitter is preferably hand-held and includes a command generator at which commands are selected; a modulator responsive to the command signals for generating modulation signals containing the load control information; an oscillator responsive to the modulation signals for generation short-duration bursts of r.f. carrier whose positions in time convey the load control information; and an antenna for radiating the modulated, r.f. carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for jacking and dollying a vehicle wheel assembly, while the assembly remains affixed to the vehicle, the wheel assembly including a pneumatic tire, a wheel and an axle. The apparatus features a "U" shaped framework having telescoping body section members to which orthogonally extending arms are attached. Wheel assembly engaging elements in the form of roller assemblies are mounted on the framework arms for engaging the tire of a wheel assembly located therebetween for lifting. The apparatus also includes an actuator mounted on the framework body section members for driving the roller assemblies against the wheel assembly tire to cause lift, and form the framework and roller assemblies into a carriage for retaining the wheel assembly. Still further, the framework is mounted on casters to enable transport of the supported wheel assembly and framework.

Abstract: A ventilator having a housing containing a plurality of electric fan units, each of which is mounted in an air channel provided in the housing for directing air through the ventilator. Within the housing, the air channels are formed by cowlings which surround the individual fan unit. The ventilator also includes a filter element mounted on the housing to filter air moved through the ventilator channels by the fan units. The ventilator further includes a controller featuring a plurality of switches and an electrical network for electrically connecting the fan units to a source of electrical power such as a wall socket. The switches of the controller are manually operable to permit selective activation of the fan units so that multiple modes of ventilator operation may be selected. In accordance with the multiple modes of operation, air may be filtered and moved through the ventilator either in a first direction or a second direction or in both a first direction and a second direction and circulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ventilator including a heat exchanger having a fresh air channel and a stale air channel. The respective channels are pneumatically isolated, but, are arranged in contiguous and interwoven fashion such that incoming fresh air may pass in countercurrent heat exchange relation to the outgoing stale air twice. The fresh air channel has an inlet in communication with air external to the ventilated space and an outlet in communication with the ventilated space. The stale air channel has an inlet in communication with the ventilated space and an outlet in communication with the external space. The heat exchanger features heat transfer means in communication with the fresh and stale air channels which is formed by a septum having a first surface in heat exchange relation with the fresh air channel and a second surface in heat exchange relation with the stale air channel. The septum is wrapped in successive spaced turns to form alternating sections of the fresh air and stale air channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for jacking and dollying a vehicle wheel assembly, while the assembly remains affixed to the vehicle, the wheel assembly including a pneumatic tire, a wheel and an axle. The apparatus features wheel engaging elements and an actuator mounted on an apparatus framework, the framework itself being supported on casters. The wheel engaging elements and actuator cooperate to provide an adjustable mechanical advantage for the apparatus that facilitate the lifting of the wheel assembly, whether the pneumatic tire is inflated of deflated. The wheel engaging elements includes roller assemblies having adjustable effective radii which are mounted on framework arm members, the arm members being movable relative to one another. The actuator includes an adjustabe lever mechanism which is connected to the framework, and is capable of driving the roller assemblies against the tire of a wheel assembly located therebetween.