Abstract: A method is provided in a server for storing and retrieving files of various formats in an object database coupled to a network including a multiplicity of clients also coupled to the network. The server includes a storage device for storing objects of the database. The method begins by determining the type and content of files received by the server from the clients coupled. Each file received by the server is transformed into an object. The transformed objects are stored in a hierarchy in accordance with the type and content thereof. The retrieving part of the process includes transmitting a "get" request to the server; searching a Virtual File class for an object whose name matches the file name; and examining corresponding properties of the matching object for compatibility with the first parameter. If compatible, a next parameter is examined for corresponding properties for compatibility.

Abstract: A method of processing documents involving: transporting the documents at high speed unidirectionally and without pause along a prescribed transport path past at least one image-lift site; scanning the entirety of respective document faces at the sites with illumination from a light-source; providing a light-guide along a path between the light-source and the sites; providing an energy-shaping gate, disposed at each of the sites and acting to channel the imaging illumination energy there; and providing a heat-dissipation stage disposed operatively adjacent the light source and acting to extract infra-red energy therefrom and dissipate it so as to shield the sites; this heat-dissipation stage comprising an infra-red extraction unit arranged and adapted to remove a substantial part of the infra-red energy projected along a prescribed beam-path from a high-intensity spectral source; the extraction unit comprising: a selective reflector interrupting the beam path and adapted to divert infra-red energy as an infra

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting and processing documents and maintaining a preset nominal inter-document gap, g.sub.nom therebetween, this apparatus including transport stage for picking each document from an input stack and advancing it toward a destination at a controlled rate; a sensor unit for sensing the distance g between the so-moved document and the following document; and a control stage for determining the variance .gradient.g, between g.sub.nom and g, while driving each successive document along a feed path from the input stack at adjustable times; with the sensor unit inputting the control means which is adapted to responsively determine the variance-distance .gradient.g, and to thereupon control the transport stage to adjust the acceleration or deceleration of a following document and so tend to reduce this variance-distance .gradient.g.

Abstract: A method in a repository coupled to a computer system that generates OLE automation and Interface Definition Language ("IDL") interfaces from metadata (i.e., information about data). Visual Basic programming language is used to develop a tool that generates the automation binding from the metadata in the repository. The method extends C++ programming language binding across networks, independent of the Object Request Broker (ORB) being used. A schema is provided that maps the types and features of a repository to OLE automation and member functions for Windows. The method also integrates the Application Programming Interface (API) of a repository with Windows scripting programming languages through Object Linking and Embedding (OLE).

Abstract: A method of providing a track-cleaning wand for use in a document handling machine having a track along which documents are transported past sensors separated by a distance d and recessed away from the side walls of the track, this wand including a rigid handle with, at one end, a rigid elongate spacer bar carrying a pair of like brushes spaced apart by the sensor separation-distance and having bristles long enough to reach the face of a sensor, when the spacer bar is swept along the track.

Abstract: In a check processing array, an imaging/illumination arrangement for illuminating and imaging checks at one or several imaging sites as they are rapidly, continuously transported past two or more imaging stations, each station having, as its illumination source, a hollow Lambertian integrating vessel, housing lamps which project a highly uniform, diffuse Lambertian illumination-beam to its respective imaging site.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method for generating code in a maintainable form and in performing needed maintenance for the same. This method is useful in a computing system having at least one server and a multiplicity of clients coupled thereto by means of a network. The server includes a CPU executing legacy programs and at least one storage device for storing forms of the legacy program. The generated code implements the host forms while allowing for additional logic to be added. The method of this invention operates in at least one of the clients for generating code for modifying existing event routines for controls on the forms. Moreover, the code generated by the method of this invention is separated from additional logic added by a programmer, and this programmer-added logic is retained even as the generated code is revised.

Abstract: A pair of data processing systems, each having a host CP and a controller, both systems to be operatively associated with a number of like memory units, each unit coupled to both controllers, wherein either host CP/controller can appropriate any "selected" memory unit by simply propagating "path-control-data" to memory in both controllers and in the selected memory unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for adapting transmissions between an industry standard data bus of a host computer having a host memory and a fiber channel coupled between said host computer and a peripheral storage subsystem having at least one disk drive, which apparatus comprises an interface logic coupled between the industry standard bus and a local bus of the apparatus; a buffer memory coupled to the local bus; a multiplexor/control device coupled to the local bus and being disposed for transmitting therethrough address and data; a fiber channel controller disposed for formatting header and data structures that meet fiber channel protocol, which controller is coupled to the multiplexor/control; a gigabit link module disposed for converting the header and data structures from a parallel format to a serial format and being coupled between the fiber channel controller and the fiber channel; a microprocessor disposed for providing service requests from the host to read and write data from the host me

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined "streak-detector" and "ink-lever flow detector" on opposite sides of a single printed circuit board; each detector comprising a pair of parallel printed circuit segments adapted to be "shorted" by interposition of conductive ink and coupled to register this event in an associated detect-logic stage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining motion-control and damping characteristics for a resilient, multi-element elastomeric belt used in a servo system, yet without need to test in a use environment, this method including: stretching a prescribed length L of the belt between a pair of guide pulleys mounted on a frame with prescribed tension; attaching a prescribed test weight on this length at a prescribed test-distance L.sub.1 from one of the guide pulleys; shaking the frame at resonance frequency, sinusoidally; while determining the amplitude of excursion for the weight and the frame; then changing distance L.sub.1 and repeating the foregoing operations one or more times.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosed invention there is provided a method in a system server for storing and retrieving messages of various formats in an object database coupled to a network including a multiplicity of clients also coupled to the network. The server includes a CPU and at least one storage device coupled thereto for storing objects of the database. The method includes steps for driving a database that solves the problem of transforming incoming messages into objects for storage in the database and organizing the transformed messages into a hierarchy of objects in accordance with the purpose and destination of such incoming messages for storage in the database.

Abstract: An electronic document-imaging arrangement wherein imaging means generates imaging-bits representing a given document and transfers these bits on a "per-document basis" to various successive electronic processing stages and, finally, to a data base storage unit (DBS); this arrangement also including a tag stage for creating tag bits unique for each such imaged document; these tag bits to be transferred with the imaging bits for each document to each such processing stage that handles the imaging bits, on a per document basis, and finally to DBS interface means for final matching and removal of the tag bits.

Abstract: Document-imager for imaging documents (e.g. checks that are transported past an imaging-site, where the site is illuminated by one (or two) pairs of lamps symmetrically disposed about the site, with image-reflection sent back between lamps to be captured.

Abstract: In a system for processing and imaging documents to develop a stream of digital, video bit sets, each related to a different document is a passing array, this system including an arrangement for simultaneously compressing a number of said bit-sets for different document images and sending the results to output, this arrangement as comprising:a preprocessing stage for distributing each said bit set in a pair, of like parallel bit-compression paths, one, a Master path for half the bits in a set, the other a Slave path for the other half as controlled by The Master, with both input to a common buffer, each compression path being adapted to execute a first compression and then a conditional second compression when certain initial factors are indicated and to provide a real-time-compressed output to this buffer; andboth said compressions being performed on a single, two pass stage of a Histogram/Compressor printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method for adapting a computer unit array having an internal power supply for supplying an associated external peripheral unit with DC power from this power supply; wherein the computer unit is provided with a removable "power panel" secured in a sidewall and is made to comprise a metal strip provided with electrical terminals therein adapted for coupling to the power supply, and for so powering such a peripheral unit.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a computer-implemented method for registering triggers for processing at the end of each transaction occurring in a database. This method positions a class where a given object exists; and for each trigger in the class, a determination is made if the trigger is in a trigger list of an object link. If it is not, a determination is made if a given object is in an object link of a transaction. If it is not, then the given object is inserted into the object link of the transaction; and then the trigger is inserted in a list of the object link. These steps are repeated until all triggers in the class have been processed. A determination is next made if there is a superclass of the class. If yes, then a superclass, is positioned and the steps are repeated for each trigger in the superclass (i.e., polymorphic trigger). Finally, if no superclass of the class exist, then the method is exited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe implement for removing jam debris, including documents, and foreign objects from prescribed document transport track segments of a document processing machine; this implement being constructed of planar, flat elongate thin dielectric material, and being so formed, shaped and constructed as to allow a user to remotely contact and engage such documents, debris or foreign objects and to facilitate removal thereof from the track without disturbing, opening or demounting this track; this implement being further designed, constructed and adapted to be sufficiently flexible in such use to be maneuvered along track segments, to be sized to readily fit into the minimum contemplated track size, while being sufficiently stiff to engage/dislodge such debris.

Abstract: In a multiprocessor computer system where a number of "agents" can compete for access to a "resource", a method of ameliorating "Livelock" and preventing any such agent from being unduly frustrated from such access, this method comprising: arranging the system to include an arbitrating unit and a common system bus connecting a number of processors, plus an Avoidance unit included in each processor and including a Random-Number generator and automatic "Random Backoff" that causes an agent that fails to secure access to wait for one or more given random time periods T.sup.B before reattempting such access, with each said time period T.sup.B being provided by the random number generator so as to likely differentiate from competing agents.

Abstract: In a multiprocessor computer system where a number of "agents" can compete for access to a "resource", a method of ameliorating "Livelock" and preventing any such agent from being unduly frustrated from such access, this method comprising: arranging the system to include an arbitrating unit and a common system bus connecting a number of processors, plus an Avoidance unit included in each processor and including a Random-Number generator and automatic "Random Backoff" that causes an agent that fails to secure access to wait for one or more given random time periods T.sub.B before reattempting such access, with each said time period T.sub.B being provided by the random number generator so as to likely differentiate from competing agents.