Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a database system for organizing large amounts of data to be accessed by a digital computer. More particularly, a free form type database, in the form of a summarized, multikey tree, is built from files stored on the computer. After a building operation, the user obtains specified information by using the summarized database. Information in the files is divided into three categories; that is, a dimension field which comprises data to be organized, a summary field which comprises a numeric quantity on which calculations can be performed, and a non-summary field which comprises other information associated with an input record. The internal nodes of the tree summarize and organize sets of input records. Methods are provided for reducing the amount of storage space used by cutting off the tree when the size of sets go below a given threshold, and sharing parts of the tree so that each record does not appear n! times in the database.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a database system for organizing large amounts of data to be accessed by a digital computer. More particularly, a free form type database, in the form of a summarized, multikey tree, is built from files stored on the computer. After a building operation, the user obtains specified information by using the summarized database. Information in the files is divided into three categories; that is, a dimension field which comprises data to be organized, a summary field which comprises a numeric quantity on which calculations can be performed, and a non-summary field which comprises other information associated with an input record. The internal nodes of the tree summarize and organize sets of input records. Methods are provided for reducing the amount of storage space used by cutting off the tree when the size of sets go below a given threshold, and sharing parts of the tree so that each record does not appear n! times in the database.

Abstract: This invention represents an improvement in a standard four ball reciprocating piston pump. Such pumps utilize a greatly enlarged seat to provide hydraulic cushioning of the check balls in order to greatly quiet operation. A seat width on the order of 6% of the ball's circumference is preferred. Closely confining the ball to the axis of the seat helps efficient and quiet operation.

Abstract: An external air valve for a reciprocating air motor is provided with a the ability to transfer heat from incoming compressed air into the valve cups to prevent icing and a low friction mechanism for the valve slide to enhance reliability. The design has a housing which forms an air chamber, and located in the air chamber is a slide member containing two cups which alternately cover ports leading to the upper and lower chambers of the air motor piston. The slide has slotted rollers to reduce pneumatic loading and decrease friction during sliding. The shift rod is provided with a central valve spring located in an aperture in the slide, along with spring retaining plates to provide and assist in shifting the valve in conjuction with a detent to assure that the valve is positioned in one of two operating positions. The pressurized chamber, in conjunction with fins, apertures and other heat transfer apparatus in the slide assures that heat is applied to the cups of the slide in order to prevent icing.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a database system for organizing large amounts of data to be accessed by a digital computer. More particularly, a free form type database, in the form of a summarized, multikey tree, is built from files stored on the computer. After a building operation, the user obtains specified information by using the summarized database. Information in the files is divided into three categories; that is, a dimension field which comprises data to be organized, a summary field which comprises a numeric quantity on which calculations can be performed, and a non-summary field which comprises other information associated with an input record. The internal nodes of the tree summarize and organize sets of input records. Methods are provided for reducing the amount of storage space used by cutting off the tree when the size of sets go below a given threshold, and sharing parts of the tree so that each record does not appear n! times in the database.

Abstract: An air operating reciprocating motor which is used to drive reciprocating piston pumps or other such devices has located in the exhaust passage thereof a liner made of a flexible elastomeric material. The inside surface of the liner which routes the exhaust area is generally smooth and the outside surface of the liner is spaced from the surface of the passage in which it is located by a number of spacer elements such as rounded knobs. The material between the spacing elements is then allowed to flex when the exhausted relatively high pressure air passes through, thus continually flexing the liner with every cycle of the motor and preventing the buildup of ice in the exhaust passage.

Abstract: A silencing system is provided for an air-operated pump which also eliminates icing of the pump at higher cycle rates and humidities. The exhaust from the air motor powers an air flow inducer to induce a flow of relatively warm ambient air. The induced flow of ambient air is drawn across cold components of the air motor, and the mixed (ambient and exhaust air) exit stream routed away from the air motor. The relatively warm mixed air exhaust flow also allows noise reduction by conventional acoustical techniques without suffering performance degradation due to icing.

Abstract: The hydraulically powered fluid pump has a spool valve which controls the direction of travel of the pump. The spool valve is designed to switch between positions relatively slowly so that in between pump cycles, the ball checks associated with the pump may return under the force of gravity to their seats. This natural gravity return produces greatly decreased noise levels and increased seat life compared with the slamming action present in current pumps. The spool valve is viscous damped and of a closed centered construction to allow the relatively slow switchover to take place.

Abstract: A liquid supply pump adapted for coupling to a reciprocable motor, particularly for pumping liquids having thermosetting properties. The pump incorporates a double-acting piston in a pumping cylinder, driven by an elongated drive shaft which projects from the top of the pump for reciprocable motion, the pump having a lower intake valve and an upper exhaust valve, and an intermediate drive shaft seal above the pumping cylinder and a liquid and air drive shaft seal proximate the point of projection of the drive shaft from the pump, wherein said two seals are spaced apart by a distance greater than the pump stroke length, and a liquid drainage path from the intermediate seal back to the pump intake region.

Abstract: A pump seal is provided for use in a pump suited to move high viscosity and abrasive materials. A piston in the pump has a substantial amount of clearance relative to the cylinders in which it operates with the seal providing substantially the only contact in sealing between the piston and the cylinders. The seal is formed of a relatively soft, elastomeric material which is normally of a plainer, annular shape. Along with a rigid annular ring plate, the elastic ring is sandwiched between the closure member and housing member. The ring plate has a curved surface facing the closure member which serves to backup and support the relatively soft elastic ring under pressure.

Abstract: Frequency response testing apparatus, developed for use with hearing aids, comprises a generator providing a predetermined varying-frequency input for the device under test, and a discriminator which applies incremental output level signals from the device to a display matrix of LED's under the control of timing signals derived from the generator, the overall arrangement providing a display in the form of a linear graphical plot.