Abstract: A system is described in which a user enters a search term at a user location, that search term being associated with a plurality of image objects which are stored at a plurality of geographically diverse locations within the system. The search term is then transmitted to a central index location where there is stored a central index which includes the object name and location and associated data for each of the distributed objects associated with the search term. Optionally, the associated data may be transmitted from the central location back to the user location for display to the user, who can then select which of the several objects or perhaps all of the objects to be accessed from the diverse geographic storage locations. The user can enter his selection at the user location and that selection will be transmitted back to the central index location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows an object management and delivery system to perform capture, prefetch, display, print and/or modify operations with only a modicum of interaction between the operations of a host computer system and the object management and delivery system. Host computer/object-management system interaction is typically limited to: operation requests transferred from the host computer to the object management system; record registration data transferred from the object management system to notify the host computer that an object record has been stored; and/or error data transferred from the object management system to notify the host computer when the object management system encounters an error in trying to perform an operation requested by the host computer.

Abstract: The method merges an alphanumeric data stream with a digitized image file. It comprises the steps of inputting a digitized image file in a first input terminal and storing the digitized image file on a first storage medium. The method then inputs an alphanumeric character string in a second input mechanism and stores the alphanumeric character string in a second storage medium. The method then converts the alphanumeric character string stored in the second storage medium into a bit pel image of the alphanumeric character string by substituting a two dimensional bit pattern of pels for each respective character in the string. The method then performs a logical combination of the bit pattern for each respective alphanumeric character with the digitized image at respective intended character locations in the digitized image area and outputs the logically combined digitized image with the alphanumeric character string superimposed thereon.

Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed which comprises a generally spherically shaped hollow shell structure having an interior sufficiently large to accomodate a human being and including an opening with a removable hatch cover to permit a human being to enter the shell structure. The shell structure is supported in a support frame on casters so that the shell structure can be rocked or rotated in any direction when the user shifts his weight within the shell structure.

Abstract: Dichlorodimethyl hydantoin stabilized for use in alkaline detergent formulations by forming granules or briquettes of a minimum size and hardness.