Abstract: A computerized method, system and computer program product for managing an object store is disclosed. An exemplary method includes the the steps of: collecting performance statistics about storage repositories from which an object(s) can be retrieved; retrieving an object from a storage repository, in response to an object reference; determining a reference probability (RFP) for the object; determining and associating a replacement penalty (RPP) with the object wherein the RPP is based on the one or more performance statistics and the RFP; and storing the object and an associated RPP for the object. The storage repositories could be locally attached devices, network sites, and/or remotely attached devices. If there is insufficient space in the object store for a new object, an object(s) can be replaced with the new object based on the associated RPP of the cached objects. Alternatively, the resolution of one or more objects in the object store can be reduced until sufficient space is available.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in training and conditioning athletes, particularly an athlete's jumping and balance abilities. The apparatus has jump stations with one or more platforms each that are spaced above the ground at various heights for exercises to improve an athlete's jumping ability. An athlete practices his or her jumping skills by jumping from the ground surface to the platforms. A center section interconnects two jump stations. The center section has a balance member that allows the athlete to practice his or her balance skills. The apparatus can be constructed of light weight materials so that it can be moved. The apparatus can also be manufactured for disassembly so that it can be easily moved to desired practice areas, such as a basketball court, and to facilitate storage. Use of the apparatus can be combined with development of the specific skills necessary for the athlete's desired sports training.

Abstract: A method for dynamically detecting loss of map integrity in a form of system-managed storage (SMS). In SMS, maps are used to define access paths to data and to allocate and reallocate storage resources among applications running thereon. The method steps include incorporating as an indivisible part of an overwriting commmand the duplication of map information by appending a portion of it to each data block in store, and detecting loss of map integrity as a function of a comparison mismatch between the portion stored with a counterpart data block and the map upon each read/write access.

Abstract: A switching device for producing a signal in response to small movements between two portions of a surface including a movable member within a housing, the movable member being biased towards a first position by a resilient yet deformable member connected to the housing. A first surface attachment member is connected to the movable member and extends outside of the housing for attachment to the surface. A second surface attachment member is mounted directly to the housing and is attachable to the surface. A switch responsive to sufficient movement of the movable member away from its first position is mounted within the housing adjacent to and in the path of the movable member. The switch is electrically connected to circuitry which can utilize the switching action of the switch which occurs when the surface is moved in such a way that the first and second surface attachment members move with respect to one another, thereby moving the movable member to operate the switch.

Abstract: A switching device for producing a signal in response to small movements between two portions of a surface including a movable member within a housing, the movable member being biased towards a first position by resilient yet deformable means connected to the housing. A first surface attachment means is connected to the movable member and extends outside of the housing for attachment to the surface. A second surface attachment means is mounted directly to the housing and is attachable to the surface. A switch means responsive to sufficient movement of the movable member away from its first position is mounted within the housing adjacent to and in the path of the movable member. The switch means is electrically connected to circuitry which can utilize the switching action of the switch means which occurs when the surface is moved in such a way that the first and second surface attachment means move with respect to one another, thereby moving the movable member to operate the switch means.

Abstract: The upper body protector comprises a semirigid integral upper body shield having a chest plate portion, a back plate portion and shoulder plate portions, adapted to comformably embrace the chest, back and shoulders, respectively. A pair of shoulder flaps are hingedly connected to the upper body shield so that the shoulder flaps are superposed over the shoulder portions, the shoulder flaps being movable laterally in an arcuate path between an uppermost position and a lowermost position. A shoulder cap or epaulet is hingedly connected to each shoulder flap.Locking means is associated with the shoulder portions and the shoulder flaps for locking each shoulder flap in a fixed lowermost position so that the force of a downward impact on each shoulder flap is diffused, thereby reducing the force exerted on the wearer's shoulder.

Abstract: The upper body protector comprises a semirigid integral upper body shield having a chest plate portion, a back plate portion and shoulder plate portions, adapted to conformably embrace the chest, back and shoulders, respectively. A pair of shoulder flaps are hingedly connected to the upper body shield so that the shoulder flaps are superposed over the shoulder portions, the shoulder flaps being movable laterally in an arcuate path between an uppermost position and a lowermost position. A shoulder cap or epaulet is hingedly connected to each shoulder flap.Locking means is associated with the shoulder portions and the shoulder flaps for locking each shoulder flap in a fixed lowermost position so that the force of a downward impact on each shoulder flap is diffused, thereby reducing the force exerted on the wearer's shoulder.