Abstract: A symmetric objects database contains a plurality of data cells. Each data cell has a plurality of data fields which are the same or similar for each of the data cells. A first data cell is related or linked to a second data cell which is higher in database hierarchy than the first data cell. The linking is done through the classes field within the first data cell which contains the identifier of the second data cell. A third data cell is related or linked to a fourth data cell which is lower in database hierarchy than the second data cell. The linking is accomplished through the children field which contains the identifier of the fourth data cell. The data fields within each data cell provide for a schema which is integrated into the data structure.

Abstract: A commerce transaction is controlled by transforming serial code segments into parallel code segments. An application is parsed by determining the code segments that must be executed as serial code segments and the code segments that can be executed as parallel code segments. A parallel file is generated for each parallel code segment. The parallel file contains the parallel code segment and the code segments of the application called by the parallel code segment. The application executes through the serial code segments and parallel code segments. When encountering the parallel file, a tag is written to the output stream to reserve a position to write an output value of the parallel file when complete. The parallel file is executed simultaneously with the serial code segment, and the output value of the parallel file is written in the reserved position of the output stream when the parallel file execution completes.

Abstract: A floating-point number is encoded into a binary string. A left-to-right comparison of the binary string determines relative magnitude of the floating-point number. If the floating-point number is negative, then take an absolute value of the floating-point number. The resulting binary string conversion is then complemented. If the floating-point number is zero, then a value for the binary string is assigned. The value is a “1” followed by a plurality of “0”s. A portion of each byte of the binary string determines whether another byte follows in the binary string. A value of a bit of each byte of the binary string determines whether another byte follows. In another aspect, the floating-point number encodes to a binary string having a length as a function of the mantissa and exponent of the floating-point number.

Abstract: A symmetric objects database contains a plurality of data cells. Each data cell has a plurality of data fields which are the same or similar for each of the data cells. The data fields include an identifier field, name field, value field, signature field, classes field, children field, versions field, user ID field, date field, and control flag field. A first data cell is related or linked to a second data cell which is higher in database hierarchy than the first data cell. The linking is done through the classes field within the first data cell which contains the identifier of the second data cell. A third data cell is related or linked to a fourth data cell which is lower in database hierarchy than the second data cell. The linking is accomplished through the children field which contains the identifier of the fourth data cell. A versions field keeps track of historical changes to the database. The later version of a data cell links to the identifier of an earlier version of the data cell.

Abstract: A loading apparatus includes a loading tube with an input end and an output end, the input end positioned between three and six feet above a surface, the output end positioned between six and twenty feet above the surface. The surface is sufficiently strong to support a concrete mixer. The loading tube further comprises at least one nozzle positioned at the loading tube between the input end and the output end, the nozzle disposed so that air passing through the nozzle into the loading tube flows toward the output end. A valve is connected with the at least one nozzle, disposed to permit and deny air flow through the valve to the at least one nozzle. To use the apparatus, the loading tube and a concrete mixer are positioned so that the fill opening of the mixer is below the output end. Air is caused to flow through the at least one nozzle. A predetermined number of water-soluble bags of material are counted, and the bags are placed, one by one, into the input end of the tube.

Abstract: A tool for use in combination with an annular roll fixed on the end of a shaft by means of a sleeve axially inserted in wedged engagement therebetween. The tool includes a hydraulically actuated piston-cylinder assembly having an axially extending mounting stem which is adapted to be received in detachably interlocked engagement within an axial blind bore in the end of the shaft. The cylinder is rotatable on the stem to adjust the tool between sleeve removal and sleeve inserting positions. When in the sleeve removal position, the piston bears against the shaft end and the cylinder engages and removes the sleeve. When in the sleeve insertion position, the cylinder is checked against a stop on the mounting stem and the piston urges the sleeve into wedged engagement between the roll and the shaft.