Abstract: Methods for identifying a note with a partial OCR of one or more characters in the note's serial code. The methods record the characters read and associates each character read with its field position in the serial code. The method can use this information or combine the character and field information with positional information of the note within a stack in order to identify a note with a reasonable degree of statistical probability.

Abstract: A one-step chemical spot test for the qualitative determination of lead in lead-based paint and other media. This test is based upon the reaction of lead with sodium rhodizonate under strong acid conditions to develop an intense purple colored complex. The acid preferred is dilute hydrochloric acid. The test is performed in one step using a dropper, plastic cylinders, or like apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for copying data. A request is received to copy data from a first storage system to second storage system, wherein the request identifies a source volume on the first storage system and a target volume on the second storage system and wherein data is located on a first source volume in the first storage system. Data is transferred to a second source volume in the first storage system. A pair is automatically established between the second source volume and the target volume. The data for the request is copied from the second source volume to the target volume after the pair has been automatically established. The pair is terminated after the data has been copied to the target volume. The requester originating the request is notified of the result of the copy operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling banknotes provides for acquiring a first image of a banknote having two successive prints; determining a relative deviation of the prints; determining deformation of the banknote; forming a second image as a function of the relative deviation, of the deformation, and of a third and fourth image characteristic of the respective successive prints; and emitting an error signal when the luminance values of the first image are outside first ranges relating to luminance values of the second image, or when the relative deviation is outside a second range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electrostatic discharge in magnetic tape heads is, provided. This method includes using a conductive adhesive to electrically connect the substrate and closure of each read/write module as well as connect the read/write modules in the head. The conductive adhesive can be used as an adjunct or a replacement for adhesives used during the normal assembly process. The modules are then connected to ground. In one embodiment, the read modules are electrically tied to the write module, which is then connected to ground through a high resistance path.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first filter means for adjusting an input signal based on past data output from the apparatus. In addition, a summing means is used to sum signals from the first filter means and from a second filter means to produce a sum signal. The apparatus includes a symbol detection means for generating an output signal from the sum signal. The second filter means provides adjustments in the output signal based on the peaks and plurality of past signals generated by the symbol detection means. A control means is included for controlling the filtering properties of both the first and second filter means, wherein the control means controls the filtering properties based on the past output signals from the symbol detection means.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for use with a storage system for storing a plurality of objects in an array of object storage locations. In a preferred embodiment, the calibration apparatus includes a target affixed in a predetermined location to the storage system, an object retrieval mechanism, and an imaging system. The object retrieval mechanism is used for retrieving objects from the object storage locations and has a principal direction of movement which is perpendicular to a plane in which an exposed surface of each of the plurality of objects lie. The imaging system is attached to the object retrieval mechanism for imaging the target. The imaging system is positioned such that the direction from the target to the imaging system is parallel to the principal direction.

Abstract: With the process for producing potato based expandable pellets, an intermediary product is manufactured that is capable of being stored for up to about six months. These pellets can be later expanded into a food product, particularly a potato based snack product that has improved flavor qualities and increased oil pick up. To form the pellets, a potato meal is passed through a twin screw extruder at a relatively low extruder rotational speed, which increases the residence time and the volume of bed pack in the extruder while decreasing shear. The extrudate produced is then split into ribbons that are subsequently perforated. These ribbons are then formed into shaped pellets.

Abstract: A magnetic tape head assembly with enclosed through slots to eliminate an air bearing at high tape speeds and lower operating tape tensions is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic tape head comprises a recording gap, containing read/write elements, across the width of the head and slots exposed to the tape head surface that faces the plane of the tape. These slots run through the head approximately perpendicular to the plane of the tape and are open to ambient pressure at a tape head surface other than the surface facing the plane of the tape. These slots are aligned with the read/write elements along the recording gap.

Abstract: A wiring apparatus for reducing electromagnetic interference between conductive wires is provided. Wire pairs are incorporated into rigid or flexible printed circuits to precisely control loop alignment and phase differences. This precise alignment helps to cancel radiated electromagnetic fields and reduce voltage polarities induced in nearby wires. In one embodiment, a pair of parallel wires is aligned parallel to a second, twisted pair of wires. In another embodiment, two twisted pairs of wires, with identical loop lengths, are aligned parallel to each other and offset by exactly one half loop length. In a third embodiment, two twisted pairs of wires are aligned parallel to each other, in which one pair has a loop length that is an integer ratio of the other pair.

Abstract: A method and system for ascertaining relationships between collected geological samples and remotely sensed geological data within a region is provided. The locations of physical samples and the locations of data points associated with remotely sensed data are identified and stored. The locations within the region are determined using a position identifying system, such as the global positioning system. The collected physical samples are analyzed to obtain data values for physical and chemical properties of the collected samples. Data mining algorithms are used to generate input data for the formulation of a set of spatial relationships. The locations of the physical samples within the region are associated with the locations of the remotely sensed data to form a set of spatial relationships.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for transferring data in a CD-ROM system. The CD-ROM system includes a buffer manager for identifying the capacity of a buffer memory used to store data from a disc. The buffer manager controls the transfer of data into and out of the buffer memory. Each time a sector of data is transferred from a disc into the buffer memory, a counter is incremented to track the amount of data in the buffer memory. If the counter equals the capacity of the buffer memory, the transfer of data from the disc is halted. Further transfer of data is not allowed until buffer memory is available.

Abstract: The latent stress in a material can be measured using critically refracted longitudinal ultrasonic technique. The system uses a frame to hold a hydraulic piston. The piston is used to apply an adjustable force against the probes. A signal is initiated by a first transducer. The signal is angled against the piece under test so as to create a critically refracted wave along the piece. The delay time to receive the wave at a first and second probe is measured. The delay time correlates to a stress in the piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for managing data access to a plurality of storage devices. The present invention may be applied to copy operations involving virtual tracking. The plurality of storage devices is grouped into a set of groups. Responsive to a request for a copy operation to copy data from a first storage device to a second storage device, a determination is then made as to whether the first storage device and the second storage device are in the same group within the plurality of groups. Responsive to the first storage device and the second storage device being in the same group, a data file pointer to the original data is stored in a data structure for the second storage device. Responsive to an absence of the first storage device and the second storage device being in the same group, occurrence of the copy operation is prevented.