Abstract: A cache management system and method monitors and controls the contents of cache memory coupled to at least one host and at least one data storage device. A cache indexer maintains a current index of data elements which are stored in cache memory. A sequential data access indicator, responsive to the cache index and to a user selectable sequential data access threshold, determines that a sequential data access is in progress for a given process and provides an indication of the same. The system and method allocate a micro-cache memory to any process performing a sequential data access. In response to the indication of a sequential data access in progress and to a user selectable maximum number of data elements to be prefetched, a data retrieval requestor requests retrieval of up to the selected maximum number of data elements from a data storage device. A user selectable number of sequential data elements determines when previously used micro-cache memory locations will be overwritten.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a grooming system including a plurality of user selectable grooming implements which can be releasably and pivotably coupled to a fixed length or extendible grooming implement pole includes selecting a first grooming implement from among a plurality of grooming implements, releasably and pivotably coupling the grooming implement to the grooming implement pole, and grooming the animal such that the grooming implement rotates about the axis of the grooming implement pole. Additional steps may include selecting second and subsequent grooming implements, releasably and pivotably connecting these grooming implements to the pole and grooming the animal with the selected implement.

Abstract: A smart telecommunications supervisor management workstation with monitoring system provides real-time operation statistics and graphical representation of system operation in real time. A standardized graphic user interface and a mouse-driven point and click user friendly interface minimize keyboard entry. A management workstation also generates reports using off-the-shelf spreadsheet packages incorporates data management functions via a highly refined user interface. The management workstation comprises an integrated system for generating alerts based on user-defined criteria for database information. Color-coded or shaded monochrome displays provide ease of viewing. Extensive use of icons allows quick identification and selection of management control functions.

Abstract: A timber expander and coupling system both expands at least one dimension of existing timbers and spans two existing, timbers. The timber system includes first and second parallel spaced continuous members. Each continuous member includes a first portion extending in a first direction parallel to a timber, and a second portion, extending from the first portion, in a second opposite direction. The first and second continuous members are held in spaced, parallel relationship by either a cross-member, or an expander timber disposed in an expander timber receiver region formed by the second portions of the first and second continuous members. The first portions of the first and second continuous members form a timber coupling region, for coupling to timbers and for expanding the dimension of an existing timber, or for coupling to and spanning the distance between at least two timbers.

Abstract: A coordinated movement exercise apparatus which provides coordinated and resistive exercise to a user includes a base section to which are coupled first and second pivotable members connected diagonally by a connecting member. The first and second pivotable members and the connecting member combine to form a "Z" shaped exerciser section which insured coordinated exercise movement by the user. At least one resistive member is coupled between the connecting member and one of the first and second pivotable members to provide resistance to motion when in use by the user. A seat is also included on the exercise apparatus as well as hand and foot gripping or engaging members.

Abstract: A statistical data collector gathers statistical data concerning the operation of at least one data terminal coupled to a host system by way of a data terminal controller. The data terminal controller controls access to the host by the data terminal. Each data terminal coupled to the data terminal controller includes at least one user definable function selector for selecting a previously defined data processing function. The data terminal controller further includes a statistical data collector, responsive to a selected data terminal user definable function selector, for gathering statistical data concerning the data processing function selected by the user definable function selector and operation of the data terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the dialing order of a plurality of call record lists by a predictive dialing system are disclosed. The system includes a flow controller and a list controller. The list controller receives a number of call records from a call list provider for establishing a plurality of call record lists. The flow controller links one or more call lists in a predetermined order to form one or more list flow campaigns which may be later edited or joined together by the flow controller. A predictive dialer receives the call lists according to the list flow campaign and dials telephone numbers in the order directed by the linked call record lists which form the flow campaign. Also disclosed is a method for linking call record lists.

Abstract: A disk storage system including means for assuring completion of data writes to a data storage disk upon failure of electrical power receives data write commands including data to be written to one or more storage disks. Temporary memory storage temporarily stores the write commands including data to be written to one or more storage disks. The system generates a disk write pending indicator associated with each datum to be written to the one or more storage disks, for indicating that the data stored in the temporary memory must be written to disk. A disk director searches the temporary memory storage for data stored in the temporary memory storage that must be written to disk as indicated by the associated data write pending indicator, for writing the data to the one or more storage disks.

Abstract: A dump platform materials screener includes a horizontally fixed support frame to which is pivotably coupled a materials staging and screening frame. The materials staging and screening frame includes a materials staging area having a bottom region of non-screened material on which may be dumped materials to be screened. A materials screening area adjacent to the non-screened area is provided which extends from the non-screened materials staging area to a first end of the materials staging and screening frame. The materials screening area includes a bottom region including at least one screen having at least a first plurality of openings of at least a first uniform size, for allowing materials to be screened which are of lesser dimensions than that of the uniform size of the plurality of openings to pass through the plurality of openings when the materials to be screened are moved from the materials staging area to the materials screening area.

Abstract: A reconfigurable, multi-function data controller for use in a data storage system is selectively adaptable for use as a data channel adapter or a storage device adapter. The controller includes a data channel interface having at least one independent, bi-directional channel interface, for transmitting and receiving commands, data and status with one or more host computers. At least one memory interface transmits and receives commands and data to and from at least one high speed semiconductor memory unit. Additionally, a data storage interface controls and transmits data to and from one or more data storage devices such as a disk drive. A multi-function controller director is coupled to the data channel interface, the at least one memory interface, and the data storage device interface, for directing the reconfigurable multi-function data controller to function as either a data channel adapter or as a storage device adapter in response to selected commands received by the director.

Abstract: An auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member is disclosed which includes a helically or auger shaped outer region disposed about a longitudinal axis which passes through a central region of the member. The auger shaped outer region establishes at least one auger or helically shaped fluid medium engaging surface, which intercepts the flow of a fluid medium such as air or water, for effecting rotational movement of the fluid medium engaging member about its longitudinal axis. The auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member may be coupled to an electrical generator, for generating electrical energy upon rotational movement.

Abstract: A combined pick and slide holder for a stringed musical instrument is disclosed which includes a pick and slide holder body formed by first and second parallel major planer surfaces separated a predetermined distance, and establishing first and second pairs of parallel sides. One of the parallel sides of the first pair of parallel edges includes a pick holder compartment disposed inwardly from the side and extending between the first and second major planer surfaces, and including first and second pick holder compartment walls. A resilient pick holder member is disposed in the pick holder compartment and frictionally engages a plurality of stringed musical instrument picks in the compartment until forcibly removed by a user. The pick and slide holder also includes a slide holder member proximate the other parallel side of said first pair of parallel edges.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable call pacing system computes the average time a call spends on hold. An Average Hold Time is computed and dynamically updated by monitoring the number of current calls on hold and the amount of time by which current calls on hold exceed the average time on hold. Before adjusting the line activation time which controls the frequency at which idle telephone lines are released to a call initiator, the call pacing system determines the sum of the adjustments which have been previously made to the line activation time, and uses this sum to minimize large fluctuations in Average Hold Times.

Abstract: A system for electronically managing calls in a hold queue wherein the hold queue is prioritized into a number of priority categories according to user selectable priority criteria. As an operator becomes available, the system selectively assigns the calls on hold to an available operator in a sequential manner according to the priority category of the calls and the type of hold queue utilized.

Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable data storage system includes a plurality of storage system controllers, each of which is selectively operable at any given time as one of a channel adapter and a storage device adapter as established by commands received by each of the controllers. At least one semiconductor memory is coupled to the storage system controllers. Additionally, a data storage system director issues commands to each of the storage system controllers for establishing a first quantity of the system controllers as channel adapters, for transmitting and receiving at least data and commands to and from one or more host computers over a plurality of data communication channels. The data storage system director also establishes a second quantity of the storage system controllers as storage device adapters, for cotrolling data transfer to and from a plurality of data storage devices.

Abstract: A modular tool and hardgoods organizer and storage unit converts the interior of a bucket into a number of tool and hardgoods storage units. A plurality of bucket interior divider segments divides the interior of the bucket into a number of storage areas. At least one organizer and storage assembly is disposed within each one of the storage areas. The storage and organizer assemblies are movable between a first retracted position within the interior of the bucket and a second extended position to the exterior of the bucket. Each of the organizer and storage assemblies includes storage elements such as a tool holder having tool storage receptacles and a hardgoods storage compartment. The storage elements may be permanently coupled to the organizer and storage assemblies or the bucket interior divider segments. Alternatively, the storage elements may be slidably coupled by means of grooves or slots.

Abstract: A method for assuring data write integrity on a data storage device includes storing data in a temporary memory storage medium after receipt of the data and prior to writing the data to a storage device. After the data is written to a storage device, the data itself, or an error checking and correction code is read and compared with the original data or with the data error checking and correction code. If no error occurs, new data is received written, read and compared. If an error has occurred, the method re-writes the data to the same or a re-assigned location on the data storage device prior to writing, reading and comparing the data again. Thus, data is written and compared prior to removing the data from a temporary memory storage medium to assure data write integrity.

Abstract: A combination solar and wind powered generator including a wind generator, responsive to the flow of air currents, for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The wind generator includes a plurality of air spirally shaped engaging vanes which are rotatably supported by the wind generator, and operative for intercepting the flow of air currents for producing mechanical energy. The wind generator also includes an electric generator apparatus coupled to the plurality of air engaging vanes, for transforming the mechanical energy into a first source of electrical energy. A plurality of light sensitive cells, disposed proximate the spirally formed air engaging vanes, are adapted for transforming light energy into a second source of electrical energy. The spirally shaped air engaging vanes may include a plurality of surface deviations for altering the flow of air currents intercepted by the vanes and for directing light energy onto the light sensitive cells.