Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing data recovery in data processing systems in which applications span multiple logical devices. A data processing system includes multiple standard devices for storing data and corresponding BCV devices for, in one mode, operating as mirrors of those standard devices. If certain of those BCV devices are associated with the same data set, a CONSISTENT SPLIT operation controls the way in which each of these BCV devices is detached from its corresponding standard device and made available to another application. Each command to an application for controlling the BCV devices is translated into one or more request data structures that identify the BCV devices as being involved in a consistent split operation and that establishes a system lock out for those particular devices during which those devices are split from their respective devices in a consistent manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrading hair and exfoliating skin. An electric motor drive produces rotation at three transmission outputs. A universal joint connects each motion transmission output to a disk for supporting annular abrasive pads. The abrasive disks and pads are free to swivel to maximize surface contact between the abrasive pad and skin during use.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for infusing compacted ground coffee in a grounds cup at a brewing station with heated water under pressure. At a brewing station, a piston head with an active seal that is spaced from the grounds cup wall during motion, extends into the grounds cup. When the piston head begins to compact the ground coffee it activates the seal to form a sealed upper end of a brewing chamber. Hot water is admitted to the brewing chamber to produce the coffee. When the brewing cycle is completed, the piston head displaces further to force additional coffee from the grounds. Then the piston head retracts to allow the infusion chamber assembly to be removed for cleaning.

Abstract: A portable ball rebound game includes a ball for being thrown at a rebound panel. Generally the rebounding surface of the rebound panel defines a compound curve to minimize the predictability of any rebound trajectory. Preferably the rebounding surface models the surface of a rock.

Abstract: A PRECOPY command identifies source and destination devices. Data begins to transfer from the source device to the destination device in a background mode under the control of a copy program that transfers the data on a track-by-track basis. Changes to the data tracks are monitored in three lists. The copy program monitors the first two lists to determine when a data track in a source device has been written and needs to be retransferred to the destination device to provide the most up to date data. Procedures assure that any data access to a particular track in either the source by any application prior to the activation of a formal transfer are accommodated to maintain data integrity. An ACTIVATE command makes the destination device available to another application and activates another copy operation. Procedures assure that any data access to a particular track in either of the source or destination devices by any application prior to the transfer of that track are accommodated to maintain data integrity.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the transpirational characteristics of a permeable polymeric membrane, particularly polymeric membranes used for bandages. The polymeric membrane is placed against a moisture source. A probe is applied to the other side. Signals from the probe are sampled at a high rate to detect a first transient appearance of moisture on the surface being measured. The interval between the first transient response and a predetermined equilibrium value defines the transpirational characteristics of the polymeric membrane.

Abstract: An infusion beverage brewing system includes a container and an infuser. The infuser is positioned in a liquid, such as hot water, and has an infusing chamber for containing infusible materials, such as tea leaves. A plunger includes a piston with a peripheral seal and flap valves. After a brewing time has elapsed, an individual pushes on an operator to move the piston past a perforated wall portion of the infusing chamber. When the piston reaches a solid wall portion at the bottom of the infusing chamber, the flap valves open to allow liquid to escape. However, small apertures aligned with the flap valves prevent the passage of the infusible material. Consequently the infusible material is isolated from the liquid when the piston reaches a solid bottom wall portion of the infusing chamber.

Abstract: Relative Mean Arterial Pressure values are obtained non-invasively using a probe to obtain moisture measurements at a selected site on a subject. A control collects data samples. A converter produces a relative value of Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) in response to the collected data (DPM) in accordance with a correlation defined by: MAP=(DPM?DPM(0))/K(I).

Abstract: A crib mattress bouncing device includes a lever having a pivot structure for releasably engaging a mattress support frame at a first end of the lever. A clamping structure intermediate the ends of the lever structure engages a tensioned wire or like structure in a mattress support. Displacing the second end of the lever in a first direction deflects the attached and surrounding portions of the mattress support and mattress in a first direction. Releasing a force on the second end allows the mattress support to return to its original position. Repeated actuation of the second end of the lever structure produces a gentle bouncing motion of the mattress.

Abstract: A probe for a dermal phase meter includes a handle with a removable extension that terminates with a displaceable center conductor. A replaceable tip attaches to the distal end of the extension and includes a center conductor that engages the center conductor in the extension and an outer conductor that establishes electrical connection through the extension. Substituting different replacement tips provides a probe with an articulation capability.

Abstract: An optical device with five air-spaced optical elements. An optical device in the form of an eyepiece is disclosed with a center negative lens and two outer positive lenses on each side of the intermediate negative lens. The eyepiece transmits light from an object to an exit pupil along angles corresponding to the position of a focus point on an object. In a preferred embodiment the positive lenses are identical.

Abstract: Sensor circuits for the measurement of small variations in the value of a sensing capacitor. An alternating voltage excites the sensing capacitor a predetermined frequency whereby the voltage on the sensing capacitor reverses polarity. This voltage on the sensing capacitor is sampled each time the voltage reverses polarity. An accumulator accumulates the sampled charges from the sensing capacitor. An output signal that represents the charge in the charge accumulating means indicates the measured capacitance.

Abstract: A lens assembly and method for manufacture. The lens assembly includes at least one lens element, with multiple sawn planar faces formed parallel to an optical axis and spaced equidistantly from the optical axis so the lens element has a polygonal cross section. Each lens element has a centered, rotationally symmetric characteristic so the overall assembly has a corresponding characteristic. The manufacture includes the step of utilizing oversized conventional cylindrical lens elements and other optical elements formed into lens systems. The faces are sawn to reduce the overall size. A circumscribing sheath provides a segmental lumen along each face.

Abstract: A method for copying data from a source disk storage device to a destination disk storage device. In response to a copy command from a requesting host application identifying the storage locations in source and destination disk storage devices, an environment is established. Thereafter a calling system receives an immediate response that the copy operation is complete even though no data has been copied. Application programs may access storage locations in either the source or the destination disk storage device during the copy phase. A copy program transfers the date on a track-by-track basis to the storage locations in the destination disk storage device. Procedures assure that any data access to a particular track in either the source or destination disk storage devices by any application prior to the transfer of that track are accommodated to maintain data integrity.

Abstract: A hair treating device for applying solution to hair includes a hollow member with dispensing ports, an inflatable bladder and a handle. The inflatable bladder is positioned in a manifold with the solution to be dispensed. The handle is sealed from the solution and has a pump. Operating the pump expands the bladder and ejects the solution through the dispensing ports.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the development and management of web sites. A web page generator includes applications for controlling web page operations or semantics and a plurality of templates for controlling the appearance of a web page. A templates manager object establishes Template Set Objects and Template Objects for each application on a dynamic basis. Applications use this dynamic hierarchy to identify specific templates for use, even templates in the same or different applications with the same name.

Abstract: Data is copied from a source storage device to a destination storage device in a differential mode. An extents track defines all tracks to be transferred during a first copying operation. Complementary track tables for source and destination storage devices establishing the totality of changes in data since a previous copying program to limit subsequent copying to data on changed tracks only.

Abstract: A method for copying a data file from a source device to a destination device. In response to a copy command from a requesting host application identifying the source file and the storage locations in a destination, an extents track is formed to establish an environment in which the file will be copied. The calling system receives an immediate response that the copy operation is complete even though no data has been copied. Application programs may access the file in either the source or the destination. A copy program transfers the file on a track-by-track basis to the destination storage locations. Procedures assure that any data access to a particular track in either the source or destination by any application prior to the transfer of that track are accommodated to maintain data integrity.