Abstract: A method of manipulating a series of data units comprising distinct data values, including the steps of modelling the occurrence probability of each distinct data value, repeatedly performing the steps of narrowing a manipulation result number into a subinterval determined by the occurrence probability for each successive data value and outputting the more significant digits of the manipulation result number, that can no longer change due to further narrowing, such that the sequence of the output digits are the manipulated data.

Abstract: A new METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCING A SMALL BLOCK OF SOLID CARBON DIOXIDE is disclosed and described. The new method and apparatus is comprised of an electrical solenoid operated liquid fill valve, a dry ice block forming chamber having porous walls and/or lining attached to or forming its walls, a hydraulic cylinder and ram, a hydraulic pump assembly, a dry ice block forming chamber door, an electronic solenoid operated pneumatic valve, a pneumatic cylinder and ram, and a digital electronic microcontroller. A pressurized cryogenic Dewar-type tank containing liquefied carbon dioxide provides the cold carbon dioxide input fluid to this invention.In operation, liquid carbon dioxide is forced out of the pressurized Dewar-type tank to form carbon dioxide snow, with said snow being deposited into a dry ice block forming chamber having porous walls and/or lining attached to or forming its walls.