Abstract: A new class of variable length, nonlinear feedback shift registers (NLFSR's) is disclosed that uses data-dependent dynamically allocated taps to filter digital information reversibly, flexibly, and rapidly. This class of NLFSR's has been succinctly realized in terms of a multi-parameter family of nonlinear, discrete difference equations that operate on digital data of variable length. Each individual NLFSR is characterized by a collection of integer `parameter functions` and `boundary condition functions` denoted .PI..sub.T for an integer T.gtoreq.1. A concrete description of an exemplary set .PI..sub.T is given in the text. Given an input sequence to the NLFSR, the final output sequence is another sequence defined by the values of the parameter and boundary condition functions, and a new reversible (or invertible) nonlinear mathematical rule that transforms a sequence of integers into a different sequence of integers.

Abstract: A single-layer binder comprising a synthetic resin binder and a phthalocyanine pigment dispersed therein is modified so as to reduce the content of the phthalocyanine pigment while maintaining or further improving the sensitivity of the binder. A coating material comprising a synthetic resin binder comprising as a constituent component a polyester resin containing halogen atoms, e.g., chlorine or bromine, and a phthalocyanine pigment dispersed in the binder is applied to a conductive base to produce an electrophotographic binder.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for removing the information bearing surface and the data carried thereby from the substrate layer of a compact disc. The device includes a housing having an upper portion defining a top surface and a central cavity and a lower portion having interior and exterior surfaces. The lower portion is selectively attachable to the upper portion to enclose the lower portion interior surface within the cavity, the interior surface being sized and shaped for selectively carrying a compact disc. A mechanism is disposed within the cavity for physically removing the information bearing surface of a compact disc positioned on the lower portion interior surface. A member is provided for continuously biasing the physical removal mechanism against the information bearing surface of a compact disc positioned on the interior surface as the information bearing surface is being removed. Finally, an element is provided for actuating the physical removal mechanism.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fertility status in a female mammal comprising the steps of placing in the vagina of the female a probe having opposed electrodes, orienting the probe so that at least one of the electrodes is touching the cervix of the female, measuring across the electrodes at least one physical parameter indicative of the phase of the female fertility cycle, and comparing the value of the parameter with a reference; a probe useful in practicing this method comprises an elongated body having an insertion end, two electrodes attached to said body at the insertion end, and orienting means for orienting the body so that at least one of the electrodes touches the cervix of the female.

Abstract: Methods and associated structure providing a balanced queue communication system for the exchange of messages between an originating node and a receiving node in a distributed computing environment. A balanced queue comprises a pair of wraparound (circular) queues, one each associated with the originating node and the receiving node. A message is queued by the originating node in the queue associated therewith. Background processing within the originating node retrieves message queued therein and transmits the messages to the intended receiving node. The position in the originating node's circular queue is pre-pended to the message and transmitted therewith. The receiving node places the received message in its circular queue in the position specified by the pre-pended location with each message. Background daemon and application processing within the receiving node then retrieves the queued messages for application specific processing.

Abstract: Methods and associated structures for rapidly processing messages in a distributed computing application. Rules are stored in structures defined by the present invention and methods associated therewith rapidly process the boolean predicates of the rules to determine what actions need be taken in the distributed computing environment in response to receipt of a message published by a publishing application in the distributed computing environment. Rules argument tables store rule argument entries which each represent a single boolean predicate test clause which compare a column (field) of a published message with either a fixed value or with another column of a published message. All rule argument predicate clauses which are AND'ed to form a rule are related in the rules argument tables by a common rule.sub.-- id column value. An operations table stores entries each of which describes groups of attributes of rules stored in the rules argument tables.

Abstract: A robotic shuttle for moving a storage media cartridge from a first location to a second location in a storage library subsystem, said robotic shuttle riding on a linear bearing surface in the storage library subsystem. The shuttle has a frame with at least two ports for receipt and discharge of the storage media cartridge. A rocker beam is rotatably attached to said frame, with one end of the beam protruding from one of the ports and the other end of the beam protruding from the other of said ports. The beam is fitted with rotating drive rollers that move the storage media cartridge when they come into contract with it. The direction of movement of the cartridge depends upon the direction of rotation of the drive rollers.

Abstract: A computer data storage cartridge magazine for carrying data storage cartridges from conventional "off-line" storage to a storage library subsystem where cartridges may be electronically read or written. The magazine comprises a series of horizontally arranged slots. Each slot has a front spring lever which is operated by the user to insert and remove individual cartridges and a rear locking lever which is operated by the robotic mechanisms of the library subsystem. A safety bar extends substantially the length of the magazine and is located under the rear locking levers. The safety bar acts to ensure that the rear locking levers do not become accidently depressed when the magazine is carried by the user. The safety bar is disengaged by a mated pin when the magazine is inserted into the library subsystem. The rear locking levers may then be actuated (depressed) by an arm on the robotic mechanism of the library subsystem.

Abstract: A method and device indirectly monitors the purity of nitrogen gas manufactured from air using a permeable membrane to separate air components. A gas flow measuring device inserted in gas conduits downstream from the membrane monitors nitrogen gas purity by measuring normal flow and detects deviation from desired purity levels by changing gas flow caused by manufacturing apparatus malfunctions.

Abstract: A roofing tool is disclosed and includes an elongated handle having top and bottom end portions. A head member is provided and includes a flange portion secured to the bottom end portion of the handle and has a base edge and first and second side surfaces. The head member also includes a foot portion extending outwardly from the base edge of the flange portion away from the flange first side surface, the foot portion having top and bottom surfaces, a front edge, a side edge distal from the flange first side surface, and a rear edge. The rear and side edges of the foot portion are tapered while the front side edge of the foot portion is at least blunted. Finally, the flange portion is aligned with the handle so that the plane defined by the bottom surface of the foot portion is at approximately a 30.degree.-60.degree. angle relative to the axis of the elongated handle.

Abstract: A storage library subsystem comprising a frame, a robotic shuttle attached to and linearly movable relative to the frame, a media read/write device attached to the frame, and a storage media cartridge magazine attached to the frame. The robotic shuttle is provided with a plurality of ports for receipt and ejection of storage media cartridges. The media read/write device is disposed opposite a first port of the robotic shuttle at a first point of the linear movement of the robotic shuttle so that a storage media cartridge may be passed between the device and the robotic shuttle at the first point of linear movement. The magazine has at least one slot for storage of a storage media cartridge, the slot being disposed opposite a second port of the robotic shuttle at a second point of the linear movement of the robotic shuttle so that a storage media cartridge may be passed between the slot and the robotic shuttle at the second point of linear movement.