Abstract: One step of a method of detecting when a certain number of events occur within a time frame causes a database having several event records to include a first event record in response to a first event occurring. Another step of the method updates the first database record in response to each event that occurs within a first period from the first event occurring. The first period being based upon the time frame. The method also determines, based upon the several event records, that the certain number of events occurred within the time frame. An apparatus which detects when a certain number of events occur within a time frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: One step of a method of evaluating an expression includes generating a database query that is representative of the expression. Another step of the method includes processing the database query to obtain database result information from a database. The method also includes the step of resolving the expression to an expression value by analyzing the database result information. A computer readable medium that configures a processor to evaluate an expression is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus provide an application program user with remote interactive assistance from an application program expert. During running the application program, an information collection routine collects the information needed by the application program expert for the remote interactive assistance. In response to an assistance request, a call routine dials an application program expert based on the name of the application program, an information transfer routine transmits the collected information to the application program expert, and a display routine displays the collected information to the application program expert. The application program expert provides remote interactive assistance to the user based on the collected information.

Abstract: Multiple circumferential rows of textured features are formed between the outer peripheral edge and the inner peripheral edge of a seal. The multiple circumferential rows of textured features form a boundary for incoming dirt and wash away abrasive particles as well as act as lubricant wells. The multiple rows provide additional protection from leakage and wear.

Abstract: A method of forming a seal assembly around a shaft is disclosed. The method includes (a) urging a first seal member against a second seal member so as to produce a load between a first seal face and a second seal face, (b) measuring the load produced between the first seal face and the second seal face during the urging step, and (c) securing a first support member to the shaft when a predetermined load value between the first seal face and the second seal face is attained so as to fix the relative position between the first seal member and the second seal member such that the predetermined load is substantially maintained between the first seal face and the second seal face. An associated seal assembly geometry is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a track chain having a track link, a first bushing mechanically coupled to the track link, and a second bushing mechanically coupled to the track link. The first bushing has a first center point C1 defined thereon. The second bushing has a second center point C2 defined thereon. The first center point C1 is spaced apart from the second center point C2 by a distance D1. The arrangement includes an idler wheel having a circumferentially extending surface defined thereon. The circumferentially extending surface has a first notch and a second notch defined therein. The first notch has a first wall portion. The first wall portion has a first point P1 defined thereon at a first location. The second notch has a second wall portion. The second wall portion has a second point P2 defined thereon at a second location which corresponds to the first location. The point P1 is spaced apart from the point P2 by a distance D2.

Abstract: A wavelet generator for defining wavelets that represent a first signal includes a programmable filter bank, a frequency band controller coupled to the programmable filter bank, and a wavelet constructor coupled to the programmable filter bank. The programmable filter bank is operable to receive the first signal, and filter the first signal based upon a plurality of frequency bands to obtain a plurality of frequency band signals that each represent a frequency band of the first signal. The frequency band controller is also operable to receive the first signal. Moreover, the frequency band controller is further operable to obtain the plurality of frequency bands from the first signal, and program the programmable filter bank with the plurality of frequency bands. The wavelet constructor is operable to receive the plurality of frequency band signals.

Abstract: The cartridge assembly being lubricated and includes a bushing rotatably mounted on a pin with a passageway to receive lubrication oil in the pin. The end portion of the pin includes first and second collars having a groove to receive a sealing arrangement. The collars are press fitted onto the shaft.

Abstract: A computer system operable to provide nodes of a cluster with a quorum resource includes a network interface controller, a mass storage device, a processor, and memory. The network interface controller is operable to send messages to the nodes via a network and receive messages from the nodes via the network. The mass storage device includes storage that is used to implement the quorum resource and that is accessible by the nodes via the network interface controller. The processor is operably coupled to the network interface controller and the mass storage device. The memory is operably coupled to the processor and includes instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to process a first message requesting ownership of the quorum resource that is received from a first node of the cluster via the network interface controller.

Abstract: A seal arrangement is disclosed. The seal arrangement includes a seal groove having a central axis. The seal groove is defined by at least a first wall segment, a second wall segment, and a third wall segment interposed the first wall segment and the second wall segment. The first wall segment is angled relative to the central axis so that a linear extension of a surface of the first wall segment intersects the central axis so as to define an angle &agr; therebetween. An associated method of producing a seal arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: A roller assembly with a body member. The roller assembly also has a first roller rim secured to the body member. The first roller rim has (i) a first inner side wall segment extending outwardly from the roller surface, (ii) a first outer side wall segment secured to the first inner side wall segment, the first outer side wall segment being positioned relative to an axis of rotation of the body member such that a linear extension of the first outer side wall segment intersects the axis of rotation so as to define an acute angle therebetween, and (iii) a receptacle defined therein. The roller assembly further includes an axle mounting arrangement positioned within the receptacle such that no portion of the axle mounting arrangement traverses the first plane.

Abstract: A track assembly includes a frame. The track assembly also includes a drive wheel and an idler wheel rotateably secured to the frame. The track assembly further includes an endless belt having an inner surface and an outer surface. The endless belt is disposed around the drive wheel and the idler wheel. The track assembly also includes a guide block secured to the inner surface of the endless belt. The track assembly further includes a first roller rotateably secured to the guide block.

Abstract: A roller assembly for an undercarriage of a work machine has a roller rim having central passage defined therein. The roller assembly also has a roller shaft positioned in the central passage of the roller rim. Moreover, the roller assembly has a retainer secured to the roller rim so as to retain the roller shaft in the central passage. The retainer is prepared by a process including the steps of (i) arranging a first type of metal powder in a first predetermined location, (ii) arranging a second type of metal powder in a second predetermined location, the second type of metal powder being different than the first type of metal powder, and (iii) sintering both the first type of metal powder and the second type of metal powder. A method of manufacturing a roller assembly of an undercarriage assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is provided that connects first and second links of a track chain of a track type work machine. The cartridge assembly includes first and second collars and a track pin. The first collar is positioned within a first hole of the first link and the second collar is positioned within a second hole of the second link. The first collar is fixed in relation to the first link and the track pin and the second collar is fixed in relation to the second link and is allowed to move relative to the track pin.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal includes the step of determining if a user of the retail terminal operates an input device so as to enter a first character, a second character, and a third character associated with a first item name and generating a character-entered control signal in response thereto. The method also includes the step of displaying a first menu having a first plurality of item names containing each of the first character, the second character, and the third character in response to generation of the character-entered control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of determining if the user operates the input device so as to select the first item name from the first plurality of item names listed on the first menu. A retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a checkout terminal having a movable item shelf includes the step of positioning the item shelf in an assisted shelf position. The method also includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform an assisted retail function while the item shelf is positioned in the assisted shelf position. The method further includes the step of moving the item shelf from the assisted shelf position to a self-service shelf position. Moreover, the method includes the step of operating the checkout terminal so as to perform a self-service retail function while the item shelf is positioned in the self-service shelf position. A checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail system which has (i) a self-service checkout terminal, and (ii) a remote supervisor terminal includes the step of generating an intervention-needed control signal with the self-service checkout terminal if a user of the self-service checkout terminal requests intervention from retail personnel operating the remote supervisor terminal during a checkout transaction. The method also includes the step of transmitting the intervention-needed control signal to the remote supervisor terminal. The method further includes the step of generating a request-acknowledged control signal with the remote supervisor terminal in response to receipt of the intervention-needed control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of suspending the checkout transaction of the user in response to generation of the request-acknowledged control signal. A self-service retail system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of hardening a work piece having (i) an outer surface, (ii) an inner surface which defines a passageway extending through the work piece, and (iii) an end. The method includes the steps of (A) advancing the work piece through a first induction coil such that a first hardened area is formed on the work piece, (B) advancing a second induction coil into the passageway of the work piece such that a second hardened area is formed on the work piece, and (C) positioning a third induction coil adjacent to the end of the work piece such that a third hardened area is formed on the work piece. The positioning the third induction coil step is performed after (i) the advancing the work piece through the first induction coil step and (ii) the advancing a second induction coil into the passageway step.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A work machine is disclosed. The work machine includes a work implement and a fluid cylinder mechanically coupled to the work implement. The fluid cylinder is controlled by an apparatus that automatically places the fluid cylinder in a float mode of operation when a control valve fluidly coupled to the fluid cylinder is placed in a neutral position.