Abstract: To provide fast access times with very large key fields, an associative memory utilizes a location addressable memory and lookup table to generate from a key the address in memory storing an associated record. The lookup tables, stored in memory, are constructed with the aid of arithmetic data compression methods to create a near perfect hashing of the keys. For encoding into the lookup table, keys are divided into a string of symbols. Each valid and invalid symbol is assigned an index value, such that the sum of valid index values for symbols of a particular key is a unique value that is used as an address to the memory storing the record associated with that key, and the sum of keys containing invalid index values point to a location in memory containing similar data. Utilizing the lookup tables set and relational operations maybe carried out that provide a user with a maximum number of key records resulting from a sequence of intersection, union and mask operations.

Abstract: To provide for fast access times with very large key fields, an associative memory utilizes a location addressable memory and look up tables to generate from a key an address in memory storing an associated record. The look up tables, stored in a memory, are constructed with the aid of arithmetic data compression methods to create a near perfect hashing of the keys. For encoding into the look up table, keys are divided into a string of symbols. Each symbol is assigned an index value, such that a modulo sum of index values for symbols of a particular key is a unique value that is used as an address to the memory storing the record associated with that key.

Abstract: The invention provides for a portable apparatus for shredding yard and garden waste. Particularly shaped blades are used for better shredding and mulching performance.

Abstract: An free-standing apparatus stores and heats a supply of water in a reservoir to a temperature desirable for instant consumption by an infant. The apparatus is portable and especially adapted to dispense warm water into a standard baby bottle that is then mixed with powdered baby formula for instant feeding. The apparatus includes controls for ensuring that water in the reservoir does not exceed or overshoot a maximum safe temperature for feeding formula to an infant. Visual indicator that the temperature of the water is in a safe range is provided to reassure the caregiver of proper temperature. The size of the reservoir is limited to prevent stagnation of water while providing sufficient volume to a hold a supply of water for one nights feedings.