Abstract: A tooth restoration post having a central dowel and a plurality of filaments. During a tooth restoration procedure, the post can be inserted into a canal of the tooth. When inserted, the plurality of filaments can engage the walls of the canal to provide support for the restored tooth. A composite material can be used to further strengthen the support of the tooth.

Abstract: A laser-based cleaning system for cleaning generator and turbine parts. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for cleaning blades of a turbine rotor assembly, comprising: a laser positioned remotely from the turbine rotor assembly for generating a laser signal; a laser workhead that receives the laser signal via an optical fiber, wherein the laser workhead is positionable proximate a blade in the turbine rotor assembly and can deliver a laser beam onto a surface of the blade to cause a cleaning of the blade; and a vacuum system for vacuuming debris created by the cleaning.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying capacity consumption profiles in a client/server computer system, which include such applications as enterprise resource planning customer relationship planning and supply change management. These profiles may be used for improving the ability to forecast those computer requirements necessary to accommodate a user's future data processing requirements. Additionally, these profiles allow for the categorizing of different types of computer usage for a specific client/server solution in a particular industry, which can provide sizing guidance to new users of these client/server solutions. In the present method, selected available statistics and accounting information are consolidated by a context aware process followed by statistical data analysis. After the desired types of profiles are selected with their available client/server identification, the context of the work effort that is being measured is tracked.

Abstract: A planning system for analyzing planning data, wherein the planning system includes a computer program that comprises a planning data window for displaying a view of the planning data; a definition system for defining exception criteria; a searching system for identifying exceptions in the planning data based upon the exception criteria; an exception dialog for displaying and selecting exceptions identified by the searching system; and a navigation system that allows a planner to navigate from exceptions listed in the exception dialog to and among the exceptions displayed in the planning data window. Exceptions located in the planning data window are annotated for easy recognition by the planner.

Abstract: A collapsible stand for supporting a table top machining tool, e.g., a table saw. The stand comprises a lateral support structure, such as a platform for holding the tool; a secondary support frame having a first end pivotally attached to a first end the lateral support structure; and a main support frame pivotally attached to the secondary support frame, wherein the main support frame comprises a handle at a first end for transporting the stand in its collapsed position, and wherein the handle comprises an out feed support for the table saw when the stand is in its set up position.

Abstract: A state saving circuit and method for using the same. The circuit comprises a first latch powered by an uninterrupted power supply, wherein the first latch includes a first pair of cross coupled inverters for storing data, and includes an input cut-off control for isolating the data in the first pair of cross coupled inverters; a second latch coupled to an output of the first latch and powered by an interruptible power supply, wherein the second latch includes a second pair of cross coupled inverters and a clock input for latching the data from the first latch to the second latch; and wherein an interruption of power to the second latch results in a state being saved in the first latch.

Abstract: A planning system and method for dynamically generating an invisible hierarchy during a planning session in an OLAP type tool. The planning system comprises: (1) a loading mechanism for loading a plan segment, wherein the plan segment is a portion of a plan cube and comprises data, rules, and a defined hierarchy within a dimension; (2) a checking mechanism for determining whether any of the rules associated with the plan segment reference data outside of the plan segment; and (3) a mechanism for creating an invisible hierarchy, wherein the invisible hierarchy comprises the defined hierarchy and at least one ancestor of a top member of the defined hierarchy.

Abstract: A system and method for servicing natural language requests with a plurality of remote host systems. The system utilizes a computer program that comprises: (1) an input system for inputting an NL command; (2) a translation system that extracts a request from the NL command and stores the request in a host-independent format; and (3) a routing system for servicing the request, wherein the routing system comprises a mechanism for selecting a host, for converting the request into a host dependent directive, and for forwarding the directive to the selected host. The system may further include a speech recognition system, a local data source for servicing the NL command, templates for converting the request into the host dependent directive, a heuristic for selecting the host, and an output system for obtaining and outputting the response.

Abstract: My invention, the “Portable Self-Contained Mobile Vending Unit,” revolutionizes the single chafing dish equipment used by caterers as well as the small steam table used by food vendors in a mobile vending “hot cart.” Caterers as well as mobile food vendors can offer their customers a complete professional looking buffet style set-up of foods, indoor or outdoor, with a minimal amount of set-up. Another benefit is that the equipment is lightweight as well as durable, and requires no maintenance. The expansion of the standard style mobile vending “hot cart” from one or two full chafing dish compartments to as many as seven additional full size portable steam pans, offers a food operator endless potential. Additionally, the self-contained style saves the food caterer from setting up a separate table to accommodate his separate chafing dishes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of performing user authentication on web based applications, such as IBM's Network Station Configuration Preference Manager. In particular, the system and method saves and continuously passes user information back and forth between a web client and a web server. The user information can then be used by CGI programs being executed on the web server for authentication purposes. Specifically, each CGI program will examine the user information, determine the authority privileges of the user, run the CGI program under a non-default user mode, return user information back to the web client, and return the CGI job to run in a default user mode.

Abstract: A direct access storage device (DASD) includes a plurality of motion limiters and/or a continuous motion limiter projecting from at least one of the base and cover, each motion limiter having faces disposed in close proximity to and confronting opposite surfaces of a data storage disk adjacent a peripheral portion of the disk that does not contain data. Preferably, the motion limiters are disposed at several points about the periphery of the disk, and may be incorporated in a load/unload ramp and/or side rails of the DASD. The faces of the motion limiters are disposed relative to the disk so that when the DASD is subjected to an acceleration, the disk contacts at least one of the faces only at the peripheral portion of the disk, outside the data zone. Accordingly, the motion limiters prevent data zone and spindle bearing damage when the DASD is dropped.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backplane assembly that includes stiffeners to provide both mechanical stiffening and electrical power distribution. In particular, the present invention provides a power distribution system that comprises a backplane, a power stiffener having alternate layers of dielectrics and conductors proximately located to the backplane, and removable connection to electrically connect the conductors in the stiffener to the backplane. Because power can be transferred directly to the backplane from the stiffener via the connection, the need for power cables and bus bars on the backplane is eliminated. In addition, noise suppressing capacitors may be located on the power stiffener, close to the load source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for writing servo tracks of a magnetic disk unit, and has an object of providing a servo track writing method and apparatus which can reduce a mechanical vibration of a head in the steady state and can shorten a settling time of the system. A detecting face is set in the vicinity of a head arm end portion 22 of a magnetic disk unit 2, and a capacitance probe 28 is provided as a gap detecting means for detecting a gap in a head moving direction between the detecting face and the head arm end portion 22. Further provided are a rotary positioner 26 as a positioning means for moving the capacitance probe 28 in the head moving direction to position it at a target position, and a head drive system control means for moving a head 14 of the magnetic disk unit 2 so that the gap is kept constant, to position the head 14 at a predetermined servo track writing position.