Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article for solving the year 2000 problem involves limited modifications in the data definition portions of the source code and compiler support for processing the modified source code. Fields in the source code that contain a year or date values are identified and, for each such field, the user selects an appropriate technique (for example, expansion, compression or windowing). The user modifies the data definition for each identified field, by adding new attributes to request the selected technique. The user then compiles the program and resolves any ambiguous references to the variables whose definitions were modified. This procedure is applied, module by module, and each processed module is merged into production, after testing, by using a compiler option to disable the use of the new attributes.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article for solving the year 2000 problem involves limited modifications in the data definition portions of the source code and compiler support for processing the modified source code. Fields in the source code that contain a year or date values are identified and, for each such field, the user selects an appropriate technique (for example, expansion, compression or windowing). The user modifies the data definition for each identified field, by adding new attributes to request the selected technique. The user then compiles the program and resolves any ambiguous references to the variables whose definitions were modified. This procedure is applied, module by module, and each processed module is merged into production, after testing, by using a compiler option to disable the use of the new attributes.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article for solving the year 2000 problem involves limited modifications in the data definition portions of the source code and compiler support for processing the modified source code. Fields in the source code that contain a year or date values are identified and, for each such field, the user selects an appropriate technique (for example, expansion, compression or windowing). The user modifies the data definition for each identified field, by adding new attributes to request the selected technique. The user then compiles the program and resolves any ambiguous references to the variables whose definitions were modified. This procedure is applied, module by module, and each processed module is merged into production, after testing, by using a compiler option to disable the use of the new attributes.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for computer-implemented support of database indexes based on a generalized B-tree index. The index is stored in a B-tree on a data storage device connected to a computer. In particular, multiple key sources are processed using key transformation. Then, a plurality of key targets are generated based on the processed key sources.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for a computer implemented query compiler. A query is executed in a computer, the query being performed by the computer to retrieve data from a database stored on a data storage device connected to the computer. The query is received containing at least one variable. At execution time, a value is determined for each variable in the query. A filter factor is estimated using the determined value for each variable. Then, an access path is determined for the query using the estimated filter factor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for using a relational database management system to support on-line analytical processing (OLAP) systems. A multi-dimensional database is defined using an outline that contains one or more dimensions, each dimension having a list of one or more members. A relational schema is defined based on the defined multi-dimensional database. A relational database is created based on the defined relational schema. The relational database is accessed using access mechanisms provided by the multi-dimensional database and the relational database.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a retractor includes a flat spring (72), securely disposed between an interior surface of the sidewall (30) and an outside diameter surface (64) of a cylindrical spool (60). The flat spring has a detent (92) integrally formed thereon. The detent slidably engages notches (68) formed on the outside diameter surface to permit rotation in one direction but not the other. The ratchet mechanism further includes a thumb slide (74) that engages the flat spring and releases the detent from the notches to allow the spool to rotate under the force of the torsional spring (62).

Abstract: An improved hydraulic strut (30) for mounting a moveable structure (24) to a support structure, the strut having an outer telescoping member (20) and an inner telescoping member (32). The outer telescoping member defines a first hydraulic chamber (402) and a second hydraulic chamber (400), connected by a fluid flow restrictor (100). The inner telescoping member includes a main piston (200) that translates within the second hydraulic chamber between a closed position, where the inner telescoping member is fully retracted into the outer telescoping member, and an open position, wherein the inner telescoping member is fully extended from the outer telescoping member.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for a computer-implemented multiple-stage evaluation of a user-defined predicate. A statement is executed in a database stored on a data storage device connected to a computer. The statement is received containing a user-defined predicate with a user-defined function. Then, multiple-stage evaluation of the user-defined predicate is performed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for remotely scripting local objects. An applet is executed in a browser in a remote client computer, thereby generating control information. The control information is transmitted from the client computer to a network server. A script stored on the network server is executed using the control information. The execution of the script generates script output data. The script output data is transmitted from the network server to the browser. The output data can be thereafter used to execute another applet in the client browser. The output data need not comprise an entire HTML page, but may comprise only a portion of the page as required to display the required information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article for solving the year 2000 problem involves limited modifications in the data definition portions of the source code and compiler support for processing the modified source code. Fields in the source code that contain a year or date values are identified and, for each such field, the user selects an appropriate technique (for example, expansion, compression or windowing). The user modifies the data definition for each identified field, by adding new attributes to request the selected technique. The user then compiles the program and resolves any ambiguous references to the variables whose definitions were modified. This procedure is applied, module by module, and each processed module is merged into production, after testing, by using a compiler option to disable the use of the new attributes.