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: In a pool lighting system, each illuminator (10) comprises a color wheel 26, a driver mechanism (24) for rotating the color wheel, and a synchronization circuit (42). The synchronization circuit is responsive to an alternating-current source of power applied to the illuminator to control the driver mechanism to place the color wheel at a predetermined position after a predetermined time subsequent to the alternating-current source of power being initially applied to the illuminator.

Abstract: A presser bar mechanism for an exit door having a frame with a stile, upper and lower lock rods vertically sliding in the stile, a presser bar carried on the door frame, a plate mounted in the stile for rotation about a horizontal axis, upper and lower connectors each having a first end attached to the plate and each having a second end attached to said upper and lower lock rods, respectively, a drive pin carried in one of the connectors and projecting outward from the stile, a slide housing carried on the stile and including a slide channel, a slide member carried in the slide housing for translation along the slide channel, and a crank carried in the slide housing and having first and second crank arms, with the first crank arm engageable by the presser bar and with the second crank arm engagable with the slide member so that pressing on the presser bar rotates the crank to move the slide member in the slide housing, with the slide member engaging the drive pin in driving relation to translate the drive pin

Abstract: A composition for modulating immune response in mammals, comprises a therapeutic agent such as a stereoisomer of inositol, derivatives, salts, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier. The composition is provided in solid and liquid formulations, including solutions, suspensions, spreadable and solid forms, as an implant, inhalant, and in vaporizable, injectable, oral and transdermal forms, and the like. The composition of the invention is useful for modulating (enhancing/inhibiting) the immune response. The therapeutic agent of this invention enhances/suppresses B and/or T lymphocyte activity(ies) in normal, aging and immunodeficient mammals, as well as those afflicted with auto-immune disease (s), or subjected to transplants.

Abstract: A continuous manufacturing process for preparing cooked bacon includes the step of cooking slices of an uncured and unsmoked pork belly with cure ingredients applied on the slices to produce cooked bacon having the organoleptic properties of cooked conventionally cured and smoked bacon. An apparatus for continuously preparing cooked bacon includes a slicing device, a continuous cure ingredient application station and a continuous cooking station.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for maintaining object relationships. A query is executed in a computer to retrieve data from a database stored on a data storage device. Initially, one or more relationship objects are created, wherein each relationship object identifies a source object and a related target object. Next, when accessing a source object, related target objects are determined using the relationship object. When accessing a target object, related source objects are determined using the relationship object.

Abstract: An artificial gut (100) comprises a first hollow fiber (203) having an inner surface (215) that is lined with at least a portion of a layer of one or more of a plurality of biological components (205) that typically line a mammalian gut. Further, a second hollow fiber (201) is adjacent the first hollow fiber. The layer of one or more of the plurality of biological components can consist essentially of enterocytes. The enterocyte-lined inner surface is perfused with a feeding solution containing nutrients, and the enterocytes absorb, process, and transport the nutrients across the wall of the first hollow fiber. The nutrients eventually diffuse into the second hollow fiber. A perfusate selected from the group consisting of culture medium, blood, and plasma, can perfuse an inner surface of the second hollow fiber, whereby the perfusate is nourished by the nutrients.

Abstract: A method of reducing or inhibiting inflammation and inducing or promoting anti-pyresis comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment, an amount of a glutathione depleting agent effective to reduce or inhibit neutrophil sequestration at the inflammation site. The agent may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition including a carrier. Examples of the agent itself are diethylmaleate (DEM), phorone, buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO), glutathione depleting diethylmaleate (DEM) mimetics, glutathione depleting phorone mimetics and glutathione depleting buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) mimetics.

Abstract: A washing system for dispensing a liquid cleanser includes a dispenser having a positive displacement pump and a collapsible bag containing the liquid cleanser. The dispenser includes an inlet and an outlet to the positive displacement pump. The collapsible container includes an outlet. A container support means supports the collapsible container. A flexible supply line connects the collapsible container to the pump. The flexible supply line also has a first end connected to the outlet of the collapsible container and a second end connected to the inlet to the pump. A one way valve in the flexible supply line blocks fluid flow to the collapsible container while permitting fluid flow from the collapsible container to the dispenser.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for an intelligent compiler. A query is executed in a computer to retrieve data from a relational database stored on a data storage device. The query contains a procedural function. The query is compiled to generate an internal representation of the procedural function. Then, the execution of the procedural function is optimized using the generated internal representation.

Abstract: An extended reach latch for an engine cowling and the like, including a housing having a housing slot, a hook pin carried in the housing, a hook having a hook slot, with the hook pin in the hook slot for sliding of the hook relative to the housing, first, second and third links, a first link pin joining the hook and the first link and sliding in the housing slot, a second link pin joining the first and second links, a third link pin joining the second and third links, with the third link pivoting on the hook pin, an outer handle pivotally mounted on the first link pin for movement between an open position and a closed position, and having an outer handle slot for the second link pin, and an inner handle pivotally mounted on the first link pin for movement between an open position and a closed position, and having an inner handle slot for the third link pin, with movement of the inner handle from its open position to its closed position moving the hook into the housing a first distance, and with movement of th

Abstract: A hydro-therapy spa jet including an inlet connection, a first nozzle to accelerate a water stream from the inlet connection, an air inlet, a second nozzle drawing air from the air inlet to aerate the accelerated water stream, and a third nozzle to slow and directionally adjust the aerated water stream. The third nozzle includes an inlet, a chamber, and an orifice, where the aerated water stream passes into the inlet, through the chamber, and out the orifice. The inlet has a conical inner surface that contracts in a downstream direction. The inlet also includes a spherical outer surface, which is received in a conforming spherical inner surface within the jet. The chamber is conical in shape, expanding in the downstream direction to reduce the water's speed as it passes through the chamber. The orifice defines a passage having a cross-sectional area that is constant in the downstream direction.

Abstract: An illuminator assembly that has a lid that can be easily removed, a spare bulb holder, a color wheel that easily accepts additional filters without disassembly and a snap on filter for a window on the illuminator assembly. The illuminator assembly illuminates one end of a bundle of fiber optic fibers for a lighting system for a swimming pool or a spa or other area to be illuminated. The illuminator assembly includes a hollow housing containing a light socket assembly for illuminating the end of the bundle of fiber optic fibers. The housing has a first tab mounted adjacent to its open upper end. A light bulb is mounted in the light socket assembly and a lid is provided that is sized to cover the open upper end of the housing. The lid has a second tab configured to selectively engage the first tab on the housing upon the rotation of the lid with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for using a relational database management system to support on-line analytical processing (OLAP) systems. A relational database has a fact table and at least one related dimension table. A dimension identifier is received that identifies a data block in a multi-dimensional database. The dimension identifier comprises one or more multi-dimensional member identifiers. Rows are accessed from the fact table through the related dimension tables using the received dimension identifier. Then, the accessed rows are formatted as a data block for the multi-dimensional database.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for slowing gastrointestinal transit and prolonging residence time to optimize presentation and absorption of ingested nutrients and/or pharmacologically active agents in the small intestine to prevent and/or reduce ineffectiveness thereof due to malabsorption.The present invention further provides methods and compositions for enhancing the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of pharmacologically active agents.

Abstract: A combined floral display and keepsake are described. The floral display includes a container (1) with a bottom (4), side walls (7) and a pick (8) extending vertically upwards from the container bottom. Flowers (13) are displayed by positioning them into a foam block (14) contained in the container. The keepsake (2) is elevated above the container, connected to the top of the pick by an attachment mechanism (3). When the floral arrangement is no longer fresh, the container, the pick, the foam block, and the flowers may be discarded, while the keepsake remains useful and decorative.