Abstract: In a relational database system, a method is utilized that increases the performance of the sort operation. An optimizer routine in the relational database manager analyzes a user's complete query to determine whether the final sorted results can be used directly by the user as sorting occurs. If the sort results can be used, the sort results are sent to Relational Data Services in the relational database manager for output to the user. Depending upon the determination made by the optimizer routine, one of two output modes for the final sorted sequence string of data are selected by the relational database manager. In disk output mode, the last pass of the final sorted sequence spring is written to disk. In fast direct output mode, the records of data are sent to the user as the final sorted sequence string is being merged during the last pass. The system and method of this invention reduces the total sort time by eliminating the overhead of writing the disk during the fast direct output mode.

Abstract: A queue of randomly oriented chips is advanced down a track. Each chip in the queue is sequentially and individually elevated into a pneumatic circuit and pressed against a mirrored surface of an upper slide member to which it adheres if the chip was oriented with upwardly disposed solder lands. A jet of compressible fluid insufficient in magnitude to dislodge the chip is injected in a direction toward the queue. If the chip, alternatively, was oriented with the solder lands down, this fluid jet propels the chip about the oval-shaped pneumatic circuit so as to reorient the chip with the lands extending in the desired upward orientation, whereupon the chip is injected into a storage magazine.

Abstract: A system and method automatically providing wrap interconnections for wrap diagnostic capability of analog-digital conversion systems obviating the need for wrap cables. A connector system has a first state wherein DAC outputs are automatically internally routed to corresponding ADC inputs thereby closing a wrap loop whereupon automated DAC to ADC loop tests are performed. A second switching state is provided automatically by insertion of connector plugs into the connector system whereby the loop is broken and DAC outputs and ADC inputs are made available externally to respective output and input connectors. In one embodiment the switching system has application to an audio digitizing capture and playback adapter card. In the first state the card is automatically configured for a wrap diagnostic test.