Abstract: Method and apparatus for efficiently performing nearest neighbor queries on a database of records wherein each record has a large number of attributes by automatically extracting a multidimensional index from the data. The method is based on first obtaining a statistical model of the content of the data in the form of a probability density function. This density is then used to decide how data should be reorganized on disk for efficient nearest neighbor queries. At query time, the model decides the order in which data should be scanned. It also provides the means for evaluating the probability of correctness of the answer found so far in the partial scan of data determined by the model. In this invention a clustering process is performed on the database to produce multiple data clusters. Each cluster is characterized by a cluster model. The set of clusters represent a probability density function in the form of a mixture model.

Abstract: A booster station having an integral foundation preinstalled prior to shipment to an installation site. An above ground pump enclosure houses at least one pump. Each pump has a pump inlet for receiving water and a pump outlet for discharging water at a predetermined pressure. A relatively rigid concrete foundation is integral to the pump enclosure. The foundation has an inner wall surface forming a chamber, an outer wall surface, a top wall supporting the pump enclosure, and a foundation floor opposite the top wall having an opening therein for allowing drainage of fluid from the chamber. The foundation has at least one inlet port for receiving water and at least one outlet port for discharging water to a water transport system. The inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the foundation ports at a first end and to the purrip at a second end. The inlet and outlet pipes include a relatively flexible synthetic rubber boot located at the first end that extends through the foundation outer wall surface.

Abstract: An improved floatable lighting assembly includes a base with a central concave wall that can face a liquid surface and a peripheral portion extending around the concave wall. A shell is constructed so as to extend from the peripheral portion to form a chamber around the concave wall that provides the lighting assembly with buoyancy. A lamp has a lower light-emitting portion and an electrical contact portion. The electrical contact portion is disposed in an interior region formed by the concave wall. A heat shield is disposed between the shell and the lamp. Electrical wire is electrically connected to the contact portion of the lamp. Structure in the base directs electrical wire from a lower portion of the base into the liquid. The electrical cable includes a loop strain relief member for preventing the cable from pulling away from the structure during use of the lighting assembly.

Abstract: Roofing structure includes roofing brackets having a first leg attached to vertical members of a roof structure and a second leg that extends at an angle from the first leg and attached to horizontal members of the roof structure. Brackets serve to attache the vertical members to a support surface of the roof. The first and second legs include a plurality of preformed patterned holes and slots having varying sizes to receive fasteners. The pattern and size of the holes and slots allows for fastening of the brackets to steel bar joists while enabling the fasteners in the slots to be fastened near center lines of the respective bar joists. The slot sizes and positions enable fastening to steel bar joists for most distances between the flanges of their top angle chord members.

Abstract: A tie arrangement (10) comprising a housing (12) with a passage (16), an engagement part (22) and an elongate member (14), the free end of the elongate member (14) being extendable through the passage (16), the engagement part (22) and a locking member (18) being arranged inside the passage (16) for locking the elongate member (14) inside the passage (16), such that if said elongate member (14) is pulled, this causes the engagement part (22) to move together with the elongate member (14), which causes clamping of the elongate member (14) between the engagement part (22) and the passage walls (16) by virtue of the decreasing size of the passage (16), thereby preventing further movement of the elongate member (14).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an ion implanter including a rotatable support disposed in an implantation chamber of an ion beam implanter for supporting a plurality of wafer workpieces. The rotatable support includes a hub adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a direction of an ion beam beam line entering the implantation chamber. The rotatable support further includes a plurality of wafer support members adapted to be attached to the hub, each wafer support member adapted to support at least one of the wafer workpieces. Each wafer support member includes an attachment structure for affixing the support to the rotating member and a wafer support pad extending from the attachment structure and passing through the beam line as the hub rotates. The wafer support pad includes a wafer support surface facing the beam line that includes a concave portion.

Abstract: What-if index analysis utility provides the ability to analyze the performance of the existing configuration of a database system with respect to one or more workloads of queries and to propose a hypothetical configuration for the database system to analyze its potential impact on the performance of the database system. The utility may be used, for example, to perform an impact analysis of the set of indexes selected by an index selection tool, for example, with respect to a workload of queries and may also be used to explore what-if scenarios for the database system by analyzing the impact of hypothetical sets of indexes with respect to the execution of various workloads over projected sizes of a database. The utility may be used to perform summarizations of workloads, configurations, and the performance of workloads with respect to the existing configuration and hypothetical configurations.

Abstract: A portable electronic work slate unit includes a customizable array of data devices and input/output devices which are selectively integrated in a compact and highly ergonomic structure. Increased operator productivity is accomplished by use of several possible user interface media including a multi-function display and input/output unit including a digitizer, position sensitive screen, and video display panel. Selectively integratable user interface components include a bar code scanner, RF modulator for radio frequency communication, modem, audio input/output, as well as the multi-purpose display. All components are integrated by use of a handle unit which can house a battery as well as removable modules in a manner so as to minimize operator fatigue and discomfort, as well as enhance productivity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the construction of a classification model (for example a decision tree) from data in a large database. The database is stored in the form of data records on a storage medium for access by a computer. The computer executes a software component for building a classification model from the data in the database. The classification building component has a scheduler that directs the computer to sequentially access all records in the database one or more times as required for extracting the necessary sufficient statistics to construct the classification model. The method optimizes the construction of the classifier from the database by minimizing the number of database scans and making as much use of the computer's fast main memory (RAM) as possible. The method prescribes three different modes for scanning data and includes a scheduler component that decides which of these modes to employ and on what parts of the database.

Abstract: A low profile, two pole, plunger-type safety switch and connector assembly includes a switch housing and switch components are supported within the housing interior region. An actuator extends exteriorly though the housing opening and is moveable along a linear path of travel between two positions, one position of the actuator corresponding to an undepressed position and a second position of the actuator corresponding to a depressed position. Terminals of the switch assembly terminate in conductive male contacts extending through a side wall of the switch housing substantially perpendicular to the path of travel of the actuator. The connector assembly includes a connector housing supporting four female terminals sized to snugly receive respective different ones of the four male contacts when the connector housing engages the switch housing. Extending arms of a flexible, electrically conductive shorting member contact a center two of the female terminals.

Abstract: A process of forming dunnage is disclosed. A chain of interconnected plastic pouches are fed along a path of travel to a fill and seal station. The pouches are sequentially opened as each pouch is positioned in the fill station by directing a flow of air through a pouch fill opening to separate a face from a back of each such pouch and continuing the flow of air through each such opening to completely inflate each opened pouch. Each such inflated pouch is then sealed to create hermetically closed and inflated dunnage units. Novel web and dunnage units are also disclosed.