Abstract: The method of the present invention defines a method in a computer system having a user interface, a memory, a repository and a database, and a repository program operating in the computer system for generically manipulating properties of objects stored in the repository. The program executes a method comprising the steps of determining if the current value of the property is known, and if not; determining if the current value of the property is needed, and if so; calling getProperty to retrieve the current value of the property; determining if the value of the property is to be changed, and if so; calling setProperty to alter the value of the property.

Abstract: In a multiprocessor computer system where a number of "agents" can compete for access to a "resource", a method of ameliorating "Livelock" and preventing any such agent from being unduly frustrated from such access, this method comprising: arranging the system to include an arbitrating unit and a common system bus connecting a number of processors, plus an Avoidance unit included in each processor and including a Random-Number generator and automatic "Random Backoff" that causes an agent that fails to secure access to wait for one or more given random time periods T.sub.B before reattempting such access, with each said time period T.sub.B being provided by the random number generator so as to likely differentiate from competing agents.

Abstract: An adapter arrangement for internetworking a non-CTOS computer means with a network of CTOS terminals, including a system-bus, this arrangement being adapted for introduction into, and cooperation with, the non-CTOS computer and comprising CTOS-net bus means for transferring signals from the system-bus plus a communication control stage for controlling and transferring signals to/from the CTOS network and a net-interface stage.

Abstract: A method of arranging and operating a multiprocessor computer server system having "split-transaction bus" architecture, including bus modules operating with an address phase and a cycle phase, and arranged for access by a prescribed resource stage, to facilitate "RETRY", this method including; providing a Cache Tag and Address Compare,arranging the system so that a first bus module stores the address for the Resource stage in the Cycle Tag; andcomparing subsequent address bus cycles to the contents of the Cache Tag so that, givena "match", a "RETRY" direction is responsively sent to any other bus module that requests access.

Abstract: The present invention operates in a file server having a peripheral storage subsystem coupled thereto by means of a fibre channel. The file server includes an apparatus disposed between the file server and the storage subsystem for adapting fibre channel transmissions to and from an industry standard data bus of the file server. The apparatus includes a microprocessor executing a method comprising the following steps. Sensing if an interrupt has occurred by the file server, and if so, determining the condition of the interrupt by the file server and handling it. If an interrupt has not occurred, testing an interface between the fibre channel and the apparatus to assure connectivity of the fibre channel. Next, sense for an action to be taken in response to the interrupt, and if so attempt to take appropriate action.

Abstract: Arrangement for lifting image of checks, with Xenon lamp, Fluorescent lamp or like source of stable-wavelength-output and CCPD Camera means selected to exhibit "close-to-human" spectral response plus a photopic filter, disposed upstream of the Camera and adapted to shift its received image-light spectrum in the direction of that which is optimal for the human-eye.

Abstract: An arrangement for illuminating objects wherein a large number of objects are rapidly and continuously transported past one or more stations, each illuminated by a cylindrical, integrating Lambertian reflecting/diffusing cavity having one or more like light sources therein so as to generate and project a highly intense, highly uniform and highly diffuse beam of illumination, while incorporating optical guide means to couple said illumination beam to the face of the objects at said station and to couple the reflected image of the object back to the cavity.

Abstract: Arrangement for lifting image of checks, with Xenon lamp, Fluorescent lamp or like source of stable-wavelength-output and CCPD Camera means selected to exhibit "close-to-human" spectral response plus a photopic filter, disposed upstream of the Camera and adapted to shift its received image-light spectrum in the direction of that which is optimal for the human-eye.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting and processing documents and maintaining a preset nominal inter-document gap, g.sub.nom therebetween, this apparatus including atransport stage for picking each document from an input stack and advancing it toward a destination at a controlled rate; a sensor unit for sensing the distance g between the so-moved document and the following document; and a control stage for determining the variance .gradient.g, between g.sub.nom and g, while driving each successive document along a feed path from the input stack at adjustable times; with the sensor unit inputting the control stage which is adapted to responsively determine the variance-distance .gradient.g, and to thereupon control the transport stage to adjust the acceleration or deceleration of a following document and so tend to reduce this variance-distance .gradient.g.

Abstract: A "bit-sliced" construction cache module dictates dual TAG RAM Structures and dual invalidation queues, yielding enhanced performance: putting half the TAG array in each of two cache arrays, and allowing each to handle only one-half of the possible address values. Preferably, one half-module handles ZERO least-significant bits and the other handles ONE least-significant bits. Processor operations and invalidation operations can be "overlapped", and even operate simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing shift operations by reducing the computational overhead and the number of full scan path shifts associated with accessing and modifying data on a rotating scan path image are disclosed. The system further simplifies the construction of a scan path image by inserting a programmable number of leading and trailing bits around a selected string of data bits. The system manipulates and constructs a scan path image without having to shift or prepare the entire scan path image in memory. Specifically, the system comprises a master controller having a lead bypass module, a trail bypass module, a first shift module, a second shift module, a select module and a shift control module. Collectively, these modules comprise the necessary hardware for executing a plurality of shift optimization functions which include lead and trail bypass insertion, non-destructive read, field isolation, field insertion, bit order reversion, bit rotation and simultaneous read and write operation.

Abstract: An improved digital data modulator is provided for a digital transmitter. The digital data modulator comprises of a pair of digital data synthesizers which are controlled in a manner which produces complex conjugate modulated data signals of the input signals. Summing means are provided to sum the outputs of the digital data synthesizers in a manner which removes the imaginary components and simultaneously reduces the side load power without employing conventional filters.

Abstract: A novel interface unit circuit for connecting circuit card assemblies to a data stream and to each other is designed for implementation on a high speed semiconductor chip. A parallel bit data word comprising a programmable address field is compared to a mask address stored in buffer registers and in the presence of a match, the parallel bit data word is stored in a sink register. Also the address field of the data word is filled with zeros and passed to the output of the data channel where the time slot for the data word may be written over with new data words or the time slot passed on to other circuit card assemblies or other elements.

Abstract: A method which provides for controlling the ordering of document images in an image based document processing system so as to minimize the likelihood of an operator making an incorrect entry. In a particular preferred embodiment, transactions comprised of a single deposit ticket and a single check are reordered when displayed for amount entry so that they are separated by at least one document image. This minimizes data entry errors, since an operator cannot assume that successively displayed items are related.

Abstract: A disk drive actuator is described including automatic eddy-current braking capability, enhanced by simple modifications of coil-mount structure, such as split damping ring and spaced-rib array.

Abstract: An image processing station 18 displays data indicative of a plurality of document on a monitor 22 from data stored in a main image store 16 and the image processor 18 accepts commands from a keyboard 26 to print the images or to retrieve a new document from the main store 16 or a video memory 50 which comprises selectable first 56 and second 62 page portions either of which may be loaded with fresh image data while the other page portion is being displayed and documents are swapped from one page to the other when fresh document images are moved into one of the pages.

Abstract: A portable computer having a base housing and a removable display pivotably mounted thereon, the display being removable from the base housing to be made free-standing on pivotable support feet, while having a removable electrical cable to the base housing.

Abstract: Methods for rendering a recording medium for use with a recording laser beam providing light of a given energy and frequency, where the medium is characterized by a light-reflecting structure with a light-absorbing record layer thereon and a sealing overcoat on the record layer, the light-absorbing record layer being prone to exhibit micro-excursions and/or micro-deformation during laser recording thereon, and a transparent "soft-pad" isolation layer is interposed, between the light-absorbing layer and the overcoat, this soft pad having a thickness and other characteristics such that the absorber layer is constrained little, or not at all, in the course of being written-upon with the laser, the soft, pad thus functioning to isolate the absorber layer thermally and mechanically, as well as to help defocus dust, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose an adjustable filter (cf voltage-controlled bandwidth) having photoconductors whose resistance is adjusted by variable-intensity radiation source means, with a related feedback loop to compensate for thermal changes.

Abstract: Arrangement for lifting image of checks, with Xenon lamp, Fluorescent lamp or like source of stable-wavelength-output and CCPD Camera means selected to exhibit "close-to-human" spectral response plus a photopic filter, disposed upstream of the Camera and adapted to shift its received image-light spectrum in the direction of that which is optimal for the human-eye.