Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for improving performance when retrieving data from one or more storage media. Files to be stored on the one or more storage media are classified into a ranking of different sets. Differences in retrieval value of different regions of the one or more storage media are exploited by selecting which files to store in which regions. For example, files that have a higher classification are stored in regions with faster retrieval values. The files can be classified based on frequency of access. Thus, files that are more frequently accessed are stored in regions that have a faster retrieval value. The files can be classified by another measure such as priority. For example, the classification for some or all of the files can be based on user-assigned priority. The classification may be based on events or data grouping.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus to divide a computing job into micro-jobs and allocate the execution of the micro-jobs to times when needed resources comply with one or more idleness criteria is provided. The micro-jobs are executed on an ongoing basis, but only when the resources needed by the micro-jobs are not needed by other jobs. A software program utilizing this methodology may be run at all times while the computer is powered up without impacting the performance of other software programs running on the same computer system.

Abstract: The deployment of multiple embedded operating system components provides a designer with flexibility when customizing an embedded operating system for a target computing device. The embedded operating system components provide extra features to expand the functionality of the target computing device. The ease with which the designer may select various embedded operating system components to deploy from an originating computing device to the target computing device simplifies the design process. Configuration data of a core embedded operating system and configuration data of the deployed embedded operating system components are merged and any conflicts between configuration data are automatically resolved without rebooting the target computing device.

Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a fixed inner distribution member (12) with inner conduit zone; a rotatable distribution member (16) rotatable about the fixed inner distribution member; a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (18) located between the fixed inner distribution member and the rotatable outer distribution member; each fluid distribution chamber having a fixed port (20) in the fixed inner distribution member to which a fixed supply or return conduit for a fluid can in use be connected and at least one distribution port (22) in the rotatable outer distribution member; at least one indexing arrangement (24) including a rotatable indexing member (26) and a fixed indexing member (28); a plurality of passageways (30, 32, 38, 40) extending through each of the rotatable and fixed indexing members (26, 28), the plurality of passageways each having indexing ports (30.2, 32.2, 38.2, 40.2) and connection ports (30.1, 32.1, 38.1, 40.

Abstract: A host operating system (e.g., WinPE®) detects hardware devices connected to a computing device and stores identifiers (if any) of detected hardware devices in a datastore (e.g., the WinPE® registry). Without performing a detection process, a setup program accesses the datastore to obtain identifiers of hardware devices attached to the computing device. The setup program uses a mapping file (which maps hardware devices to drivers of a set of driver files) to determine which drivers of the set of driver files are usable by the detected hardware devices. The setup file then installs the “selected” drivers into the computing device.

Abstract: POS device statistics information is managed such that the information is available commonly without the device being claimed by one application during retrieval of statistics information. A helper class DeviceStatistics object facilitates storing of statistics information in a common statistic repository that may be hardware based or software based, for example an XML file. The helper class also facilitates retrieval and forwarding of the statistics information to a managing POS application employing a service object for the POS device. A Windows Service based statistics service is used to retrieve the statistics information from the common statistic repository and generate performance monitor counters. The performance monitor counters are provided to requesting applications.

Abstract: An extensible data-driven setup application is provided for installing operating systems. Instead of performing installation operations itself, the host application determines individual tasks from a configuration file. The host application then instantiates and calls modules that perform the specific installation tasks including user interface screens, setup actions, data imports, and the like as defined in the configuration file. The modules are combined in module assemblies. The configuration file and the module assemblies may be customized for different sets of setup tasks, sequences of tasks, and content.

Abstract: Automatic interoperation functionality for legacy POS service and control objects is provided. In response to a request for creating an instance for a control object that implements an interface for the POS device, a legacy interoperability subsystem determines a unique identifier associated with the control object. The legacy interoperability subsystem dynamically generates an in-memory proxy class, based on the unique identifier. Thereby, the legacy subsystem enables the POS service application and the POS device to communicate with each other without having to instantiate one or more proxy classes for each instance of the legacy control object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating shaved, chipped or crushed ice and/or storing such ice at least temporarily. The apparatus includes a housing with a base adapted for placement on a surface such as a table or counter top. A one piece housing is moldable out of plastic. It includes a floor, a front and back, sides, and a top or ceiling. An opening in the back allows access into a substantially enclosed inner chamber or ice cabinet. Optional aspects of the apparatus include a viewing window, a molded drain pan floor in combination with a drain outlet, peak for elevation of the floor from the surface, a manually operated handle and ice ram for forcing ice blocks or cubes against a motorized ice shaver, and a shape and configuration to simulate an igloo or dome shape.

Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a fixed inner distribution member (12) with inner conduit zone; a rotatable distribution member (16) rotatable about the fixed inner distribution member; a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (18) located between the fixed inner distribution member and the rotatable outer distribution member; each fluid distribution chamber having a fixed port (20) in the fixed inner distribution member to which a fixed supply or return conduit for a fluid can in use be connected and at least one distribution port (22) in the rotatable outer distribution member; at least one indexing arrangement (24) including a rotatable indexing member (26) and a fixed indexing member (28); a plurality of passageways (30, 32, 38, 40) extending through each of the rotatable and fixed indexing members (26, 28), the plurality of passageways each having indexing ports (30.2, 32.2, 38.2, 40.2) and connection ports (30.1, 32.1, 38.1, 40.

Abstract: A drawer for the storage, display, and dispensing apparatus for dispensing tickets of various sizes without the use of moving parts. The dispensing apparatus includes a bin for storing tickets and a dispensing slot utilizing tension arms to guide and control the dispensing of tickets.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for displaying and dispensing lottery tickets utilizes a dispensing slot with tension arms to provide tension to tickets of varying thicknesses. The dispensing slot is cut into a door at an end of a box-like structure, which holds the tickets. Tension arms extend from the bottom of the slot into notches at the top of the slot such that the slot is narrower than the thickness of the tickets. Because the tension arms are also flexible, tickets of varying thickness can pass through the slot without becoming stuck.

Abstract: A coupling plate is provided to serve as a connecting member for stacking a fabricated ticket dispenser on top of a box-type molded dispenser in a semi-permanent relationship.

Abstract: The present invention provides Plug and Play (PnP) functionality for devices that are not supported by an operating system. In response to the installation of an unsupported device, the operating system sends the event to a device manager application residing in user mode code. Upon receiving the event, the device manager application automatically installs the supporting configuration entries and software. After the device is installed, the device is accessible from an application without requiring any programming changes. Events are exposed to the application through a through a common control library (CCL). The library is directed at providing a generic interface for accessing the devices. Using the CCL the registered applications may receive events associated with the device.

Abstract: A drawer for the storage, display, and dispensing apparatus for dispensing tickets of various sizes without the use of moving parts. The dispensing apparatus includes a bin for storing tickets and a dispensing slot utilizing tension arms to guide and control the dispensing of tickets.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for displaying and dispensing lottery tickets utilizes a dispensing slot with tension arms to provide tension to tickets of varying thicknesses. The dispensing slot is cut into a door at an end of a box-like structure, which holds the tickets. Tension arms extend from the bottom of the slot into notches at the top of the slot such that the slot is narrower than the thickness of the tickets. Because the tension arms are also flexible, tickets of varying thickness can pass through the slot without becoming stuck.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a scaffold assembly for use on a roof, including: a base for placement on a first plank disposed on a scaffold bracket attached to the roof; an outer member having a lower end attached to the base; an inner member telescopingly received in the outer member and attachable to the outer member at at least one lengthwise location; and an upper plank support attached to an upper end of the inner member for placement thereon of a second plank.