Abstract: A computer system and method for data base indexing and information retrieval. A number of keywords are selected and each record of a data base is searched to determine in which records each keyword appears. The central processing unit of the system then creates a vector for each keyword which identifies each record number of the data base where the keyword appears and numerically sorts the record numbers. A special bit processor next transforms each vector into a bit string that is identified by one of the keywords. The bit strings are returned to the central processing unit and are stored in secondary storage so as to form an index for the data base. To retrieve information, one or more keywords are input to the central processing unit. The input keywords are used by the central processing unit to identify the bit string for each keyword. The keywords may be logically joined using "AND," "OR" and/or "NOT" commands.

Abstract: A polar coordinate apparatus for performing an operation on a three-dimensional workpiece. The apparatus comprises an arcuate track having a rigid carrier member slidably supported thereon, such carrier including a motor for selectively positioning the carrier along the arcuate track. A radial support arm is slidably connected to the carrier and is provided with a motor for controlling the position of the radial support arm with respect to the carrier. Further, a working implement, such as a milling device, is connected adjacent one end of the radial support arm so as to be capable of engaging a workpiece. Advantageously, the radial support arm may also be rotatable with respect to its point of connection to the carrier, and the working implement may be rotatable with respect to its point of connection to the radial support arm.A workpiece is supported on a rotatable turret plate, and a motor is provided for rotating the turret plate, together with the workpiece, about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A leaf-lifter device to be used in connection with ring binders so that the loose-leaf pages in the binder do not bind under the rings of the binder when the loose leaf is closed. In one preferred embodiment the apparatus is comprised of seven parallel strips of plastic connected to one another by a flexible, thin plastic membrane which forms a hinge. Each of the two outside parallel strips are mounted to the adjacent outer leaf of the binder. The inner or center strip is mounted to the binder spring plate. The intermediate strips are not attached to the binder so that as the binder is closed the two intermediate strips will buckle at their hinged edges and will thus lift the loose-leaf pages so that they avoid binding and tearing under the binder rings.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for electronically storing, retrieving, separating, comparing and interrelating data which is maintained in a predetermined classification scheme. Data is electronically stored under the predetermined classification scheme in the form of hierarchal information trees. Data corresponding to a selected attribute may be found in an information tree by using a CRT terminal to scan the various levels of the hierarchy of the tree. As the various levels of the tree are scanned, nodes in each level of the tree are selected in accordance with the desired attribute which is being searched. The selection of various nodes in the levels of the information tree defines one or more concurrent paths through the tree which provide access to all data classified under the information tree corresponding to the attribute being searched. A CPU generates an encoded representation for each set of concurrent paths that are searched through the information tree.