Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a parameter value to be used as a parameter for a random number generator. A random value is generated and the random value is mapped to a prime number. The parameter value is generated by multiplying the prime number by previously selected prime numbers. Each parameter value is then used as one of a plurality of parameters for the random number generator.

Abstract: A refrigeration system generally including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. A refrigerant expansion tank is connected to the suction side of the compressor to vary the charge of refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Preferably, the expansion tank adds additional refrigerant to the system only after it has reached, is near, or at least is approaching, its operating point. The additional refrigerant is removed from the refrigerant fluid path and contained within the expansion tank when the refrigeration system is turned off.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing an efficiency of a refrigeration system comprising means for measuring a refrigeration efficiency of an operating refrigeration system: means for altering a process variable of the refrigeration system during efficiency measurement: and a process for calculating a process variable level which achieves an optimum efficiency. The process variables may include refrigerant charge and refrigerant oil concentration in evaporator.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for inserting barcode graphics information representing a complete zip code. The system receives a document containing a street address from a wordprocessor via a data transfer in accordance with printer interface protocols. The system locates the address within the document and thereafter consults an index of ZIP CODES corresponding to street addresses. If the system is able to identify a correct, complete ZIP CODE in the index for the address contained within the document, then a barcode representation of that ZIP CODE is thereafter calculated according to postal service regulations. The system then generates graphics data for the barcode representation of the ZIP CODE and inserts the graphics data into the electronic representation of the document. The document, including the barcode graphics, is thereafter transferred to a suitable printer.

Abstract: An impact printer has a print band moving longitudinally around pulleys with one side of the band moving in contact along a rigid platen and the other side having engraved characters presented along a print line of a print medium (e.g. paper and ink ribbon). The leading edge of platen is squared off (e.g. sharp) to scrape contamination off the band. A row of hammers impact the print medium against the band between the hammers and an impact surface of the platen. The impact surface of the platen contains multiple longitudinal grooves which start slightly back from the leading edge of the platen and which prevent increased friction force between the band and platen from occurring as the band wears the platen impact surface smooth.