Abstract: Statistics regarding at least one attribute (or column) of a table in a database system are collected using an enhanced mechanism for faster collection. The statistics collection is based on scanning a sample of rows of a given table, with the sample being less than all the rows of the table. The percentage of rows to be read is specified in a statement submitted to the database system. The database system then uses the specified percentage to read the sample rows from the table for collecting statistics on the at least one attribute.

Abstract: A parallel processing architecture for a relational database management system (RDBMS) that supports both a process model operating system and a thread model operating system. The RDBMS is implemented as a shared nothing, single database image utilizing Parallel Database Extensions (PDEs) that insulate the RDBMS from the specifics of the operating system and that provide the necessary techniques for accessing common memory segments.

Abstract: A mulching mower mechanism, having an inverted U-shaped channel member positioned within the outer periphery of a cutting chamber of a mower deck for generally confining the clippings circulating at the outer periphery of the cutting chamber. The channel member extends generally across the mower deck's discharge outlet for generally diverting the stream of clippings away from the outlet and thereby serves to maintain the clippings within the deck to be re-cut by the blade. The channel member includes an upper and outer wall portions positioned adjacent the discharge outlet for generally blocking the clippings and air within the channel from exiting the discharge outlet. The channel member also includes an inner wall portion which separates the stream of clippings from the relatively clean air circulating within the inner portion of the deck.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both values so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: Boom support structure for a sprayer including a boom center frame supported for rocking both about a fore-and-aft extending axis and an upright axis by a torsional pendulum structure to isolate the boom from the sprayer frame movement in both the roll and yaw directions thereby reducing fluctuations in the relative velocities of the boom ends as the sprayer moves over irregular ground surfaces. The pendulum structure and guide structure connected between the boom center frame and the boom support maintain the boom generally parallel to the ground even on hillsides without need for additional latching mechanisms.

Abstract: A spider wheel for a rotary incorporator for one pass incorporation of chemicals or small grains in previously tilled soil. The incorporator includes two rows of aggressive, large diameter spider wheels supported from a toolbar for rotation in the soil about axes offset at an acute angle to the transverse direction. The spider wheels are to provide good incorporation and a smooth seed bed without hilling or chemical banding. A smaller diameter, depth limited spider wheel on each outermost end of the implement feathers the effect of the angled wheels. The spider wheels include tines having soil working surfaces for good mixing and soil moving action and a large gullet area for good trash shedding and throwing characteristics.

Abstract: A rotary incorporator for one pass incorporation of chemicals or small grains in previously tilled soil. The incorporator includes two rows of aggressive, large diameter spider wheels supported from a toolbar for rotation in the soil about axes offset at an acute angle to the transverse direction. The spider wheels, arranged to balance the forces transmitted to the toolbar, are angled in opposite directions on each half portion of the implement, with the wheels of the trailing row angled in opposite direction to and offset transversely with respect to the forwardly adjacent wheels in the forward row. The innermost wheels of each of the two rows are more widely spaced and smaller in diameter than most of the remaining wheels, and two additional smaller diameter spider wheels are centrally located between the innermost wheels and cooperate therewith to provide good incorporation and a smooth seed bed without hilling or chemical banding.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches an improved projectile throwing sling of the type having a pocket and two thongs wherein a supple pocket is provided to provide gripping power pending the throw and wherein at least one weight is carried by the sling at the release end of the pocket. A weight which simultaneously fastens the release thong to the release end of the pocket is taught and matched weight disposed at each end of the pocket and adapted to simultaneously fasten the release and tether thongs to the two ends of the pocket are also taught.