Abstract: When users, whether human or machine, want information, it is often unimportant to them where that information resides. A collection of information aggregation environments, such as the Universal Information Object Management Environment of the specification, becomes far more useful to users if information aggregated in one environment is easily aggregated by another. By assigning a virtual globally unique identifier to each object that is made available by any information aggregator in a way that captures the information necessary to get that information from the information aggregator in a common way, all of the information aggregation environments can use any of the data in any information aggregation environment transparently.

Abstract: When users, whether human or machine, want information, it is often unimportant to them where that information resides. A collection of information aggregation environments, such as the Universal Information Object Management Environment of the specification, becomes far more useful to users if information aggregated in one environment is easily aggregated by another. By assigning a virtual globally unique identifier to each object that is made available by any information aggregator in a way that captures the information necessary to get that information from the information aggregator in a common way, all of the information aggregation environments can use any of the data in any information aggregation environment transparently.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional information access capability, WorldSpace, within a Global Information Network Architecture (GINA) can create a user-definable environment for managing information access within the GINA object-oriented, software-based modeling environment for the modeling of various data sources and allowing queries and transactions across those sources. The modeling environment is described in itself, and is used to describe the model for information access. GINA WorldSpace allows different users to have different views of data sources depending upon their WorldSpace definition, which controls a user's view of the data source. The WorldSpace definition can use the attributes that makes the user unique and map them through GINA vectors to the characteristics of information to which the user has access. Attributes can include username, roles, language, locale, organization, and/or others. WorldSpace views can also impact the behavior of the data sources.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional information access capability, WorldSpace, within a Global Information Network Architecture (GINA) can create a user-definable environment for managing information access within the GINA object-oriented, software-based modeling environment for the modeling of various data sources and allowing queries and transactions across those sources. The modeling environment is described in itself, and is used to describe the model for information access. GINA WorldSpace allows different users to have different views of data sources depending upon their WorldSpace definition, which controls a user's view of the data source. The WorldSpace definition can use the attributes that makes the user unique and map them through GINA vectors to the characteristics of information to which the user has access. Attributes can include username, roles, language, locale, organization, and/or others. WorldSpace views can also impact the behavior of the data sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Global Information Architecture (GINA) to create an object oriented, software-based modeling environment for the modeling of various data sources and allowing queries and transactions across those sources. The modeling environment is described in itself. Introspection is achieved since the model is described in the model, and early validation that the infrastructure is correct is established in that the infrastructure must execute against itself. Object traversal is accomplished via vectors that describe how an object can be reached from other objects. Objects are linked by describing what type of object (data source) is to be reached and on the basis of what possible attribute values of that object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Global Information Architecture (GINA) to create an object-oriented, software-based modeling environment for the modeling of various data sources and allowing queries and transactions across those sources. The modeling environment is described in itself. Introspection is achieved since the model is described in the model, and early validation that the infrastructure is correct is established in that the infrastructure must execute against itself. Object traversal is done via vectors that describe how an object can be reached from other objects. Objects are linked by describing what type of object (data source) is to be reached and on the basis of what possible attribute values of that object. GINA allows different users to have different views of these data sources depending upon their WorldSpace. A user's view of the data source is controlled by his WorldSpace, which are the attributes he has that makes him unique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Global Information Architecture (GIA) to create an object-oriented, software-based modeling environment for the modeling of various data sources and allowing queries and transactions across those sources. The modeling environment is described in itself. Introspection is achieved since the model is described in the model, and early validation that the infrastructure is correct is established in that the infrastructure must execute against itself. Object traversal is done via vectors that describe how an object can be reached from other objects. Objects are linked by describing what type of object (data source) is to be reached and on the basis of what possible attribute values of that object. GIA allows different users to have different views of these data sources depending upon their WorldSpace. A user's view of the data source is controlled by his WorldSpace, which are the attributes he has that makes him unique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Global Information Architecture (GIA) to create an object-oriented, software-based modeling environment for the modeling of various data sources and allowing queries and transactions across those sources. The modeling environment is described in itself. Introspection is achieved since the model is described in the model, and early validation that the infrastructure is correct is established in that the infrastructure must execute against itself. Object traversal is done via vectors that describe how an object can be reached from other objects. Objects are linked by describing what type of object (data source) is to be reached and on the basis of what possible attribute values of that object. GIA allows different users to have different views of these data sources depending upon their WorldSpace. A user's view of the data source is controlled by his WorldSpace, which are the attributes he has that makes him unique.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.