Abstract: A system and method for representing content state in a file system is provided. A file system includes a unique database object that is representative of the object content. The unique database object serves as a link container and includes a plurality of links to additional unique database objects that are properties of the representation of content. The link container database object also maintains additional fields that define additional properties for the representation of content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that facilitates multi-tasking in a computing environment. A focus area component defines a focus area within a display space—the focus area occupying a subset area of the display space area. A scaling component scales display objects as a function of proximity to the focus area, and a behavior modification component modifies respective behavior of the display objects as a function their location of the display space. Thus, and more particularly the subject invention provides for interaction technique(s) and user interface(s) in connection with managing display objects on a display surface. One aspect of the invention defines a central focus area where the display objects are displayed and behave as usual, and a periphery outside the focus area where the display objects are reduced in size based on their location, getting smaller as they near an edge of the display surface so that many more objects can remain visible.

Abstract: In a method and system for operating a batch processing machine which produces a product, a recipe is created with a computer for batch processing of the product, the recipe having a plurality of steps. For at least one of the steps the machine is first manually operated and a snap shot is taken of control element operating parameters. The snap shot is then used for assisting in the creation of at least one of the method steps of the recipe. The recipe then is used to automatically process a batch of the product. Also, the batch processing machine can switch between a recipe editing screen and a recipe matrix screen, the recipe matrix screen providing control element indicia on one axis and steps of the process on a perpendicular axis, and wherein at locations of the matrix control element parameter values are displayed. Also for management reporting, a format of a management report can be changed for a given batch after running the batch.

Abstract: A tie rod end (16) comprises a metal stem (30) having a first surface (44) defining a first chamber (48). A ball stud (130) has a ball end (132) and a stud shaft (134). A plastic bearing (70) is located in the first chamber (48). The plastic bearing (70) includes a tubular sleeve portion (72) press fit in the first chamber (48). The tubular sleeve portion (72) has an open first end (76) and an opposing second end (78). The stud shaft (34) extends through the open first end (76). The tubular sleeve portion (72) includes a second surface (96) partially defining a second chamber (90). The second surface (96) engages the ball end (132) for relative sliding movement. The plastic bearing (70) further includes a plastic plug member (110) disposed in the second chamber (90). The plastic plug member (110) is fixedly attached to the tubular sleeve portion (72) and closes the second end (78) of the tubular sleeve portion. The plastic plug member (110) engages the ball end (132) for relative sliding movement.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of vibration welding of thermoplastic joints. Such welding is conducted by vibrating two fiber reinforced thermoplastic parts under pressure along their common interface to generate frictional heat to melt and fuse their surfaces together. Fibers from at least one surface penetrate both into the weld and into the other surface. As a result, the welded, fiber reinforced thermoplastic surfaces have increased tensile strength than heretofore achievable. Vibration welds of reinforced thermoplastic surfaces according to this invention achieve a maximum tensile strength as high as about 120% of a weld formed by the unreinforced surfaces of corresponding thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A computer database management system has a table buffer for buffering as yet uncommitted modifications of records in an original shared database table and a look aside index for redirecting original table accesses to the modifications in the table buffer. Record modifications in the table buffer are indexed by a modified value index having a same key structure as a user-defined index on the original table. An indexing logic performs index functions on both the user-defined index and modified value index to provide integrated indexing of the original table records and table buffer modifications with the user-defined key order.

Abstract: A high capacity condenser for automotive application is built up from two layers or modules so as to make maximum use of standard components. The tanks of header tank and tube type condensers are extruded with interfitting clearance notches and stand-off flanges along the length of the tanks that maintain the two modules spaced apart and aligned. A specially designed cross-over pipe interconnects the two modules in a fluid sense and also cooperates in mechanically joining the two.

Abstract: A headered tube and type condenser for automotive applications has a pair of tanks with side walls that face the ends of the tubes, and flat face walls perpendicular thereto. After installation, the tank face walls face the vehicle radiator. The ends of the tubes extend partially into the tanks, and have a predetermined spacing from the side walls of the tank, A fitting, either inlet our outlet or both, is secured to the face wall of either or both tanks. The portion of the fitting that extends into the tank has a smaller width than the predetermined spacing, and so can be placed anywhere along the entire length of the face wall without hitting the ends of the tubes.