Abstract: A locking connector is provided that comprises first and second connector parts configured to releasably engage with one another along a longitudinal axis of the connector. The first connector part comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed resiliently bendable latching fingers each finger attached at one end to the first connector and having an ear at an opposite end. The second connector part comprises one or more recesses to receive the ears of the fingers. The connector comprises a locking ring, moveable along the axis such that in a first position the ears engage in the recesses to lock the connector parts together, and in a second position the ears are free to move radially outwards to enable the connector parts to be separated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for processing transactions requested by an application in a distributed computer system. The computer system includes at least one resource comprising a plurality of storage areas each with an associated resource manager, or a plurality of resources each comprising at least one storage area with an associated resource manager, the storage areas holding the same tables as each other. There is also provided a transaction manager that is linked, by way of either a network or a local application programming interface (API), to each of the resource managers, the transaction manager being configured to coordinate transaction prepare and commit cycles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for processing transactions requested by an application in a distributed computer system. The computer system includes at least one resource comprising a plurality of storage areas each with an associated resource manager, or a plurality of resources each comprising at least one storage area with an associated resource manager, the storage areas holding the same tables as each other. There is also provided a transaction manager that is linked, by way of either a network or a local application programming interface (API), to each of the resource managers, the transaction manager being configured to coordinate transaction prepare and commit cycles.

Abstract: A locking connector is provided that comprises first and second connector parts configured to releasably engage with one another along a longitudinal axis of the connector. The first connector part comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed resiliently bendable latching fingers each finger attached at one end to the first connector and having an ear at an opposite end. The second connector part comprises one or more recesses to receive the ears of the fingers. The connector comprises a locking ring, moveable along the axis such that in a first position the ears engage in the recesses to lock the connector parts together, and in a second position the ears are free to move radially outwards to enable the connector parts to be separated.

Abstract: The invention provides a distributed application server comprising a cluster of two or more nodes in a peer configuration. The two or more nodes are associated with at least one message stream comprising a plurality of messages propagated through the associated nodes. The invention also provides a method of implementing a distributed application server comprising the steps of arranging a cluster of two or more nodes in a peer configuration and associating the nodes with at least one message stream.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice closure includes a casing for containing a plurality of optical fiber splices, and a support which is contained within the casing. The support carries a plurality of optical fiber splices. Sealant is contained within the casing and encapsulates at least part of the support.

Abstract: Two-shell flat casings 10, 11 having an inner receptacle for low-viscosity gel precursor 13 which sets (preferably by curing) in receptacle and has displaceable wall 18 which is displaced by camming action 24,25 on closing together of the shells to allow the wires or other enclosed objects to extend out of the casing through space previously occupied by the displaced wall. Polysiloxane gels and glass-filled polypropylene casings are preferred, preferably molded as a single hinged piece with a hinge and frangible retaining webs for the displaceable wall. The design is well suited to high-volume automated production, e.g. for the automotive wiring market.

Abstract: A luggage case comprises a lid shell (11) and a base shell (12) connected together by a hinge (22). The edges of the shells can be fastened together by latches (23, 24, 25). Two latches (23, 24) are mounted on the lid shell at the end walls. When they are released, they project downwardly and outwardly to provide gripping elements for opening the case. The case has two wheels (70, 71) and a steering handle (74) for rolling the case in a two-wheeled mode. Two castors (72, 73) are located on the back wall, and a pulling handle (76) is provided on the front wall. The pulling handle can be used for pulling the case on the wheels and the castors in four-wheeled mode. The carrying handle (21) is fixed to the frame (22) so as not to pivot. It is made of thermoplastic rubber to allow twisting movement for the comfort of the traveller. The latch (25) operates easily under carrying handle (21).

Abstract: An insulated flask has a cup assembly and a handle assembly alternately mounted on the flask body, the cup assembly comprising two telescopically stacks cups releasably mounted to the flask body by an annular collar, the cups having nested handles. The handle assembly includes an annular collar mountable to the flask body in a similar manner as the cup collar, and an elongate handle fixed to and extending from the handle assembly collar.

Abstract: A food container and assemblage of internal components including a tray with a corrugated and slotted bottom panel supported within the container receptacle, and a cooling pack positioned within the container in a variety of positions to define food chambers wherein the food is maintained out of contact with the cooling pack.