Abstract: An object oriented framework mechanism provides a straightforward and convenient way to implement an order processing system for a manufacturing environment. The order processing framework includes an order class and an order item class that are core classes, and several classes that are extensible according to the needs of the user. The core classes and class relationships define the core function of the framework mechanism. Extensible classes include a configuration process class, an order input class, an order output class, an exploder class, a validator class, a link generator class, and a test data class. These extensible classes are extended by a programmer to implement a desired order processing environment. The framework provides consistent programmer interfaces over a wide variety of different production environments, which greatly enhances programmer efficiency and which makes the resultant code much easier to maintain.

Abstract: An object oriented framework mechanism provides a straightforward and convenient way to implement an order processing system for a manufacturing environment. The order processing framework includes an order class and an order item class that are core classes, and several classes that are extensible according to the needs of the user. The core classes and class relationships define the core function of the framework mechanism. Extensible classes include a configuration process class, an order input class, an order output class, an exploder class, a validator class, a link generator class, and a test data class. These extensible classes are extended by a programmer to implement a desired order processing environment. The framework provides consistent programmer interfaces over a wide variety of different production environments, which greatly enhances programmer efficiency and which makes the resultant code much easier to maintain.

Abstract: An object oriented framework mechanism provides a straightforward and convenient way to implement a system determining configuration relations for any type of system that needs to be configured. The configuration relations framework includes several core classes and several classes that are extensible according to the needs of the user. The core classes and class relationships define the core function of the framework mechanism. Extensible classes are extended by a programmer to implement a desired configuration environment. The framework provides consistent programmer interfaces over a wide variety of different production environments, which greatly enhances programmer efficiency and which makes the resultant code much easier to maintain.

Abstract: A shaking water bath suitable for laboratory use comprises a wheeled trolley 12 driven with a reciprocating movement along a linear path between guides 30, 30 by a drive mechanism which includes an eccentric rotary drive member 34 and connecting arm 36. The apparatus is contained in a water tank 16 and the trolley 12 supports a removable tray 14 for carrying receptacles containing the material to be agitated. In one position of the tray 14 complementary abutment elements 50, 52 located respectively on the tray and on the trolley interengage to prevent lateral displacement of the tray. Upon turning the tray 14 through 180.degree. and refitting on the trolley these abutment elements 50, 52 no longer interengage to prevent lateral movement, but a drive pin 56 on the tray then engages with a drive socket 58 in the drive mechanism to cause the tray 14 to be driven with an additional component of motion at right angles to the longitudinal direction of reciprocating movement of the trolley 12.

Abstract: A transfer cylinder for supporting freshly printed sheet material between printing units or at the delivery unit of a printing press is provided with an ink repellent, flexible jacket covering for supporting and transporting the sheet material without transfer of wet ink from one sheet to a successive sheet and without smearing the ink or causing indentations on the surface of the sheet material. The circumferential support surface of the transfer cylinder is covered with a conductive, fluoropolymer layer secured to the surface of the transfer cylinder beneath the protective, wash-free disposable flexible jacket covering. The low friction properties of the conductive base covering permit free movement of the ink repellent, flexible jacket covering relative to the transfer cylinder surface. Electrostatic charges delivered to the flexible jacket covering by the printed sheet material are drawn away from the flexible jacket covering and are discharged into the transfer cylinder by the conductive base covering.

Abstract: A transfer cylinder for supporting freshly printed sheet material between printing units or at the delivery unit of a printing press is provided with an ink repellent, flexible jacket covering for supporting and transporting the sheet material without transfer of wet ink from one sheet to a successive sheet and without smearing the ink or causing indentations on the surface of the sheet material. The circumferential support surface of the transfer cylinder is covered with a conductive, fluoropolymer layer secured to the surface of the transfer cylinder beneath the protective, wash-free disposable flexible jacket covering. The low friction properties of the conductive base covering permit free movement of the ink repellent, flexible jacket covering relative to the transfer cylinder surface. Electrostatic charges delivered to the flexible jacket covering by the printed sheet material are drawn away from the flexible jacket covering and are discharged into the transfer cylinder by the conductive base covering.

Abstract: A device for maintaining the temperature of a body at a desired value comprises a thermo-electric heat pump sandwiched between a thermally conductive member and a heat sink. The heat sink is maintained at a substantially constant temperature above the ambient temperature by an electrical heating element. This arrangement reduces the effect of changes in ambient temperature and enables the heat pump to work across a substantially constant temperature differential.