Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed in which a memory suballocation application obtains, from an underlying memory allocation system (UMAS), allocation of a plurality of cell blocks. Each cell block includes a plurality of equally-sized cells and a bitmap indicating which of its cells are available. A request is received from a requesting application for dynamic allocation of a given amount of memory. If the given amount of memory exceeds a maximum cell size, memory allocation is initiated via the UMAS for the given amount of memory without using the cell blocks. If the given amount of memory does not exceed the maximum cell size, a desired cell size is determined. If a bitmap of one of the cell blocks indicates that a cell having the desired cell size is available, the memory suballocation application is used to dynamically allocate a cell having the desired cell size to the requesting application.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus for feeding a sequential plurality of sheets is disclosed having a sheet feed path for guiding sheets in a sheet feeding direction through the apparatus, the apparatus comprising driving means for driving sheets along the sheet feed path, and trail edge deflecting means located on the sheet feed path, the trail edge deflecting means being arranged to deflect the trailing edge of a leading sheet to ensure overlap by a following sheet on a predetermined side of the leading sheet.

Abstract: An accumulator apparatus for paper collations is disclosed having an accumulation chamber for receiving sheet material, the chamber defined by a fixed guide on one side, a movable guide on the other side and a movable stop member at one end. Driving means are included for driving said sheet material against said stop member, and means are provided for moving the movable guide between a first position in which it is spaced from the fixed guide by a gap sufficiently small to prevent buckling of the sheet material as it is driven by the driving means against the stop member, and a second position in which the movable guide is spaced away from the fixed guide for discharge of the sheet material from the chamber.

Abstract: A stopping device for stopping the travel of sheets along a sheet path is disclosed having a gate member movable between an interference position in which it prevents the travel of sheets along the sheet path, and a release position in which sheets are permitted to travel along the sheet path, and having a lock-out means operable to lock the gate member in the interference position against forces substantially in the direction of travel of sheets along the sheet path.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus is disclosed having a first sheet feeding means for advancing a sheet along a sheet path, a second sheet feeding means for feeding the sheet along a continuation of the sheet path, driving means for driving the first sheet feeding means independently of the second sheet feeding means and for common drive of the first and second sheet feeding means, and a drive controller arranged to control said driving means to enable a sheet to be driven along the sheet path from the first sheet feeding means to the second sheet feeding means whilst the second sheet feeding means remains undriven and to enable continued feeding of the sheet by both sheet feeding means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing weight on corrugated clay tile roof utilizing a thick piece of sculpted foam attached to a strong stiff material. Used in pairs the roof walker permits a person to travel across a clay tile roof without breaking the fragile tiles.

Abstract: A shirred fibrous food casing defines a shirred stick formed from a tubular fibrous casing, The shirred stick includes an average outside diameter at least 120% of the average inflated diameter of the deshirred casing. Additionally, the shirred stick includes an average inside diameter of at least 70% of the casing inflated diameter and a pleat pitch defined as the distance between adjacent apexes of major pleats measured on the casing after the shirred stick is deshirred.

Abstract: An anti-theft mailbox insert installed inside of a petestal mail box for limiting access to delieverd mail. The insert has a horizontal shelf located just below the mailbox mail slot. When mail is inserted into the mailbox slot it falls to the bottom of the mailbox and the anti-theft mailbox insert prevents a person's hand from reaching in through the mailbox slot and stealing the mail. The mail can be retrieved using the locking rear door of the mailbox.

Abstract: Computer software can be secured so that it only operates on a customer system that has a protection file that is unique to the system. The software is inoperable when copied to other systems, even though the protection file is copied as well. The protection file is sufficiently encoded so that attempts to alter the file for use on another system will be futile. The process of encoding the protection file is sufficiently complex, so that attempts to reverse engineer the construction of the file will also be futile. The logic that encodes the protection file is never available for direct use on the customer system. For software that is distributed on copyable media, the protection file is created by a program on the product distributor's system. When the protection file is prepared during a software download request, multiple programs are used. These programs are encrypted within a composite file.