Abstract: The execution environment provides for scalability where components will execute in parallel and exploit various patterns of parallelism. Dataflow applications are represented by reusable dataflow graphs called map components, while the executable version is called a prepared map. Using runtime properties the prepared map is executed in parallel with a thread allocated to each map process. The execution environment not only monitors threads, detects and corrects deadlocks, logs and controls program exceptions, but also data input and output ports of the map components are processed in parallel to take advantage of data partitioning schemes. Port implementation supports multi-state null value tokens to more accurately report exceptions. Data tokens are batched to minimize synchronization and transportation overhead and thread contention.

Abstract: A system and method for managing data, such as in a data warehousing, analysis, or similar applications, where dataflow graphs are expressed as reusable map components, at least some of which are selected from a library of components, and map components are assembled to create an integrated dataflow application. Composite map components encapsulate a dataflow pattern using other maps as subcomponents. Ports are used as link points to assemble map components and are hierarchical and composite allowing ports to contain other ports. The dataflow application may be executed in a parallel processing environment by recognizing the linked data processes within the map components and assigning threads to the linked data processes.

Abstract: A scoring table, for use at sporting events involving play between two teams and changing possession of a ball between the teams, includes a table top, support legs, a front section with an integral bi-directional indicating sign having oppositely directed horizontal arrows, and a manually operable switch for selectively illuminating the arrows so as to indicate possession of the ball during the course of the event.

Abstract: A display unit includes multiple vertical panels that are adapted to carry and display relatively flat articles such as roofing and flooring samples. The panels are pivotally mounted for swinging generally left and right between upper and lower retaining plates which are mounted for manual rotation about a vertical axis such that each panel passes a position at the front of the unit as the retaining plates rotate through one revolution. A ratchet-type mechanism permits relatively free rotation of the unit in one direction, such as to the right, but includes equally spaced detents to interrupt free rotation of the unit each time a panel reaches said front position. The panels are biased to swing toward, in the present instance, the right, such that the front of each panel is presented in a forwardly direction when that panel is positioned at the front of the unit.

Abstract: A scoring table for use at sporting includes a table top, a front section adapted to support the forward portion of the table top, and legs adapted to support the rear portion of the table top. The legs are formed with upper and lower leg members. Each lower leg member is hinged to the respective upper leg member for movement between (1) a first position aligned with and extending downwardly from the upper leg member for supporting the rear portion of the table top from the floor and (2) a second position extending upwardly from the hinge and generally adjacent the upper leg member to allow the upper leg members to support the rear portion of the table top from a generally horizontal surface which is at a height above the floor such as a bleacher seat.

Abstract: The AZ-EL embodiment of the reactionless actuator-gimbal system is a system of gimbal structure, reactionless actuators, a reaction wheel and momentum control means rotationally articulating a payload around axes approximately through the payload's mass center while transmitting minimum reaction torques to the support structure.The EL-XEL embodiment of the reactionless actuator-gimbal system is a system of gimbal structure, and reactionless actuators rotationally articulating a payload around two axes approximately orthogonal to the payload line of sight and approximately through the payload's mass center while transmitting minimum reaction torques in response to periodic disturbances to the support structure.The payload-gimbal elevation axis in both embodiments have:1. constant payload inertia with their reactionless actuator flywheels sized to cancel the payload angular momentum with negligible reaction torques;2. azimuth axis inertia a function of payload elevation angle.

Abstract: An electromotive device which is a d.c. motor or a.c. motor, including a substantially cylindrical armature having a plurality of windings, a magnetic field of electromagnets or permanent magnets, and a casing constructed to support and maintain small air gap clearances between the armature and magnetic field. This device can be configured to provide either a stationary field commutatorless motor or a rotating magnetic field commutatorless motor. The armature is constructed to produce very small winding current magnetic flux at wide armature slot walls in comparison to winding current magnetic flux at adjacent narrow armature slot walls. The interaction of the winding current magnetic flux and the magnetic field flux induced electron motion in slot wall surfaces results in larger and oppositely directed forces at the walls of the narrow slots than at the walls of the wide slots. The net force produces a relative torque between the armature and magnetic field to drive a load attached to the motor.