Abstract: A digital memory comprising a multiplicity of circulating storage loops, in each of which, a plurality of digital data records are stored, and apparatus for sorting the data records. More particularly, a plurality of distributed processing elements perform a parallel sorting operation of each column of data records, where each column of data records is comprised of one data record in each circulating storage loop and the data records comprising each column are disposed in the same record position within their respective circulating storage loops. Thereafter, the apparatus performs a "precession" of the data records whereby the data records in each circulating storage loop are shifted one record position, in a common direction, with respect to the data records stored in the next preceding circulating storage loop.

Abstract: A digital memory comprising a plurality of contiguous circulating serial data storage loops and a plurality of processing elements. Each pair of adjacent loops are coupled to a processing element such that each loop is coupled through two processing elements displaced by one-half loop length. Each processing element includes a serial comparator and a loop control circuit for either isolating or exchanging the data on the two incident loops. Additional circuits are included in each processing element which in combination with the comparator and loop control provide the memory, as the loop data circulates through the processing elements, with the capability of performing an ascending or descending sort of its contents, an associative search of its contents with retrieval of located data, an updating of stored data records, a loading or unloading of a record file or data base and a dynamic reconfiguration of the memory structure.

Abstract: A low crosstalk optical switching matrix of individual optical switches wherein anyone of n input ports may be addressed to any one of n output ports. Ports of the individual optical switches which are employed for inter-row and inter-column coupling at the interior of the matrix are not used in the last row and column and are terminated with optical signal absorbers thereat, thus providing a means for absorbing non-addressed signals and spurious reflections. The crosstalk properties of the matrix are further improved by utilizing a multiplicity of four port switching elements in tandem for each individual optical switch.