Abstract: A version control system for managing versioned files comprises a central server storing a repository of the versioned files. At least one proxy is connected to the central server. Each proxy includes a read-only cache for storing data from the repository. At least one client is connected to each of the proxies. Modifications to the versioned files may only be made by the central server.

Abstract: The ring seal and retainer assembly includes an annularly shaped ring seal defining a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, first and second axial end surfaces and a central bore for fluid or gas passage. A retainer is provided for affixing and positioning a ring seal in a sealing assembly. The retainer includes a circular sidewall sized and positioned to engage and cover the ring seal's radial outer surface. The retainer further includes a means for affixing the circular sidewall to the ring seal. In a first embodiment, the retainer includes an inwardly projecting ridge for projecting into a groove formed on the ring seal's radial outer surface. In an additional embodiment, the retainer includes a plurality of ridge segments which project into the ring seal's groove. In still an additional embodiment, the circular sidewall includes upper and lower inwardly projecting edges forming a “C” shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The improved ring seal includes an annularly shaped body element having a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, a first axial end surface and a second axial end surface. The ring seal also includes a plurality of bores which project radially inward from the radial outer surface toward the radial inner surface. The projection of the bores through the ring seal form sidewalls which project between the axial end surfaces and radially from the ring seal's radial outer surface towards the ring seal's radial inner surface. The addition of the bores to the ring seal increases the ring seal's deformation during sealing compression, while the sidewalls provide elastic recovery of the ring seal during repeated cycles of compression and decompression. The ring seal also includes a circular ridge axially projecting from both axial end surfaces. The axial ridges separate the end surfaces into inner axial end surfaces and outer axial end surfaces.

Abstract: A method for generating a presentation of a region-of-interest in an image of a scene. The method includes the steps of capturing the image of the scene with a first camera and displaying the image of the scene on a display screen; selecting the region-of-interest within the image of the scene with a cursor and a pointing device; controlling a second camera to capture an image of a region of the scene corresponding to the region-of-interest; inserting the image of the region into the region-of-interest in the image of the scene to generate the presentation; and, displaying the presentation on the display screen.

Abstract: A two-stage, retrofit filter is adapted for use with an electrical discharge machine (EDM) includes nested inner and outer filtering elements that may be placed as a unit in the same tank and over the apertured standpipe used for a one-stage filter, such that the fluid to be filtered now flows through each of the multiple filter elements. The retrofit EDM filter may be configured for flow in either direction, though the usual arrangement is one whereby the fluid being filtered flows up through the bottom of the tank, out the apertured standpipe, and into the inner filter element. Preferably, the filter elements are cylindrical, pleated elements composed of a technical grade filter paper. In the preferred embodiment, a pressure-operated release valve is provided in conjunction with the inner filter, such that when a predetermined pressure is reached due to the entrapment of contaminants by the inner filter, the valve opens to allow the fluid to be filtered to flow through the outer filter.

Abstract: A method for displaying a region of interest within visual information on a display screen of a computer, the region of interest including a focal region and a base region. The method includes the steps of: providing means for selecting at least one parameter for transforming at least one of the region of interest, the focal region, and the base region; selecting the parameter using the means for selecting; transforming the visual information in accordance with a predetermined distortion function and the parameter to produce transformed visual information; and, displaying the transformed visual information on the display screen.

Abstract: The improved ring seal includes an annularly shaped body element having a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, a first axial end surface and a second axial end surface. The ring seal also includes a plurality of bores which project radially inward from the radial outer surface toward the radial inner surface. The projection of the bores through the ring seal form sidewalls which project between the axial end surfaces and radially from the ring seal's radial outer surface towards the ring seal's radial inner surface. The addition of the bores to the ring seal increases the ring seal's deformation during sealing compression, while the sidewalls provide elastic recovery of the ring seal during repeated cycles of compression and decompression. The ring seal also includes a circular ridge axially projecting from both axial end surfaces. The axial ridges separate the end surfaces into inner axial end surfaces and outer axial end surfaces.

Abstract: A data processing system (1) has a data processing section (2) having user interface objects (10), work flow activity objects (11) and primitive objects (12). WFA objects (11) access a database (5) via a state machine (13). A data record is requested by a primitive object (12) being requested. The state machine (13) responds by retrieving a row of data from a table (6) and using this to instantiate a primitive object according to the data and the instruction from the requesting WFA object (11). A primitive object reference is stored in a temporary memory stack (15) and the reference is also copied to the requesting WFA objects (11). The primitive object (12) is then used subsequently for transaction processing until a transaction is complete. At this stage, the state machine (13) flushes the primitive objects to the database (5).

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing a homogeneous analytical sample from a heterogenous feedstock by: providing the mixed feedstock, reducing the temperature of the feedstock to a temperature below a critical temperature, reducing the size of the feedstock components, blending the reduced size feedstock to form a homogeneous mixture; and obtaining a representative sample of the homogeneous mixture. The size reduction and blending steps are performed at temperatures below the critical temperature in order to retain organic compounds in the form of solvents, oils, or liquids that may be adsorbed onto or absorbed into the solid components of the mixture, while also improving the efficiency of the size reduction. Preferably, the critical temperature is less than 77 K (−196° C.). Further, with the process of this invention the representative sample may be maintained below the critical temperature until being analyzed.

Abstract: An improved keeper for positioning ring seals is provided. The keeper includes a substantially planar sheet defining upper and lower surfaces. Projecting through the planar sheet are one or more holes configured for affixing corresponding one or more ring seals. The keeper further includes one or more nodes which extend outwardly from the planar sheet beyond the dimensions of the mating surfaces between which a sealed joint is obtained. The one or more nodes identify the position and number of holes constructed for receiving corresponding ring seals.

Abstract: The improved ring seal includes an annularly shaped body element having a radial inner surface, a radial outer surface, a first axial end surface and a second axial end surface. The ring seal also includes a plurality of bores which project radially inward from the radial outer surface toward the radial inner surface. The projection of the bores through the ring seal form sidewalls which project between the axial end surfaces and radially from the ring seal's radial outer surface towards the ring seal's radial inner surface. The addition of the bores to the ring seal increases the ring seal's deformation during sealing compression, while the sidewalls provide elastic recovery of the ring seal during repeated cycles of compression and decompression. The ring seal also includes a circular ridge axially projecting from both axial end surfaces. The axial ridges separate the end surfaces into inner axial end surfaces and outer axial end surfaces.

Abstract: A machine-readable medium is described having code stored thereon which defines an integrated circuit (IC), the IC comprising: a host processor to process data and perform address calculations associated with the data; and a peripheral address generation unit (“PAGU”) to offload specified types of the address calculations from the host processor.

Abstract: A system and method is described for importing data from a source computer system, manipulating and transforming of that data, and exporting the data to a target computer system under control of a script processor using stored metadata definitions. Metadata is used to describe the properties of the data being manipulated. The system includes a means for manipulating the metadata definitions. The metadata definitions are created to import data into the system, export data from the system, create views of the external data, store generic format data within the system, manipulate generic format data within the system and to control data flow through the system. Data is imported into the system using an import data definition to map the external data into an import data bag. Data imported into an import data bag becomes independent of the original data source. Data is manipulated within the system using script control commands and data is transformed within the system using rule sets that act upon data bags.

Abstract: A buckling device to be used in athletic foot-gear, typically ski-boots. The buckling device includes a pivoting clasp affixed to one of two ski-boot flaps, an adjustment section, a linearly adjustable loop, and a hook section affixed to the second of two ski-boot flaps. The adjustment section includes three alternative types of actuation including a knob, a swivel-key, and a ratchet, each being able to actuate gearing in order to provide tension adjustment of the loop around a given hook on the hook section. An optional protective hook-cover is also provided.

Abstract: A personnel monitoring apparatus has a transmitter for transmitting a data encoded signal. A strap is provided for coupling the transmitter to a person to be monitored. An emitter is attached to the transmitter for emitting an optical signal. A detector is attached to the transmitter for detecting the optical signal. An optical fiber is incorporated with the strap for optically coupling the emitter and the detector. A comparator compares the optical signal and a reference signal, and the result of the comparison sets the value of a preselected data bit in the data encoded signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a reactor apparatus including a fluid bed reactor containing a media bed composed of particulate solids and biomass adhered thereto. The reactor apparatus also includes a biomass monitoring system for measuring changes in the size of the media bed and for activating a biomass growth control system when conditions with the reactor call for removal of excess biomass. The biomass monitoring system includes a vertical tubular member that is supported in the reactor and that serves to isolate a parameter or condition indicative of the size of the media bed. The biomass monitoring system also includes a sensing device for measuring changes in the isolated parameter or condition, and a mechanism for activating the biomass growth control system when signaled by the sensing device.

Abstract: A fluid flow stabilizer which includes two pluralities of stabilizer units adjacent one another. Each unit includes a plurality of parallel axially extending tubules. The units are movable into different relative positions so that certain of the tubules of a unit are aligned in fluid communication with tubules of another unit. Index means are provided for fixing the units in different selected relative positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of mitigating stress-related syndromes in livestock, such as shipping fever in cattle, by administration of human IL-2.

Abstract: A can display holder for use in displaying cans on a peg board having a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced holes is disclosed. The can display holder has a base, a spaced pair of arms for engaging a respective paid of the peg board holes and a member extending downwardly from the base for resisting downward rotation.