Abstract: A method of configuring a telecommunications network comprising the steps of: providing a first set of time dependent network data, a network related parameter varying with time; identifying abnormalities embedded within said first set of data; providing a first set of external event data; associating respective abnormalities with corresponding event data; generating a model to represent an impact of the, or each, class of event, represented by the event data; using the, or each, model in combination with extrapolated data to predict future variation in the network related parameter; repeating this simulation for alternative input conditions; selecting a solution from the output of one the simulations; and implementing a modification to the network corresponding to the/or each respective input condition.

Abstract: A method of configuring a telecommunications network comprising the steps of: providing a first set of time dependent network data, a network related parameter varying with time; identifying abnormalities embedded within said first set of data; providing a first set of external event data; associating respective abnormalities with corresponding event data; generating a model to represent an impact of the, or each, class of event, represented by the event data; using the, or each, model in combination with extrapolated data to predict future variation in the network related parameter; repeating this simulation for alternative input conditions; selecting a solution from the output of one the simulations; and implementing a modification to the network corresponding to the/or each respective input condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to store transaction records in a retrievable form and to enable subsequent search and retrieval of stored transaction records. Transaction records are captured and then grouped according to predetermined grouping criteria such that they may be indexed to a first level and then efficiently compressed for bulk storage. In the event that records need to be retrieved subsequently, the first level index may be used to select one or more groups of records satisfying first level search criteria and, following retrieval of the selected groups from storage and de-compression, a second level index may be created to enable a more detailed record-level search for matching records in the retrieved groups. Preferably, the same indexing technique is used for both the first and second level of indexing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to store transaction records in a retrievable form and to enable subsequent search and retrieval of stored transaction records. Transaction records are captured and then grouped according to predetermined grouping criteria such that they may be indexed to a first level and then efficiently compressed for bulk storage. In the event that records need to be retrieved subsequently, the first level index may be used to select one or more groups of records satisfying first level search criteria and, following retrieval of the selected groups from storage and de-compression, a second level index may be created to enable a more detailed record-level search for matching records in the retrieved groups. Preferably, the same indexing technique is used for both the first and second level of indexing.

Abstract: A production line for mechanically assembling pistons into cylinders of an internal combustion engine block and for automatically mounting the split bearing for each piston connecting rod to the crankshaft of the engine. At one end of the line, the engine block is laid on end with the piston cylinders extending horizontally. A magazine with a generally cylindrical sleeve in alignment with each cylinder bore in the engine is supplied with pistons complete with connecting rods. The connecting rods are positioned facing the top of the engine block. A split bearing end cap for each piston is placed in suitable holders on the sides of the magazine. At one station of the line, a ram automatically pushes one or two pistons into the engine block. A nesting receiver is positioned to receive the end of a connecting rod and guide the bearing end of the rod onto the crankshaft. Thereafter the bottom split bearing end cap is carried to the crankshaft for connection to the top end cap of the connecting rod.