Abstract: A database management system and method provides access to a data table having structured data and unstructured data. A user interface allows a user to issue instructions to the database management system such as to build an index based on the structured and unstructured data and to search the data table. An indexing logic generates an index structure by combining the structured and unstructured data. With this index structure, a single query can contain search conditions from both the structured data and the unstructured data. In this manner, efficiency for searching the data table for combined structured and unstructured conditions is improved.

Abstract: A client-server distributed computer processing system provides staged byte range locking with three levels of lock complexity and contention. When locking activity for a data object involves a plurality of clients, locking is managed centrally in the server operating environment. When only a single client is involved in requesting a lock on a data object such as a data file or portion of a data file, the requesting client can be permitted to manage the locking locally in the requesting client operating environment. Client-managed locking involves two stages of locking complexity on an object-by-object basis. The first stage of client locking involves only a log of current lock activity and handles relatively simple locking. When locking becomes more complex, the client locking is migrated to a second local locking stage, where more complex data structures can support lock fragmentations that affect various portions of the data object, such as partially overlapped byte ranges.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing errors in a computer system. The present invention scans information, generates an error unit for each error detected, provides an intuitive interface for communication of errors, and facilitates correction of errors. A data processing computer system of the present invention provides a proofreading capability for addressing errors such as spelling, grammar, usage, punctuation, broken words, doubled words, and capitalization. An error unit is created for each error detected during the proofreading scan of a document. An error unit uniquely identifies each error detected. Further, an error unit retains other information about an error including the error type, location, length, and correction status. The error unit is used to create a list of errors, or Error List. The Error List provides the ability to view errors in one location, and facilitates the error correction and proofreading process. Errors can be addressed in any order.

Abstract: A data processor memory system that combines in a single memory array, a plurality of first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer memories and a dual-port random access read-write memory (RAM). The memory array is divided into one region for the FIFO buffers and another region for the RAM memory. The memory system reads and writes data to the RAM region independently of the FIFO buffer region. The system enables access to the RAM memory by signals addressed to address fields within the RAM region, and enables access to the FIFO buffer memories by signals addressed to address fields within the FIFO region. The system writes data to each of the FIFO buffer memories utilizing an associated write pointer, and increments each write pointer when data is written to its associated FIFO buffer memory. The system reads data from each of the FIFO buffer memories utilizing an associated read pointer, and increments the read pointer when data is read from its associated FIFO buffer memory.

Abstract: Workpieces are supported on pallets which are advanced in an endless path by continuously driven power-and-free conveyor means adapted to permit each pallet to dwell in a work station when the pallet is stopped in the work station during continued driving of the conveyor. The conveyor means are formed by several self-contained modules detachably secured to one another in end-to-end relation and each including its own track for supporting the pallets, its own power-and-free conveyor for advancing the pallets along the track and its own motor for driving the conveyor. Curved end modules may be linked together with straight side modules in various arrangements to form conveyor systems of different capacities and shapes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for generating electric and hydraulic power adjacent an undersea oil well for use in operating the well-head equipment. The difference in the temperature of the oil being extracted from the well and the temperature of the surrounding sea water is utilized to generate such power.