Abstract: Prefetching and caching persistent objects is disclosed. The system creates a structure context used to identify a set containing a first object and other related objects. The objects have attributes, where each attribute is identified by a name. Upon a fetch of an attribute in the first object, the system also fetches related data. The related data includes other attributes in the object, and attributes in the other objects of the set having the same name as the attribute fetched for the first object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically and generically matching models are provided, such as may be provided in a matching application or matching component, or provided in a general purpose system for managing models. The methods are generic since the methods apply to hierarchical data sets outside of any particular data model or application. Similarity coefficients are calculated for, and mappings are discovered between, schema elements based on their names, data types, constraints, and schema structure, using a broad set of techniques. Some of these techniques include the integrated use of linguistic and structural matching, context dependent matching of shared types, and a bias toward subtree, or leaf, structure where much of the schema content resides.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing server cluster availability by requiring at a minimum only one node and a quorum replica set of replica members to form and operate a cluster. Replica members, independent from the nodes, maintain cluster operational data. A cluster operates when one node possesses a majority of replica members, which ensures that any new or surviving cluster includes consistent cluster operational data via at least one replica member from the immediately prior cluster. Arbitration provides exclusive ownership by one node of the replica members, including at cluster formation, and when the owning node fails. Arbitration uses a fast mutual exclusion algorithm and a reservation mechanism to challenge for and defend the exclusive reservation of each member. A quorum replica set algorithm brings members online and offline with data consistency, including updating unreconciled replica members, and ensures consistent read and update operations.

Abstract: A method of coating an interior surface of a metal tube with a coating material including the steps of filling the tube with a fluid degradable transport material containing a dispersion of the coating material, rotating the tube, and induction heating the tube to a fusion point of the coating material.

Abstract: A method of coating an interior surface of a metal tube with a coating material including the steps of filling the tube with a fluid degradable transport material containing a dispersion of the coating material, rotating the tube, and induction heating the tube to a fusion point of the coating material.

Abstract: A method of coating an interior surface of a metal tube with a coating material including the steps of filling the tube with a fluid degradable transport material containing a dispersion of the coating material, rotating the tube, and induction heating the tube to a fusion point of the coating material.

Abstract: A color display facsimile of a cosmetic product comprised of the formulation of an original cosmetic product and prescribed amounts of each of a thermoplastic, copolymeric hardening agent and a hydrocarbonous-based temperature control component. The resultant display facsimile is capable of exhibiting the exact-likeness characteristics of true color, size, and shape of the original cosmetic product. The method for preparing said color display facsimile is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for internally coating a pipe, comprising a device for heating a pipe as it is internally spray coated and a plurality of inlet rollers and a plurality of outlet rollers for supporting the pipe while it is being heated and longitudinally advanced through the heating device. Each roller is spaced from and adjacent to a corresponding roller in a paired relationship to thereby define a nesting groove located above a gap between each set of paired rollers. A motive device rotates the rollers to rotate the pipe within the nesting grooves of adjacent pairs of rollers. An advancing device longitudinally advances the pipe through the heating device and sequentially along the nesting grooves of adjacent pairs of rollers. The pipe leaving the heating device is heated to a high temperature and has an increased diameter.

Abstract: A pencil barrel is prepared by extruding, shaping, and cooling, under controlled conditions, a foamable, thermoplastic resin-based composition. The combination of the particular extrudable composition and the means of shaping and cooling the tubular extrudate obtained therefrom are readily useful as barrels, i.e. sheaths, for sharpenable pencils, particularly in the cosmetic industry. The resultant pencil barrels are characterized by their sharpenability, uniform satin-matte smoothness, outstanding printability, and their prolonged resistance to atmospheric conditions. The method for making said pencil barrels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A color display facsimile of a cosmetic product comprised of the formulation of an original cosmetic product and prescribed amounts of each of a thermoplastic, copolymeric hardening agent and a hydrocarbonous-based temperature control component. The resultant display facsimile is capable of exhibiting the exact-likeness characteristics of true color, size, and shape of the original cosmetic product. The method for preparing said color display facsimile is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the encapsulation of pigment particles utilized in ink formulations by means of vinyl polymerization, within an aqueous medium, and the cosmetic products prepared with said ink formulations are disclosed. The method of encapsulation can be either that of free-radical polymerization, wherein a peroxide catalyst and a antioxidant are employed or that of a redox system wherein an ion-producing metallic pigment is utilized. The resultant cosmetic products are characterized by their overall smoothness, uniform color, and increased dispersibility of the ink formulations utilized therein, and, due to the presence of the ink formulation having the encapsulated pigment particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: A distributed database system has a plurality of databases located at distinct nodes, at least one of the databases comprising a timestamping database. Distributed transactions are committed using a two phase protocol. During the first phase, each cohort to the transaction votes to commit or abort the transaction, and also votes an earliest time and a latest time at which the transaction is to be committed. If all the cohorts vote to commit the transaction and the intersection of the voted time ranges is not empty, then the transaction is committed during the second phase of the protocol. A transaction time is selected from the intersection of the voted time ranges and is used to timestamp all updated data that is durably stored when the transaction is committed. Before the first phase of the two phase commit protocol, each transaction read or write locks data at each node for which it needs read or write access.

Abstract: A hydrocarbonous-based cosmetic product, such as a lipstick, has its surface treated by means of a plasma treatment process employing a halogen gas. The treated (i.e., halogenated) surface has a uniform, satin-matte finish, as well as a lower wetting angle with respect to certain materials capable of providing the cosmetic product with an ultra-glossy finish. Thus, if such materials are subsequently applied to the halogenated surface of the cosmetic product, the cosmetic product can be provided with an ultra-glossy finish.

Abstract: Molded cosmetic products, containing a uniform ultra glossy wet look surface finish are molded in polymeric molds or mold inserts whose inner walls have been modified by subjecting them to a plasma treatment. This allows an improved release of the products and imparts the wet look surface finish to the cosmetic products.

Abstract: A module of a thermoplastic impregnated with a cosmetic color is fabricated using ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as the thermoplastic. The module may have an adhesive layer secured to one surface for securing the module to various carrier substrates as cosmetic containers, carrier dispensing layers or the skin of a user for providing a true indication of cosmetic color. The cosmetic color may actually be a sample of the cosmetic being provided or a sample of the color formulation as prepared during the manufacture of the cosmetic.

Abstract: A compact case has a lid which forms a joint with an associated base when the lid is in its closed position relative to the base. A magnetic sealing mechanism positively seals substantially the entire length of the joint. The magnetic sealing mechanism can also function to releasably and moveably secure cosmetic product containers and cosmetic implements and accessories to the compact case.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact case includes an elongated body which is provided with a plurality of cosmetic-containing receptacles on an exterior surface thereof. Access to the cosmetic material contained in the receptacles is controlled by a cover which is slideably mounted on the body of the compact case.

Abstract: Polymeric molds and polymeric mold inserts which have been modified by a plasma treatment process. These modified molds and mold inserts may be used to manufacture improved molded cosmetic products such as lipsticks, giving these products a uniform high-gloss finish.

Abstract: A cosmetic product includes a cosmetic component as a pigment maintained within a matrix of fibrillatable polymer. The pigment and polymer composition provides a cosmetic which can be employed for coloration of the skin and utilized as eye makeup, powder, or other cosmetic products by employing suitable processing techniques such as extrusion, milling, compacting, and so on.