Abstract: A system for programming point of sale devices is provided. The system includes a terminal programming system that can program point of sale devices provided by different manufacturers and having different proprietary operating systems. A communications interface is connected to the terminal programming system that receives update requests from the plurality of point of sale devices, such as when the point of sale devices call in to the system or when the point of sale devices respond to a poll.

Abstract: A compression sleeve comprises a rolled blank having opposing ends coupled together to form a tubular body. A method of forming a compression sleeve comprises forming a blank having opposing ends. At least one notch with at least one relief portion is formed in the blank. The blank is rolled to form a tubular configuration, and the opposing ends are coupled to maintain the tubular configuration.

Abstract: An extensible framework provides a unified interface for data manipulation in a dynamic object-based format. A data access layer of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Graphical User Interface (GUI) component uses ODBC to read and write files. Four abstractions implement the framework. These are (1) a CDatabaseManager class that provides access to data stored in a database; (2) a CSpecializedFile class which composes a CDatabaseManager that abstracts the management of reading and writing to database files and provides a unified interface for use by accessors.

Abstract: The method uses statistical information obtained by running the computer code with test data to determine a new ordering for the code blocks. The new order places code blocks that are often executed after one another close to one another in the computer's memory. The method first generates chains of basic blocks, and then merges the chains. Finally, basic blocks that were not executed by the test data that was used to generate the statistical information are moved to a distant location to allow the blocks that were used to be more closely grouped together.

Abstract: A is a duel processor system (100) with duplicated memory (114,124) has two modes (10,11) of operation: a converged mode (10) in which one of the two processors (101,102) is active and executing all system tasks while the other processor is inactive; and a diverged mode (11) in which both processors are active and independently executing different tasks. The system automatically changes modes in response to requests such as manual and program control and certain system fault conditions. In diverged mode, the system may be in either of two states of operation (1 and 2). In one state (1) one processor (101) is designated a primary processor, and in the other state (2) the other processor (102) is designated the primary processor. In the converged mode the system may be in either of four states of operaton (3-6). In two of these states (3,4) one processor is active while the other processor is standing by ready to take up execution of tasks from the point where the one processor stoped execution.

Abstract: In a processing system (100) that swaps processes between a main memory (114 or 124) and a pair of duplicated disks (132, 142), system processing capability is protected against loss of access to both system-essential duplicated disks. Upon loss of access to one duplicated disk, processes designed as essential to the system's operation and not resident in the main memory are swapped into the main memory from the other duplicated disk. All essential processes are then locked into the main memory to prevent their removal therefrom. Thus the essential processes remain accessible to the processing system even upon loss of access to both of the disks. Upon loss of access to both of the disks, the system may undergo reconfiguration in an attempt to regain access to at least one of the disks. If reconfiguration fails, non-essential processes are killed and the system continues processing using only the essential processes.

Abstract: A number of remotely located locked devices (26 and 27) are selectively operated by sending signals from a central supervisory location (28) through the telephone network (27) to a telephone set 32 and a converter (44) installed at each remote location. Initiating call signals from a remote telephone set are automatically generated and routed through the telephone network to a supervisory telephone set equipped with a standard 0-9 digit dial plus a special pushbutton (34) for generating a special signal. Receipt of the special signal at a calling remote station disconnects the remote telephone set and conditions a stepping circuit (74-86) and a sequence circuit (81-82) for subsequent operation upon receipt (88-104) of a predetermined sequence of 0-9 digit signals. Upon receipt of the predetermined sequence of signals within a first set time period, the stepping circuits and the sequence circuits are operated to generate (111) a signal that releases the locked device for a second set time period.

Abstract: A fluidborne noise attenuator (14) comprises a dampening medium (27) which exhibits a bulk modulus (e.g., 50,000 psi to 180,000 psi) substantially greater than that of an inert gas, such as nitrogen, and substantially less than that of a hydraulic working fluid (e.g., 225,000 psi). The attenuator (14) is capable of attenuating noise levels of hydraulic fluid over wide frequency and mean system pressure ranges in contrast to conventional attenuators which are "tuned" for the attenuation of noise levels at a specific frequency and mean system pressure.

Abstract: A fluid device has an inlet and a pumping chamber which is positioned in spaced relation to the inlet. The chamber is rotatably movable relative to the inlet. Apparatus is provided for contacting the fluid at the inlet at a preselected angle sufficient for accelerating the fluid into the chamber.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter is provided with means for varying the torque capacity of the torque converter, including means for varying the capacity of the impeller. The capacity of the impeller is varied by means of movable impeller blades which are movable radially outward to vary the radius of the respective blades.

Abstract: a reservoir (10) for a scavenging system has a suction line (12) of a pump disposed within the reservoir and a float mechanism (24) that controls the fluid pathway (21) from the reservoir into the suction line (12) in response to the height (22) of the fluid within the reservoir. This system restricts large volume of air from being drawn into the suction line as the fluid level in the reservoir is lowered. The float mechanism includes a sealing arrangement (25) to restrict air from being introduced into the openings from around the float mechanism (24) during operation of the system. An apparatus (26) is also associated with the float mechanism (24) to cause the pathway (21) to be significantly lowered relative to the level (22) of the fluid and the openings (18) in the suction line (12).