Abstract: A method and apparatus for pipelined processing of data are described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a user request to process data, obtaining the data from a data storage based on the user request, grouping the set of data to create a hierarchical data, and paginating the hierarchical data to create a paginated result set. The pagination begins before the grouping is completed. The method further includes transferring one or more pages of the paginated result set to a client. The transferring begins before the pagination is completed.

Abstract: A deferred transaction mechanism facilitates multi-threaded operation of database application programs. The deferred transaction mechanism allows data items to be committed from the local memory of a computer system to a database system in a background thread, while other foreground threads continue to read the data item. In most instances, this makes the delay in committing a data item to the database imperceptible to a human user of a database application program. The deferred transaction mechanism further supports an “undo” feature, which allows modifications to a data item located in a computer's local memory to be rapidly discarded.

Abstract: A deferred transaction mechanism facilitates multi-threaded operation of database application programs. The deferred transaction mechanism allows data items to be committed from the local memory of a computer system to a database system in a background thread, while other foreground threads continue to read the data item. In most instances, this makes the delay in committing a data item to the database imperceptible to a human user of a database application program. The deferred transaction mechanism further supports an "undo" feature, which allows modifications to a data item located in a computer's local memory to be rapidly discarded.

Abstract: The present invention provides a methodology for increasing the critical current density carried by high transition temperature; superconductive materials. The methodology is employed using any Noble metal to form an electrically conductive coating; and is used with any high transition temperature superconductive material conventionally known. The resulting improved superconducting material demonstrates an enhanced critical current density capability in the order of 48%; and substantially decreases the degradation of the critical current density in the presence of an applied magnetic field; and offers a range of other advantages including environmental degradation protection, an increased mechanical strength, and an improved capability for adding electrical contacts.

Abstract: A composite lead is provided which electrically links and conducts a current between about 75-80K. and liquid helium temperature of about 4.5K. The composite lead may be employed singly or in multiples concurrently to provide conduction of electrical current from normal conductors and semi-conductors at room temperature to superconductors operating at 4.5K. In addition, a variety of organizationl arrangements and assemblies are provided by which the mechanical strength and electrical reliability of the composite lead is maintained.

Abstract: A system for identifying and matching key blanks when duplicating an original key. A key holder is provided which positions the key horizontally along its longitudinal axis with the key's flat sides in a vertical plane. A lensing subsystem lights and forms an image of the front profile of the key. A video camera converts the light image into an electrical signal which is digitized and stored in computer memory. The computer compares the key image with stored images of known key blanks and signals the locksmith by means of an output subsystem the proper key blank to be used in duplicating the key.

Abstract: A system for identifying and matching key blanks when duplicating an original key. A key holder is provided which positions the key horizontally along its longitudinal axis with the key's flat sides in a vertical plane. A lensing subsystem lights and forms an image of the front profile of the key. A video camera converts the light image into an electrical signal which is digitized and stored in computer memory. The computer compares the key image with stored images of known key blanks and signals the locksmith by means of an output subsystem the proper key blank to be used in duplicating the key.

Abstract: In a sintering process a sinter mix containing solid fuel is fed in a layer onto a traveling-grate type of sintering machine. The fuel in the layer is ignited and it burns downwardly under downdraft air to form a resulting solid sinter cake. The sinter cake has an upper portion of sinter that is cool enough to be conveyed on a rubber conveyer belt. The lower portion of the sinter contains a fire zone.A sinter cake cutter or plow separates along a horizontal plane the cool upper portion of sinter cake and removes it, while the remainder of the sinter containing the fire zone travels along on the strand. The lower portion of the sinter is cooled by updraft air which is recycled into the burning zone.