Abstract: A method and system for generating computer programs for queries by manipulating an object-oriented diagram. In the present invention, a query is specified for the object diagram. A series of transformations are performed on the object classes within the object diagram in accordance with the query. A revised object diagram representative of the query is then produced. Computer code is then automatically generated for the query from the revised object diagram. The code is used to prototype programs that query and/or update data stored in a database.

Abstract: A system and method for restructuring a product assembly utilizes a knowledge base of past product designs to identify to an expert, which components within the assembly are candidates for replacement with other components. By reducing the varieties of components in assemblies, the cost of manufacturing decreases. Data base management techniques are used to store and maintain data about the makeup of various assembly models and the criteria used to select the components for each assembly. Restructure candidates are identified by manipulating selection tables in such a way as to locate those criteria that have little effect on the choice of a given component. An expert then evaluates the possibility of replacing those components that are currently being used in those small number of cases where the aforementiond selection criteria with little decision making weight actually do determine selection of that particular component.

Abstract: A computer implemented process and apparatus for selecting components of an assembly from input design specifications and displaying the selected component to a system user is provided. The selected components can be displayed in one of many formats including in a bill-of-material format. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes selection means for selecting a component from input design specifications and display means for displaying the selected assembly components.

Abstract: A composite laminar membrane including a flexible microporous support layer and at least one ultrathin permeable nonporous polymeric membrane of 500 angstroms or less in thickness is prepared by a continuous process. A liquid substrate having a well in its upper surface is provided and polymer-containing casting solution is continuously supplied to the well to effect continuous solution spreading across the liquid surface. Solvent is removed and a web of the support material is continuously contacted with the resulting ultrathin membrane to continuously remove it upwardly from a region of the liquid surface. In a preferred embodiment, an additional well spaced from the removal region is employed for producing an additional membrane, which is continuously removed from its liquid surface in contiguous contact with the liquid-contact surface of the first membrane.

Abstract: A casting process is set forth for the preparation of microporous membranes from polycarbonate resin material. The polycarbonate resin is dissolved in an organic casting solvent to produce a solution stable at room temperature. The solution is cast as a thin film on a smooth substrate and is permitted to desolvate for at least a few seconds. Film and substrate are immersed in a bath characterized by the capabilities for swelling the polycarbonate resin, and for dissolving the first solvent, while not dissolving the polycarbonate resin. After formation of the film is initiated, the film and substrate are removed from the quenching bath and the film is either water-washed or air dried to attain the full mechanical strength thereof.

Abstract: A chelated iron solution of high concentration that is stable at a pH greater than 7 to at least pH 10 is disclosed. Also a process is disclosed in which this formulation is used to remove H.sub.2 S and/or mercaptans as pollutants in a gas stream. In the case of H.sub.2 S this chelate acts by producing sulfur therefrom in the absence of oxygen.