Abstract: To support values of properties, a class includes fields to support values in preallocated memory space and with an option data structure which supports, in instances of the class, references to option values without preallocation of memory space. The field and option values are accessed in an instance object of the class using expressions of the same syntactic form. During compilation, the compiler checks the type of an option value against a type description within the option data structure. If a value has not been set for an instance object, a get operation results in getting of the default value for the class. Different classes may support different forms of data structures such as a linked list or a hash table. During compilation, a method call to an object is encoded without regard to the form of the option data structure. When an option value is changed, a change handler identified by an option binding of the data structure is processed.

Abstract: A software system is provided for a conventional appointment calendar system having a calendar database for storing appointment information for plural appointment entries. The software system utilizes the date, time duration and descriptive appointment information for each appointment entry as the starting point for generating timecard records for export to an external accounting system. The software system is provided with an administrative interface for entering project information for each of a plurality of projects, a timecard user interface for creating timecard records by associating a selected calendar appointment entry with a selected one of the predefined projects, and a data export module for exporting the timecard records to the external accounting system.

Abstract: To support values of properties, a class includes fields to support values in preallocated memory space and with an option data structure which supports, in instances of the class, references to option values without preallocation of memory space. The field and option values are accessed in an instance object of the class using expressions of the same syntactic form. During compilation, the compiler checks the type of an option value against a type description within the option data structure. If a value has not been set for an instance object, a get operation results in getting of the default value for the class. Different classes may support different forms of data structures such as a linked list or a hash table. During compilation, a method call to an object is encoded without regard to the form of the option data structure. When an option value is changed, a change handler identified by an option binding of the data structure is processed.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for the production of semiconductor devices comprising the steps of depositing a metal layer on a semiconductor substrate, depositing a hardmask layer on said metal layer, depositing a photoresist on said hardmask layer, patterning said photoresist, thereby exposing and patterning portions of said hardmask layer, etching said exposed portions of said hardmask layer with a hardmask etchant, thereby exposing and patterning portions of said metal layer, removing, or not, said photoresist, and etching said exposed portions of said metal layer with a metal etchant and semiconductor devices made by said process.

Abstract: A robotic shuttle for moving a storage media cartridge from a first location to a second location in a storage library subsystem, said robotic shuttle riding on a linear bearing surface in the storage library subsystem. The shuttle has a frame with at least two ports for receipt and discharge of the storage media cartridge. A rocker beam is rotatably attached to said frame, with one end of the beam protruding from one of the ports and the other end of the beam protruding from the other of said ports. The beam is fitted with rotating drive rollers that move the storage media cartridge when they come into contract with it. The direction of movement of the cartridge depends upon the direction of rotation of the drive rollers.

Abstract: A computer data storage cartridge magazine for carrying data storage cartridges from conventional "off-line" storage to a storage library subsystem where cartridges may be electronically read or written. The magazine comprises a series of horizontally arranged slots. Each slot has a front spring lever which is operated by the user to insert and remove individual cartridges and a rear locking lever which is operated by the robotic mechanisms of the library subsystem. A safety bar extends substantially the length of the magazine and is located under the rear locking levers. The safety bar acts to ensure that the rear locking levers do not become accidently depressed when the magazine is carried by the user. The safety bar is disengaged by a mated pin when the magazine is inserted into the library subsystem. The rear locking levers may then be actuated (depressed) by an arm on the robotic mechanism of the library subsystem.

Abstract: A storage library subsystem comprising a frame, a robotic shuttle attached to and linearly movable relative to the frame, a media read/write device attached to the frame, and a storage media cartridge magazine attached to the frame. The robotic shuttle is provided with a plurality of ports for receipt and ejection of storage media cartridges. The media read/write device is disposed opposite a first port of the robotic shuttle at a first point of the linear movement of the robotic shuttle so that a storage media cartridge may be passed between the device and the robotic shuttle at the first point of linear movement. The magazine has at least one slot for storage of a storage media cartridge, the slot being disposed opposite a second port of the robotic shuttle at a second point of the linear movement of the robotic shuttle so that a storage media cartridge may be passed between the slot and the robotic shuttle at the second point of linear movement.

Abstract: Circuit supporting modules form a three-dimensional communication interconnect mesh. A first embodiment three-dimensional communication interconnect is a tetrahedral lattice having a regular, isotropic, three-dimensional topology in which each module connects to its four physically closest neighbors. The structure of the tetrahedral interconnect is isomorphic with a diamond lattice structure. In a second embodiment the interconnect is hexahedral. A characteristic of both is embodiments is that, although connections are made to plural other modules, the physical connections are made along the same direction.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus within a storage library subsystem for utilizing a single light source in combination with a single reflectivity sensor for multiple functions within the storage library subsystem. A laser light source and reflectivity sensor are mounted adjacent one another on the moveable robotic gripper hand internal to the storage library subsystem. The multiple sensing methods and apparatus of the present invention include use of the apparatus for calibrating the robotic positioning mechanisms to permit more tolerance for manufacturing variability, use of the apparatus to sense presence or absence of a magazine or cartridge within the library, and use of the apparatus for reading and decoding barcoded labels on the face of cartridges within the library. Use of a single, simple apparatus for these multiple purposes and functions permit reduction in the complexity of the library subsystem and therefore a reduction in the associated costs.

Abstract: An interface controlling digital communication between synchronous systems of unequal clock frequency. A phase locked loop generates one clock F.sub.m from the other F.sub.n by locking the phase of the two clocks at a beating period. Within the beating period, a precompiled set of valid and invalid communication clock cycles for each direction of communication are scheduled into lookup tables. The lookup tables generate outputs to a Set of registers for communicating data between the systems of unequal clock frequency.

Abstract: Circuit supporting modules form a three-dimensional communication interconnect mesh. Each module has fewer than six sets of connectors, preferably four. The preferred three-dimensional communication interconnect is a tetrahedral lattice having a regular, isotropic, three-dimensional topology in which each module connects to its four physically closest neighbors. The structure of the tetrahedral interconnect is isomorphic with a diamond lattice structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for breaching a lane in a minefield containing pressure sensitive mines. A mobile carrier mounts fuel, nitrogen and water tanks, a hose magazine and a launch rail. A flexible hose is folded into the magazine for rapid deployment therefrom and carries a detonating cord therein. A tow vehicle, such as a rocket, is connected to the free end of the hose so that when it is launched it will pull the hose across the minefield. Thereafter, pressurized nitrogen is used to drive liquid fuel into the hose, followed by a slug of water between the fuel-containing section and the carrier. Detonation of the cord creates a fuel droplets-in-air-cloud above the hose, which cloud is subsequently detonated to create a pressure wave which, in turn, detonates or neutralizes the mines along the desired lane, allowing vehicles and personnel to travel therealong.

Abstract: In a random access memory, a dynamic memory array is associated with static data buffers. Each static data buffer is connected to the memory array to receive and store a row of data from any addressed row of the array. When an address is received, it is compared with addresses stored in registers and associated with the data stored in the static buffers. Where there is a match, a controller is able to select the data buffer in which the row of data is stored for a column strobe operation without the need for a row address strobe operation. The resultant system provides for a set associative cache coupled to the dynamic memory array. Further, the comparison can be made of virtual addresses for a cache system which responds to virtual addresses.

Abstract: Circuitry for providing timing signals spaced in time by a varying amount, the circuitry including calculating means for repetitively performing a calculation to repetitively provide calculation signals the value (SUM) of which varies as a function of the number of times the calculation has been repeated, and timing signal generating means for receiving the calculation signals and providing a series of timing signals spaced in time by varying amounts, a timing signal being generated each time the value (SUM) has changed by a set amount (ACC).