Abstract: An illustrative computing device may include a processor and a non-transitory memory device for storing a data structure capable of being compressed, where the data structure includes a plurality of data elements and each of the plurality of data elements includes a date field and a quantity field. The computing device may process instructions to arrange the plurality of data elements in a consecutive series in date order based on a value stored in the date field of each data element, determine whether a gap appears in the consecutive series of data elements based on a value stored in the quantity field of each element, remove the determined gaps in each of the data elements, and repeat the determining and removing steps until a predetermined criterion has been reached.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a process for producing polymer fibers, typically polyacrylonitrile-based fibers, the properties of which are controlled by certain parameters of the process, such as the amount of jet stretch, the amount of wet stretch, and the amount of hot stretch employed. The present disclosure also relates to a process for producing carbon fiber from such polymer fibers.

Abstract: A sheet dispensing apparatus includes at least one pair of sheet stores, and a transport system for transporting sheets from the stores to a dispense position. The transport system includes, for each pair of sheet stores, a common feed member which, upon relative movement between the common feed member and the stores, can be moved between a pair of feed positions in each of which it engages a sheet in a respective one of the pair of stores so as to enable sheet(s) to be withdrawn from the corresponding store. The common feed member is able to take up also a neutral position in which, even if actuated, no sheets are fed from either store.