Abstract: Embodiments are directed to implementing data received from a virtualized data source and to efficiently providing data from a virtualized data source. In an embodiment, a computer system user interface (UI) sends a request for data elements to a data source. The computer system receives from the data source an indication that placeholder data is to be displayed while the requested data is retrieved and transmitted. The computer system then displays placeholder data in the UI for each of the requested data elements and dynamically adds the requested data elements to the displayed placeholder data as each data element is received from the data source. The data elements are dynamically added to the UI as they are received from the data source.

Abstract: A computer system determines that various user interface (UI) elements are to be moved to a different position within the UI. The computer system initiates a first animation that creates first and second aliases for each UI element that is to be moved. The computer system then receives an input that interrupts the initiated first animation. The input indicates that at least one of the UI elements that is being moved during the first animation is to be moved to a different position. The computer system then determines which of the first and second aliases is optimal for use as a starting point for a second animation based on various visibility factors, and initiates a second animation at the determined optimal alias. The second animation uses the determined optimal alias as a starting point and a third, different alias as an end point.

Abstract: A timing function that distributes progressive start times of a series of target animations, or staggers animations, is disclosed. The timing function includes a set of selectable parameters that are used to create a customized staggering animation in the user interface. The set of selectable parameters includes a user interface geometry for each of the target animations.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to applying layout changes and/or animations in a computing system by statically defining unknown visual layout positions of elements within a user interface. Changes that are to be applied to the elements in a user interface are intercepted by mechanism as described herein that applies the changes as a function of a static reusable component. The static reusable component can be applied across various platforms. Animation is performed on a first element as described herein based at least in part on layout input properties of the first element or layout input properties of a second element that is associated with the first element. As additionally described herein, a dynamic graphical layout position can be described based on a definition of an initial layout position and calculation of a resultant layout position, wherein the positions are defined relative to an element or set of elements.

Abstract: A groutless tile system including groutless tiles, wherein each groutless tile includes a substrate, a durable surface disposed within a groove defined by the substrate, the durable surface having bottom surface, and a first coupling member disposed on an edge of the substrate. The first coupling member comprises a first bendable portion and a groove, the groove having an upper surface and a lower surface. The bottom surface of the durable surface is substantially coplanar with a point between the upper and lower surfaces of the groove. To provide for various mechanical benefits, one or more surfaces of the groutless tile can be encapsulated in one or more polymers.

Abstract: An asynchronous data validation mechanism integrated into a user interface by a binding engine is provided. Application object properties are bound to user interface data fields. The asynchronous validation mechanism communicates with a validator and with the object properties. Data input to a single field can be flagged with multiple validation errors. Multiple validation errors can also be associated to the object overall rather than being associated with particular properties of the object. Inconsistency between inputs to different data fields can result in a cross-property validation error. A single flag indicates whether the business object has any validation errors. Different validation errors may have different visualization types, and the business object may have validation errors of different data types, rather than being limited to strings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a localization entity in association with a business entity requested by a requester. During instantiation of the requested business entity, a localization event is triggered which causes a policy handler to implement a localization policy to identify localization values (found in the associated localization entity) for attributes in the business entity. The localization values are received from the localization entity associated with the business entity and are placed in the business entity, as localized values.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods that facilitate retrieval of data. In particular, an application defined data shape can regulate loading of data for use in an object relational mapping system, enabling the object-oriented application to access data in a relational data base system. Data shapes define policies that control data retrieval, enabling efficient data loading. A data shape allows users to declaratively specify a set of policies to be applied to all queries associated with the data shape. In particular, data shapes can include policies that control eager loading. In addition, data shapes can also include filtering policies intended to reduce or limit data retrieved from a relational database.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods that facilitate retrieval of data. In particular, an application defined data shape can regulate loading of data for use in an object relational mapping system, enabling the object-oriented application to access data in a relational data base system. Data shapes define policies that control data retrieval, enabling efficient data loading. A data shape allows users to declaratively specify a set of policies to be applied to all queries associated with the data shape. In particular, data shapes can include policies that control eager loading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the conversion of waste and low-value materials into useful products in reliable purities in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner. More specifially, the invention provides processes that can handle mixed streams of various feedstocks, e.g. shredder residue, offal, animal manures, municipal sewage sludge, tires, and plastics, that otherwise have little commercial value, to useful products including gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids. The process subjects the feedstock to heat and pressure, separates out various components, then further applies heat and pressure to one or more of those components, according to processes based on thermal or catalytic cracking. The invention further comprises an apparatus for performing a multi-stage process of converting waste materials into useful materials, and at least one oil product that arises from the process. Useful products can also be obtained or derived from materials diverted at different points of the process.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the processing of waste and low-value products that contain bone material to produce useful materials in reliable purities and compositions, at acceptable cost, and with high energy efficiency. In particular, the invention comprises a process that converts various feedstocks such as offal, animal manures, and municipal sewage sludge, to useful materials including gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids. The process heats the feedstock in order to breakdown proteins and separate organic material from bone material, applies further heat and pressure to the resulting liquid mixture, separates out various components, then further applies heat and pressure to one or more of those components. The invention further comprises an apparatus for performing a process of converting waste products into useful materials, and an oil product that arises from the process.

Abstract: A method for recovering and recycling expensive and hazardous components from capacitors containing an electrolyte salt dissolved in an aprotic organic solvent. The method includes disintegrating a plurality of capacitor casings and their contents into fragments and forming an aqueous slurry of water insoluble fragments, filtering fractionally distilling the filtrate to remove the solvent as a distillate and recovering the electrolyte salt.

Abstract: Each optical fiber terminus (20) of a connector has an indexing device (32) that indicates and fixes the rotational position of the terminus in its housing passage (14), the indexing device being in the form of a sleeve that is easily applied when an optimum position is determined. The indexing sleeve is fixed directly to the stripped optic fiber cable (30) at a location immediately rearward of the terminus body (24), so a rear end of the indexing sleeve lies at the rear end of the housing. The indexing sleeve rear end has a radial projection (82) that projects into a slot (84) formed in the rear surface (86) of the connector.

Abstract: A variable oil flow regulator for minimizing noise generated typically by an oil-injected rotary screw compressor when the compressor transitions from an on-load mode for compressing fluid to an off-load mode. The regulator includes a housing having a first end, a second end and a chamber formed therein extending between the first and second ends. The regulator also includes a first port formed at the first end of the housing for admitting a pressure signal into the chamber corresponding to a compression level of the fluid, a second port formed at the second end of the housing for admitting the oil into the chamber, and a third port formed in the housing between the first and second ends of the housing for discharging the oil admitted into the chamber through the second port.

Abstract: A coin acceptor for use in accepting coins, paper currency, tokens, or magnetic cards includes a multi-state visual display for indicating the condition of the coin acceptor or an attached device. The coin acceptor finds application in connection with gambling devices including video poker games and slot machines, as well as with vending machines, arcade games, automated teller machines, and other similarly actuated devices and machines. In a preferred embodiment, the coin acceptor finds application in connection with a progressive jackpot component for a live casino table game and includes a visual display having three different states. In a first state, corresponding to jackpot wager attract or invitation, a plurality of LEDs surrounding a token slot flash sequentially to form a traveling pattern around the slot. In a second state, corresponding to jackpot wager placement, the LEDs flash simultaneously. In a third state, corresponding to jackpot wager acceptance, the LEDs remain continuously illuminated.

Abstract: A smokeless ashtray system includes a vacuum manifold connecting a plurality of ashtrays to a charcoal filter and a vacuum blower/motor assembly. The vacuum manifold includes spiral wound metal flexible metal tubing segments secured to connectors by heat shrink tubing. L connectors connect end most ashtray locations to the manifold, T connectors connect intermediate ashtray locations, and a four-way connector connects a central ashtray location to the manifold and to the charcoal filter and blower/motor assembly. Each ashtray location includes a flue member having a first end threaded into the associated connector and a second end inserted within a recess formed centrally in a bottom surface of a cup-shaped ashtray. A connector mounting bracket includes locating apertures engaging alignment pins extending from a flat upper surface of the connector, and a flange on the flue member clamps the bracket to the connector.

Abstract: A suspension system for brake calipers wherein two brake rods pass through two plates so that the brake rods are aligned parallel to each other. The barke rods are longer than the distance between the two plates so that the ends of the brake rods extend away from the two plates far enough to hold brake calipers in place about the brake discs. Each brake rod further includes compression springs mounted thereon and located between the plates so that when the appropriate spring are compressed, the corresponding ends of the brake rods can be withdrawn from their position holding the caliper. This allows easy and convenient access to the calipers for removal.