Abstract:
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, association forming entities are: a) maintained as objects in a like manner to the data objects being associated; and 6) are themselves partitioned objects comprising two or more association fragments, each association fragment being mostly concerned with the interfaces to a particular data object participating in the association. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each association fragment affiliated with a particular data object is stored in a location that enhances the ease of interaction between the association fragment and the data object. For example, where a first data object and second data object are maintained in data stores at some distance from one another, physically or logically, then a first association fragment will be located with or near to the first data object and a second association fragment will be located with or near the second data object, at least within the same partition. This arrangement may be preferable because the volume of interaction between a data object and its respective association fragment may far outweigh the interaction needed between the two association fragments. This arrangement may also be preferable as the volume of interaction between a client application and both the data object and respective association fragment may exceed the interaction needed between the two association fragments. Some interactions will employ only one of the association fragments with the net result being a reduction in communications requirements and an improvement in performance. The present invention further provides for defining logical domains which are arbitrary and entirely orthogonal to partitions.
Abstract:
A convertible soft top for a vehicle. The top includes a foldable, collapsible frame and a fabric attached to it. The frame has front and rear bow members with the rear bow member mounted for rotation about a first, fixed axis. The front bow member is pivotally mounted to the side legs of the rear bow member for movement about a second axis spaced from the first axis. The front bow member can be moved with the rear bow member about the fixed axis and also pivotally moved relative to the rear bow member about the second axis. Other features of the top include a sunroof and supporting structure to facilitate its operation and an arrangement to automatically secure the front bow member to the vehicle door frame as the top is moved to its raised position.
Abstract:
A cooler is composed of a number of stackable units. Each unit has inner and outer shells with an air space between them. The outer shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an outer tub with a drain. An inner shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an inner tub. Drain openings in the inner tub allow water to flow to the drain in the outer tub. The bottom panel of the inner shell is spaced from the bottom panel of the outer shell creating an air space therebetween. The bottom of one unit can nest in the top of another unit to stack the units one atop the other. Wheels are attached to the bottommost unit.
Abstract:
A structural seat system is provided for an automotive vehicle. In another aspect of the present invention, a structural beam is employed which extends in a cross-vehicle direction spaced above a vehicle floor. A further aspect of the present invention provides a passenger seat with a recessed configuration. Yet another aspect of the present invention uses a structural reinforcement and seat system in a convertible roof vehicle.
Abstract:
A table-mount type aerial lift support frame wherein the aerial lift boom and turret as well as a portion of the support base frame are removably connected to the carrier vehicle chassis. The support frame is comprised of a rectangular arrangement of frame members rigidly connected to relatively short support legs, which in turn are removably received by corresponding frame stanchions. The frame stanchions are rigidly connected to the chassis by way of a novel flange plate. The widepread placement of the frame stachions and, correspondingly, the support legs yields a widespread distribution of loading on the carrier vehicle chassis and consequent increased resistance to tortional forces and stresses. The aerial lift support frame structure of the present invention provides an unusually wide stance both in width and length thereby making integral connection with the carrier vehicle chassis at points sufficiently distant from one another so that the static and dynamic loading on the chassis does not result in undue twisting thereof.