Abstract: A networking system consists of multiple computing devices connected to multiple networking processing engines each containing a memory system including a random access device (RAM). The RAM device contains a memory controller which performs memory read and write request handling by buffering incoming memory read and write requests and distributing the requests across multiple memory banks of the RAM in connection with client processes that support network services of the networking system. The read and write requests are intelligently reordered or prioritized utilizing grouping of memory reads and memory writes in such a way as to minimize the processing time of the requests while maintaining data coherency.

Abstract: A memory read and write request handling method is performed by a memory controller which buffers incoming memory read and write requests and distributes the requests across multiple memory banks of a memory system in connection with client processes. The read and write requests are intelligently reordered utilizing grouping of both memory reads and memory writes in such a way to minimize the requests processing time while maintaining data coherency.

Abstract: An improved efficiency x-ray source comprised of a fluorescent x-ray tube and resonant high voltage power supply. The fluorescent x-ray tube is an arc discharge tube filled with a low-pressure vapor, xenon for example, that is excited by high-frequency, high-voltage pulses to produce x-rays. The power supply passes arcs through the tube that produce significantly more radiation per unit energy than equivalent conventional vacuum x-ray tubes. The power supply may be a high frequency resonant AC supply or it may be rectified to give resonant DC. The fluorescent tube is driven in cold cathode mode, avoiding a fragile filament. The arc gap may also be large or very small in order to serve as a broad beam source or point source.

Abstract: A RAM device including a memory and a memory controller. The memory controller can be configured to buffer incoming requests, prioritize the requests into a final order, and submit the requests to the memory in the final order. The final order, as needed, is selected to maximize overlap of incoming requests' timing cycles.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscopy tool is provided with a force sensor that simultaneously measures more than one component of a surface force. The tool is comprised of an oscillator, a tip, a mechanical actuator, a sensing system, and a feedback control system. The oscillator has a selected shape, dimensions ratio, and /or material composition such that the oscillator comprises a first resonant mode for a first direction, wherein a first resonance of the first resonance mode can be altered by a surface force interaction between the tip and the sample in the first direction; and a second resonant mode for a second direction, wherein a second resonance of the second resonant mode can be altered by the surface force interaction between the tip and the sample in the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum arc discharge power supply. The power supply may be a high frequency resonant AC supply or it may be rectified to give resonant DC. The power supply of the present invention may be used in x-ray production, vacuum arc deposition equipment, vacuum metal refining, ion implantation devices, or other applications that perform vacuum arc discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of manufacturing a marine riser constructed of an aluminum alloy having a high strength-to-weight ratio is provided. The inventive riser apparatus comprises a plurality of riser sections coupled serially end-to-end, wherein each of the riser sections comprises a pipe having a first end and a second end, a first flanged coupling welded to the first end of the pipe, and a second flanged coupling welded to the second end of the pipe, wherein the pipe is constructed of an aluminum alloy having a strength-to-weight ratio greater than that of steel. The riser apparatus may optionally include one or more auxiliary lines providing hydraulic communication with a blowout preventer.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes as functional elements of MEMS devices. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of preparing a MEMS substrate for synthesis of a carbon nanotube. A nanosize hole or catalyst retaining structure is fabricated on the MEMS substrate in which a nanotube catalyst is deposited. A nanotube is then synthesized within the nanosize hole.

Abstract: An integrated hand exercise device with a hand-held container or a hand-carried object such as a briefcase, handbag, umbrella or a walker-cane is provided. The integrated hand grip exercise device generally includes a handgrip exerciser combined with a handle of the hand-held container or hand-carried object. Such combination oft he handgrip exerciser with the handle permits the hand exercise device to be operated as the briefcase, handbag or umbrella is being used by a user. The handgrip exerciser generally includes one or more springs and a handlebar for interposing a desired resistance or compressible tension between the handle and the handlebar for exercising hands, wrists and arms. Alternatively, a squeezable resilient member may provide a desired resistance or compressible tension. The integrated hand exercise device may be detachable from the hand-held container or hand-carried object, and the resistance or compressible tension maybe user-selectable.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of manufacturing a marine riser constructed of an aluminum alloy having a high strength-to-weight ratio is provided. The inventive riser apparatus comprises a plurality of riser sections coupled serially end-to-end, wherein each of the riser section comprises a pipe having a first end and a second end, a first flanged coupling welded to the first end of the pipe, and a second flanged coupling welded to the second end of the pipe, wherein the pipe is constructed of an aluminum alloy having a strength-to-weight ratio greater than that of steel. The riser apparatus may optionally include one or more auxiliary lines providing hydraulic communication with a blowout preventer.