Abstract: A ceramic head pad material which exhibits superior toughness and lubricating material characteristics over known materials, particularly in the areas of toughness/resilience, damping, solid lubricity, reduced brittleness and chipping (without a change in bulk hardness), and improved thermal expansion, results from optimizing the amount of strontium oxide (SrO) in a calcium titanate ceramic. In particular, a ceramic material with approximately 5% to 7% SrO in a calcium titanate matrix (with approximately 6% SrO being the optimal concentration), may be utilized to realize the aforestated improved toughness and lubricating characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth which provide for the allocation of bandwidth for point-to-point, serial, bidirectional communication paths in a digital switching system. Bandwidth allocation is performed at both ends of a path (e.g. T1 line, IML, etc.) and may take place in either direction. Furthermore, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the Bandwidth Allocation Facility (BAF) at each end of a given path allocates bandwidth in integer multiples of maximum switching system granularity. The BAF also supports the implementation of user requests for any one of a plurality of allocation and boundry rules. To minimize the probability of contention and out of band signalling between the BAF pair associated with a given path, a front-to-back search mechanism is assigned for one BAF of the pair, while the other BAF utilizes a back-to-front search mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth which improve the efficiency of bandwidth usage over the CCITT I.463 standard, for switching systems having a granularity of better then 64 Kbps (e.g. 8 Kbps). Furthermore, methods and apparatus are set forth which are capable of performing rate adaptation for synchronized sub-rate channels in a manner geared to package sub-rate data in fragment size envelopes (or integer multiples thereof), where the width of a fragment is matched (ideally equal) to the granularity of the system's switch. This improves the efficiency of the rate adaptation process and maximizes the use of the system's switching and bandwidth capacity.

Abstract: A central processor holds a word-processing program and an entire document to be processed. A smaller I/O processor, connected to the central processor and to an interactive display, holds code for some functions of the word processor, and holds a part of the document. As an operator performs editing tasks at the display, the I/O processor performs locally those functions involving only the document part it holds. When additional document text is required to complete a function, the central processor performs that part of the function involving the additional text.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed which utilize isotropic/perpendicular medium for performing high density digital magnetic recording. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the l's of a binary code are deeply imprinted on the medium by switching off the current in the winding of a magnetic ring head. The l's so imprinted on the medium are each represented by a copy of a part of the fringing field of the ring head. Each imprinted field has the appearance of a "horseshoe" pattern of magnetization. During readback these imprinted patterns correlate extremely well with the sensitivity function (the fringing field) of the ring head/readback transducer. The invention utilizes this inherently present correlation, together with a combination of longitudinal and vertical recording techniques, to provide methods and apparatus well suited to locate signals buried in noise and yield improved overall readback performance in a high density environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for transferring data to and from a first bus, to which a first set of high performance devices, including at least one central processing unit ("CPU") is attached, and a second bus, to which a second set of relatively lower performance devices is attached. More particularly the invention accomplishes the transfer function in a manner that facilitates communication between the first and second set of devices from the comparatively lower performance of the second set of devices. Direct memory access ("DMA") apparatus and methods are disclosed, including a set of direct memory access channels. The DMA channels may be used to transfer data between the high performance channel (hereinafter referred to as the "Local Bus") coupled to the CPU in a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) system and a typically lower performance, peripheral bus (hereinafter referred to as a "Remote Bus").

Abstract: A communications network comprising nodes interconnected by communication lines employs a method of allocating data rates to fragments of line bandwidth which facilitates efficient allocation of available line bandwidth. Each node maintains, for each communication line connected to it, a bit map means having a bit position associated with each fragment available in the line for keeping track of which fragments are available and which are in use. Identification of available bandwidth fragments in the line is then accomplished by finding appropriate bit values in the bit map means; fragments allocated are marked in the bit map means. A node thus need not allocate fragments contiguously, and available bandwidth is equally allocable by either of the two nodes interconnected by a particular line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for realizing a high performance interface between a processor, constituting part of a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) system, and a set of devices, including memory means. According to the invention, the interface includes three independent buses. A shared processor output bus, a processor input instruction bus, and a bidirectional data bus. The shared processor output address bus coupled the processor and the computer's memory. This bus carries both instructon and data access signals being transmitted by the processor to the memory. The processor input instruction bus also couples the processor and the computer's memory means, but carries instruction signals being transmitted from the memory to the processor. The bidirectional data bus provides a signal path for carrying data signals being transmitted by the memory to the processor and vice-a-versa.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed that facilitate the testing and development of computer systems that include at least one single chip microprocessor. In particular, a parallel test interface is described that allows an external test unit to (1) directly load instructions into the microprocessor under test utilizing the existing bus structure of the computer system; (2) step the processor through preselected test instruction sequences; (3) monitor processor states in both the processor's test and normal execution modes; and (4) halt and resume normal instruction processing. According to the invention, the microprocessor test interface comprises a plurality of dedicated CPU status output pins and a plurality of dedicated CPU control input pins, used by the test unit in combination with the existing bus structure of the computer system to provide the desired test facility for the single chip microprocessor.

Abstract: Methods are set forth for fabricating a concrete panel with embedded glass block. According to the invention the panel form includes at least one partially anchorable support form, i.e., a support form having an anchorable portion and a removable, nonanchorable portion. After concrete is poured into the panel form and hardened, the nonanchorable portion of the support form is removed. A noncementitious band (or collar), of which the anchored portion of the support form is comprised, remains. The glass block is then inserted within this band. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention a rubber seal may be inserted between the glass and noncementitious surface to both waterproof the panel and cushion the block to improve the completed panel's ability to be handled and transported without damage. Furthermore, the invention teaches utilizing the support form to create at least one support lip. Each lip may be formed as part of the anchored band or as part of the formed concrete panel.

Abstract: Ferromagnetic cobalt-iron (CoFe) is electrodeposited on a conductive substrate to form a CoFe thin film. The wet electrodeposition process disclosed involves use of a relatively low toxic plating bath solution in which the constituents cobalt and iron are introduced as soluble salts. A lesser amount of iron than cobalt is used to develop an approximately 90% cobalt to 10% iron ratio in the thin film. The plating solution also has sodium saccharin, dodecyl sodium sulfate and wetting and buffering agents. The CoFe thin film that results from using the disclosed process has near zero magnetostriction, acceptable permeability for use as a magnetic head, a highly stabilized magnetic domain and approximately twice the saturation moment of Permalloy. Magnetic heads fabricated from such film are well suited for use with high coercivity media for high density recording.

Abstract: A highspeed, intelligent, distributed control memory system is comprised of an array of modular, cascadable, integrated circuit devices, hereinafter referred to as "memory elements." Each memory element is further comprised of storage means, programmable on board processing ("distributed control") means and means for interfacing with both the host system and the other memory elements in the array utilizing a single shared bus. Each memory element of the array is capable of transferring (reading or writing) data between adjacent memory elements once per clock cycle. In addition, each memory element is capable of broadcasting data to all memory elements of the array once per clock cycle. This ability to asynchronously transfer data between the memory elements at the clock rate, using the distributed control, facilitates unburdening host system hardware and software from tasks more efficiently performed by the distributed control.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed which provide for quantifying and characterizing the mineral content of a formation as a function of depth. Elemental data derived from logging tools are input into an element-mineral transform operation, to determine the quantity of at least one or more dominant minerals in the formation including minerals distinguishable by degree of crystallinity. From the mineral quantity information and the elemental log data, the formation minerals are further characterized. Information regarding the character and quantities of formation minerals is further used to obtain improved determinations of formation characteristics such as the cation exchange capacity and water saturation, and the grain density and formation porosity, as well as to obtain an increased understanding of the formation such as the depositional environment of the formation.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for operating receiver devices which take serial data patterns off a high speed synchronous serial transmission media and covert the data to parallel pattern outputs. According to the invention, each device operates under a "permission to capture" data protocol which allows a given receiver to operate at the byte rate of the transmitted data. Devices using the disclosed methods may be operated individually or in a cascaded fashion, In either mode, by enabling the receivers to transfer high speed data at the transmitted pattern byte rate, as opposed to the bit rate, the reliability and capacity of the receivers to field high speed data is enhanced. In addition, the disclosed methods obviate the need for receivers operating in a cascade mode to "know" their position in a cascade chain. As a result the operating simplicity and reliability of devices that employ the disclosed methods is further enhanced.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are disclosed for converting serial data pattern signals, transmitted or suitable for transmission over a high speed synchronous serial transmission media, to parallel data pattern output signals. The disclosed devices are modular, may each be packaged as a single semiconductor integrated circuit device and are cascadable. When cascaded, the devices are capable of generating parallel data pattern output signals to one or more data sinks from a single serial bit stream.

Abstract: A hygienic liquid dispensing system is disclosed comprised of the combination of a container for the liquid to be dispensed, said container having a neck portion terminating in an aperture for discharging the liquid therethrough; a hygienic cap extending over said aperture and at least a portion of the neck to seal the liquid in the container; and a liquid dispenser, including a sleeve adapted to receive the capped container neck and a sharpened feed tube located within said sleeve for piercing said cap. The container with its capped neck is inverted and lowered into said sleeve and is guided thereby to position the cap over the feed tube. The hygienic cap has a recessed central portion and a relatively thin bottom portion (in said recess) which is pierced by the feed tube as the container is lowered into the sleeve. This piercing allows liquid to flow from the container to the dispenser.

Abstract: Methods are set forth for constructing encoding and decoding state machines for preselected variable length fixed rate (2,7) codes. These state machines convert a variable length code to a state dependent fixed length fixed rate (2,7) code. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for implementing a state dependent fixed length fixed rate (2,7) coding scheme in a manner that is simpler and inherently more reliable than the implementation of the corresponding variable length fixed rate (2,7) code. In addition, the disclosed methods and apparatus for implementing the state dependent code preserve the error recovery features of a variable length fixed rate (2,7) coding scheme.

Abstract: A digital multimeter having a tone generating circuitry and operable in a tone mode of operation for providing an audible indication when a measured electrical characteristic has a predetermined relationship with a reference value. The audible indication may be provided when a voltage level exceeds a preselectable limit, such as 1 or 2 volts. Predetermined limits for resistance values may also be selected for actuation of the audible tone. The device may be utilized as a conventional multimeter when the tone mode is non-operative.

Abstract: A data acquisition system having plural input channels sampled at a first rate by a time division multiplexer applies the samples to a finite impulse response (FIR) discrete filter which generates output samples at a slower rate.The filter forms a set of summations ##EQU1## where Z(t.sub.i) is an input sample at a time t.sub.i, H.sub.i is the i.sup.th value of the filter impulse response, p is a sequence of successive integers, 0, 1, 2, . . . , each of which corresponds to one output sample, K is the length of filter impulse response (number of samples for each output) and R is the ratio of the initial input sample rate to the desired sample rate. A 3 to 1 reduction ratio is achieved with K=31, with the filter forming 11 different overlapping summations, so that after start-up one filtered output sample is outputted after each successive group of 3 inputs.

Abstract: In a magnetic-tape recorder, tension rollers positioned before and after the tape heads in the tape path have an outer layer of a polyurethane elastomer to absorb vibration of the tape and reduce flutter. Grooves in the elastomer layer enable the effective resilience of the elastomer to be reduced below the bulk value.