Abstract: A network-type data processing system is provided. The system can support multiple simultaneous exchanges of data, and includes multi-port storage devices in which all ports can be active at all times. On initialization of the system, each storage device can announce itself through all of its ports simultaneously.

Abstract: A scheduling mechanism is provided for controlling when the arbitration circuit of a node sharing a CSMA communication medium is to start CSMA arbitration for access to the communication medium once the node has a message ready for transmission, the scheduling mechanism delaying the arbitration circuit from seeking access if total transmission activity on the communication medium exceeds a total use threshold value and transmission activity of the node exceeds a local use threshold value, and otherwise permitting the arbitration circuit to seek access to the communication medium by arbitration in accordance with a priority value assigned to the node.

Abstract: A scheduling mechanism is provided for controlling when the arbitration circuit of a node sharing a CSMA communication medium is to start CSMA arbitration for access to the communication medium once the node has a message ready for transmission, the scheduling mechanism delaying the arbitration circuit from seeking access if total transmission activity on the communication medium exceeds a total use threshold value and transmission activity of the node exceeds a local use threshold value, and otherwise permitting the arbitration circuit to seek access to the communication medium by arbitration in accordance with a priority value assigned to the node.

Abstract: A programmable element sequence selection circuit which selects a repeatable sequence of elements from a plurality of elements is provided. The sequence selection circuit includes a sequence storage circuit into which a sequence of element identifiers is loaded and accessed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying each of the members of a set of physical mass storage devices acting as one logical mass storage device are provided. Each physical mass storage device is assigned a membership signature identifying it as a valid member of the set. Whenever a member of a set undergoes a change in membership status, the membership signatures of all other devices in the set are changed, so that the member with the changed membership state no longer has a valid signature. When the member is reinstalled, it can be given a new valid signature after it is updated or regenerated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring data from one device interface to another device interface via elements of a staging memory and a direct memory access (DMA) channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat source comprising metal carbide and a method for preparing the same using a reducing/carbidizing atmosphere. The metal carbide heat sources of this invention have ignition temperatures that are substantially lower than conventional carbon particles normally used in carbonaceous heat sources, while at the same time provide sufficient heat to release a flavored aerosol from a flavor bed for inhalation by the smoker. Upon combustion, the heat sources produce substantially no carbon monoxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for making a composite heat source comprising carbon and metal species. The composite heat source made by the methods of this invention have ignition temperatures that are substantially lower than carbonaceous heat sources, while at the same time provide sufficient heat to release a flavored aerosol from a flavor bed for inhalation by the smoker. Upon combustion, the heat source produces substantially no carbon monoxide. The metal species may be prepared by mixing a metal oxide, metal and a carbon source, pre-forming the metal oxide/metal/carbon source mixture into a shape and converting the mixture to metal species in situ, without substantially altering the original shape of the mixture.

Abstract: An improved carbonaceous heat source suitable for use in a smoking article is provided. The heat source is formed by mixing a carbon component, a catalytic precursor and a binder, forming the mixture into a shape, and supplying heat to the mixture. Upon combustion of the heat source, the catalytic precursor forms a catalyst that converts carbon monoxide produced during combustion of the heat source into a benign substance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting and correcting various data errors that may arise in a mass data storage apparatus comprising a set of physical mass storage devices operating as one or more larger logical mass storage devices. A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and reconstructing incorrectly routed data. A method and apparatus is also provided for detecting when one or more physical devices fails to write a block of data, and for reconstructing lost data.

Abstract: An improved interface system based in part on the SCSI standard is provided. A single cable data bus simultaneously transfers several bytes of information between two devices. The interface system transfers multiple-byte commands, messages, status information or data in a single parallel transfer. A microsequencer is provided to permit data transfers across the interface without requiring burdensome attention from a processor in a device involved in the transfer.