Abstract: A technique and mechanism for reducing memory latency asymmetry in a multiprocessor system by replacing one (or more) processors with a bypass or pass-through device. Using the pass-through mechanism, the reduced number of processors in the system enables all of the remaining processors to connect to each other directly using the interconnect links. The reduction in processor count improves symmetry and reduces overall latency thereby potentially improving performance of certain applications despite having fewer processors. In one specific implementation, the pass through device is used to connect two HyperTransport links together where each of the links is connected to a processor at the other end.

Abstract: A technique and mechanism for reducing memory latency asymmetry in a multiprocessor system by replacing one (or more) processors with a bypass or pass-through device. Using the pass-through mechanism, the reduced number of processors in the system enables all of the remaining processors to connect to each other directly using the interconnect links. The reduction in processor count improves symmetry and reduces overall latency thereby potentially improving performance of certain applications despite having fewer processors. In one specific implementation, the pass through device is used to connect two HyperTransport links together where each of the links is connected to a processor at the other end.

Abstract: A method for detecting when a user is typing with excessive force on a keyboard is disclosed. First, the force applied by the user on the keyboard is measured and detected during a first period of time, and the normal level of force applied by the user is determined. Next, the force applied by the user on a keyboard during a second period of time is measured and detected. It is then determined whether the force applied by the user during the second period of time is greater than the normal level of force, and if so, the user is warned and provided with feedback to adjust the level of force being applied to the keyboard.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a second function from keys on a standard QWERTY configured computer keyboard that have only a first function when struck individually is disclosed. First, the force applied by the user on the keyboard is measured and detected during a first period of time, and the normal level of force applied by the user is determined. Next, a second function actuating force which is greater than the normal force applied by the user is selected, and the force applied by the user on a keyboard during a second period of time is measured and detected. It is then determined whether the force applied by the user during the second period of time is greater than the second function actuating force, and if so, a computer operatively coupled to the keyboard is caused to perform a second function associated with the key. Otherwise, the computer performs the first function associated with the key.

Abstract: An uncured cementitious dough or paste, which is substantially free of particulate components having a diameter greater than 100 microns, said paste comprising in admixture;(a) At least one hydraulic cement;(b) at least one polymer latex, the polymer being present in an amount of 1 to 20 parts by weight per 100 parts of the cement;(c) total water in an amount from 8 to 20 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of cement.A cured cementitious composition may be produced by heating said dough or paste at a temperature of above 100.degree. C. and may be used for products such as roofing elements, for cladding the exterior walls of buildings and other building products.

Abstract: An uncured cementitious composition comprising in admixture:(a) at least one hydraulic cement;(b) at least one reactive water-soluble polymer which is capable of providing a viscous solution in water at low addition levels;(c) water in an amount of from 10 to 25 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of the cement; and(d) a water soluble cross-linking agent capable of effecting chemical cross-links between molecules of the said polymer in the presence of the cement and water.

Abstract: A board of sandwich construction which comprises two outer preformed support membranes consisting of or comprising fibrous material, the said membranes having interposed therebetween an aerated intermediate layer comprising at least 70% by weight based on the dry board of an unfired clay which contains less than 20% by weight of expandable minerals and the intermediate layer also including fibres therein.The boards of the present invention are intended mainly for use as plasterboard substitute.