Abstract: Skip logic is provided in a storage controller that informs a direct memory access (DMA) context list manager of consecutive ones and zeroes in a skip mask table. The DMA context list manager then manages data counters and location pointers based on the number of consecutive ones and the number of consecutive zeroes. For writes and non-cached reads, the number of zeroes is used to adjust a logical sector address without actually moving data. For cached reads, the number of zeroes is used to adjust the logical sector address and a host address pointer. The DMA context list manager also determines an instruction length based on a number of consecutive ones and issues one or more instructions for each group of consecutive ones and subtracts the instruction lengths from the overall transfer length until the transfer is complete.

Abstract: A payout tube for containers that is used to package and store continuous lengths of materials is described. The payout tube is configured with a high degree of flexibility. With this flexibility, the continuous lengths of material (like communication cables) do not kink or tangle when being removed from the storage container through the payout tube. The payout tube can be provided with this flexibility by eliminating the rigidity of the payout tube without destroying the structure of the tube, such as by forming slots or corrugations in the portion of the payout tube that needs to be flexible.

Abstract: A simplified Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sample preparation apparatus and method of using a PCR sample preparation for both liquid and dry samples. A portable apparatus comprising a handle removably attached to a wand assembly. The handle includes a cover and a swab with an absorbent material. The wand assembly includes a buffer container for a buffer that is ruptured by a spike when the holder is inserted into the wand assembly. The apparatus may include a waste container removably attached to a tube comprising a plunger, a safety clip to prevent the plunger from depressing, and a port for introduction of a liquid sample. A filter on the waste container collects a specimen of the liquid sample for preparation as described above.

Abstract: An method and system for providing automatic alternative media address information. The method is adapted for use in a communication network including a plurality of subscribers, each having at least one communication device for sending and/or receiving communications such as voice or data (facsimile, e-mail, video, optical, etc.). A network element receives an incoming communication from a calling party for a subscriber and an alternative media address signal is generated for receipt by the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating a message reply and file. The method and system are adapted for use with a communications system including at least one message server operative to receive and store messages or files for retrieval. Each message/file has a sender address and a recipient address. A reply message is stored and automatically forwarded to a sender along with a file upon receipt of a message/file having a selected recipient address and at least one sender address. A reply file may also be stored and automatically forwarded to the sender.