Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data frames using a networking device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a packet-over-SONET (POS) frame containing an encapsulated Fibre Channel frame is received by a protocol bridge. The POS header may then be stripped off and placed into a queue, while the encapsulated raw FC frame may be placed into a buffer of the protocol bridge. Hardware logic may then be used to generate and transmit a Fibre Channel frame using the previously encapsulated raw FC frame from the buffer. In another embodiment, a raw Fibre Channel data frame by the protocol bridge and then encapsulated into a POS frame and sent out on a POS interface. In one embodiment, this process may be carried in either a raw frame mode or an interleaved mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bridging network protocols is disclosed. In one embodiment, a data frame is received and stored in a dual-port memory queue by hardware logic. An embedded processor is notified of the data frame once a programmable number of bytes of the data frame have been received and stored. Once notified, the embedded processor may then undertake to read the data frame from the memory queue while the hardware logic is still writing to the memory queue. In one embodiment, the processor may then translate the data frame's protocol and begin transmitting it out over a network connection, all while the data frame's payload is still being received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bridging network protocols is disclosed. In one embodiment, a data frame is received and stored in a dual-port memory queue by hardware logic. An embedded processor is notified of the data frame once a programmable number of bytes of the data frame have been received and stored. Once notified, the embedded processor may then undertake to read the data frame from the memory queue while the hardware logic is still writing to the memory queue. In one embodiment, the processor may then translate the data frame's protocol and begin transmitting it out over a network connection, all while the data frame's payload is still being received.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bridging network protocols are disclosed. A protocol bridge may be used to function as a target for a network processor while performing a target mode operation, while functioning as an initiator on behalf of the network processor while performing an initiator mode operation. In one embodiment, the protocol bridge determines the mode of operation based on information in a received frame's header. In another embodiment, the protocol bridge couples a Fibre Channel device to a storage processor on a packet-over-SONET network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling information flow through a protocol bridge is disclosed. In one embodiment, circular queues in dual port memory are used for passing frame header information and control information between the hardware and a processor. In one embodiment, a ‘control bit’ in each element in the dual port memory serves as a signaling mechanism for passing control of the circular queue elements between the hardware and the software. In another embodiment, a ‘skip bit’ is used to simplify error handling by enabling the circular queue elements to be processed in a particular order even under error conditions.

Abstract: A chum bucket with adjustable release apertures has multiple settings suitable for regulating the release of various sized chum and live bait. A locking device prevents misalignment of release openings in an inner container and outer container that align to enable the release.

Abstract: A microwave heating system utilizing a magnetron for generating the microwaves. The microwaves are sent to a diffuser which spreads the microwaves in an upper chamber of a housing from where they can bounce off the metal walls of the upper chamber and pass through a clear plastic material into a lower chamber. A fluid passes through a circuitous path in the lower chamber and is heated by means of the microwaves.