Abstract: Maintenance of a network resource is regulated by providing a lock data area that indicates an ownership status of the network resource, and a lock server process to maintain the lock data area. A client that is to perform maintenance on the network resource sends a command to the lock server process to modify the lock data area to indicate ownership of the network resource by the particular client. In response, the lock server process sends a response indicating whether or not ownership of the network resource by the client has been established. If ownership is indicated, the client performs the maintenance on the network resource. If ownership is not indicated, the maintenance is not performed. Provision is made for retries, and also for forcing the lock if a current owner becomes moribund.

Abstract: Maintenance of a network resource is regulated by providing a lock data area that indicates an ownership status of the network resource, and a lock server process to maintain the lock data area. A client that is to perform maintenance on the network resource sends a command to the lock server process to modify the lock data area to indicate ownership of the network resource by the particular client. In response, the lock server process sends a response indicating whether or not ownership of the network resource by the client has been established. If ownership is indicated, the client performs the maintenance on the network resource. If ownership is not indicated, the maintenance is not performed. Provision is made for retries, and also for forcing the lock if a current owner becomes moribund.

Abstract: Automatic Trailer Control System--containing four principle inventions. One part of the invention provides automatic trailer steering control to the trailer to cause a delayed turn of the trailer steering mechanism while maneuvering a turn. A second part of the invention provides an electro-magnetic braking system, to the trailer, which is controlled by the same Microcomputer system that controls the trailer turning. The third part of the invention utilizes the electro-magnetic braking system as an alternator/generator to be used as an auxiliary battery charging system. A fourth part of the invention uses the electro-magnetic braking system as a motor to drive the trailer wheels as an assist during trucking operations. All operational functions are controlled by the Microcontroller based control system mounted on the trailer rear wheel platform. Sensors are placed on the truck/trailer operating system to obtain operational information needed for the control of the system.

Abstract: An electronic switch has a sensor input responsive to a person's touch. Manual contact is sensed by a CMOS input of a one-shot multivibrator initiating the output which is used to toggle a flip-flop circuit off or on. The flip-flop output is connected to the trigger circuit of a silicon controlled rectifier, which in turn completes a circuit through a load. The switch may be a single pole, single throw switch, or if flip-flops are connected together in cascaded arrangement, a three position switch is formed.

Abstract: An EKG cable assembly includes monitoring circuitry for ascertaining whether a plurality of test leads, including a plurality of signal leads and at least one reference lead, are properly connected and operating. One embodiment of the circuitry includes a light emitting diode display differentially driven by amplifiers which continuously monitor test leads affixed to the skin of a patient. The monitoring circuitry and light emitting diode displays are housed in a cable connector that joins the test leads to a multiconductor cable leading to the EKG unit. The EKG monitoring circuitry in the cable connector verifies the integrity of a path of conductivity across the skin of the patient between signal and reference leads and detects any open circuit condition.