Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing dual-port capability to an SRAM array. The internal nodes of two single-port memory cells are connected to each other through metal-layer programming to form a dual-port memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, a split word line design is used for each single-port memory cell, to facilitate dual-port memory access while minimizing the need for IC layout space. An additional benefit of the present invention is that it allows “slices” of a memory array to be converted into dual-port memory, so as to allow both single-port and dual-port memory cells in the same memory array.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for performing an instant copy of data are disclosed. Various instance copy mechanisms are provided for copying data upon receiving a write operation command to write data to a data location in one of an initial physical storage area and an additional physical storage area. An instant copy operation is performed to copy data from the data location to write new data to the data location. The instance copy operation includes generating a pointer to one of the new data and original data in the data location and updating the pointer to one of the original data or new data in the data location upon writing data to the data location.

Abstract: The adapter couples a power module to a circuit board. An adapter embodying the present invention can be configured to allow the connection of any power module regardless of pin out to any circuit board. Signal modifying circuitry can also be added to the adapter to enhance or simply modify the signal to the end user's circuit board. The modifying circuitry can act on either the input to the adapter or the output from the adapter. At least one conductive path couples the input interconnects and the output interconnects.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for performing an instant copy of data. Various instant copy mechanisms are provided for copying data upon receiving a write operation to either original or to copy data. Upon receiving a write operation for writing new data to a first data location, new data is written to a second data location in an additional physical storage area regardless of whether the first data location is in an initial physical storage area or the additional physical storage area. Original data may be separated from copy data by determining a first amount of new data for original data present in the additional physical storage area and a second amount of new data for copy data present in the additional physical storage area. The instant copy mechanisms may be selected based on the type of mapping originally used to store the data to be copied.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a customer replaceable unit (CRU) within a computer system is provided. The sealing mechanism comprises a faceplate for the CRU, wherein insertion and extraction latches are recessed into a trench within that faceplate. The backside of the faceplate has a protruding rim around the perimeter. The rim engages a groove in the subsystem enclosure, which surrounds the aperture that the CRU engages. Since the faceplate incorporates a perimeter ridge and a trench structure, the interacting groove follows the contour of the trench. Thus the rim and groove both trace the faceplate trench around the faceplate. The groove in the subsystem enclosure has an entrenched section at both ends of the receptacle perimeter that accommodate sections of the faceplate rim that trace the trench in the faceplate.

Abstract: An improved method of applying a controlled pressure to the flapper in a curly puff production apparatus. The present invention uses a pneumatic system to apply a pressure to a flapper. The invention utilizes a rotary actuator that applies a near constant pressure to the flapper. Alternatively, a pair of telescoping tubes connected to the flapper and an air pressure source can apply a near constant pressure to either the proximate end or the distal end of the flapper. Further in the alternative, a linear actuator can be used to provide a near constant pressure to the flapper. As a result of applying a constant pressure to the flapper, the pitch in the curls of the curly puff extrudate can be more predictably controlled.

Abstract: An offshore drilling rig contains a heavy-duty support cart that straddles the moonpool and rides on rails. A funnel-shaped hole extends through the support cart, and a cutout on one side of the cart provides lateral access to the hole. The cart can be moved to the region of the rotary assembly, where a length of tubulars can be suspended from the cart. For instance, when the BOP is pulled out for installation of the Xmas tree assembly, the BOP and attached riser can be pulled up above the seabed and hung from the support cart, then moved laterally out of the way while the Xmas tree assembly is installed. This lateral movement lowers the possibility of collision between the BOP and Xmas tree assembly. The BOP assembly can then be disassembled and at a later time, or hung until is needed for an adjacent borehole. In a preferred embodiment, the cart is included on multi-activity rigs with more than one load path, hoist, and rotary assembly.

Abstract: A battery charger method and apparatus are disclosed for providing detailed battery status and charging method information for a selected one of multiple batteries that are simultaneously coupled to the battery charger. The battery charger includes a controller. The controller selects one of the batteries to monitor and charge. The controller then starts a measurement cycle for the selected battery. During the measurement cycle, the controller determines current battery characteristics of the selected battery. The controller determines whether the selected battery is ready for charging by determining whether the battery characteristics of the selected battery are within a specified range. If the controller determines that the selected battery is ready for charging, the controller causes the battery charger to start charging the battery. If the controller determines that the selected battery is not ready for charging, the controller selects another battery to monitor and charge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which a free layer of a spin valve sensor may be stabilized without using permanent magnets are provided. In one embodiment, the free layer is stabilized by a magnetic field applied to the free layer by a ferromagnetic layer pinned at 0 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic field is applied by a synthetic antiferromagnetic layer. By eliminating the necessity of having permanent magnets, the drawbacks of these permanent magnets are also eliminated. The apparatus and method eliminate these drawbacks because, (a) layers used in the apparatus and method do not rely on any retention of magnetization; (b) the effect of an effective applied field is not sensitive to adjacent magnetic structures such as shields; (c) there is no permanent magnetism to be altered or lost in the apparatus and method; and (d) the ferromagnetic exchange interaction effect of the apparatus and method is adjustable.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. The sensor used will vary depending on the particular application. Sensors that may be used include a capacitive proximity sensor, a thickness sensor, a reflectivity sensor, a transmissivity sensor, a stiffness sensor, a color sensor, or even an odor or chemical sensor. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions.

Abstract: A method, program and system for recovering data from a failed drive in a RAID system are provided. The invention comprises assigning a plurality of storage drives within the RAID to a defined volume group. If a failure of a drive in the volume group is detected, the failed drive is removed from the volume group, and data from the failed drive is redistributed to the drives remaining in the volume group. In another embodiment of the present invention, a previously unused drive in the RAID is assigned to the volume group to replace the failed drive, and the data on the failed drive is reconstructed on the newly assigned drive. In yet another embodiment, two or more previously unused drives are assigned to the volume group to replace each failed drive. The data from the failed drive is then re-striped across the remaining drives in the volume group, including the newly assigned drives.

Abstract: A class manager stores the information which is divided into hierarchical classes, wherein each class includes a policy for showing how to treat the information according to the security level, and information generating rules showing how to generate the information. A shared data space temporarily stores information. An instance generator generates new information based on the information generating rules and writes it in the shared data space. A security enforcement provides the information with controlling as complying with the policy relating to the information in the shared data space. A monitor monitors the writing and generation of the information in the shared data space.

Abstract: This improved surface mount power supply can withstand the rigors of the manufacturing process and still create sturdy and robust connection to a user's circuit card. The open frame power module uses a U-shaped or T-shaped interconnect rather than a spherical interconnect. In one embodiment, the U-shaped interconnect can have a hole through one surface to allow the wicking of solder. The wicked solder provides a sturdier connection that is more likely to survive subsequent reflow processes. The power module is also built on a thicker FR4 board. The thicker board is less likely to warp during subsequent heating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a distributed data processing system for handling requests. Processing of requests received at a server system is monitored, wherein the server system includes a plurality of servers. A work load is estimated at each of the plurality of servers. The request is forwarded to a server within the plurality of servers having an estimated smallest work load.

Abstract: A flexible container with a wall structure comprised of multi-layer, flexible thin films, including a first film layer that is affixed to the wall structure by a releasable adherence and that incorporates a removable promotional piece. The removable promotional piece is incorporated into the first film layer such that, other than a continuous cut facilitating removal and any conspicuous printing on the removable portion, it is indistinguishable from the rest of the exterior of the package. The continuous cut allows for full detachment of the removable portion from the first film layer so that only the releasable adherence prevents it from separating from the container. The promotional piece is removed by peeling it away from the container, where the peeling is facilitated by the action of the continuous cut and releasable adherence. The removable piece may function as a gaming piece or redeemable coupon, or may be designed to retain a tacky surface and function as a sticker.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data in a node having a buffer. A first set of data is received in a buffer for transmission to a target node. The first set of data is sent to the target node. Responsive to an indication that the target node is unable to receive data, a second set of data is loaded into the buffer for transmission to another target node, while the first set of data is retained in the buffer.