Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for use in testing a unit under test (UUT). The apparatus includes first and second assemblies. The first assembly has a plurality of members that extend from a surface of the first assembly and an electrically conductive test probe that extends from the surface. The second assembly includes openings dimensioned to receive respective ones of the members, and mechanisms that engage and apply a force to the members when the members are in the openings. When the UUT is under test, the members extend through openings in a PCB that are disposed around a ball grid array (BGA) device, and the force causes the assemblies to be urged toward each other so as to bring the probe into contact with a PCB via that is electrically connected to the BGA.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for accessing a data storage system having both a filesystem and directory system. In one arrangement, an apparatus has memory that stores an application, and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller operates in accordance with the application stored in the memory to access a data storage system. In particular, the application configures the controller to obtain an access instruction which identifies a portion of the data storage system, and determine, in response to the obtained access instruction, whether the identified portion of the data storage system is a file of the filesystem or a directory entry of the directory system.

Abstract: A nozzle applies fluid (e.g., heated gas) to a solder region of a circuit board component having a set of fluid-delivery edges and a set of fluid-escape edges. The nozzle includes a top member to connect with a fluid source, and a set of fluid-delivery side members coupled to the top member. Each fluid-delivery side member extends from the top member and around a respective fluid-delivery edge of the circuit board component when the circuit board component engages with the nozzle. Each fluid-delivery side member defines (i) at least a portion of a fluid-delivery channel that extends from a vicinity adjacent the top member toward the solder region of the circuit board component when the circuit board component engages with the nozzle, and (ii) a barrier that substantially prevents fluid from escaping from the solder region along the respective fluid-delivery edge for that fluid-delivery side member.

Abstract: A system and method of routing requests received from client computers. The client computer processor is redirected to a router for which the address is within the preferred coverage zone. If a router is not identified for which the address is within a preferred coverage zone, but a router other than the router that received the request is identified for which the address is within a regular coverage zone, the processor is redirected to the router for which the address is within the regular coverage zone. If a message is transmitted from a router behind a firewall to a router outside the firewall, and then a request for data is received from a processor behind the firewall, the processor is redirected to the address of the router. Routers register themselves dynamically into a hierarchy. In another alternative embodiment, a service request from a particular client computer is serviced immediately by the root router rather than redirected to another router.

Abstract: Mechanisms and techniques are disclosed that provide the ability to backup and restore a file between a backup server and a data storage system using multiple trails of data for the same file. Within the data storage system, the file is generally stored as a series of data portions spread across multiple storage devices such as disk. The file may be stored, for example, within a volume. In the backup operation of the invention, a discover phase determines which respective data portions of the file (e.g., partitions) are stored upon which respective storage devices (e.g., disks) of a plurality of storage devices. The system then designates individual respective backup devices (e.g., tapes) of a plurality of backup devices to be used for backing-up respective individual ones of the data portions of the file that are stored on respective storage devices.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing an equitable routing of calls within an automatic call distributor where calls are transferred to agent terminals from two sources, one controlled by switching equipment and the other controlled by a server. The server detects receipt of a call by a queue within the switching equipment and it determines whether other calls are waiting to be routed in the switching equipment. If other calls are waiting, the server withholds ready status of the agent terminals from the queue until the waiting calls are processed so that the switching equipment does not attempt to transfer calls from the source it controls, potentially conflicting with the waiting calls.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for dampening vibration of a disk drive using a dampening member which is co-planar with a mid-plane of the disk drive, and which has at least a portion extending from a carrier toward a main assembly when the carrier is installed within the main assembly in order to dampen vibration of the disk drive when the disk drive is in operation. The use of the dampening member in this location results in vibration dampening which is superior to conventional disk drive mechanisms. In particular, since the dampening member is co-planar with the mid-plane of the disk drive, the dampening member dampens vibration along a critical direction providing substantial vibration isolation. Accordingly, disk drives configured in accordance with the invention are capable of providing high performance even in high rotation speed (i.e., high RPM) and high density configurations.

Abstract: A connection system includes a multi-port switch, multiple adaptors and multiple cable assemblies. The multi-port switch includes a primary port, multiple secondary ports, and a controller that is configured to connect the primary port individually to the multiple secondary ports. Each adaptor mates with a secondary port of the multi-port switch and includes (i) a circuit board connector having a set of circuit board connector contacts, (ii) a switchbox connector having a set of switchbox connector contacts, (iii) a fastener which physically fastens the circuit board connector of that adaptor and the switchbox connector of that adaptor together, and (iv) a set of conductors that electrically connects the set of circuit board connector contacts with the set of switchbox connector contacts. Each cable assembly includes a first circuit board connector for mating with an adaptor, and a second circuit board connector for connecting with a circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus attenuates noise from a cabinet that houses computer equipment. The apparatus includes a frame, a set of positioning members to position the frame relative to the cabinet, and lateral noise absorption members that are supported by the frame. The lateral noise absorption members define surfaces that form sides of airflow channels through the apparatus. The surfaces are substantially non-parallel to a direction of an airflow pathway through the cabinet when the set of positioning members positions the frame relative to the cabinet. The lateral noise absorption members absorb sound energy emanating from the cabinet (e.g., from a fan assembly within the cabinet). The lateral noise absorption members transform some of the sound energy into low level heat which can be dissipated into the air stream. Additionally, some of the sound energy is reflected back into the cabinet toward the source.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for cooling a disk drive using a louver to direct air from an air stream toward the disk drive. One arrangement is directed to a storage system which includes a cabinet assembly, and a fan assembly that provides an air stream through the cabinet assembly. The storage system further includes a disk drive assembly that fastens to the cabinet assembly. The disk drive assembly includes (i) a disk drive that stores and retrieves computerized data, and (ii) a support member that supports the disk drive. The support member defines an input louver that redirects air from the air stream toward the disk drive of the disk drive assembly. This arrangement enables forced convection air to adequately cool the disk drive thus reducing disk drive operating temperature and lowering the disk drive failure rate. This lowering of the failure rate translates into improved field reliability and lower repair costs. In one arrangement, the support member includes highly stiff material (e.g.

Abstract: A ribbon cable assembly includes a segment of ribbon cable having first and second ends, a first IDC connector mounted to the first end of the ribbon cable segment, and a second IDC connector mounted to the second end of the ribbon cable segment. Each connector includes a connector housing, and a set of terminals supported by the connector housing. Each terminal has a base portion (e.g., a pin, a pad, etc.) for coupling to an external device, and a cable attachment portion which is unitary with the base portion of that terminal. The cable attachment portion of each terminal defines (i) a slot that receives a wire, and (ii) wire positioners that position the wire within the slot when the slot receives the wire. The wire positioners of each terminal can precisely locate a wire within that terminal. The wire positioners facilitate wire retention and improve electrical connectivity thus providing a reliable electrical pathway between the wire and that terminal.

Abstract: A parallel filesystem remote access subsystem facilitates remote access to files in a parallel filesystem in a digital computer network, the network including at least one client computer and a plurality of server computers interconnected by a communication link, and each server computer storing a portion of at least one file in the parallel filesystem. The parallel filesystem remote access subsystem includes, associated with the server computer, a parallel filesystem input/output daemon, and, associated with the client computer, a parallel filesystem module and a parallel filesystem proxy daemon. The parallel filesystem module receives access requests generated to access a file in the parallel filesystem and refer the access requests to the parallel filesystem proxy daemon, and the parallel filesystem proxy daemon, in turn, generates server access request messages for transfer over the communications link.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a recoverable routing of calls using an automatic call distributor to avoid loss of calls at busy agent terminals. Switching equipment receives incoming calls and issues a routing request to a server. In response, the server returns the address of a quence to receive and hold the calls. Intermediate telephones are “punched into” the queue for receiving the calls from the queue, and the server detects transfer of calls to the intermediate telephones in order to obtain control of the calls. The server performs a consultative transfer of the calls from the intermediate telephones to agent terminals so that, if an agent terminal is busy, the server may transfer the call back to the switching equipment in order for the call to be rerouted.

Abstract: A system including a method and apparatus are provided for controlling fault conditions in a computer controlled device such as a data communications device. The invention can preferably be provided in a process restarter mechanism within an operation system. In operation, the process restarter system detects improper execution (i.e., detects a processing failure) of a set of instructions and initiates execution of the set of instructions in response to the operation of detecting. The system then repeats the operation of detecting and initiating according to a first restart sequence and then repeats the operation of detecting and initiating according to a second restart sequence. The second restart sequence initiates execution of the set of instructions in a different sequence than the first restart sequence.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for connecting to a signal launch using a radio frequency (RF) probe having a flat-faced side with a ground post extending from a non-peripheral region (e.g., an intermediate region between a central region and a peripheral region of the flat-faced side). The use of such a probe alleviates the need to use many RF connectors permanently mounted to signal launches on a circuit board since the probe of the invention can be temporarily connected to the signal launches without such connectors. Furthermore, the ground post of the invention probe can be configured (e.g., positioned relative to a signal post) to avoid large inductance loops thus preserving signal integrity. One arrangement of the invention is directed to an RF probe for connecting to a signal launch. The RF probe includes a cabling portion for coupling to a cable, and a base portion attached to the cabling portion.

Abstract: A technique manages packets in a data communications device having a memory using a real-time feedback signal. The technique involves transmitting an initial set of packets from the data communications device. The technique further involves monitoring transmission of the initial set of the packets from the data communications device, and providing the real-time feedback signal indicating transmission information regarding the initial set of packets. Additionally, the technique involves manipulating a new set of packets within the memory of the data communications device based on the real-time feedback signal, and transmitting the new set of packets from the data communications device based on how the new set of packets was manipulated within the memory of the data communications device. The use of the real-time feedback signal enables the data communications device to make on-the-fly adjustments to dynamically changing traffic patterns without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A content-aware flow switch intercepts a client content request in an IP network, and transparently directs the content request to a best-fit server. The best-fit server is chosen based on the type of content requested, the quality of service requirements implied by the content request, the degree of load on available servers, network congestion information, and the proximity of the client to available servers. The flow switch detects client-server flows based on the arrival of TCP SYNs and/or HTTP GETs from the client. The flow switch implicitly deduces the quality of service requirements of a flow based on the content of the flow. The flow switch also provides the functionality of multiple physical web servers on a single web server in a way that is transparent to the client, through the use of virtual web hosts and flow pipes.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly has (i) a circuit board including a section of circuit board material and a circuit board component mounted to the section of circuit board material, (ii) a support assembly that supports the circuit board, and (iii) a heatsink that cools the circuit board component mounted to the circuit board. The heatsink includes a receptacle that fastens to the support assembly, and an adjustable member that engages with the receptacle. The adjustable member is movable relative to the receptacle in order to control a distance between the adjustable member and the circuit board component. The adjustable member can be positioned properly (e.g., with the correct pressure) for proper heat transfer therethrough. Moreover, circuit board assembly can include multiple heatsinks for cooling multiple circuit board components with the adjustable member of each heatsink being individually adjusted to accommodate any tolerance differences between the circuit board components.

Abstract: A bracket can selectively engage and disengage with a base in order to selectively secure and release a user station (e.g., a laptop computer configured to interface with a computer system) for access by a user (e.g., a system administrator). The use of the bracket enables a user station assembly to store the user station within a computer device cabinet in a compact manner, and subsequently unfold the user station assembly from the computer device cabinet for convenient access. In one arrangement, a user station assembly, includes a base, a support frame and a bracket which is pivotably attached to the support frame.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for distributing solder paste using a tool that defines a solder paste aperture having a non-circular cross-sectional shape. When the non-circular shape coincides with a pad and at least a portion of a stringer leading to the pad during a solder paste distribution process, solder paste is deposited over the pad and the stringer portion. Since solder paste now resides on the stringer portion, solder is not drawn from the pad toward the stringer portion during the soldering process as with some conventional situations. Rather, solder within the solder paste that resides on the stringer portion tends to adhere to the stringer portion, while some of the solder volume over the stringer pulls back to join the solder over the pad due to surface tension of the solder. The end result is a robust solder joint between the pad and corresponding component contact.