Abstract: A transaction description database represents long running computations as a flow or set of computational steps with data arcs therebetween. The description database defines each step's input and output signals, input condition criteria for creating an instance of the step, an application program associated with the step, and criteria for selecting a resource to execute the step. A flow controller controls the process of executing instances of each defined type of long running transaction. Execution of a long running transaction begins when a corresponding set of externally generated input event signals are received by the flow controller. During execution of a long running transaction, each step of the transaction is instantiated only when a sufficient set of input signals is received to execute that step. At that point an instance of the required type of step is created and then executed by a selected resource.

Abstract: The problems of efficiently building a large software system are solved by the present invention of language scoping for effective configuration descriptions. A software system is defined by a tree of system models which are written in a functional language. The functional language provides a unique combination of static and dynamic scoping. This combination is required to write modular, flexible, and concise, yet complete, configuration descriptions.

Abstract: A code translator, constructed similar to a compiler, accepts as an input to be translated the assembly code written for one architecture (e.g., VAX), and produces as an output object code for a different machine architecture (e.g., RISC). The input code is converted into an intermediate language, and a flow graph is constructed. The flow graph is referenced by a flow analyzer for recognizing certain architecture-specific and calling standard-specific coding practices or idioms that can produce mistakes if not revised before converting, particularly relating to stack usage. By tracking stack usage within and across routines, the compiler can distinguish up-level stack and return address references from valid local references. Also, it can inform the user of stack misalignment, which has a severe performance penalty, and can detect code segments where different flow paths may result in different stack depths at runtime, which may indicate a source code error.

Abstract: A computer system using virtual memory addressing and having a direct-mapped cache is operated in a manner to simulate the effect of a set associative cache by detecting cache misses and remapping pages in the main memory so that memory references which would have caused thrashing can instead coexist in the cache. Two memory addresses which are in different pages but which map to the same location in the cache may not reside in the direct-mapped cache at the same time, so alternate reference to these addresses by a task executing on the CPU would cause thrashing. However, if the location of one of these addresses in main memory is changed, the data items having these addresses can coexist in the cache, and performance will be markedly improved because thrashing will no longer result. For a CPU executing a virtual memory operating system, a page of data or instructions can be moved to a different physical page frame but remain the same virtual address.

Abstract: A distributed computer system employs a license management system to account for software product usage. A management policy having a variety of alternative styles and contexts is provided. Each licensed product upon start-up makes a call to a license server to check on whether usage is permitted, and the license server checks a database of the licenses, called product use authorizations, that it administers. If the particular use requested is permitted, a grant is returned to the requesting user node. The product use authorization is structured to define a license management policy allowing a variety of license alternatives by values called "style", "context", "duration" and "usage requirements determination method". The license administration may be delegated by the license server to a subsection of the organization, by creating another license management facility duplicating the main facility.

Abstract: In a situation where a first computer program has been translated to obtain a second computer program, an error occurring during execution of the second computer program is reported in the context of the first program. This is done by aborting execution of the second computer program when the error occurs; determining a first address which is the address of the instruction in the second computer program that caused the error; determining from the first address a second address of an instruction in the first computer program from which the instruction in the second computer program was translated; and reporting that the error occurred, and using the second address to indicate that the error is associated with the instruction in the first computer program. Preferably the second address is used to reference traceback and symbolic name information generated when the first computer program is compiled from source code.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating connected graphs for display on a computer monitor. A data structure and virtual map are defined which provide a linked list of objects appearing at any location in the connected graph, the virtual map being larger than the dimensions of the display monitor if the connected graph demands larger dimensions. Commands carried out with respect to any object on the monitor are correlated with the cell maps in the virtual map, which point to the linked lists of objects, the lists in turn pointing to objects stored in an object records database. This provides rapid access to all objects at any given location on the display or in the connected graph. When a user gives a command to create a connection between two objects in the graph, the method generates the shortest connection possible, in terms of both pixel length and arc length for arc-connections, balanced against a minimization of collisions by the connection with existing objects, including other connections.

Abstract: A cross-domain call jacketing system is provided in a computer system that embodies a first hardware (X) architecture to executing X-code in an X-domain and which simulates at least a second computer hardware (Y) architecture executing Y-code in a Y-domain.Cross-domain routine calls are Jacketed for services in the cross-domain and for returns after the requested services have been performed. After Jacketing, X routine calls are transmitted for implementation by the simulating subsystem and Y calls are transmitted for implementation in the X domain. Call parameters are transformed from a representation that uses the call conventions of the calling domain to another representation that uses the call conventions of the called domain. Data in the memory is generally globally accessible and the Y calls include data references that require memory access handling in the X domain.A first Jacketing table is provided for each executable routine in the X domain.

Abstract: A latch housing of molded plastic has a flanged surface that makes surface contact around a rectangular cutout in a dimpled or recessed area of a metal panel flush with the panel surface. Four extended retainers having a lightly tapered bottom edge retain the housing in the panel. A latch having a stepwise tapered end resides within the housing with the end passing through a vertical slot in a rear wall of the housing. A spring is connected between an integral hook on the housing and the forward end of the latch to keep the latch normally in the locked position. An opening in the housing allows a finger to engage the latch and release it from the locked position.

Abstract: A spring for creating adjustable torsional resistance between two members which are pivotal relative to each other. The spring comprises a stack of axially aligned elastomer torsion rings (30). A locking ring (34) is secured to and separates adjacent torsion rings, one locking ring being associated with each torsion ring. The assembled stack is firmly attached to one of the pivotal members (14). There is connecting sleeve (46) engageable selectively with each locking ring and with the other relatively pivotal member. The number of torsion rings exposed to pivotal motion between the members to vary the torsional resistance of the spring is determined by engagement between the connecting sleeve and selected locking rings.

Abstract: Copy holder includes a flexible rise connecting a document support assembly to a clamp assembly. The invention provides facilitated vertical line of sight operation of a computer entry terminal.

Abstract: A vibration isolating and sealing device for mounting a fan having a propeller rotatably secured within a housing, said device comprising an outer, substantially square frame; an inner substantially square frame; a generally "S" shaped flexural membrane disposed between and connecting said inner to said outer frame; said membrane being made of elastomer, and wherein the inner frame has a central bore configured to channel air to the propeller of the fan.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for use in mounting a video display terminal on the top surface of a workstation stand which can be tilted back and forth to allow the video display terminal to be positioned for the most comfortable, glare-free viewing and which can be swiveled about a vertical axis to change the viewing direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A torque overload release clutch comprises an input, intermediate and output assemblies drivingly interconnected for rotation. A plurality of spline balls interconnects the input assembly with the intermediate assembly. A plurality of main balls disengagably, drivingly interconnects the intermediate assembly to the output assembly. Helical springs provide a reference force. When the axial force due to the applied torque exceeds the reference force, the main balls pivot and rotate so as to disengage the intermediate assembly from the output assembly by kicking the intermediate assembly axially. A latch comprising a dilating ring of balls can maintain the intermediate assembly in the disengaged position. Further, the latch balls can assume an intermediate position between the engaged and disengaged positions which facilitates resetting of the clutch.

Abstract: A new and improved cable bushing including a frame portion, and a detachable filler portion connected to the frame portion, is herein disclosed and claimed. The filler portion includes at least one hinged flap movable between a first position in which the flap is remote from the interior of the frame portion, and a second position in which the flap is disclosed substantially within the frame portion so as to permit a cable to be received therethrough while the frame portion occupies an opening within a unit of office furniture or partition. The filler portion with its flap in its first position has a substantially flat top surface which may be disposed in a coplanar relation with the top or exposed surface of the structure in which the bushing is mounted.