Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product specifies a communication intraconnect architecture that supports a pull model based data communication where data is sent to a receiver along with a memory address (a receiver buffer address or a reference to a pool manager or buffer pool) where the data is to be stored. CIA primitives are used to create nodes and dialog objects managed by send and receive IFEs. A logical dialog is established between corresponding send and receive dialog objects. A send dialog object includes a reference that identifies for the send IFE the corresponding receive dialog object in the receive IFE. The receive dialog object includes a reference that identifies for the receive IFE the corresponding send dialog object in the send IFE. Receive and send primitives are used to provide pull model data communication over a logical dialog. Receive with Buffer and Receive with Buffer Pool operations are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for transforming specialized data files of a first computer system into industry-standard byte-stream files usable for a second system or other systems. First and second programmatic interfaces of the first system can take the specialized format native data files and transform them into standard formatted byte-stream data files for placement in a storage media of a second computer system which can then be initiated to use a CD Writer package to cause the data files to burned onto a CD-ROM. This CD-ROM can then provide the byte-stream data file for use in many different types of platforms.

Abstract: A system and method is provided by which byte stream data files in industry-standard format can be retrieved from a compact disk and then re-created to provide an original set of native format files suitable for use by a first computer system. Additionally, an integrated network of a first computer platform which utilizes native file formats working in conjunction with a second computer platform which uses byte stream file formats can be utilized so that the second computer platform may transfer the byte stream data files to a commonly shared storage means, such as a disk, after which the first computer platform can then utilize a first interface program and a second interface program in order to convert the byte stream files into copies of the original native file suitable for the first computer platform.

Abstract: A Connection Library Interface for a Process-Intercommunication Manager and a Process-Intercommunication Element provides an improved interface generating enhancements in data communication operations between a Network Provider and a Ports Unit which is part of the Master Control Program of a computer system. An improved method of data transfer involves a Distributed Systems Service/Application unit which operates through the Ports File of a Master Control Program, then uses Connection Library Interfaces to communicate with a Network Provider for data transfer to and from underlying interfaces.

Abstract: A network node for receiving a packet of data written from the network and providing the packet to the network. The packet of data includes first data received from the network in response to a first clock signal and second data provided to the network in response to a second clock signal. The node is adapted to compensate for a drift between the first clock signal and the second clock signal. The node includes a first counter that receives the first clock signal and produces a write-point signal in response to the first clock signal. The node also includes a plurality of registers arranged in a wrap-around configuration, with a first one of the registers coupled to be selected by the write-point signal to receive the first data from the network. A second counter receives the second clock signal and produces a read-point signal in response to the second clock signal, with a further register being selected by the read-point signal to provide the second data to the network.

Abstract: An improved high-speed data communications system is provided having software functions which permit a Network Data Path Interface to work in conjunction with a Distributed System Service application and a Network Provider application for enhancing data transfers to a Input/Output module and Network Processor. The improved Network Data Path Interface functions involve transmitting data outward to Channel Adapters via the use of shared buffers which can be re-used after utilization, and also receiving data by the sharing of buffers between a Distributed System Service application software unit, a Network Provider unit, and the Network Data Path Interface, enabling data to be received by the Network Provider for transferral to the Distributed System Service application unit.

Abstract: An electromechanical subassembly is comprised of a carrier having a body with a planar surface and multiple holes that extend from the planar surface into the body. A plurality of springy contacts are held in the holes; and they extend, in an uncompressed state, past the planar surface. The plurality of springy contacts include contacts of a first type which each exert a relatively small opposing force when compressed to the planar surface, and contacts of a second type which each exert a substantially larger opposing force when compressed to the planar surface.

Abstract: A method for jogging bunches of standard-size documents of prescribed height mixed in with anomalous- size documents of lesser height, these standard-size documents to be shaken and tilted to register against a first-wall of a receptacle. This method also involving: relieving the first wall to form a cutout to pass only the anomalous-size documents; providing a second wall in the receptacle forward of the first wall; and shaking the documents so as to register the forward edges of the anomalous-size documents against the second wall after passing through the cutout.

Abstract: A computer-operated system for assisting aphasics in communication includes user-controlled means for storing data representing the user's vocalizations during a time interval, means for associating the data stored in each of a plurality of such intervals with an icon, means for ordering a plurality of such icons in a group representing a speech message, and means for generating an audio output from the stored data represented by the icons in the group so as to provide a speech message.

Abstract: A method for compressing a plurality of contiguous addresses for storage in a queue. The method includes recognizing that a first address of the plurality of addresses is an individual address that corresponds to a memory location that is transferred individually. A first value of a block identifier bit is associated with the first address, with the first value identifying the first address as an individual address. The first address and the first value of the block identifier bit are stored into the queue. A further address of the plurality of addresses is recognized as a block address corresponding to a plurality of contiguous data words that reside at a respective plurality of contiguous addresses, that begin with the further address, and that are transferred as a block unit. A second value of the block identifier bit is associated with the further address, the second value identifying the further address as a block address.

Abstract: An item processing arrangement transporting items at ;a prescribed nominal speed along a given transport track, with one or severed sort-pockets and associated diverters disposed therealong, whereby, in each sort-pocket, there is provided inject-reaction-guide arm assembly adapted to drive a so-diverted item into its pocket and comprising: an inject roll to accelerate and drive the item faster than this nominal speed; an arm assembly coupled to rotate with this inject roll and including a guide arm adapted to guide a so-injected item toward its position in the stack in the pocket; this inject roll and guide-arm being arranged to rotate the arm away from its stack each time an item is entering under the action of the the speed differential, and also arranged to be spring-driven to return the arm toward its the stack.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product specifies a communication intraconnect architecture that supports a pull model based data communication where data is sent to a receiver along with a memory address (a receiver buffer address or a reference to a pool manager or buffer pool) where the data is to be stored. CIA primitives are used to create nodes and dialog objects managed by send and receive IFEs. A logical dialog is established between corresponding send and receive dialog objects. A send dialog object includes a reference that identifies for the send IFE the corresponding receive dialog object in the receive IFE. The receive dialog object includes a reference that identifies for the receive IFE the corresponding send dialog object in the send IFE. Receive and send primitives are used to provide pull model data communication over a logical dialog. Receive with Buffer and Receive with Buffer Pool operations are provided.

Abstract: A plurality of subsets of prompt definitions associated with a particular language are stored in a memory for access by a system, such as a voice messaging system, that plays prompts according to such prompt definitions during execution of a call flow. Subsets can be created that contain prompt definitions that apply during only parts of the call flow, and different subsets can contain modified forms of the prompt definitions in other subsets. One of the subsets is designated as a base subset. During execution of a call flow, in addition to the base subset, one of the other subsets can be designated as an alternate subset. After that point in the call flow, the system responds to a request to play a particular prompt by first searching the alternate subset to determine whether it contains a prompt definition for the requested prompt, and if so, plays the prompt according to the prompt definition in that alternate subset.

Abstract: A method of providing a service, to a plurality of terminals on a communication network, through a server on the communication network includes the following steps: 1) coupling a correlator to the network which links a unique name for the server to multiple network addresses; 2) providing a set of multiple computers on the network, each of which performs the service and is assigned a different one of the multiple network addresses; and, 3) incorporating a network address selector on the network which directs any one of the terminals to a single one of the computers, when an operator of that one terminal generates a request for the service which includes the unique name of the server. Due to this method, the server has a virtual single network address which means that from the point of view of an operator of a terminal, the service is being provided by a single computer on the network that has a single network address that corresponds to the server's unique name.

Abstract: A network wherein multiple client-terminals can communicate with a client-server and Kerberos Server. A client may request service from a Kerberos Server, via a Kerberos Support Library, which can be handled as a synchronous message response from the Kerberos Server and Kerberos Support Library, such that the program managing the response does not need to access any other programs for the handling and transmitting of the synchronous message response back to the client. Thus an unsolicited message is returned to the client-terminal without any interference to the operator's usage of the client-terminal during the interim.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a multiprocessor system employing a memory hierarchy to identify data units or locations being used as software locks. The memory hierarchy comprises a main memory having a plurality of data units, a plurality of caches that operate independently of each other, and at least one coherent domain interfaced to each cache. Each coherent domain comprises at least two processors. The main memory maintains coherency of data among the plurality of caches using a directory that maintains information about each data line. The system of the present invention allows a requesting agent, such as a processor or cache, to request a data unit without specifying the type of ownership, where ownership may be exclusive or shared. The directory includes history information that defines the previous access pattern of the requested data unit.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the amount of time it takes for a requestor (device) to receive data from a memory storage unit in a multi-requestor bus environment. The present invention provides a unidirectional response signal, referred to as an early warning signal, sent from a memory storage unit to a device, sometime after that device has executed a fetch request for data, to alert the device that the data is forthcoming. This early warning signal allows the device to arbitrate for the data bus so that when the data arrives, the device will have exclusive ownership of the data bus to accept the data immediately. The present invention comprises a main memory, a cache memory, one or more processor modules, one or more I/O modules, and an early warning bus. The cache memory is connected to the main memory via an interface bus. The processor modules are connected to the cache memory via a processor interface bus. The I/O modules are connected to the main memory via an I/O interface bus.

Abstract: A stacked circuit assembly is provided for mounting memory modules in close proximity to an integrated circuit. The assembly includes an integrated circuit mounted on a printed circuit board and at least one stacked printed circuit board mounted in substantially parallel arrangement with respect to the printed circuit board on which the integrated circuit is mounted. A memory module is mounted for electrical connection on a surface of the stacked printed circuit board and an interface connector is mounted on facing surfaces of the printed circuit board and the stacked printed circuit board, thereby providing means for both mechanical and electrical connection between the boards. The integrated circuit and the memory module are mounted in parallel relationship with respect to one another for electrical interconnection through the boards and the interface connectors, thereby reducing the physical distance between the integrated circuit and the memory module.

Abstract: A Resource Management System (RMS) including an RMS server having an RMS database containing files storing information on employees, employee skills, employee schedules and projects. The information in the files of the RMS database is obtained from external corporate databases as well as from direct entry. Calendar functionality is included for maintaining the scheduled activities of employees with different types of scheduled activities differently highlighted on a calendar display. Resource search and scheduling functionality is provided that identifies human resources possessing the required skills and availabilities for assignments to projects. Project parameters such as time requirements, skill requirements and proficiency levels are entered as parameters for defining the search. Assignment functionality assigns the identified employees to the projects and updates the system calendar to reflect the project assignments.

Abstract: An electronic bill presentment and payment system includes multiple biller computers, a bill presentment computer, and multiple customer computers. Each biller computer stores complete bills for the customer of a corresponding biller, and the bill presentment computer stores a respective summary of each complete bill along with a hash of that complete bill which is digitally signed by the biller computer. Each particular customer computer makes a payment on a selected complete bill by generating a payment message which includes a) the hash of the selected complete bill digitally signed by the biller computer, and b) an authorization to pay a specified amount of funds on the selected complete bill, both of which are digitally signed by that particular customer computer. This payment message is stored in a closing record for use in resolving issues regarding whether or not the bill was changed after payment was authorized, and whether or not an alleged payment on the selected bill was authorized.