Abstract: A matching method for a multi-stage switch arrangement having a plurality of logically associated inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein the matching method comprises the steps of: for each logical association of inputs, aggregating service requests from every one of the inputs which form said logical association; resolving contention for said aggregated service requests between all of the logical associations to the outputs of the switch arrangement; and repeating the above steps in the matching method within each logical association for a subset of the inputs forming each said logical association until contention is resolved between the individual inputs of the switch arrangement and the outputs of the switch arrangement.

Abstract: Switch requests within a packet switch are allocated by processing switch request data for each input port to generate request data for each input port-output port pairing; and generating an allocation plan by sorting the request data relating to each of the input/output pairs in terms of their queue length, and for each such pair, considered in the sorted order, allocating as many of the requests in the queue as can be accommodated in the remaining time slots.

Abstract: In a packet switch, a switch request allocation plan is generated by reducing the number of queue requests VOQ relating to each of one or both sets of ports I1 .IN, O1 .ON, by a value such that the number of requests relating to each member of the set or sets of ports is no greater than the number of requests (frame value F) that can be handled by the switch (10). This reduction may be individually done for each queue. Alternatively all queues relating to a given port, or to any port, may have their length reduced by a single value determined by the size of the longest queue. A further stage may then apply other allocation rules to allocate requests remaining unallocated by the previous stage.

Abstract: Compact molecular gas lasers and circuit apparatuses and methods for same.

Abstract: An exhaust gas nozzle comprising a duct member forming a single exhaust passage and defining an open first end, an open second end, and a centrally-disposed longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The duct member includes at least a pair of bent wall portions spaced-apart from one another, these bent wall portions extending from the first end to the second end and gradually and increasingly pinching the passage from the first end to the second end. An annular, open-ended windband is connected to the duct member and disposed about the exterior of and in spaced, coaxial relation to the second end. A windband inlet is located below and in the region of the second end and outside the duct member.

Abstract: An exhaust gas nozzle comprising a duct member forming a single exhaust passage and defining an open first end, an open second end, and a centrally-disposed longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The duct member includes at least a pair of bent wall portions spaced-apart from one another, these bent wall portions extending from the first end to the second end and gradually and increasingly pinching the passage from the first end to the second end. An annular, open-ended windband is connected to the duct member and disposed about the exterior of and in spaced, coaxial relation to the second end. A windband inlet is located below and in the region of the second end and outside the duct member.

Abstract: A method of removing hazardous fluid waste material from a body of water by exposing a carrier (10) containing a porous bladder (20) filled with sorbent material to the waste and then removing said carrier(10). The exposed bladder (20) may be removed from the carrier (10) for disposal of the waste. The carrier (10) may be recharged with a fresh bladder (20) and reused. An apparatus for removing hazardous fluid waste material having a carrier (10) for a porous bladder (20) filled with sorbent material such as waterfowl feathers. The carrier (10) is fabricated to allow the removal of an exposed bladder (20) and refilling with a fresh bladder (20) without removal of the apparatus from the surface of the water while still containing the pool of hazardous waste. The carrier (10) may be fabricated of flexible (40) or rigid (60) mesh material. An adhesive coating may be applied to the bladder (20) to aid in containment of the sorbent material within the bladder (20) especially during handling.

Abstract: A closure lining machine comprises a lining applicator 7, a star wheel 4 to receive a closure to be lined and move it to the lining applicator and thence to an outlet 8. The machine also includes a stepping motor 9 driving the star wheel 4, and a control circuit including variable means 17, variable in dependence upon the number of pockets 3 in the star wheel 4. The control circuit controls the stepping motor 9 and hence the movement of the star wheel 4 and also controls the operation of the lining applicator 7 so that upon changing the star wheel 4 to accommodate a different size of closure the control of the rotation of the star wheel 4 and the application of the lining is controlled by the control circuit in response to a change in the signal from the variable means 17.