Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing aggregate power consumption information for hundreds or thousands of data processing systems interconnected in a network. In one embodiment, a method is provided that receives power consumption information for each of the data processing systems along with time intervals associated with this information. The power consumption information is analyzed to provide the power consumption of the total number of data processing systems. This is accomplished by selectively computing total power consumption for selected time values.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for cache synchronization within a multi-tier system having multiple client-server relationships. The apparatus includes a pre-synchronization module, a locking module, and a synchronization module. The pre-synchronization module receives a pre-synchronization call from an upstream node coupled to a first downstream node. The locking module locks a first cache coupled to the first downstream node in response to a synchronization call from the upstream node. The synchronization module synchronizes source data on the upstream node with cached data on the first cache. The apparatus also may include a post-synchronization module to perform any necessary cleanup activities. Advantageously, the apparatus, system, and method reduce the likelihood of a system deadlock due to premature locking of the first downstream cache, which prevents a subsequent downstream cache from synchronizing with the first cache.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing aggregate power consumption information for hundreds or thousands of data processing systems interconnected in a network. In one embodiment, a method is provided that receives power consumption information for each of the data processing systems along with time intervals associated with this information. The power consumption information is analyzed to provide the power consumption of the total number of data processing systems. This is accomplished by selectively computing total power consumption for selected time values.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system provides a system that can be utilized with different trailers without requiring modification of the trailers or requiring minor modifications that require less than a minute or so to effect. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two acoustic transceivers for directing acoustic signals towards and receiving reflected acoustic signals from a downwardly extending hitch assembly for a gooseneck trailer whereby this unique feature of the gooseneck trailer is utilized as a signal reflector. A timer is utilized to time the transmitted/reflected signals to determine at least two distances for determining a relative position of the downwardly extending hitch. A readout gives the driver ongoing feedback for aligning the gooseneck downwardly extending hitch with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system provides a system that can be utilized with different trailers without requiring modification of the trailers or requiring minor modifications that require less than a minute or so to effect. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two acoustic transceivers for directing acoustic signals towards and receiving reflected acoustic signals from a downwardly extending hitch assembly for a gooseneck trailer whereby this unique feature of the gooseneck trailer is utilized as a signal reflector. A timer is utilized to time the transmitted/reflected signals to determine at least two distances for determining a relative position of the downwardly extending hitch. A readout gives the driver ongoing feedback for aligning the gooseneck downwardly extending hitch with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system provides a system that can be utilized with different trailers without requiring modification of the trailers or requiring minor modifications that require less than a minute or so to effect. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two acoustic transceivers for directing acoustic signals towards and receiving reflected acoustic signals from a downwardly extending hitch assembly for a gooseneck trailer whereby this unique feature of the gooseneck trailer is utilized as a signal reflector. A timer is utilized to time the transmitted/reflected signals to determine at least two distances for determining a relative position of the downwardly extending hitch. A readout gives the driver ongoing feedback for aligning the gooseneck downwardly extending hitch with the hitch ball.