Abstract: A method for detecting and remembering multiple sequential access patterns made from a host to a memory system having one or more logical storage devices. Once a sequential access pattern is detected, one or more tracks are requested to be prestaged ahead of the current access request. The number of tracks requested to be prestaged ahead may be responsive to the amount of storage available in the cache memory. One list is provided for each logical storage device. Each list has multiple entries and is logically divided into two parts. A sequential part contains entries for access streams which the system has determined are sequential and for which the system may have prestaged one or more tracks into cache. A candidate part contains information about recent host accesses which have not as yet been determined to be sequential. The entries within each of the two parts of the list are logically ordered in a most-recently-used fashion.

Abstract: One or more background processes that references data storage volumes and cylinders that are to be scrubbed to ensure the integrity of the data stored thereon. A priority scrubbing process is also available to note data storage volumes that have recently had data written thereon by the host processor and which require a more timely review of the data than less frequently used volumes.

Abstract: A multiplexing method for an alarm system is disclosed in which a plurality of transponders connected in parallel by a pair of wires each monitors an opening and responds to a synchronizing signal after a preprogrammed time delay corresponding to the particular transponder if the opening it is monitoring is secured.

Abstract: A disaster alert system is disclosed which consists of two major sub-systems. The first sub-system is a central disaster alert station which transmits coded R.F. activation signals specifying the geographic area and/or the official personnel to be alerted. Said central disaster alert station also transmits audio signals containing the disaster warning message to be disseminated to potential disaster victims and/or pre-selected official personnel.The second and companion sub-system consists of a plurality of independent and remotely located disaster alert modules which can be placed in any location to which disaster alert information is to be disseminated. Said disaster alert modules operate on continuous low-power standby, receiving and analyzing R.F. signals of a pre-determined carrier frequency and bandwidth. In the absence of said coded activation signal, said disaster alert modules remain in low-power standby.

Abstract: An Early Flood Warning System provides advanced warning of probable flash floods and/or stage floods to potential flood victims by collecting and analyzing rainfall and stream level data, and by providing means for disseminating alarms and instructions to individuals in threatened areas. Said Early Flood Warning System contains: a plurality of automated electronic digital liquid level gauges, some of which are specially adapted as rain gauges, and some of which are specially adapted as stream level gauges; a plurality of gauge actuated transmitters; a receiver; a decoder and validity logic unit; a data analysis unit; a central disaster alert station; and a plurality of disaster alert modules. Said digital liquid level gauges are energy and environmental intensive devices which electronically measure, using digital techniques, liquid levels such as rainfall and stream level, and transmit data by coded radio frequency (R.F.) signals to a central data analysis facility.