Abstract: A self-adaptive resource management method (200) is proposed. The method is based on an authority (105) that publishes multiple rules into a corresponding repository (115). Each rule defines a desired target configuration for a category of subjects (110); each category is specified by one or more attributes that are evaluated by corresponding scanners (233-239). Whenever new rules are published, a dedicated module (120) creates and publishes further rules for selectively installing the scanners that are required for evaluating the attributes included in the categories of the new rules. These further rules are defined according to an algorithm that attempts to minimize the cost involved by the installation of the scanners.

Abstract: A solution (200) for discovering inventory information in a data processing system is proposed. For this purpose, a corresponding discovery request is submitted (A1) to an inventory tool (200); the discovery request specifies a selected query pattern for the desired inventory information (for example, all the files included in a specific directory). Multiple providers (210)—such as of the interactive, cached or monitor type—are available for executing the required discovery operation. A predictive model (220) is associated with each provider; the models are used to estimate (A2,A3a,A3b-A4) the expected performance of the different providers for discovering the inventory information (according to the selected query pattern). In this way, it is possible to select (A5-A9) the provider, among the available ones, which is best suited for this purpose. The selected provider is then invoked (A10-A12) to discover the inventory information matching the selected query pattern.

Abstract: A variable geometry muffler for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine; the muffler displays: a tubular body, which displays an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a labyrinth which determines a path for the exhaust gases from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; and a bypass valve, which is arranged within the tubular body to modify the geometry of the labyrinth according to the exhaust gas pressure; the bypass valve displays a lid, which is coupled to a bypass opening and is mobile from a closed position of the bypass opening to an opening position of the bypass opening by effect of the exhaust gas pressure and against the bias of an elastic body which tends to maintain the lid in the closed position; the elastic body consists of an elastic foil, which is folded as a “U” and displays a mobile end which supports the lid and a fixed end which is opposite to the mobile end and which is integral with a fixed part of the muffler.

Abstract: A software distribution application (205,250,255) supporting the installation of operating systems on pristine computers (110) is proposed. A new configuration element (210) is added for virtually defining an operating system; the configuration element points to a corresponding image of the operating system on different pristine servers (120). Moreover, the pristine computers can be defined in a target database (220) before they actually exist; each pristine computer subscribes to a reference model (215) specifying the installation of the operating system. A plan (235) is then generated with actions for installing the operating system on the pristine computers. When the plan is submitted for execution, a plug-in module (250,255) associates each pristine computer with the image of the operating system on the respective pristine server.

Abstract: A software distribution application supporting the installation of operating systems on pristine computers is proposed. A new configuration element is added for virtually defining an operating system; the configuration element points to a corresponding image of the operating system on different pristine servers. Moreover, the pristine computers can be defined in a target database before they actually exist; each pristine computer subscribes to a reference model specifying the installation of the operating system. A plan is then generated with actions for installing the operating system on the pristine computers. When the plan is submitted for execution, a plug-in module associates each pristine computer with the image of the operating system on the respective pristine server. In this way, as soon as a pristine computer is turned on and transmits a remote installation request to the pristine server the associated image is automatically installed.

Abstract: A self-adaptive resource management method (200) is proposed. The system is based on an authority (105) that publishes multiple rules into a corresponding repository (115). Each rule defines a desired target configuration for a category of subjects (110); each category is specified by one or more attributes that are evaluated by corresponding scanners (233-239). Whenever new rules are published, a dedicated module (120) creates and publishes further rules for selectively installing the scanners that are required for evaluating the attributes included in the categories of the new rules. These further rules are defined according to an algorithm that attempts to minimize the cost involved by the installation of the scanners.

Abstract: A method for transmitting information (from a source computer to one or more target computers) is proposed. The solution of the invention applies to a message (300o) that includes a main body (310) with possible attachments (315), each one identified by a corresponding internal link (320i) The attachments including bulk data are removed and placed onto a location (125s) of a distribution service wherein they are available for downloading; at the same time, the internal links of the removed attachments are replaced with external links (320e), which point to the corresponding downloading locations. The resulting compacted message (300c) is transmitted to each target computer directly. The target computer downloads the desired removed attachments (from the locations pointed by the corresponding external links); the message can then be reconstructed by restoring the downloaded attachments.

Abstract: A software distribution application (205,250,255) supporting the installation of operating systems on pristine computers (110) is proposed. A new configuration element (210) is added for virtually defining an operating system; the configuration element points to a corresponding image of the operating system on different pristine servers (120). Moreover, the pristine computers can be defined in a target database (220) before they actually exist; each pristine computer subscribes to a reference model (215) specifying the installation of the operating system. A plan (235) is then generated with actions for installing the operating system on the pristine computers. When the plan is submitted for execution, a plug-in module (250,255) associates each pristine computer with the image of the operating system on the respective pristine server.

Abstract: Steering equipment for a work vehicle includes a steering transmission shaft mounted so that the shaft can turn within a steering column, and with a control device for actuating a steering operating unit. The control device includes a reference member, which can move along the transmission shaft and a sensor device fixed to the steering column in a position substantially facing the reference member for detecting a position of the reference member along the transmission shaft. The sensor provides a displacement signal that is used to vary the steering ratio, such as steering speed.

Abstract: A door for the operator's cab on an agricultural tractor is formed from a frameless single pane of transparent material pivoted at one edge on a pillar of the tractor. The pivot is formed of two hinges affixed to the pane and a reinforcing member extending generally parallel to the pivot axis and interconnecting the wings of the hinges that are affixed to the pane. The reinforcing member is arranged in line with the pillar on which the door is mounted, when viewed from the position of the driver of the vehicle, so as to minimize obstruction of the field of view of the driver. In another aspect of the invention, the surfaces on the hinges that mate with the pane are machined to match the contours of the pane while the reinforcing member and the hinges are in one piece.

Abstract: Steering equipment for a work vehicle includes a steering transmission shaft mounted so that the shaft can turn within a steering column, and with a control device for actuating a steering operating unit. The control device includes a reference member, which can move along the transmission shaft and a sensor device fixed to the steering column in a position substantially facing the reference member for detecting a position of the reference member along the transmission shaft. The sensor provides a displacement signal that is used to vary the steering ratio, such as steering speed.

Abstract: A door for the operator's cab on an agricultural tractor is formed from a frameless single pane of transparent material pivoted at one edge on a pillar of the tractor. The pivot is formed of two hinges affixed to the pane and a reinforcing member extending generally parallel to the pivot axis and interconnecting the wings of the hinges that are affixed to the pane. The reinforcing member is arranged in line with the pillar on which the door is mounted, when viewed from the position of the driver of the vehicle, so as to minimize obstruction of the field of view of the driver. In another aspect of the invention, the surfaces on the hinges that mate with the pane are machined to match the contours of the pane while the reinforcing member and the hinges are in one piece.

Abstract: A transmission is described for a motor vehicle having selectable four-wheel drive. The transmission includes a coupling for selectively applying torque to the front wheels of the vehicle to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheels drive in dependence upon slipping of the driven wheels. The coupling includes a drive member rotatable with the rear wheels, a driven member rotatable with the front wheels, the drive and driven members being movable axially relative to one another. The drive and driven member have teeth which mesh with one another in a first relative axial position of the drive and driven members to transmit torque from the drive to the driven member, but which are disengaged from one another in a second relative axial position of the drive and driven members to disconnect the drive to the front wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle clutch assembly, particularly for tractors, is provided having a first clutch interposed between the vehicle drive shaft and transmission, and a second clutch interposed between the drive shaft and an output shaft defining the power take-off of the vehicle. The assembly further comprises an elastic device for maintaining the second clutch in the released position wherein the output shaft is operatively disconnected from the drive shaft and a manually operated activating device for exerting a force in opposition to that of the elastic device, and setting the second clutch to the engaged position wherein the two shafts are operatively interconnected.

Abstract: A multiple output switching power supply having one controlled output and load compensation, where periodical voltage pulses, induced in at least two secondary windings of a transformer, load two buffer capacitive elements, each connected between ground and, respectively a first and a second output terminal at two different, like sign voltages and makes available two output voltages V1, V2, one of which (V1) is controlled, at first and second output terminals, respectively, and where the capacitive element connected between ground and the first terminal includes two series connected capacitors having respective values such that a voltage slightly higher than V2 in absolute value is imparted to the node common to the two capacitors.

Abstract: A memory system wherein data is stored along with a SEC-DED error detecting and correcting code. Means are provided for selecting either a direct readout path for data from the memory when no readout errors have been detected for the memory address being accessed, or an alternate readout path including circuits for checking and correcting errors when an error condition has been detected. An auxiliary memory is provided for storing error flag bits indicating memory zones which have produced erroneous readouts, whereby the system is controlled such that high speed direct read cycles are executed for no-error memory zones and optimum memory accessing time is achieved without sacrificing the reliability achieved through use of the error correcting codes.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory is provided with means for refreshing the memory. Interrupt requests generated by the memory initiate refreshing cycles, which take place in parallel with normal read/write memory operations. The memory is divided in two parts or blocks. If the central processor unit assigns a cycle for read/write operation to one of the two blocks, the same cycle is utilized to recharge or refresh a row of storage elements of the integrated units which constitute the other block of the memory. Refreshing is regulated by low priority interrupt requests and, if not responded to, by high priority interrupt requests, which are mandatory.