Abstract: A system and method for recording trace data while conserving cache resources includes generating trace data and creating a cache line containing the trace data. The cache line is assigned a tag which corresponds to an intermediate address designated for processing the trace data. The cache line also contains embedded therein an actual address in memory for storing the trace data, which may include either a real address or a virtual address. The cache line may be received at the intermediate address and parsed to read the actual address. The trace data may then be written to a location in memory corresponding to the actual address. By routing trace data through a designated intermediate address, CPU cache may be conserved for other more important or more frequently accessed data.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for flushing cache data in a cache system. The apparatus includes a zero module and a flush module. The zero module executes an internal processor instruction to zero out a zero memory segment of a nonvolatile memory and a processor cache in response to a loss of primary power to the processor cache. The flush module flushes modified data from an address in the processor cache to a flush memory segment of the nonvolatile memory before the zero module puts a zero in the address. Advantageously, the zero memory segment is reserved within the memory and used to zero out the processor cache, effectively flushing the existing data from the processor cache to a flush memory segment of the memory.

Abstract: A seal assembly, for sealing between a stationary conduit and a rotating conduit, comprises an upper gland assembly, a washpipe, and a lower gland assembly. The upper gland assembly is operable to engage the stationary conduit. A washpipe partially disposed within the upper gland assembly. An upper seal member is disposed within the upper gland assembly around a periphery of the washpipe. An upper packing ring is engaged with the upper gland assembly so as to compress the upper seal member into sealing engagement with the washpipe. A lower gland assembly is disposed about the washpipe and operable to engage the rotating conduit. A lower seal member is disposed within the lower gland assembly and is compressed into sealing engagement with the washpipe by a lower packing ring that is engaged with the lower gland assembly. The engagement of the packing rings with their respective gland assemblies is independent of the engagement of the gland assemblies and the conduits.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a cylinder liner to a pump module. A tension body is disposed about the cylinder liner and attached to the pump module. A locking body engages the cylinder liner and is threaded to the tension body. A hydraulic load cell is removably attached to the tension body and includes a hydraulic ram arranged to impart a compressive load to the cylinder liner and a tension load in the tension body. The locking body can be adjusted axially to contact the cylinder liner and maintain the applied loads, which act as a pre-load to keep the cylinder liner in contact with the pump module.

Abstract: A diagnostic tracing logger is presented for use in a multithread environment in which diagnostic trace log entries are captured and recorded. The trace logs are composed of sequences of memory addresses used to access instructions and operands, instruction op-codes and register specifiers, sequences of memory addresses, branch instructions or exceptions, the contents of registers or semiconductor memory locations, and the like. In one embodiment, a software module configures a plurality of buffers to capture bus traces, each trace triggered by a specific pattern. A buffer controller manages transfer of diagnostic trace information from the plurality of buffers to a diagnostic log without using processor memory cycles. The trace information is transferred to a selected buffer using a processor cache flush instruction. Diagnostic trace logging facilitates diagnosis of complex system and software interactions without the cost and overhead of prior art trace logging techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for securely providing power supply commands. A security feature is added to the remote management of power-on and power-off sequences. The feature allows for multiple controller nodes to receive a command to initiate a power sequence. Each controller node possesses a unique identifier. The nodes compare the received command with received commands of other nodes to confirm that each node received identical power commands. The security feature prevents inadvertent power commands from being received and executed by a single controller node. The unique identifier of each node must be provided before execution of the power command occurs.

Abstract: Prefetching data and instructions from a hierarchical memory based upon trajectories and patterns of prior memory fetches. Portions of the data are stored in a slower main memory and are transferred to faster intermediate memory between a requester and the slower main memory. The selected data items are retrieved from the slower main memory into a prefetch read buffer as an intermediate memory prior to any request from the requester for the particular selected and prefetched data. The address and size of the prefetched data is derived from the history, pattern, or trajectory of prior memory reads.

Abstract: A flexible rockshaft includes joint structure facilitating the adjustment of the rotational angle of rockshaft segments relative to each other. A link inserted between a rockshaft segment and the rockshaft flex member rotates on the same or a parallel pivot as adjacent rockshaft segment, and an adjustable length connecting mechanism on the link provides angular adjustment. In one embodiment, shims supported on the link are selectively clamped between a threaded stop and an internally threaded link. The number of shims may be easily varied to change the angular position of one rockshaft segment relative to the adjacent segment. In another embodiment, a simpler threaded member with positioning nuts is located on the additional link and provides inexpensive angular adjustability.

Abstract: Protocol multiplexer is configured to receive multiple communication links, each link operating with one of a plurality of communication protocols. Protocol handler converts the received data and frames the data according to the communication protocol in use for a particular communication link. Port multiplexer separates the received frames into data frames and control frames. The data frames being multiplexed onto a single data bus and the control frames being multiplexed onto a single control bus to increase performance of the protocol multiplexer.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating power allocated to components within a computer system includes a sensor to sense power drawn by a first device within a computer system, the first device having device resources needed to satisfy functional demand required of the first device. A second sensor is provided to sense power drawn by a second device within the computer system, the second device having device resources needed to satisfy functional demand required of the second device. A power-monitoring module is provided to monitor the power drawn and the functional demand required of the first and second devices. A system control module, operably connected to the power-monitoring modules, is provided to regulate power allocated to the first and second devices by optimizing use of the device resources in accordance with the temperature, power drawn, and respective functional demands of the devices.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for automatically presenting status from a host bus adapter until an error is detected is provided. Data is transmitted between the host bus adapter and a host. The host performs data transmission validation and determines whether data transmission was successful. The host bus adapter automatically sends status information when data transmission was successful, else the host bus adapter waits for status type identification from the host for transmission of data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the processing speed of processors and increasing the data hit ratio is disclosed herein. The method increases the processing speed by providing a non-L1 instruction caching that uses prefetch to increase the hit ratio. Cache lines in a cache set are buffered, wherein the cache lines have a parameter indicating data selection characteristics associated with each buffered cache line. Then which buffered cache lines to cast out and/or invalidate is determined based upon the parameter indicating data selection characteristics.

Abstract: A drill pipe protector having a tubular sleeve that is attached to a section of drill pipe and resides over the outer diameter of the drill pipe while moving within an associated well casing or well hole. The sleeve has low-friction end pads positioned on the ends of the sleeve to reduce friction between the ends of the sleeve and the end of an adjacent thrust bearing collar used to hold the sleeve in place on the drill pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the performance of a computing system and increasing the hit ratio in at least one non-L1 cache. A caching assistant and a processor are embedded in a processing system. The caching assistant analyzes system activity, monitors and coordinates data requests from the processor, processors and other data accessing devices, and monitors and analyzes data accesses throughout the cache hierarchy. The caching assistant is provided with a dedicated cache for storing fetched and prefetched data. The caching assistant improves the performance of the computing system by anticipating which data is likely to be requested for processing next, accessing and storing that data in an appropriate non-L1 cache prior to the data being requested by processors or data accessing devices. A method for increasing the processor performance includes analyzing system activity and optimizing a hit ratio in at least one non-L1 cache.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing computer-assisted communications channels based on relationships between users who wish to communicate with one another are described. The relationship-managed communications system allows users to retain control over whom they permit to communicate with them and under what conditions such communications may take place, for example when they take place and/or using which communications channels, by allowing pairs of users to establish relationships which specify communications permissions. Users of the system provide their contact information to the relationship-managed communications system, and the system uses the securely stored information to mediate the establishment of communications channels between users. Embodiments of the system may intelligently route communications to substitute channels based on relationship-related and other information.

Abstract: A distributed secure repository and related methods allow users of a communications management system to securely store and share communications with other users. A user shares a communication by securely storing the communication, identifying the recipient, and specifying permissions that limit actions that the recipient is permitted to take with respect to the communication. Mechanisms are provided for limiting a recipient's ability to view, copy, store, forward, print, and modify the communication. Metadata associated with the communication is transmitted to the recipient, notifying the recipient of the securely stored communication. The recipient uses the metadata to request an encrypted copy of the communication, to view the communication, or to otherwise interact with the communication in accordance with the sender's permissions. The sender retains control of the communication and can modify the communication and associated permissions.

Abstract: System and method provides a mechanism to control access to a data object and to the data within the object. A policy managed object comprised policy objects, a payload container object for securely storing a payload with data, and a number of interfaces that provide access to the policy managed object and the payload. When a user invokes an interface in order to request the performance of an operation on the policy managed object or the payload, policies associated with the requested operation and the policy manage object are invoked. The policies determine, based on executable instructions, whether the requested operation can be allowed under the circumstances. If the policies determine that the operation can be allowed, the operation is performed. Otherwise, the operation is not performed and access to the policy managed object and payload is denied.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for automatically presenting status from a host bus adapter until an error is detected is provided. Data is transmitted between the host bus adapter and a host. The host performs data transmission validation and determines whether data transmission was successful. The host bus adapter automatically sends status information when data transmission was successful, else the host bus adapter waits for status type identification from the host for transmission of data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing data integrity using check data and other metadata on a formatted storage medium.

Abstract: A drill pipe protector having a tubular sleeve that is attached to a section of drill pipe and resides over the outer diameter of the drill pipe while moving within an associated well casing or well hole. The sleeve has low-friction end pads positioned on the ends of the sleeve to reduce friction between the ends of the sleeve and the end of an adjacent thrust bearing collar used to hold the sleeve in place on the drill pipe.