Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment convert e-mail into physical mail. In various embodiments, if a recipient identifier in the e-mail is an e-mail address, the recipient identifier is retained. But, if the recipient identifier in the e-mail is not an e-mail address, the recipient identifier, or a street address associated with the recipient identifier, is printed on an envelope, and the e-mail is also printed. Postage may also optionally be printed on the envelope. In this way, persons who do not have an e-mail address may still receive the contents of e-mail via physical delivery.

Abstract: A dynamic block transfer size adjustment mechanism independently defines block transfer size for each memory portion, which may include files in a file system, virtual storage segments in a memory system, or extents in physical storage. By specifying block transfer size for a memory portion independently from other memory portions, the performance of the computer system may be enhanced. In addition, the block transfer size of one or more memory portions may be dynamically adjusted according to how the memory portion is used. In an alternative embodiment, the block transfer size may also be specified for each process that accesses a portion of memory. Thus, a single file may be accessed with a first block transfer size by a first process, and may be accessed with a second (different) block transfer size by a second process.

Abstract: A dynamic block transfer size adjustment mechanism independently defines block transfer size for each memory portion, which may include files in a file system, virtual storage segments in a memory system, or extents in physical storage. By specifying block transfer size for a memory portion independently from other memory portions, the performance of the computer system may be enhanced. In addition, the block transfer size of one or more memory portions may be dynamically adjusted according to how the memory portion is used. In an alternative embodiment, the block transfer size may also be specified for each process that accesses a portion of memory. Thus, a single file may be accessed with a first block transfer size by a first process, and may be accessed with a second (different) block transfer size by a second process.

Abstract: Synchronization software in a computer operating system evaluates with respect to an exposure goal the ages of byte stream files queued for synchronization, and dynamically adjusts synchronization (“sync”) capacity in response to the evaluation. The synchronization of byte stream files occurs at rates responsive to the sync capacity. Several parameters are used to adjust sync capacity: a lead time, the number of active sync tasks, and the priority of the sync tasks. These parameters are adjusted in a manner to impact system performance to the least extent possible.

Abstract: A mechanism for sequentially feeding pins includes a collet having a longitudinal bore for feeding pins from one end to a second end, the second end holding the pins in position. The second end of the collet has at least one longitudinal slot contained therein, providing variations in the cross sectional area of the bore when the holding end of the collet is tightened around a pin. Pins are pushed through the center bore of the collet from a bottom feed point. Pins are positioned in an indexable disc having cutouts for containing the pins and delivering the pins one-by-one to the feed end of the collet bore. The disc cutouts are sequentially indexed by a ratchet and pawl mechanism. The collet can also be used to hold a pin for insertion into a hole in a printed circuit board and fastening of the pin to the printed circuit board by rolling over a portion of the pin with a punch, the punch being positioned coaxially with the collet bore.