Abstract: A file system for managing data files for access by a plurality of users of a data processing system that includes internal storage for buffering, external storage, and a file user interface by which the plurality of users request access to data files. A first level, coupled to the file user interface in the internal storage allocates the internal storage for temporary storage of data to be accessed by the plurality of users, and generates requests for transactions with external storage in support of such allocations. A second level is coupled to the first level and the external storage and responds to the request for transactions with the external storage for managing the transactions for storage of data to, and retrieval of data from, the external storage. The second level defines a plurality of physical storage classes which are characterized by pre-specified parameters that allocate data files subject of transactions to locations in external memory.

Abstract: A two-stage brake control valve has a larger first stage and a smaller second stage. First stage operates to fill a brake. Then, after a transition phase only the second stage is used to supply the working pressure. A check valve is between the first stage pressure chamber a sump. The check valve opens if the pressure in the first stage pressure chamber exceeds a predetermined value. To minimize the operating force of the valve and to avoid a sudden change of the valve working pressure during the changing phase, the closing force of the check valve is controlled as a function of the valve working pressure. The valve working pressure acts on a valve spool which influences the closing force of the check valve in the way that the closing force decreases with increasing working pressure.

Abstract: A two-stage brake valve includes a stepped valve bore and pressure piston defining a first stage with a large effective area and a second stage with a smaller effective area. The two stages become effective in succession so that, initially the first stage is used to fill a system and then, following a transitional phase, the second stage generates an operating pressure. A relief channel communicates the pressure chamber of the first stage with a reservoir. A relief valve closes the relief channel in response to an excess pressure generated by operation of the second stage.

Abstract: A database index file is maintained by a computer system having primary random access memory and secondary memory. A record for each item added to the database is stored in a sequential file in secondary memory (disk storage) and an indexed pointer to the new record is stored in a small B-tree stored in primary random access memory. The full index file for the database is a second, large B-tree stored in secondary memory. Leaf-nodes of the full index file are stored in indexed order. Periodically, a portion of the memory resident small B-tree is merged with a corresponding portion of the large B-tree by selecting a range of index values and retrieving from secondary memory all indexed pointers in the selected range of index values. The indexed pointers in the first B-tree in the selected range of index values are merged into the retrieved records, the resulting merged set of indexed pointers are stored in secondary memory in indexed order in a contiguous area of secondary memory.

Abstract: A file system for managing data files for access by a plurality of users of a data processing system that includes internal storage for buffering, external storage, and a file user interface by which the plurality of users request access to data files. A first level, coupled to the file user interface in the internal storage allocates the internal storage for temporary storage of data to be accessed by the plurality of users, and generates requests for transactions with external storage in support of such allocations. A second level is coupled to the first level and the external storage and responds to the request for transactions with the external storage for managing the transactions for storage of data to, and retreival of data from, the external storage. The second level defines a plurality of physical storage classes which are characterized by pre-specified parameters that allocate data files subject of transactions to locations in external memory.

Abstract: The invention provides a computing apparatus and method for maintaining a journal log. The computing apparatus includes volatile storage for storing a log buffer and a non-volatile storage for storing a journal log. Non-volatile storage means are provided for storing in a write-ahead data set a plurality of short data blocks. The log buffer contents are written to the write-ahead data set responsive to a process epoch occurring before the log buffer is filled. The log buffer contents are written to the journal log upon the log buffer being filled. The redoing or undoing of data base changes is made with reference to the write ahead data set only in the case of a system failure resulting in loss of log buffer data not yet written to the journal log; otherwise data base changes are redone or undone with reference to the log buffer or journal log.