Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which utilize Little's law to improve cache management in a computer based storage system in which the cache is a partitioned or non partitioned write-back cache. In a first aspect, a method and system for managing a write-back cache in a computer based system to accommodate for deferred write operations is disclosed. The method .and system comprises determining an average cast out delay for a cache entry. In a second aspect the method and system comprises utilizing the average castout delay for estimating the number of dirty cache entries which will be needed by the cache if the write operations rate and the average cast out delay does not change significantly. In a third aspect, a method and system for managing a partitioned and prioritized cache in a computer based system to provide sensitivity to a local maximum is disclosed.

Abstract: A road hazard warning device for use with an electrical system of a vehicle includes a generally triangular, planar member having front and rear sides. A weight is attached to one side of the planar member to cause it to hang generally perpendicular when attached to the vehicle. A plurality of lights are attached adjacent the outer peripheral edges of the planar member. A circuit is connected to the lights for flashing the lights. Electrical power is supplied to the lights from the electrical system of the vehicle by a first and second wire, each having at a first end an electrical connection to each light and at a second end having an allegator clip with tensioned opposed jaw members biased to remain in a closed position. Each jaw member has a plurality of depending teeth adapted for penetrating the insulation surrounding a wire in the vehicle electrical system and creating an electrical connection therewith for providing electrical power to the lights.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process of the type comprising at least one gas-concentrated sulphuric acid contacting unit and a sulphuric acid heat exchanger characterized in that the contacting unit and/or heat exchanger is formed of high silicon content austenitic steel. The steel is also of use in sulphuric acid concentrations. Reduced corrosion rates are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of sulphuric acid comprising at least one gas-concentrated sulphuric acid contacting unit and a sulphuric acid heat exchanger. The contacting unit and/or the heat exchanger is formed of high silicon content austenitic steel.

Abstract: An improved overhead covering device is provided for transportable open top cargo compartments of rectangular configuration. The covering device consists of a flexible cover, the underside of which has a number of parallel reinforcing slats adapted to slidably engage channels associated with the side walls of the cargo compartment. A drum, driven by a motor, enables the cover to be wound up for storage within a housing. The same motor pulls a cable which travels about a pulley wheel at the end of the cargo compartment and deploys the cover from the housing.

Abstract: In the manufacture of roof tiles comprising extruding a continuous shaped ribbon of tile forming material onto a succession of pallets, and cutting the ribbon where pallets adjoin to form individual green state tiles on pallets, there is performed the step of causing a cutting tool to engage with the upper surface of the ribbon only for part of the length of each pallet whereby a recess is formed in the upper surface of each tile. In a particular embodiment the recess is a channel cut in the tile at a location immediately downstream of the extruding step. The recess is also subsequently smoothed by applying a smoothing roll thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle assembly for umbrellas, or the like, which comprises: a head member adapted to attach to one end of a central rod of an umbrella; at least two arms pivotally mounted on said head member to swing in their respective radial planes through arcs of about 135 degrees, from an inoperative, folded position extending generally parallel a longitudinal axis of said central rod to an operative, unfolded position, extending away from said longitudinal axis in a predetermined angular relation to said axis and capable of acting as a hanger for clothing in this operative, unfolded position; means attached to said head member for hanging said umbrella.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process of the type comprising at least one gas-concentrated sulphuric acid contacting unit and a sulphuric acid heat exchanger characterized in that the contacting unit and/or heat exchanger is formed of high silicon content austenitic steel. The steel is also of use in sulphuric acid concentrators. Reduced corrosion rates are provided.

Abstract: A corrosion monitoring probe comprising a body member, preferably a tubular body member, a seal within the body member, and a metallic probe element which is contained in part within the body member and which in part projects beyond the seal, at least that part of the probe element which projects beyond the seal being corrodable, in which the seal is in the form of at least one gasket made of an electrically insulating compressible material and in which the probe is provided with means for compressing the gasket(s) to cause the gasket(s) to form a seal between the probe element and the body member.

Abstract: A method of coating the inner surface of a sheath of titanium, zirconium, tantalum or an alloy of one of these metals with a tinning metal or alloy comprising heating the sheath while the inner surface thereof is covered with the tinning metal or alloy in a molten state and moving an ultrasonically excited probe over substantially the whole of the outer surface of the sheath, the probe being in contact with said outer surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively masking the film frame of a larger format camera as of the self-developing variety. A frame type retaining member removably fits over the film frame opening of a film cassette. This member slideably retains a rectangular mask which is dimensioned to cover about one half of the extent of the film frame opening.

Abstract: An assembly for an electrolytic cell comprising a base plate of an electrically conductive metal which is unattacked by the electrolyte to be used in the cell, e.g. titanium, a plurality of anodes or anode support members mounted on and attached in electrical contact with one surface of the base plate, and an electrical conductor in the form of a metallic sheet electrically conductively bonded to the other surface of the base plate, e.g. a sheet of iron or steel, the bonding having been achieved by placing a metallic inter layer between the base plate and the conductor sheet, heating the inter layer to a temperature of at least 427.degree. and to a temperature at which the inter layer is molten, and applying elevated pressure to the base plate and to the conductor sheet.

Abstract: Process for forming coated pitch prills by mixing pitch prills with finely divided carbonaceous material and agitating the prills and carbonaceous material until a layer of carbonaceous material adherently bonded to the pitch prill is formed. Preferably the pitch prill is a substantially spherical particle having an average diameter between about 1 and about 5 millimeters. The finely divided carbonaceous material is preferably carbon black.

Abstract: Process for forming coated pitch prills by mixing pitch prills with finely divided carbonaceous material and agitating the prills and carbonaceous material until a layer of carbonaceous material adherently bonded to the pitch prill is formed. Preferably the pitch prill is a substantially spherical particle having an average diameter between about 1 and about 5 millimeters. The finely divided carbonaceous material is preferably carbon black.

Abstract: An anode assembly for an electrolytic cell comprising a base plate of an electrically-conductive metal which is resistant to the electrolyte used in the cell, a plurality of metal anodes mounted on and attached in electrical contact with the upper surface of the base plate and a current lead-in member or members electrically and mechanically bonded to the under surface of the base plate by means of a plurality of electrically-conducting stud members each of which is connected by welding at one end to the under surface of the base plate and is connected at the other end by welding or other means to said current lead-in member or members.

Abstract: A composite electrical conductor wherein a sheath of titanium, zirconium or tantalum or an alloy thereof, encasing a metallic core element, e.g. copper and aluminum and bonded thereto and having a coating of "tinning" metal or alloy thereon.

Abstract: The inside of a sheath of titanium, zirconium or tantalum (or an alloy of one of said metals) is coated with a tinning metal or alloy by heating the sheath while the inside of the sheath is covered with the molten tinning metal, and moving an ultrasonically excited probe over substantially the whole of the outer surface of the sheath, said probe being in contact with the outer surface of the sheath. The coated sheath is then bonded as by soldering to a metal article such as copper or aluminum.

Abstract: An electrical terminal which is formed from sheet metal, and which includes a socket connector, a blade connector, and a resilient member which extends within the socket connector. The blade connector is integral with, and extends from the socket connector, and the resilient member is also integral with the socket connector and extends within the socket connector. The terminal is arranged to mate with a second identical terminal, and when two such terminals are mated the blade connector of the second terminal is received in the socket connector of the first terminal and is gripped therein between the wall of the socket connector and said resilient member. The socket connector of the second terminal similarly receives and grips the blade connector of the first terminal.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the manufacture of a wiring harness includes a platform upon which the harness leads are supported. Each of the leads comprises an outer thermoplastic sheath containing a conductive core, and the apparatus is provided with a thermoplastic tape dispenser whereby thermoplastic tape can be dispensed onto the harness leads. A heater is provided for heating the mutually presented surfaces of the leads and the tape, and a pressure member urges the heated surfaces of the tape and the leads into contact so that the sheaths of the leads fuse to the tape. The heater, the dispenser and the pressure member define a unit which is movable along the length of the leads fusing tape to the leads as it progresses. The heater means can take a number of different forms including hot air blowing apparatus and radiant heating apparatus.