Abstract: A usage data collection and evaluation mechanism may collect usage information from various sources and summarize the usage information to determine a role for a system. The role and usage information may be transmitted to a centralized server for aggregation and analysis. The collection and transmission of usage data may be governed by and conform to a privacy agreement and may be collected when an end user agrees to such collection. Role determination may be performed using data collected from a single device, multiple devices, or from a network monitoring system. The usage data collection and evaluation mechanism may determine an installed role base and any changes in the installed role base since a previous report.

Abstract: A usage data collection and evaluation mechanism may collect usage information from various sources and summarize the usage information to determine a role for a system. The role and usage information may be transmitted to a centralized server for aggregation and analysis. The collection and transmission of usage data may be governed by and conform to a privacy agreement and may be collected when an end user agrees to such collection. Role determination may be performed using data collected from a single device, multiple devices, or from a network monitoring system. The usage data collection and evaluation mechanism may determine an installed role base and any changes in the installed role base since a previous report.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and apparatus are provided for collecting information gathered by an instrumentation mechanism for transport to an information collection facility. In one embodiment, the information that is collected is defined by a configuration file. An application may examine the configuration file, execute one or more queries specified by the configuration file, and write the data which is collected to one or more data structures employed by a transport mechanism in transferring information to the information collection facility. The process of collecting the information may occur periodically, such as nightly. The configuration file may be periodically updated to reflect new information that is to be collected.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and apparatus are provided to determine whether components are implemented by an application executing on a computer. In one embodiment, the application is a server application, and the components define the role(s) performed by the server application in servicing clients. In an exemplary embodiment, an automated process is performed to collect information on the components which are implemented by the application, the components which are in use by the application, the state of the components, and the characteristics of the computer itself. If a user of the computer consents, the information may be transmitted to an information collection facility.

Abstract: A graphics controller for high speed transmission for memory write commands. A memory controller chip includes a logic circuit coupled to a first memory and a second memory. The logic circuit is adapted to respond to a first issued command from a CPU by causing the memory controller chip to store the first command in the first memory and to begin processing the first command. If the CPU issues a second command during the time that the memory controller chip is processing the first command, the logic circuit responds by causing the memory controller chip to store the second command in the second memory.

Abstract: A liquid distributor tray for a distillation column for distributing a descending liquid phase to be contacted with an ascending vapor phase within the distillation column. A tray is provided for collecting the descending liquid phase and has rows of apertures for downward passage of the descending liquid phase. Rows of vapor risers are located between the rows of apertures for a passage of the ascending vapor phase, and an upward direction through the tray. Rows of elongated liquid collectors are located above the rows of vapor risers and between the rows of apertures for collecting all or part of the descending liquid phase before the descending liquid phase reaches the tray. Rows of elongated liquid collectors provided with slots or openings are provided for collecting and then redistributing the descending liquid phase caught in the liquid collectors over a central region of the tray. Such redistribution prevents replication of maldistribution throughout the column.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the continuous production of an elongate smoke filtering member comprising a heat-activatable bonding material and having air-permeable deformations at longitudinally displaced positions along its length, which comprises continuously advancing longitudinally a rod-like body of the material of the member, intermittently passing a hot fluid laterally into the advancing body to activate the bonding material substantially only at separate longitudinally displaced regions of the body, and deforming the outer surface of the advancing body at such regions where the bonding material is activated. Apparatus for performing the method comprises means for continuously longitudinally advancing the rod-like body, means for passing a hot fluid laterally into the body at regions longitudinally displaced along the body, and means for deforming the outer surface of the body at said regions.