Abstract: A client computer group is created at a server computer by selecting a subset of a group of client computers, where each of the group of client computers has a separate communication channel with the server computer. A message from at least one of the subset of the group of client computers is received at the server computer. In response to receiving messages from at least two of the subset of the group of client computers within the client computer group, the messages are grouped under a single unit of work. A single decision associated with the single unit of work for the client computer group is computed. Each of the at least two of the subset of the group of client computers is operable to accept the single decision.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for permanently engraving a marking on a curved sealing surface of an O-ring seal constructed from an elastomeric material. The method comprises laser engraving the marking on the curved sealing surface of the O-ring seal to a depth of less than 0.08 millimeters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for configurable pacing in messaging systems. In an embodiment of the invention, a configurable message pacing method has been provided. The method includes receiving a message directed for placement in a repository of an intermediate messaging system into which messages are placed by message producing applications and from which messages are retrieved by message consuming applications. Thereafter, it can be determined if the placement of the received message into the repository will result in a breach of an associated threshold value for the repository. Consequently, a message pacing action can be triggered responsive to the determination that the placement of the received message into the repository will result in a breach of the associated threshold value for the repository.

Abstract: In response to publication of a topic message on a topic to a messaging system by a publisher application, a determination is made as to whether any subscriber applications are registered for the topic. In response to determining that at least one subscriber application is registered for the topic, the published topic message is delivered to each registered subscriber application. In response to determining that no subscriber applications are registered for the topic, the published topic message is stored and in response to receipt of a first subsequent subscription request from a new subscriber application for the topic, the stored published topic message is delivered to the new subscriber application.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for permanently engraving a marking on a sealing surface of an O-ring seal constructed from an elastomeric material. The method comprises laser engraving the marking on the sealing surface of the O-ring seal to a depth of less than 0.08 millimeters.

Abstract: A decorative carapace for a burial vault including a carapace having a top surface and a substrate having a decorative graphic, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the carapace.

Abstract: Memory states of a multi-bit memory cell are demarcated by generating read reference signals having levels that constitute boundaries of the memory states. The read reference signals may be dependent upon the levels of programming reference signals used for controlling the programming of the memory cell. The memory cell can thus be programmed without reading out its memory state during the programming process, with programming margins being assured by the dependence of the read reference signals on the programming reference signals. Both sets of reference signals may be generated by reference cells which track variations in the operating characteristics of the memory cell with changes in conditions, such as temperature and system voltages, to enhance the reliability of memory programming and readout.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is equipped with life-sensing means in terms of wear (12a, 12b), thermal degradation, physical damage, chemical incompatibility and structural breakdowns within the sealing assembly, and means (22a, b) for transmitting an output of the sensing means to detect a change in the sealing environment or an impending seal failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for configurable pacing in messaging systems. In an embodiment of the invention, a configurable message pacing method has been provided. The method includes receiving a message directed for placement in a repository of an intermediate messaging system into which messages are placed by message producing applications and from which messages are retrieved by message consuming applications. Thereafter, it can be determined if the placement of the received message into the repository will result in a breach of an associated threshold value for the repository. Consequently, a message pacing action can be triggered responsive to the determination that the placement of the received message into the repository will result in a breach of the associated threshold value for the repository.

Abstract: There is disclosed a source messaging system having a queue for receiving messages. The source messaging system has means for determining whether a message should be permitted to become INDOUBT. This is done by retrieving a value denoting the maximum number of messages that may be permitted to become INDOUBT at any one time; determining whether the message falls within the range denoted by the value; and responsive to determining that the message falls within the range, permitting the message to become INDOUBT.

Abstract: O-ring or other fluid seal member (10) and method of making such member. The member has a body (12) provided as a preform of a curable elastomeric polymeric material. A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (50) is inserted into the preform. The preform is then cured to form the body and to embed the RFID transponder (50) therein.

Abstract: A client computer group is created at a server computer by selecting a subset of a group of client computers, where each of the group of client computers has a separate communication channel with the server computer. A message from at least one of the subset of the group of client computers is received at the server computer. In response to receiving messages from at least two of the subset of the group of client computers within the client computer group, the messages are grouped under a single unit of work. A single decision associated with the single unit of work for the client computer group is computed. Each of the at least two of the subset of the group of client computers is operable to accept the single decision.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is equipped with life-sensing means in terms of wear (12a, 12b), thermal degradation, physical damage, chemical incompatibility and structural breakdowns within the sealing assembly, and means (22a, b) for transmitting an output of the sensing means to detect a change in the sealing environment or an impending seal failure.

Abstract: Memory states of a multi-bit memory cell are demarcated by generating read reference signals having levels that constitute boundaries of the memory states. The read reference signals may be dependent upon the levels of programming reference signals used for controlling the programming of the memory cell. The memory cell can thus be programmed without reading out its memory state during the programming process, with programming margins being assured by the dependence of the read reference signals on the programming reference signals. Both sets of reference signals may be generated by reference cells which track variations in the operating characteristics of the memory cell with changes in conditions, such as temperature and system voltages, to enhance the reliability of memory programming and readout.

Abstract: A client computer group is created at a server computer by selecting a subset of a group of client computers, where each of the group of client computers has a separate communication channel with the server computer. A message from at least one of the subset of the group of client computers is received at the server computer. In response to receiving messages from at least two of the subset of the group of client computers within the client computer group, the messages are grouped under a single unit of work. A single decision associated with the single unit of work for the client computer group is computed. Each of the at least two of the subset of the group of client computers is operable to accept the single decision.

Abstract: In response to publication of a topic message on a topic to a messaging system by a publisher application, a determination is made as to whether any subscriber applications are registered for the topic. In response to determining that at least one subscriber application is registered for the topic, the published topic message is delivered to each registered subscriber application. In response to determining that no subscriber applications are registered for the topic, the published topic message is stored and in response to receipt of a first subsequent subscription request from a new subscriber application for the topic, the stored published topic message is delivered to the new subscriber application.

Abstract: O-ring or other fluid seal member (10) and method of making such member. The member has a body (12) provided as a preform of a curable elastomeric polymeric material. A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (50) is inserted into the preform. The preform is then cured to form the body and to embed the RFID transponder (50) therein.

Abstract: Memory states of a multi-bit memory cell are demarcated by generating read reference signals having levels that constitute boundaries of the memory states. The read reference signals may be dependent upon the levels of programming reference signals used for controlling the programming of the memory cell. The memory cell can thus be programmed without reading out its memory state during the programming process, with programming margins being assured by the dependence of the read reference signals on the programming reference signals. Both sets of reference signals may be generated by reference cells which track variations in the operating characteristics of the memory cell with changes in conditions, such as temperature and system voltages, to enhance the reliability of memory programming and readout.

Abstract: A database system providing encrypted column data support with decrypt default functionality. In a database system, a method providing automated encryption support for column data comprises steps of: defining Structured Query Language (SQL) extensions for creating and managing column encryption keys and database tables with encrypted column data; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a column encryption key; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a database table having particular column data encrypted with the column encryption key; receiving an SQL statement specifying a default value to be provided in response to requests for the column data without decrypt permission; in response to a subsequent database operation requesting encrypted column data from a user with decrypt permission, automatically decrypting the column data; and in response to a subsequent database operation requesting the encrypted column data from a user without decrypt permission, returning the default value.

Abstract: A database system providing SQL extensions for automated encryption and decryption of column data is described. In one embodiment, for example, in a database system, a method is described for providing automated encryption support for column data, the method comprises steps of: defining Structured Query Language (SQL) extensions for creating and managing column encryption keys, and for creating and managing database tables with encrypted column data; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a particular column encryption key; receiving an SQL statement specifying creation of a database table having particular column data encrypted with the particular column encryption key; and in response to a subsequent database operation that requires the particular column data that has been encrypted, automatically decrypting the particular column data for use by the database operation.