Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus and methods of using a simulator cabin module with an interior space which replicates a space ship, where the simulator module is mounted in a real aircraft, as a real airborne simulator. The aircraft lifts off to provide airborne maneuvers such as parabolic flight paths to cause G force and zero gravity effects to passengers in the cabin module. The cabin module includes rows of seats where passengers experience realistic sounds, lights, different temperatures, and physical effects (vibrations) of space ship liftoffs and space travel by having realistic simulation effects distributed over the seated passengers. Passengers can be seated in special reclinable seats with 5 point harnesses and pilot helmets with operable wireless communications and uniforms to add to the realistic simulation effects. Simulator modules can also be mounted in other moving vehicles, such as but not limited to submersibles, ships, and the like.

Abstract: In a computer system having a first repeater and a second repeater, the first repeater coupled to the second repeater by a bus, the first repeater operable to transmit a transaction and a control signal to the second repeater, a method, performed by the second repeater, of generating an error comprising: predicting, in a first cycle, that a transaction should be transmitted from the first repeater to the second repeater; determining if a control signal was received within a predetermined number of cycles of the first cycle; and if the control signal is not received within the predetermined number of cycles of the first cycle, then generating an error.

Abstract: A computer system including a first repeater and a second repeater that is coupled to the first repeater. The computer system also includes a third repeater that is coupled to the first repeater. The first repeater contains a first arbiter that arbitrates transactions between the first repeater and the second repeater and also arbitrates transactions between the first repeater and the third repeater. The second repeater receives transactions from the first repeater and contains a second arbiter that predicts receipt of transactions from the first repeater to the second repeater.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing arbiters. The method is performed by a computer system that has a first repeater, a second repeater that is coupled to the first repeater, and a third repeater that is coupled to the first repeater. The method includes: instructing the second repeater to cease issuing transactions to the first repeater; synchronizing an arbiter within the second repeater with an arbiter within the third repeater; instructing the second repeater to begin issuing transactions to the first repeater; and instructing the third repeater to begin issuing transactions to the first repeater.

Abstract: A computer system including a first repeater; a second repeater coupled to the first repeater; and a third repeater coupled to the first repeater. The second repeater is also coupled to a first client and a second client. The second repeater contains a distributed arbiter that predicts whether the first repeater will send a transaction to the second repeater.

Abstract: A system and method for testing signal interconnections using built-in self test (BIST). BIST functionality is designed into the various chips of a computer system. These chips include a transmit unit, a receive unit, a control logic unit, and a central logic unit. A control logic unit associated with a signal block (i.e. a group of signals) configures the signal block for either testing or normal operation. The central logic unit performs test pattern generation for all signal blocks on a given chip. Chips may act as either a master or slave chip during testing. When acting as a master chip, the transmit unit of the chip drives test patterns onto one or more signal lines. The receive unit of the slave chip returns a corresponding test pattern to the master chip after receiving the transmitted test pattern. A receive unit on the master chip receives the corresponding test patterns and performs verification. All tests occur at the operational clock speed of the computer system.

Abstract: In a computer system having a first repeater and a second repeater, the first repeater coupled to the second repeater by a bus, the first repeater operable to transmit a transaction and a control signal to the second repeater, a method, performed by the second repeater, of generating an error comprising: predicting, in a first cycle, that a transaction should be transmitted from the first repeater to the second repeater; determining if a control signal was received within a predetermined number of cycles of the first cycle; and if the control signal is not received within the predetermined number of cycles of the first cycle, then generating an error.

Abstract: A computer system including a first repeater and a second repeater that is coupled to the first repeater. The computer system also includes a third repeater that is coupled to the first repeater. The first repeater contains a first arbiter that arbitrates transactions between the first repeater and the second repeater and also arbitrates transactions between the first repeater and the third repeater. The second repeater receives transactions from the first repeater and contains a second arbiter that predicts receipt of transactions from the first repeater to the second repeater.

Abstract: A computer system that includes a first repeater and a second repeater. The second repeater is coupled to the first repeater. The second repeater contains circuitry that causes the second repeater to cease issuing transactions to the first repeater for at least one bus cycle if the second repeater has issued “P,” a positive integer, consecutive transactions to the first repeater. The computer system also includes a third repeater that is coupled to the first repeater. The first repeater also includes an arbiter that gives priority to transactions being sent from the first repeater to the third repeater over transactions being sent from the third repeater to the first repeater.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing arbiters. The method is performed by a computer system that has a first repeater, a second repeater that is coupled to the first repeater, and a third repeater that is coupled to the first repeater. The method includes: instructing the second repeater to cease issuing transactions to the first repeater; synchronizing an arbiter within the second repeater with an arbiter within the third repeater; instructing the second repeater to begin issuing transactions to the first repeater; and instructing the third repeater to begin issuing transactions to the first repeater.

Abstract: A computer system including a first repeater; a second repeater coupled to the first repeater; and a third repeater coupled to the first repeater. The second repeater is also coupled to a first client and a second client. The second repeater contains a distributed arbiter that predicts whether the first repeater will send a transaction to the second repeater.

Abstract: A foldable jacket for a general purpose portable computer includes a first protective panel having first and second sub-panels foldably connected along a first fold line. The first sub-panel has a fastener for fastening to the computer. A second protective panel is foldably connected to the first protective panel along a second fold line. A third protective panel is foldably connected to the second protective panel along a third fold line. A strap extending from the first sub-panel is capable of fastening to the third panel to secure the jacket substantially around the computer with the first and second sub-panels lying along the same plane. The jacket is also capable of being folded along the first and second fold lines such that the first and second sub-panels are at an angle relative to each other as well as the third panel. The first sub-panel is fastened to the third panel at an angle to tilt the computer for viewing and use.

Abstract: A protective carrying bag for a computer includes opposing front and back walls. An opening in the front wall provides access by a user for viewing a screen on the computer when the computer is contained within the bag. Opposing openable first and second side walls as well as a lower wall extend between the front and back walls. An openable upper flap is positioned between the front and back walls. A carrying strap is included which is capable of being secured in a first arrangement for carrying the bag in a substantially vertical orientation and in a second arrangement for carrying the bag in a substantially horizontal orientation such that the computer can be operated through the opening in the front wall while being carried in the substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A cache TAG RAM (25) includes a TAG array (26), a small signal exclusive OR logic circuit (33, 34), a sense amplifier (36, 37), and another exclusive OR logic circuit (30, 31). A comparison of a stored TAG address to the input address signal is made by the small signal exclusive OR logic circuit (33, 34) to provide a hit signal very quickly. The stored TAG address that is lost during the exclusive OR operation is recovered by performing another exclusive OR on the match information and the input address signal. By using a small signal exclusive OR circuit to perform a comparison early, the hit signal can be generated very quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by children includes a hand operated pump provided with a hose for the delivery of water from a bathtub to a wall-mounted system of water conduits. The pump includes a hand crank with meshed gears to provide a positive displacement flow to the conduit system. Various devices included in the conduit system such as a water wheel and a water driven turbine, both attachable to a wall adjacent the bathtub by suction cups, as are other components of the conduit system. The suction cups permit convenient installation and disassembly of the present apparatus. Additional components of the conduit system include a multitude of conduits providing a conduit network through which the child may observe a water flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically loading a cargo compartment of a vehicle is disclosed that maximizes the utilization of available space within the vehicle by determining an optimum load configuration based on various parameters of the vehicle and the containers to be loaded. A self-propelled robot loader is used to load the cargo compartment based on the determined optimum load configuration. The robot loader automatically withdraws from the cargo compartment as the loading is completed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for injecting agrochemicals into the subsurface of the soil without tilling of the soil. A high pressure pump delivers the solution to be injected to a series of injection nozzles. The injection nozzles cause liquid jets to be formed which have sufficient velocity and narrow cross-section to inject into the soil. The injection nozzles are supported by a shield-pan which rides on the surface of the soil. The apparatus causes continuous injection from a plurality of nozzles. The shield-pan minimizes clogging of the nozzles. In the preferred embodiment, a second low pressure system is incorporated to broadcast spray the soil surface. This is a low-pressure system utilizing a boom with broadcast nozzles.