Abstract: A topology and devices and protocols comprising a switched fabric which allow attaching multiple mass storage devices through said switched fabric over any serial point to point mass storage interface. This switched fabric interface uses one or more point to point serial interfaces, such as Serial ATA to provide the connectivity of multiple drives to one or more ports on a server or PC class computer and includes routers which use router headers in FIS to establish routes and guide data. Disclosed are the switch concept, switch ASIC devices, and switch firmware in a switch supporting any number of host connections and number of drive connections. The protocols disclosed also provide the ability to connect multiple hosts to a bank of switch mass storage devices. The processes disclosed includes protocol conversions from Serial ATA 2.xx to Serial ATA 1.xx devices.

Abstract: A transmitter for transmitting an OOB signal in a serial ATA bus comprising a conventional Fiber Channel transmitter modified to have output coupling capacitors with values selected to cause transition to a common mode voltage condition on the serial ATA bus within the time specified in the serial ATA bus specification when an illegal pattern of all logic 1 or all logic 0s is loaded into the input shift register of said transmitter. Also disclosed is a OOB signal pattern receiver comprising a conventional Fiber Channel receiver which cannot go into a powered down mode and having OOB signal pattern recognition circuitry coupled to the output shift register of the receiver. Also disclosed is a OOB signal pattern receiver comprising a conventional Fiber Channel receiver which can go into a powered down mode and having OOB signal pattern recognition circuitry coupled to the inputs of said receiver.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a unique signal pattern on a serial bus to indicate the need for processing to re-establish synchronous communications on said bus, especially at power up, awaken from sleep or upon a fault such as loss of synchronization. The method comprises sending one or more silent intervals on a bus which normally requires transmission of data or fill characters at all times to maintain synchronization. The silent interval(s) have a predetermined duration and a predetermined sequence of durations if the durations of each interval are different and more than one interval is used. The predetermined pattern is known to all transceivers coupled to the bus. A long silent interval of a predetermined duration which is also known to all transceivers is sent at the end of the unique pattern to indicate the end of transmission thereof. A low power receiver monitors the bus at all times and listens for silent intervals and measures the durations thereof.

Abstract: The case comprises two circular sections comprising a bottom portion that has a readable surface and sidewalls and a top portion that has grooves that mesh with complimentary grooves in the sidewalls of the bottom portion. Holes in the top portion of the case or other gripping means are used to screw the top section into the bottom section closing the space between the Compact Disc and the case and successfully creating a protective cover capable of being played in a Compact Disc, DVD or other optical media reader. The case can be disassembled and the disc easily removed by unscrewing the case and lifting out the disc. There is also no need for a special applicator or for a special instrument to remove the disc.

Abstract: Document sorting apparatus for sorting documents having data characters recorded thereon into a selected one of a plurality of storage pockets depending upon the data characters. Sorter controllers, each associated with a pre-determined number of the storage pockets, are provided for controlling the gate mechanisms of the storage pockets within their respective control areas so as to direct the document into the selected one of the pockets. The sorter controllers comprise single cycle processors which execute program instructions stored in memory in implementing document tracking functions. Further, the sorter controllers are responsive to destination and sequential tracking numbers assigned to each document by a central processor for recognizing a document as being intended for a pocket within its control area.