Abstract: An arrangement and method for update of configuration cache data in a disk storage subsystem in which a cache memory (110) is updated using two-phase (220, 250) commit technique. This provides the advantage that known changes to the subsystem do not require an invalidate/rebuild style operation on the cache. This is especially important where a change will invalidate the entire cache.

Abstract: A storage management method for use in a storage area network is provided. The storage area network comprises a plurality of host data processors coupled to a virtualization engine, which is coupled to a plurality of physical storage media. Each physical storage media is assigned a tier level. The method comprises storing a threshold storage access value associated with each tier level, presenting virtual disk(s) to a host data processor and receiving I/O requests to the virtual disk from the host data processor. Additionally, metadata is stored which identifies the tier level of the physical storage to which the block corresponds, mappings between the block and blocks of a virtual disk, and an access rate to the data. The access value is periodically compared to at least one threshold rate associated with its tier level. Depending on the result, storage block(s) may be marked for migration to another tier level.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for update of configuration cache data in a disk storage subsystem in which a cache memory (110) is updated using two-phase (220, 250) commit technique. This provides the advantage that known changes to the subsystem do not require an invalidate/rebuild style operation on the cache. This is especially important where a change will invalidate the entire cache.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to allow secure undisrupted communication from wireless clients that roam a wide area network. System architectures and communication protocols are provided to ensure that wireless clients can seamlessly associate and reassociate with controllers on the network, without disruption to ongoing secure communications.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods for lowering peroxide levels in sucrose acetate isobutyrate formulations and to composition used in and formed by such methods.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A hollow sleeve has an open end. A guide rod is coupled to the hollow sleeve and extends axially from the open end. A bumper is coupled to a distal end of the guide rod. A deformable material is positionable between the open end and the bumper. A plunger is adapted to move axially through the hollow sleeve and apply a compressive force on the deformable material against a counterforce applied by the bumper.

Abstract: A technique can be used to obtain content (e.g., a live feed, pre-positioned content, etc.) from a content-originating device (a content source). The technique involves identifying a tree-based location-path having a series of locations which leads from the computerized device to the content-originating device. Each location includes a set of devices, and the set of devices of at least one location includes multiple devices. The technique further involves selecting a device-path from the computerized device to the content-originating device based on the identified location-path, and acquiring the content from the content-originating device from at least one of the devices along the selected device-path. The selected device-path includes at least one device of each location of the series of locations.

Abstract: A centrifugal compressor includes an annular inlet air recirculation channel having a smoothly variable cross section extending from a first slot at a forward end of the channel adjacent an inlet member to a second slot at a rearward end of the channel beyond an inlet end of a vaned compressor impeller. The channel is formed between an aerodynamic channel ring supported in a smooth annular recess formed in a compressor housing and the separate inlet member. The ring may be mounted by radial struts connected with the housing and located in an area of low momentum air flow. The channel ring and the channel recess may be machined or otherwise formed with smoothly variable surfaces prior to assembly of the ring into the housing. The channel may have a smoothly diminishing annular cross section for aerodynamically efficient air flow.

Abstract: A tool fastening mechanism has a housing 2, in which a clamping opening 3 is embodied for receiving a tapering tool shaft clamping end 4 of a tool part 5. The clamping opening 3 tapers inward in the introduction direction of the clamping end 4 of a tool part 5, and furthermore the tapering sides are inclined toward one another in a plane extending perpendicular to the introduction direction, as a result of which the opening has a trapezoidal cross section, and the length of this cross section decreases away from the orifice of the clamping opening 3. The housing 2 furthermore has a transverse opening 7, which intersects the clamping opening 3 and in which a locking pin 8 is received.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for update of configuration cache data in a disk storage subsystem in which a cache memory (110) is updated using two-phase (220, 250) commit technique.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for moving a plurality of telecommunications customers from an ILEC to a CLEC, the CLEC having a plurality of telecommunication lines, the method comprising: screening the customers; performing loop tests on the telecommunications lines; assigning physical and logical network inventory; provisioning one or more features for the customer; pre-wiring the telecommunications lines to a switch at a central office; generating a UNE-L order to the ILEC; receiving confirmation of an LNP request by the ILEC; activating the telecommunication lines; and generating an activate order to a NPAC.

Abstract: A tool fastening mechanism has a housing 2, in which a clamping opening 3 is embodied for receiving a tapering tool shaft clamping end 4 of a tool part 5. The clamping opening 3 tapers inward in the introduction direction of the clamping end 4 of a tool part 5, and furthermore the tapering sides are inclined toward one another in a plane extending perpendicular to the introduction direction, as a result of which the opening has a trapezoidal cross section, and the length of this cross section decreases away from the orifice of the clamping opening 3. The housing 2 furthermore has a transverse opening 7, which intersects the clamping opening 3 and in which a locking pin 8 is received.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for moving a plurality of telecommunications customers from an ILEC to a CLEC, the CLEC having a plurality of telecommunication lines, the method comprising: screening the customers; performing loop tests on the telecommunications lines; assigning physical and logical network inventory; provisioning one or more features for the customer; pre-wiring the telecommunications lines to a switch at a central office; generating a UNE-L order to the ILEC; receiving confirmation of an LNP request by the ILEC; activating the telecommunication lines; and generating an activate order to a NPAC.

Abstract: In a client/server system, a method and apparatus for handing requests for access to a host resource purportedly on behalf of a client from an untrusted application server that may be capable of operating as a “rogue” server. Upon receiving a service request from a client, an untrusted application server creates a new thread within its address space for the client and obtains from the security server a client security context, which is anchored to the task control block (TCB) for that thread. The client security context specifies the client and indicates whether the client is an authenticated client or an unauthenticated client. When the application server makes a request for access to a host resource purportedly on behalf of the client, the security server examines the security context created for the requesting thread.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved barbecue cooking device. The barbecue cooking device has particular application for use with wood or charcoal fuels and enables the cooking platform to be raised and lowered towards the heat source.

Abstract: A golf swing training device and a method of its use in an aquatic environment. The device includes a manually grippable handle secured to a shaft that has integrally secured thereto adjacent the handle a hydrodynamically adjustable paddle that may be manually physically altered to provide a variable resistance to a user that grips the handle and wings the golf swing training device through water that compresses the aquatic environment.

Abstract: A system for authenticating a first entity to a second entity and for simultaneously generating a session key for encrypting communications between the entities. The first entity generates an authentication value by encrypting time-dependent information using a long-lived secret key shared by the entities and transmits the authentication value to the second entity. The first entity independently encrypts other time-dependent information using the long-lived key to generate a session key that cannot be derived from the authentication value without the long-lived key. Upon receiving the transmitted authentication value, the second entity checks the transmitted authentication value using the shared long-lived key to determine whether it is valid. If the authentication value is valid, the second entity authenticates the first entity and generates an identical session key from the same shared secret information and time-dependent information.

Abstract: The Village Wall system utilizes furniture, equipment, components, and accessories in the creation of unique office designs. Two parallel rails are attached to existing walls and support fixed tackboards and rolling accessories, e.g., markerboards, shelves, bookcases, etc. An outrigger beam is releasably connected, orthogonally, anywhere along the length of one of the rails. The other end of the outrigger beam is fixed to a pedestal which rotatably supports a work surface. Electrical power and communication services are provided through a wire managing service zone attached to the existing wall, a wire managing channel formed in the outrigger beam, a wire and cable storage facility within the interior of the pedestal, and through a grommet to the top of the work surface. Work areas without walls are defined by the location of the work surface along the existing wall.