Abstract: An Ethernet network or other CSMA/CD network includes hub adaptors that are modified to provide a known bounded low maximum access latency. The modified adaptors maintain a state variable whose values indicates whether the last operation by the adaptor was a transmit or a receive. In the case where the last operation was a receive, the adaptor transmits a packet with a minimum or zero backoff and as an option with a reduced interpacket gap. In the case where the last operation was a transmit, the adaptor waits before transmitting a packet a period of time that allows the other node on the channel to transmit a packet if the other node has a packet to transmit.

Abstract: An Ethernet network or other CSMA/CD network includes a hub that is modified to generate a jamming signal on a communication line when a packet received over that line is directed to an unavailable destination. The destination may be unavailable due to full transmit buffers, full receive buffers, or congestion in other parts of the hub architecture. Jamming is detected by the source node as a collision and causes retransmission of the packet from the source node. The decision to jam may include a determination of the packet's priority which may be determined based on the packet's destination or source address.

Abstract: Brewing apparatus which comprises a first vessel including heating means, a second vessel including strainer means, a third vessel, and a valve means and pump arrangement by means of which the three vessels can be coupled as necessary for fluid transfer purposes so that the first vessel can be used firstly as a hot liquor tank to produce hot liquor which is transferred to the third vessel which serves firstly as a hot liquor container, from which in use the hot liquor is transferred to the second vessel wherein it is mashed with malt to produce a wort and which serves firstly as a mash tun, from which the wort is transferred to the first vessel therein to be heated with hops whereby the first vessel serves secondly as a brewing kettle from which the resultant brew is transferred to the third vessel which serves secondly as a fermenting vessel.