Abstract: A multi-processor computer system that includes at least one “regular” processor and one “enhanced mode” processor. The enhanced mode processor is preferably not turned over to the regular processor, but is initialized to look like an internal or external device, such as a disk drive or the like. In a preferred embodiment, fast access memory that is outside the addressable range of the regular processor is coupled to the enhanced mode processor and accessed through a RAM-disk device driver. In this manner, the amount of fast access memory available to the regular processor is increased.

Abstract: A memory management system and method that determines which page or pages in cache memory are likely to be accessed again in the near future by another transaction and designates those pages for recycling so that the pages are maintained in the cache memory for a longer period of time. That is, pages designated for recycling are maintained in the cache, while pages that are not are first replaced. According to the present application, pages in the cache that are likely to be accessed in the near future are those that are accessed by two or more different transactions during their normal residence in the cache.

Abstract: A cache optimization method which analyzes an existing cache mapping scheme and determines a new cache mapping scheme that eliminates cache collisions. In a first embodiment, an application is traced while running in its main working set by a processor to obtain cache access statistics for objects within the working set under the first caching scheme. The cache access statistics are analyzed to obtain collision information which reveals lines of operating memory that collide in cache memory. Addresses are assigned to the objects using a cache-miss prediction algorithm. If the cache memory is too small to store all of the objects within the working set, the working set is divided into a plurality of working subsets which each contain a smaller number of objects than the working set. Finally, system calls are executed by the processor to effect the second cache mapping scheme.

Abstract: A non-uniform memory accessing (NUMA) based multiprocessor system that promotes local memory accessing and data migration to local processor nodes. The system includes mechanisms to re-map virtual and physical addresses to promote local memory accessing and implements a least recently used memory allocation mechanism to age non-local memory accesses out of memory to be re-read into local memory, which promotes data migration to local memory on processor nodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a physical memory larger than a corresponding virtual memory. An apparatus is disclosed that includes a processor having an address word of a predefined length, a main memory having a size larger than the addressable range of the predefined address word, and virtual memory logic for configuring the processor virtual memory to contain a subset of the main memory as resident memory and pointers to the remainder of main memory. Analogous method steps are disclosed as is dividing main memory into a plurality of buffer uniquely identifiable within the address range of the predefined address word.

Abstract: A thermally-emissive structure which can be a weaponry target, training aid or arc designator structure, the structure having a high heat emissivity material, such as matt black paint, applied in areas which are to define a thermally-emissive target. The mark-space ratio of the image so produced is varied over the area where the high heat emissivity material is applied to achieve the desired thermal image. The structure is eletrically-heated and includes a heating element in the form of a plastics film having an electrically-conductive metallic coating. The plastics films are joined to a carrier member which in turn is joined to a rigid backing member of a material with good thermal insulating properties. The high heat emissivity material is applied to the plastics film and when the electrically-conductive coating is heated, thermal emission is markedly greater where the high heat emissivity material has been applied.

Abstract: A roof support suitable for use in mines comprises a main roof-supporting structure, a cantilever carried by the structure, an actuator and a link member through the intermediary of which the actuator is connected to one end portion of the cantilever for moving the cantilever between retracted and extended positions. The end portion of the cantilever has projections which come into engagement with an abutment when, upon advancing movement of the actuator, the cantilever reaches its fully extended position. The abutment and projections are so shaped that when they are in engagement they form pivot means about which the cantilever can be tilted. The link member is so formed and so connected to the cantilever that upon further advancing movement of the actuator the cantilever is caused to tilt about the pivot means into a roof-supporting position.

Abstract: A roof support, suitable for use in mines, includes a roof-engageable canopy comprising a main portion and an extension portion pivotally-connected to the main portion. Actuator means is carried by the main portion and arranged to effect sliding movement of a wedge member. This member has a wedging face which is co-operable with a complementary face formed on a part of the extension portion which projects substantially beyond the pivotal connection of the extension portion to the main portion and in the direction towards the actuator means. The sliding movement of the wedge member effects tilting of the extension portion with respect to the main portion.