Abstract: A memory module includes cache of relatively fast and durable dynamic, random-access memory (DRAM) in service of a larger amount of relatively slow and wear-sensitive non-volatile memory. Local controller manages communication between the DRAM cache and non-volatile memory to accommodate disparate access granularities, reduce the requisite number of memory transactions, and minimize the flow of data external to nonvolatile memory components.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility and method for assembling a railway car having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe are provided. The composite box structure may be defined in part by exterior metal sheets, side stakes attached to the exterior metal sheets, insulating materials disposed between the side stakes and the exterior metal sheets and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material. The composite box structure preferably includes a pair of endwalls, a pair of sidewalls, a floor assembly and a roof assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement for an improved Moineau pump, i.e., a progressing cavity pump with a helical gear pair, wherein the closed end outer gear rotates and orbits relative to a nonrotating hollow inner gear. A hollow inner gear comprising an internal chamber extending axially allows the flow of pumpable material from progressing cavities to the closed end and through the hollow inner gear. The integral and smooth construction of the outer gear and the closed end eliminate contamination sites and further eliminate the need for seals or flexing components which contact the pumpable material. The hollow inner gear can be manufactured to integrally connect to a discharge conduit. The improved pump presented herein can be used within a material containment vessel, and the invention can be positioned to avoid contact of the pumpable material with any rotating couplings. An alternative embodiment presents a closed end outer gear with an internal chamber for use of a pressurized fluid distinct from the pumpable material.

Abstract: Moisture entrapped within roofing systems of the type wherein a layer of normally low-permeance, cellular plastic insulation board (e.g. foamed polystyrene) is employed in conjunction with at least one layer of moisture-bearing construction material (e.g. lightweight insulating vermiculite concrete) is made able to be vented from within the system by providing the board with a plurality of openings therethrough and further preventing the fluid construction material when placed upon the board from entering and filling the openings. Such prevention of filling of the openings may be accomplished by making the dimension of the openings such that the fluid construction material will not flow therein yet moisture will pass, or by covering the openings with a material (e.g. paper) which will prevent such filling, the material however being permeable by any moisture later entrapped within the roofing system.

Abstract: An improved fastener of the sheet metal type for anchoring coverings to soft, not-fully cured cementitious masses, has a head or cap portion and a hollow shank portion comprised of a pair of generally U-shaped, opposed legs, one leg being substantially fully enclosed within the other, one such leg being rigidly fixed to said head, the other leg being hingedly connected to the head whereby the rigid leg ensures proper alignment of the head with the surface of the covering material and the hinged leg is caused to spread upon installation and thereby lock the fastener within the cementitious mass.