Abstract: An interface for managing incremental data storage includes a write function that appends an entry to an incremental log, a read function that retrieves a most recent log entry corresponding to a block address, and a snapshot function that automatically partitions the incremental log into an additional volume. The interface may also include a policy assignment function that associates specified policies with explicitly or implicitly specified resources, a read entry function that retrieves sequential entries from the incremental log, and a compact volume function. The provided functions and associated apparatus, method, and system, facilitate management of incremental data including snapshot, remote copy, data compaction, policy management, data restoration, and other operations on data storage devices and systems.

Abstract: A system and method that automatically adds contacts to a user's instant messaging buddy list is provided. The contacts are added based upon existing database (i.e., directory) information as well as meeting information extracted from the user's calendar. The list of calendar contacts is included with the user's calendar. This list is used to automatically populate the user's buddy list. In one embodiment, a buddy list “group” is initialized for calendar entries. Contacts are also added to a user's buddy list through database queries. The group of contacts resulting from the query are then added to the user's buddy list. Contacts added to the user's buddy list through the user's calendar or through database queries can be made permanent or temporary. Temporary contacts are automatically removed after a specified period of time.

Abstract: A technique is provided to organize different virus signatures into anti-virus sets to minimize the impact on processor utilization due to the scanning of computer viruses. All of the virus signatures assigned to an anti-virus set share a common characteristic. The defined anti-virus sets are then associated with an executing agent so that whenever the executing agent's target file is accessed, the target file is scanned with virus signatures stored in the previously assigned anti-virus set to determine if the target file is contaminated with a virus.

Abstract: A system for autonomically configuring a cluster of nodes can include a knowledge base of workload descriptions and associated configuration parameters, a genetic computing processor programmed to produce a selection of configuration parameters for a particular workload based upon a set of existing configuration parameters in the knowledge base, and, a controller coupled to the knowledge base and the cluster of nodes. The controller can include programming for monitoring the cluster of nodes and for applying individual ones of the selection of configuration parameters to the cluster of nodes to achieve an improved state of operation.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reducing memory leaks in virtual machine programs, such as those encountered in programs running in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) environment. A compiler, such as a Java Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, is used to identify the last use of an variable and, subsequent to the program statement where the last use occurs, insert a nullification statement. The nullification statement nullifies the variable so that it no longer references an object stored in a garbage collected heap. Variables in a program are identified in the activation records of the program. The nullification statement, when executed, severs the link between the program and the objects stored in the garbage-collected heap so that the program is no longer seen as a “root” for the object, often enabling the garbage collector to reclaim memory occupied by the object sooner.

Abstract: A sample retention apparatus for use in a device for measuring hemostasis. The device for measuring hemostasis may include a sample articulation apparatus including a guide shaft coupled for articulating motion to a drive motor, a sample carrier secured to and axially moveable along the guide shaft between a sample ready position, a sample testing position and a sample ejection position. The sample carrier therefore articulates in unison with the articulating motion of the guide shaft. A measuring apparatus may include a sensing column. The sample retention apparatus may include a sample cup defining a volume within which a sample may be disposed. The sample cup may be adapted to be operably positioned within an aperture formed within the sample carrier. The sample testing apparatus may also include a sample pin that is engageable with the sensing column. The sample pin may include a tip portion for extending into the sample cup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring hemostasis. The apparatus includes a torque sensing column having a torque sensing element and a drive ring disposed around a body of the column and in registration with the column so as to allow rotation of the drive ring around a longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus further includes a first guide shaft rigidly secured to the drive ring, the guide shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column and a cup holder movably attached to the guide shaft, allowing the cup holder to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus also includes a sample cup adapted to engage the cup holder on a outer surface and the torque sensing element of the torque sensing column on an inner surface.

Abstract: A gear indicator for a bicycle that includes first and second control cables connected to first and second shift actuators, respectively. The gear indicator includes a housing mounted onto the control cables. The housing is spaced apart from the shift actuators and is not attached to the handlebars. First and second pulleys are disposed in the housing and are rotatable by a displacement of the first and second control cables, respectively. First and second gear display elements are movable in response to the rotation of the first and second pulleys. The first and second display elements indicate the currently selected gears of the bicycle.

Abstract: A gear indicator for a bicycle that includes first and second control cables connected to first and second shift actuators, respectively. The gear indicator includes a housing mounted onto the control cables. The housing is spaced apart from the shift actuators and is not attached to the handlebars. First and second pulleys are disposed in the housing and are rotatable by a displacement of the first and second control cables, respectively. First and second gear display elements are movable in response to the rotation of the first and second pulleys. The first and second display elements indicate the currently selected gears of the bicycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring hemostasis. The apparatus includes a torque sensing column having a torque sensing element and a drive ring disposed around a body of the column and in registration with the column so as to allow rotation of the drive ring around a longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus further includes a first guide shaft rigidly secured to the drive ring, the guide shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column and a cup holder movably attached to the guide shaft, allowing the cup holder to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus also includes a sample cup adapted to engage the cup holder on a outer surface and the torque sensing element of the torque sensing column on an inner surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring hemostasis. The apparatus includes a torque sensing column having a torque sensing element and a drive ring disposed around a body of the column and in registration with the column so as to allow rotation of the drive ring around a longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus further includes a first guide shaft rigidly secured to the drive ring, the guide shaft extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column and a cup holder movably attached to the guide shaft, allowing the cup holder to move parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The apparatus also includes a sample cup adapted to engage the cup holder on a outer surface and the torque sensing element of the torque sensing column on an inner surface.

Abstract: The burner comprises a cylindrical body defining an oil vaporizing chamber, an inlet on the body for oil, and inlet on the body for air and a bed of imitation fuel such as ceramic briquettes. The bed of imitation fuel receives vapor from the chamber for combustion around the imitation solid fuel. Heat generated by such combustion is arranged to vaporize oil in the chamber received rom the oil inlet.

Abstract: An optical mirror has enhanced reflectivity and reduced thermal distortions when it is composed of a substrate coated with a reflective coating made of an organic superconducting material. The substrate is best constructed of materials which have the most favorable thermal expansion and thermal conduction characteristics at temperatures near 0.degree. K. such as: silicon, diamond, copper and sapphire. The reflective coating is only a few microns thick and composed of organometallic compounds and is cooled to superconducting or cryogenic temperatures of less than 100.degree. K.

Abstract: The invention is a water lifter for use on knocked down multi-hull sailboats. The water lifter comprises a water bucket attached to one or more bucket lines which in turn are attached to one or more down pulleys. The down pulleys are in turn connected by pulley ropes to one or more top pulleys to provide sufficient mechanical advantage for a small single person to lift the water bucket out of the water. The top pulleys are attached to the uppermost hull of the knocked down multi-hull craft. On small sailboats, a single small person then braces his feet against the down hull, and positions his back against the water bucket, and pushes the water bucket as far as he or she can from the down hull, using his or her strong leg and back muscles.

Abstract: A process is described for the separation of platinum group metals (PGM) from ores also containing iron, nickel and copper as sulfides. The minerals in the ore are first concentrated by flotation and the ore concentrate is melted in an electric furnace to form a matte containing at least 95% of the precious metals. The matte is granulated while molten to granules of a mean size not greater than about 210 micrometers (.mu.m) and then pressure leached with sulfuric acid and oxygen to separate the nickel, iron and copper as their respective sulfates, while recovering the PGM as a residue. Concentration of the leach residue by roasting and subsequent acid leaching yields a final PGM product containing the major portion of the precious metals in the ore and substantially all (i.e., at least about 95%) of the precious metals in the ore concentrate and which contains less than 1% total nickel, iron and copper.