Abstract: In general, techniques are described for initializing a memory module in accordance with a programmable initialization sequence. A memory controller, for example, includes a programmable computer-readable medium that stores configuration data to control initialization of one or more memory modules. The memory controller includes an initialization control unit that outputs a sequence of commands to initialize the memory modules in accordance with the configuration data. The initialization control unit may select the sequence of commands from a set of predefined initialization sequences based on the configuration data.

Abstract: A boat trailer ladder assembly for entering or exiting the bow of a boat on a boat trailer includes: (a) a generally trapezoidal-shaped platform portion attachable to the boat trailer between a winch assembly of the trailer and a trailer hitch assembly of the trailer; and (b) a ladder portion including a boarding ladder and a brace device, the boarding ladder including two substantially parallel, spaced apart side rails and a plurality of ladder steps extending between the ladder side rails, the ladder steps having a spaced horizontal relationship with one another, the lower ends of the boarding ladder being attached to the platform portion, the brace device having an upper end movably affixed to at least one of the ladder steps or one of the side rails of the boarding ladder; wherein a lower end of the brace device is attachable to a post of the winch assembly of the boat trailer.

Abstract: An erosion control device for use on beach and land areas subject to erosion includes: (a) an elongated beam portion comprising a first wall and a first base; (b) a cross-beam portion having a length that is less than half the length of the elongated beam portion, the cross-beam portion including a second wall and a second base; and (c) a mechanism for connecting the device to a second erosion control device; wherein the cross-beam portion extends transversely through the elongated beam portion at about a mid-point of the elongated beam portion. Also included herein is a matrix of interconnectable, relatively uniform erosion control devices.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and/or initializing a Directory Store in a directory-based coherent memory. In one illustrative embodiment, the directory-based coherent memory includes a Main Store for storing a number of data entries, a Directory Store for storing the directory state for at least some of the data entries in the Main Store, and a next state block for determining a next directory state for a requested data entry in response to a memory request. To provide access to the Directory Store, and in one illustrative embodiment, a selector is provided for selecting either the next directory state value provided by the next state block or another predetermined value. The other predetermined value may be, for example, a fixed data pattern, a variable data pattern, a specified value, or any other value suitable for initializing and/or testing the Directory Store. The output of the selector may be written to the Directory Store.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for initializing a memory module in accordance with a programmable initialization sequence. A memory controller, for example, includes a programmable computer-readable medium that stores configuration data to control initialization of one or more memory modules. The memory controller includes an initialization control unit that outputs a sequence of commands to initialize the memory modules in accordance with the configuration data. The initialization control unit may select the sequence of commands from a set of predefined initialization sequences based on the configuration data.

Abstract: A three dimensional memory enabling both pixel and bit slice data to be stored and retrieved through different ports. A memory circuit (30) is divided into a lower memory block (32a) and an upper memory block (32b). Each memory block is organized into 256 rows .times.16 groups (pixel planes) of eight columns (bit planes). Eight bits of pixel data are stored at a selected row and pixel plane of the upper or lower memory block, and sixteen bits of pixel data are stored at a selected row and bit plane of the upper or lower memory block. Address bits determine the location of pixel data and bit slice data. A bit plane port is used to access data in the bit slice format and another port is used to access data in the pixel format. Bit slice data input through the bit plane port and stored in the memory circuit can be read as pixel data through the pixel port, and vice versa.

Abstract: A surface device with erosion control features consisting of uniform T-shaped elements made of various materials (wood, metals, plastics, composites, fiberglass, reinforced concrete etc.) that are secured in a relative position to each other forming a coffer dam erosion containment and loadbearing surface. The securing methods of stapling the T-shaped elements to wire mesh or fabric backing (wood elements) or using connecting cabling, wire, rope, chains, rods, ties, pins, etc. with the (metal, plastic, fiberglass and concrete T-shaped elements) in addition to reinforcing and containment provides a means of prefabbing mats or modules of desired sizes for handling, storage, transportation and application. These mats can be used in highway construction for: stabilizing soils under roadbeds, as highway shoulders, ditch linings and erosion control of embankments. The invention can be used to construct secondary roads, logging roads, nature trails, bike and golf cart paths.