Abstract: This document describes tools that forward data packets having tags conforming to different formats. In one embodiment, the tools receive a data packet on each of a plurality of ports, each data packet comprising a tag conforming to a different format. The tools relay the data packets to a port capable of transmitting tags conforming to a plurality of formats. In another embodiment, the tools receive a plurality of data packets on a source port comprising a plurality of logical source ports, each of which is associated with a unique tag. At least one data packet is received on each logical source port. Each data packet includes the tag associated with the logical source port on which the data packet is received. The tools map each data packet to one of a plurality of virtual switches based on the logical source port on which the data packet is received.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system (90) is provided that supports a high degree of separation between processing elements. The computer-implemented system (90) comprises a plurality of cells (92) residing on the computer-implemented system, where each cell (92) includes a domain of execution (94) and at least one processing element (96); a separation specification (99) that governs communication between the processing elements (96); and a kernel (98) of an operating system that facilitates execution of the processing elements (96) and administers the communication between the processing elements (96) in accordance with the separation specification (99), such that one processing element (96) can influence the operation of another processing element (96) only as set forth by the separation specification (99). In particular, the separation specification provides memory allocation, remote procedure calls and exception handling mechanisms.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system (90) is provided that supports a high degree of separation between processing elements. The computer-implemented system (90) comprises a plurality of cells (92) residing on the computer-implemented system, where each cell (92) includes a domain of execution (94) and at least one processing element (96); a separation specification (99) that governs communication between the processing elements (96); and a kernel (98) of an operating system that facilitates execution of the processing elements (96) and administers the communication between the processing elements (96) in accordance with the separation specification (99), such that one processing element (96) can influence the operation of another processing element (96) only as set forth by the separation specification (99). In particular, the separation specification provides memory allocation, remote procedure calls and exception handling mechanisms.

Abstract: Packet switch operating methods and packet switches receive a packet on a first port of the packet switch. The packet is addressed to a device that is in communication with a second port of forwarding circuitry of the packet switch and the packet has an Ethernet destination address field and an Ethernet source address field. The Ethernet destination address field includes a first address and the Ethernet source address field includes a second address. The methods and packet switches also forward the packet to an output queue associated with a third port of the forwarding circuitry, forward the packet from the output queue to the first port, and modify the packet so that the Ethernet destination address field comprises the second address instead of the first address.

Abstract: This document describes tools useful in relaying a data stream from a data device to a network tunnel. These tools may utilize an encapsulation scheme to convert data packets from a user format to a tunnel format required by a network tunnel. Similarly, the tools may utilize a de-encapsulation scheme to convert data packets from the tunnel format to the user format required by the user. The tools may also forward the data packets from a user network to the network tunnel and vice versa, through a conventional switch module. In some embodiments, the tools do so by modifying the data packets to add a provisional identifier recognized by the switch module to map a particular data stream into a particular network tunnel.

Abstract: This document describes tools useful in relaying a data stream from a data device to a network tunnel, such as by enabling virtual switching using a provisional identifier to conceal a user identifier. These tools, for example, may use an inexpensive switch module to create virtual switch instances. To do so, the tools may assign data packets to a virtual switch instance by mapping the data packets to a particular provisional identifier and then modifying the data packets to include the provisional identifier. The switch module may then forward the data packets based on the provisional identifier rather than on the user identifier. The tools may remove the provisional identifier before forwarding the data packets to a destination.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system (90) is provided that supports a high degree of separation between processing elements. The computer-implemented system (90) comprises a plurality of cells (92) residing on the computer-implemented system, where each cell (92) includes a domain of execution (94) and at least one processing element (96); a separation specification (99) that governs communication between the processing elements (96); and a kernel (98) of an operating system that facilitates execution of the processing elements (96) and administers the communication between the processing elements (96) in accordance with the separation specification (99), such that one processing element (96) can influence the operation of another processing element (96) only as set forth by the separation specification (99). In particular, the separation specification provides memory allocation, remote procedure calls and exception handling mechanisms.

Abstract: A mobile inert gas generator can include various components supported by a wheeled vehicle. The generator can include a feed air compressor, a separation device for separating an inert gas from a feed air gas, and a booster compressor, each of which can have various sensors and actuators for controlling the operation thereof. An electronic control system can be connected to the sensors and actuators to allow for convenient operation of the generator. The electronic control system can include a control panel disposed in a cab.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for performing data encoding involving encoding data bits according to an outer convolutional code to produce outer encoded bits, processing the outer encoded bits using an interleaver and a single parity check (SPC) module to produce intermediate bits, encoding the intermediate bits according to an inner convolutional code to produce inner encoded bits, processing the inner encoded bits using a puncture module to produce punctured bits, and combining the data bits and the punctured bits to produce encoded outputs. Methods, apparatuses, and systems are also presented for performing data decoding based on soft channel metrics derived from a channel using various iterative techniques.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R4 and R13 are as defined or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt or polymorph thereof, or a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable solvate or pro-drug thereof: are potent and selective inhibitors of type 5 cyclic guanosine 3?,5?-monophosphate phosphodiesterase (cGMP PDE5) and have utility in the treatment of, inter alia, male erectile dysfunction (MED) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Abstract: This document describes tools useful in relaying a data stream from a data device to a network tunnel, such as by enabling virtual switching using a provisional identifier to conceal a user identifier. These tools, for example, may use an inexpensive switch module to create virtual switch instances. To do so, the tools may assign data packets to a virtual switch instance by mapping the data packets to a particular provisional identifier and then modifying the data packets to include the provisional identifier. The switch module may then forward the data packets based on the provisional identifier rather than on the user identifier. The tools may remove the provisional identifier before forwarding the data packets to a destination.

Abstract: A mobile inert gas generator can include various components supported by a wheeled vehicle. The generator can include a feed air compressor, a separation device for separating an inert gas from a feed air gas, and a booster compressor, each of which can have various sensors and actuators for controlling the operation thereof. An electronic control system can be connected to the sensors and actuators to allow for convenient operation of the generator. The electronic control system can include a control panel disposed in a cab.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are presented for performing data encoding involving receiving a sequence of data bits, encoding the sequence of data bits in accordance with a parity check matrix (H-matrix) to generate a sequence of encoded bits, wherein the H-matrix is capable of being partitioned into a first matrix and a second matrix, the first matrix being a dual-diagonal matrix, the second matrix comprising one or more vertically stacked sub-matrices, each sub-matrix consisting of a plurality of columns, each column having a column weight of no more than 1, wherein the second matrix is capable of being expressed as a product of a parity check matrix, an interleaver permutation matrix, and a repeat block matrix, and the interleaver permutation matrix satisfies a clash-free interleaver constraint, and outputting the sequence of encoded bits.

Abstract: A hydraulic suspension unit for the front axle suspension of a tractor, comprises a hydraulic jack having a cylinder body, a piston arranged within the cylinder body to define two variable volume working chambers, a piston rod connected to the piston and sealingly guided in the cylinder body, and anchoring blocks on the ends of the cylinder body and of the piston rod for connecting the hydraulic jack to components of the suspension that are movable relative to one another. The suspension unit further comprising a valve body having valves connected to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the working chambers of the jack. In the invention, the valve body is directly mounted on the anchoring block of the cylinder body on its side remote from the anchoring block of the piston rod.

Abstract: Granule distributing apparatus comprises a container (1) having a discharge opening (3) for a product to be distributed and a duct member (6) connected to the discharge opening provides a distribution chamber (64) for the product. The duct member (6) is foldable between working and storage positions. In the working position it projects away from the container (1) and allows products to pass through the discharge opening (3) and along the distribution channel (64). In its storage position the duct member (6) obturates the discharge opening (3) and extends over the top of the container. A locking member (5) is preferably provided which is manipulatable to locate the duct member (6) in the working position and also serves to close an entry end of the distribution channel (64) when the duct member is in the storage position.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for five-level non-causal channel equalization in a communications system. The method comprises: receiving a non-return to zero (NRZ) data stream input; establishing a five-level threshold; comparing the first bit estimate to a second bit value received prior to the first bit; comparing the first bit estimate to a third bit value received subsequent to the first bit; and, in response to the comparisons, determining the value of the first bit. Establishing a five-level threshold includes: establishing thresholds to distinguish a first bit value when the second and third bit values are a “1” value, when the second bit value is a “1” and the third bit value is a “0”, when the second bit value is a “0” and the third bit value is a “1”, when the second and third bit values are a “0” value, and an approximate midway threshold.

Abstract: A software and/or hardware facility for enabling an institution to construct educational courses that may be delivered over a network is disclosed herein. The facility simplifies the construction of courses by allowing course materials to be reused and tailored on an institution-by-institution basis. Institutions may select an existing course and modify the existing course by adding, deleting, or modifying course content, sequencing, assignments, test materials, gating events, and/or course parameters. Once constructed by an institution, the course may be added to the institution's course catalog for delivery over a network such as the Internet or an intranet. In some embodiments a student is allowed to enroll in and complete a course at their own pace.

Abstract: Packet switch operating methods and packet switches provision a plurality of tunnels on a packet switch by associating each of the plurality of tunnels with a packet switch port and by configuring the packet switch to modify packets relayed by the tunnel to include a transport identifier associated with the tunnel. The tunnels of the plurality relay packets when permitted by a tunnel index. The plurality of tunnels and the tunnel index are associated with a virtual interface. The methods and packet switches also permit a first tunnel of the plurality of tunnels to relay packets by configuring the tunnel index to indicate the first tunnel. The tunnel index indicates only one tunnel. The methods and packet switches also enable a second tunnel of the plurality of tunnels to relay packets by configuring the tunnel index to indicate the second tunnel, thereby preventing the first tunnel from relaying packets.

Abstract: Packet switch operating methods and packet switches assign a packet to a virtual interface. The virtual interface is associated with a plurality of tunnels. One of the plurality is designated a primary tunnel configured to accept packets. Other tunnels of the plurality are designated as backup tunnels and are configured to reject packets. The methods and packet switches also determine which of the plurality of tunnels is the primary tunnel and determine a packet switch port associated with the primary tunnel. The methods and packet switches egress the packet via the primary tunnel on the packet switch port associated with the primary tunnel.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for feed-forward equalization (FFE) in a transmission system. The method accepts a serial stream of input digital data signals. For each input data signal, a temporal sequence of signals is generated. Each of the signals in the temporal sequence is selectively shaped. Shaping map include varying the degree of amplification, modifying the slew rate, or varying the time delay. The contributions of the selectively shaped signals in the temporal sequence are then selectively weighted, and a summed output signal is transmitted.