Abstract: An Ethernet flow control system, preferably for a Ethernet switch, having flow controlled transmitting ports in compliance with IEEE Standard 802.3x. The flow control system includes a shared resource, a plurality of buffers receiving data frames from the shared resource, and a plurality of transmitting ports. Each transmitting port being associated with one of the plurality of buffers and being flow controllable between an enabled state and a blocked state. The transmitting port removing and transmitting data frames from the associated buffer when in the enabled state. Each transmitting port including a timer for measuring the time that an associated buffer has a data frame and the corresponding transmitting port is in the blocked state. Each port also includes control logic for removing data frames from the associated buffer when the measured time is greater than a predetermined time.

Abstract: A multiported device is provided connected to a switching device providing switching functions. The multiported device receives frames and is connected to an application processor. Some of the received frames are passed to the application processor via an application processor port having a port bandwidth. The multiported device includes an application receive buffer having a receive buffer size for storing frames and providing frames to the application processor for processing. A programmable logic unit is provided for monitoring a level of data in the receive buffer and monitoring a type of frame forwarded to said application processor. The frames each have a discriptor frame associated with it with data indicating one or more of priority status and broadcast/unicast status. The logic unit monitors the level of data based on at least one threshold level for dropping frames upon a data level in said receive buffer reaching the threshold level which have a status.

Abstract: An inoculator wherein a multiplicity of small volumes of an inoculum are picked up on pins depending from an inoculator head and deposited in separate areas according to a pattern, such as in the wells of a microtitration tray. The instrument includes a control circuit for automatic cycling, and a sterilization furnace is provided that may be included in the operational cycle.

Abstract: A device for applying a section of pressure sensitive tape as a cover over the surface of a test tray having a multiplicity of upwardly open wells comprises a base having a sealing zone intermediate a tray loading zone and a tray removal zone. The tray is placed on a slide guide at the loading zone and moved to the sealing zone where a rotatable resiliently surfaced feed roller presses the leading end of the tape upon and along the top surface of the tray while moving the tray through the device.