Abstract: A method for multicasting a message in a computer network is described, in which at least some nodes of a multicast group transmit fault recovery information to other nodes of the group in addition to, or as part of, the message itself. The fault recovery information allows nodes to determine what dissemination responsibility should be assigned to successor nodes in the event that one or more nodes of the multicast group fail.

Abstract: The present invention provides providing predictable scheduling of programs using repeating precomputed schedules on discretely scheduled and/or multiprocessor operating systems. In one embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. There may be one scheduling graph for each processor, or a scheduling graph may traverse multiple processors.

Abstract: A system and method to adjust dynamically network speed or bandwidth allocation. A network connection is established at some initial speed. The bandwidth usage through the connection is monitored, and when the connection speed becomes congested with data, the connection is dropped and a higher-speed connection is established.

Abstract: The present invention provides providing predictable scheduling of programs using repeating precomputed schedules on discretely scheduled and/or multiprocessor operating systems. In one embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. There may be one scheduling graph for each processor, or a scheduling graph may traverse multiple processors.

Abstract: The present invention provides providing predictable scheduling of programs using repeating precomputed schedules on discretely scheduled and/or multiprocessor operating systems. In one embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. There may be one scheduling graph for each processor, or a scheduling graph may traverse multiple processors.

Abstract: The present invention provides providing predictable scheduling of programs using repeating precomputed schedules on discretely scheduled and/or multiprocessor operating systems. In one embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. There may be one scheduling graph for each processor, or a scheduling graph may traverse multiple processors.

Abstract: Resource management architectures implemented in computer systems to manage resources are described. In one embodiment, a general architecture includes a resource manager and multiple resource providers that support one or more resource consumers such as a system component or application. Each provider is associated with a resource and acts as the manager for the resource when interfacing with the resource manager. The resource manager arbitrates access to the resources provided by the resource providers on behalf of the consumers. A policy manager sets various policies that are used by the resource manager to allocate resources. One policy is a priority-based policy that distinguishes among which applications and/or users have priority over others to use the resources. A resource consumer creates an “activity” at the resource manager and builds one or more “configurations” that describe various sets of preferred resources required to perform the activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides predictable scheduling of programs using a repeating precomputed schedule. In a preferred embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. The scheduler first selects a current node within the accessed scheduling graph.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for telephony messaging based on a network of packet telephony messaging (PTM) servers. A message is received at an originating PTM server from an originator for delivery to a target device for a recipient. The message is stored at the originating PTM server. The message is routed from the originating PTM server (possibly via a second and subsequent PTM servers) over a first network to a destination PTM server located near the target device. The recipient is notified of the message by the destination PTM server. The message is delivered to the target device from the second PTM server over a second network in response to a request by the recipient.

Abstract: The present invention provides providing predictable scheduling of programs using repeating precomputed schedules on discretely scheduled and/or multiprocessor operating systems. In one embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. There may be one scheduling graph for each processor, or a scheduling graph may traverse multiple processors.

Abstract: The present invention provides predictable scheduling of programs using a repeating precomputed schedule. In a preferred embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. The scheduler first selects a current node within the accessed scheduling graph.

Abstract: A system and method for using skip nets to build and maintain overlay networks for peer-to-peer systems. A skip net is a distributed data structure that can be used to avoid some of the disadvantages of distributed hash tables by organizing data by key ordering. Skip nets can use logarithmic state per node and probabilistically support searches, insertions and deletions in logarithmic time.

Abstract: A method for multicasting a message in a computer network is described, in which at least some nodes of a multicast group transmit fault recovery information to other nodes of the group in addition to, or as part of, the message itself. The fault recovery information allows nodes to determine what dissemination responsibility should be assigned to successor nodes in the event that one or more nodes of the multicast group fail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coordinating and/or arranging business transactions between the participants of a common economic marketplace by establishing and maintaining an electronic-based transaction community where participants conduct direct business-to-business communication, i.e., computer to computer communication, through an electronic hub where messages to and from the participants are received and routed.

Abstract: A system and method to adjust dynamically network speed or bandwidth allocation. A network connection is established at some initial speed. The bandwidth usage through the connection is monitored, and when the connection speed becomes congested with data, the connection is dropped and a higher speed connection is established.

Abstract: A method and system for managing data records on a computer network is described, in which copies of data records are distributed among various servers in a hierarchical tree structure, and in which servers that experience an excessive number of requests for a particular data record transmit replicas of that data record to other servers to distribute the load.

Abstract: A method and system for scheduling the use of a computer system resource using a resource planner and a resource provider are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a resource is scheduled for use by a plurality of consumer entities. Each consumer entity may request the commitment of a share of the resource. The method and system use representations of resource usage policy, present commitments of shares of the resource, and present commitments of specified amounts of the resource over a specified period of time. The method and system first receive a request from a consumer entity for the commitment of a specified share of the resource. In response, the method and system determine whether the specified share of the resource should be committed to the requesting consumer entity. This determination is based on the representations of resource usage policy and present commitments of shares of the resource.

Abstract: An educational game simulates a trip across the solar system from the Sun to the planet Pluto. Players begin at the Sun position on the game board, and progressively advance across the board to each planet position. Advance over the sequential playing positions between each planet is determined by a single die. Upon arriving at each planet position, the player must correctly answer a question relating to astronomy or astronautics. The board also illustrates an asteroid belt, containing a greater number of sequential positions. Players must count by a numerical factor determined by randomly drawing a card, to cross this area. Upon arriving at the planet Pluto position, the player must correctly spell the names of all nine planets of the solar system to return to Earth, winning the game. Two or more players/teams may play, with a non-playing keyholder asking the questions during play.

Abstract: The present invention provides predictable scheduling of programs using a repeating precomputed schedule. In a preferred embodiment, a scheduler accesses an activity scheduling graph. The activity scheduling graph is comprised of nodes each representing a recurring execution interval, and has one root, one or more leaves, and at least one path from the root to each leaf. Each node is on at least one path from the root to a leaf, and the number of times the execution interval represented by each node occurs during the traversal of the graph is equal to the number of paths from the root to a leaf that the node is on. Each node has associated with it an execution interval length, and is adapted to being dedicated to executing the threads of a single activity. The scheduler first selects a current node within the accessed scheduling graph.

Abstract: A piston ventilator is disclosed herein which uniquely includes an oxygen blending module which supplies oxygen enhancement for aiding patients requiring respiratory treatment. The oxygen blending module supplies a preselected enrichment of oxygen to a piston and cylinder assembly wherein the amount of oxygen permitted to flow therein is continuously monitored and controlled according to the volume above the piston in the cylinder as calculated by a controller. The oxygen blending module includes a flow sensor which monitors the flow of supplemental oxygen into the piston and cylinder assembly, and further includes a primary oxygen control valve which restricts the flow of oxygen through the flow sensor to the piston and cylinder assembly depending on the difference between the calculated desired amount of oxygen and the target amount of oxygen provided to the controller.