Abstract: An interface controller that connects devices which read and write the NMEA 0183 sentence data in a RS422 electrical format, to the Ethernet for transmission. NMEA 0183 sentence data is encapsulated and routed to other interface controllers, and/or to user applications operating on computers. A software interface utility designed to operate on the same computer as the users application programs will provide the transparency and the routing/mapping between the Ethernet transmitted NMEA 0183 sentence data and the users application programs communications interface, transparently.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to manage storage coherency in a symmetric multiprocessing environment having a plurality of nodes, each of which contain a multitude of processors, I/O adapters, main memory and a system controller comprising an integrated switch with a top level cache. The nodes are interconnected by a dual concentric ring topology. Local controllers on any given node initiate bus operations on behalf of said processors and I/O adapters on that node. Snoop requests are launched onto the ring topology simultaneously in both directions. As the messages traverse the nodes on the ring, they trigger remote controllers to perform coherent actions such as cache accesses or directory updates. Messages arriving on each node from both directions are combined with each other and with locally generated responses to form cumulative final responses. Additionally, controllers on the requesting node may perform local coherent actions based on the information conveyed by the returning final responses.

Abstract: A modular multiprocessor computer system having a plurality of nodes each being in communication with each other via communication links. The plurality of nodes each have local memory and local cache accessible by the other nodes. The plurality of nodes each also having a cache directory, one or more processing units, and a memory coherent directory to keep track of the scope of ownership of data within the modular multiprocessing computer system. The local memory and the local cache contain configurable regions of storage, wherein memory coherency traffic on the communication links between the nodes is controlled through the use of the memory coherent directory during a data request.

Abstract: A bus protocol is disclosed for a symmetric multiprocessing computer system consisting of a plurality of nodes, each of which contains a multitude of processors, I/O devices, main memory and a system controller comprising an integrated switch with a top level cache. The nodes are interconnected by a dual concentric ring topology. The bus protocol is used to exchange snoop requests and addresses, data, coherency information and operational status between nodes in a manner that allows partial coherency results to be passed in parallel with a snoop request and address as an operation is forwarded along each ring. Each node combines it's own coherency results with the partial coherency results it received prior to forwarding the snoop request, address and updated partial coherency results to the next node on the ring. The protocol allows each node in the system to see the final coherency results without requiring the requesting node to broadcast these results to all the other nodes in the system.

Abstract: A dual ring topology for multiprocessing computer systems. The dual ring topology interconnects multiple building blocks (nodes) to each other, each node comprising processing elements, memory and IO devices. The topology allows for the dual rings to be temporarily transformed into a single ring structure while a node is added, repaired or replaced while the rest of the system continues to operate thereby allowing the remaining nodes in the system to remain fully connected to one another.

Abstract: A high speed remote storage controller system for a computer system has cluster nodes of symmetric multiprocessors. A plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of has a plurality of processors, a shared cache memory, a plurality of I/O adapters and a main memory accessible from the cluster. Each cluster has an interface for passing data between cluster nodes of the symmetric multiprocessor system. Each cluster has a local interface and interface controller. The system provides one or more remote storage controllers each having a local interface controller and a local-to-remote data bus. A remote resource manager manages the interface between clusters of symmetric multiprocessors. The remote store controller is responsible for processing data accesses across a plurality of clusters and processes data storage operations involving shared memory.

Abstract: A remote resource management system for managing resources in a symmetrical multiprocessing environment having a plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of which provides interfaces between cluster nodes of the symmetric multiprocessor system with a local interface and an interface controller. One or more remote storage controllers each has a local interface controller and a local-to-remote data bus. A remote fetch controller is responsible for processing data accesses across the clusters and a remote store controller is responsible for processing data accesses across the clusters. These controllers work in conjunction to provide a deadlock avoidance system for preventing hangs.

Abstract: A remote resource management system for managing resources in a symmetrical multiprocessing environment having a plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of which provides interfaces between cluster nodes of the symmetric multiprocessor system with a local interface and an interface controller. One or more remote storage controllers each has a local interface controller and a local-to-remote data bus. A remote fetch controller is responsible for processing data accesses in accordance with the methods described.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus of the present invention includes a base, a resistance device mounted to the base, a pair of foot pedal assemblies mounted to rotate in relation to the base, a pair of upright support assemblies mounted to the base and a pair of hand crank assemblies mounted to the upright support members. The resistance device includes a rotating element which turns when a torque is applied to it. The hand crank assemblies, the foot pedal assemblies and the rotating element of the resistance device are all operatively interconnected so that an operator can turn the rotating element of the resistance device by turning the foot pedal assemblies, by turning the hand crank assemblies or by turning both the foot pedal assemblies and the hand crank assemblies simultaneously at the same rate.

Abstract: The invention waste heat conversion system for a motor vehicle includes a waste heat converting vapor engine coupled by a one way clutch to a motor-generator which is coupled through an engageable clutch to the vehicle drive train. The motor-generator of the invention system is also electrically connected to a storage battery and can either charge the battery or be powered by the battery to provide added power to the drive train. The invention system is capable of numerous modes of operation and can also be configured to convert braking energy for storage in the battery.

Abstract: The ergonomic chair of the present invention provides a seating system that allows an occupant, while seated, to shift his or her position while exercising major muscle groups. The present invention chair includes a seat support frame that supports a seatrest and a backrest. The seatrest and the backrest are connected so that they can pivot relative to each other. The backrest of the invention chair can move along backrest tracks mounted to the frame between a lower resting position and a raised extended position. Because the seatrest is hinged to the backrest, it moves with the backrest by translating and rotating in relation to the frame. The seatrest is supported by the seat support frame so that the seatrest can slide and rotate in relation to the seat support frame. The occupant of the invention chair can push against the backrest, translate the backrest along the backrest tracks, stretch out into the extended position and then return to the resting position.

Abstract: A high speed remote storage controller system for a computer system has cluster nodes of symmetric multiprocessors. A plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of has a plurality of processors, a shared cache memory, a plurality of I/O adapters and a main memory accessible from the cluster. Each cluster has an interface for passing data between cluster nodes of the symmetric multiprocessor system. Each cluster has a local interface and interface controller. The system provides one or more remote storage controllers each having a local interface controller and a local-to-remote data bus. A remote resource manager manages the interface between clusters of symmetric multiprocessors. The remote store controller is responsible for processing data accesses across a plurality of clusters and processes data storage operations involving shared memory.

Abstract: A remote resource management system for managing resources in a symmetrical multiprocessing environment having a plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of which provides interfaces between cluster nodes of the symmetric multiprocessor system with a local interface and an interface controller. One or more remote storage controllers each has a local interface controller and a local-to-remote data bus. The system is provided with a remote resource manager for managing the interface between a plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of which clusters has a plurality of processors, a shared cache memory, a plurality of I/O adapters and a main memory accessible from the cluster. A remote fetch controller is responsible for processing data accesses across the clusters and a remote store controller is responsible for processing data accesses across the clusters.

Abstract: A remote resource management system for managing resources in a symmetrical multiprocessing environment having a plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of which provides interfaces between cluster nodes of the symmetric multiprocessor system with a local interface and an interface controller. One or more remote storage controllers each has a local interface controller and a local-to-remote data bus. The system is provided with a remote resource manager for managing the interface between a plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of which clusters has a plurality of processors, a shared cache memory, a plurality of I/O adapters and a main memory accessible from the cluster. A remote fetch controller is responsible for processing data accesses across the clusters and a remote store controller is responsible for processing data accesses across the clusters.

Abstract: An auxiliary faucet valve for shutting off the flow of water between an inlet pipe and a faucet. The auxiliary faucet valve includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a threaded female coupler for fluidly coupling to an inlet pipe. The second end comprises a threaded female coupler for fluidly coupling to a faucet. The hose is flexible. A valve is positioned between the first and second ends and is adapted for selectively opening and closing the hose.

Abstract: An exhaust treatment device for an internal combustion engine includes a generally cylindrical substrate and sealing system which are swaged in place within a one-piece housing. The one-piece housing includes segmented inlet and outlet gas shields and diffusers which are spun from a single piece of tubing which also contains the substrate. The spun inlet and outlet gas shields and diffusers have segmented configurations including multiple concave and convex sections produced by spin-forming of the housing. The exhaust treatment device is assembled without the need for welding or any other high temperature operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hardware mechanism for detecting and avoiding potential deadlocks among requestors in a multiprocessor system, consisting of a plurality of CP's and I/O adapters connected to one or more shared storage controllers (SC's). Requests to each storage controller originate from external sources such as the CP's, the I/O adapters, and the other SC, as well as from internal sources, such as the hardware facilities used to process fetches and stores between the SC and main memory. All requests must be granted priority before beginning to execute, using a ranked priority order scheme. Specific sequences of requests may cause deadlocks, either due to high-priority requests using priority cycles and locking out low-priority requests, or as a result of requests of any priority level busying resources needed for the completion of other requests.

Abstract: A rotary positive displacement engine includes one or more power rotors, which are acted upon by a pressurized charge of gas, such as steam, and an annular barrier rotor geared for synchronous rotation with the power rotors. The rotors rotate within intersecting cylindrical bores in the engine housing. The power rotors have cylindrical outer surfaces from which opposed vanes extend which are acted upon by the powering charge. The barrier rotor has an outer cylindrical surface, located in close proximity to the cylindrical surface of the power rotors, and ports for delivering the powering charge to the power rotors. The barrier rotor thus forms both a charge delivery mechanism and a barrier between the exhaust ports and the expanding gas powering the engine. Located within the barrier rotor is a stator which has ports in fluid communication with the ports in the barrier rotor when the respective ports are aligned.

Abstract: A method using a global hang pulse logic mechanism detects and resolves deadlocks among requesters to the storage controller of a symmetric multiprocessor system in which multiple central processors and I/O adapters are connected to one or more shared storage controllers. Deadlocks may occur in such a system due to specific sequences of requests, either because high priority requests use priority cycles and lock out low priority requests, or because requests of any priority level make resources needed for the completion of other requests too busy. The mechanism logic monitors the length of time a request has been valid in the storage controller without completing, by checking the request register valid bits, and by utilizing a timed pulse which is a subset of the pulse used to detect hangs within the storage controller.

Abstract: A remote resource management system for managing resources in a symmetrical multiprocessing comprising a plurality of clusters of symmetric multiprocessors having interfaces between cluster nodes of the symmetric multiprocessor system. Each cluster of the system has a local interface and interface controller. There are one or more remote storage controllers each having its local interface controller, and a local-to-remote data bus. The remote resource manager manages the interface between two clusters of symmetric multiprocessors each of which clusters has a plurality of processors, a shared cache memory, a plurality of I/O adapters and a main memory accessible from the cluster. This remote resource manager manages resources with a remote storage controller to distribute work to a remote controller acting as an agent to perform a desired operation without requiring knowledge of a requester who initiated the work request.