Abstract: A computer system includes a processor core and a memory system in signal communication with the processor core. The memory system includes a first cache and a second cache. The first cache is arranged at a first level of a hierarchy in the memory system and is configured to store a plurality of first-cache entries. The second cache is arranged at a second level of the hierarchy that is lower than the first level, and stores a plurality of second-cache entries. The first cache maintains a directory that contains information for each of the first-cache entries. The second cache maintains a shadow pointer directory (SPD) that includes one or more SPD entries that maps each of the first-cache entries to a corresponding second cache entry at a lower-level cache location.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ventilating an interior space, such as a large industrial structure with at least one bay opening. A ventilation system includes an array of M by N fans stacked into a two dimensional (2D) array. A rigid frame supports the array. A seal assembly provides a nominally fluid-tight seal between an outer perimeter of the array and the bay opening. A locking assembly mechanically couples the frame to the bay opening. In some cases, a bay door can be partially retracted and attached to a top of the frame. In other cases, the bay door may be fluidically permeable (e.g., a chain, a screen, etc.) and the array is secured behind a fully closed door. Cooling air is directed out the bay opening at a suitable time, such as overnight. A soft-start motor capability can be used to initiate operation of the array.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for ventilating a building structure, such as a residence. In some embodiments, a ventilation system includes a damper assembly which extends through an interior substrate (e.g., an interior wall) of the structure and an exhaust assembly which extends through an exterior substrate (e.g., an exterior wall of the structure and which is in communication with the damper assembly via a control circuit. The interior wall separates a conditioned space and an unconditioned space. The exhaust assembly is initially activated to vent exhaust air from the unconditioned space while a door of the damper assembly remains closed. The door is subsequently opened responsive to a measured environmental parameter, such as a differential pressure between the conditioned and unconditioned spaces, to generate a combined airflow that passes from the conditioned space to the unconditioned space and then to the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ventilating an interior space, such as a large industrial structure with at least one bay opening. A ventilation system includes an array of M by N fans stacked into a two dimensional (2D) array. A rigid frame supports the array. A seal assembly provides a nominally fluid-tight seal between an outer perimeter of the array and the bay opening. A locking assembly mechanically couples the frame to the bay opening. In some cases, a bay door can be partially retracted and attached to a top of the frame. In other cases, the bay door may be fluidically permeable (e.g., a chain, a screen, etc.) and the array is secured behind a fully closed door. Cooling air is directed out the bay opening at a suitable time, such as overnight. A soft-start motor capability can be used to initiate operation of the array.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for ventilating a building structure, such as a residence. In some embodiments, a ventilation system includes a damper assembly which extends through an interior substrate (e.g., an interior wall) of the structure and an exhaust assembly which extends through an exterior substrate (e.g., an exterior wall of the structure and which is in communication with the damper assembly via a control circuit. The interior wall separates a conditioned space and an unconditioned space. The exhaust assembly is initially activated to vent exhaust air from the unconditioned space while a door of the damper assembly remains closed. The door is subsequently opened responsive to a measured environmental parameter, such as a differential pressure between the conditioned and unconditioned spaces, to generate a combined airflow that passes from the conditioned space to the unconditioned space and then to the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: A tapered flexible conduit and a ventilation system incorporating the same. The conduit is arranged to extend between a register and a fan assembly, such as in a whole house fan (WHF) system. The conduit includes a flexible inner liner surrounded by a flexible outer liner. The flexible inner liner has a length of helically formed wire coupled to a flexible membrane. The flexible outer liner includes an insulative layer to provide acoustic baffling for an airflow established by the fan assembly passing through the conduit. The tapered conduit has a frusto-conical shape along an overall length of the conduit to sealingly engage differently sized inlet and exhaust ports of the register and the fan assembly, respectively. The collapsible nature of the respective inner and outer liners reduces bulk during shipment and accommodates a variety of different configurations during installation.

Abstract: A heat fused porcelain inlay formed directly in a cavity in a patient's mouth and method for making same comprising a mixture of a porcelain and a binding agent, preferably a resin. The mixture is placed in the cavity and cured therein. The cured mixture is placed in an oven to heat fuse the porcelain and burn off at least a portion of the binding agent resulting in a ceramic core. Corrective layers of the mixture may be added to the ceramic core with subsequent curing and heat-fusing. One embodiment comprises disposing a framework in the mixture prior to curing. A kit comprising a supply of porcelain and binding agent for use in making dental inlays.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a removable die within a stone cast of a dental arch is presented. The die is attached to one end of a curved dowel pin which in turn slides into a curved channel in the base of the stone cast. The unique curved path of insertion and removal allow the die to be repositioned accurately and held securely with a single dowel.