Abstract: A method, computer program product, and data processing system for substituting a candidate instruction in application code being loaded during load time. Responsive to identifying the candidate instruction, a determination is made whether a hardware facility of the data processing system is present to execute the candidate instruction. If the hardware facility is absent from the data processing system, the candidate instruction is substituted with a second set of instructions.

Abstract: The number of CPU cycles required to reclaim object memory space in a memory management process is reduced by using a two phase approach. A data structure exists for each object that is to be loaded into object memory space. One part of the data structure is the object definition. The other part is a MM (Memory Management) immunity annotation or value that controls the frequency with which the object must actually be examined to determine if it is suitable for reclamation. On each iteration of the memory management process, the object's MM immunity value is tested to determine whether it is greater than a predetermined threshold. If greater than the threshold, the value is decremented, but the object is not actually examined for its suitability for removal. If the value equals the threshold, the object itself is examined.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for copy-on-write optimization of immutable objects. An immutable object is marked as read-only to form a read-only object. The read-only object is formed to delay copying of the immutable object until a runtime determination is made that a write to the immutable object will be made. In response to an attempt to write to the read-only object, an internal value of the read-only object is copied to read-and-write storage using runtime information to form a writable copy of the read-only object. A set of references for the read-only object is updated to point to the writable copy of the read-only object. Delaying copying of the immutable object optimizes a copy-on-write of the immutable object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for marine asset security and tracking (MAST). A method includes transmitting identification data, location data and environmental state sensor data from a radio frequency tag. An apparatus includes a radio frequency tag that transmits identification data, location data and environmental state sensor data. Another method includes transmitting identification data and location data from a radio frequency tag using hybrid spread-spectrum modulation. Another apparatus includes a radio frequency tag that transmits both identification data and location data using hybrid spread-spectrum modulation.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, a computer program product and a data processing system for executing an application written in a dynamic language are provided. An execution point of the application is loaded. A list of classes associated with the execution point is generated. The loading of each class in the list of classes is simulated. New execution points and new classes accessible from each execution point within each class in the list of classes are identified by recursively parsing instructions associated with each execution point. The list is modified to include the identified new execution points and new classes. Responsive to a determination that new execution points and new classes have been identified, the steps of identifying new execution points and new classes and modifying the list is repeated. The list is saved.

Abstract: An operational amplifier input stage provides a symmetrical rail-to-rail input common-mode voltage without turning off either pair of complementary differential input transistors. Secondary, or surrogate, transistor pairs assume the function of the complementary differential transistors. The circuit also maintains essentially constant transconductance, constant slew rate, and constant signal-path supply current as it provides rail-to-rail operation.

Abstract: A method (200) is disclosed for designing an RNP approach for an aircraft at a particular runway (90). The method includes selecting a runway (201), gathering obstacle data for the obstacle evaluation area (202), selecting a VEB method and terms (204), laying out a preliminary approach, inducing a missed approach segment (206), calculating a preliminary obstacle clearance surface (208), calculating a momentary descent segment using a physical model of the aircraft (210), adjusting the obstacle clearance surface so that no obstacles intersect the surface (212), and optionally optimizing the approach by departing from the operator's standard procedures (214). Preferably, the obstacle clearance surface is adjusted so that it just touches an obstacle, without any object intersecting the surface, thereby providing an optimal decision altitude.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for marine asset security and tracking (MAST). A method includes transmitting identification data, location data and environmental state sensor data from a radio frequency tag. An apparatus includes a radio frequency tag that transmits identification data, location data and environmental state sensor data. Another method includes transmitting identification data and location data from a radio frequency tag using hybrid spread-spectrum modulation. Another apparatus includes a radio frequency tag that transmits both identification data and location data using hybrid spread-spectrum modulation.

Abstract: A fast-synchronizing receiver having a circuit including an equalizer configured for manipulating an analog signal; a detector in communication with the equalizer; a filter in communication with the detector; an oscillator in communication with the filter; a gate for receiving the manipulated signal; a circuit portion for synchronizing and tracking the manipulated signal; a summing circuit in communication with the circuit portion; and an output gate.

Abstract: In present computing systems having dynamic linked libraries (DLLs), the user must either explicitly provide directives at the source level or use linker and loader support provided by the computing system. The present invention enables an application programmer to use unmodified source code in conjunction with a compiler, prelinker and runtime library to develop and use DLLs. A DLL can be extended by adding new functions and variables without requiring users of the DLL to recompile or relink their application.