Abstract: A method for priority-based allocation in a storage pool involves receiving a request to write a data item in the storage pool, where the storage pool includes multiple metaslabs, and where each of the metaslabs includes a contiguous region of data. The method further involves determining a target metaslab selected from the multiple metaslabs by comparing multiple allocation priorities, where each of the allocation priorities is associated with one of the metaslabs, allocating a block to the target metaslab, and writing the block to the target metaslab, where the block includes a portion of the data item.

Abstract: A method for reallocating blocks in a storage pool involves copying multiple source blocks to multiple replacement blocks, where the source blocks are stored on a source disk in the storage pool, and where the replacement blocks are stored on one or more replacement disks in the storage pool, and generating an indirection object, where the indirection object includes a mapping of locations of the source blocks to locations of the replacement blocks.

Abstract: A method for storing data, that includes receiving a request to store data in a storage pool, queuing the request in an Input/Output (I/O) queue, and issuing the request from the I/O queue upon receipt of a completion interrupt from the storage pool.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method for storing data, including receiving a request to store data in a storage pool, determining a quantized deadline for the request, placing the request in an Input/Output (I/O) queue using the quantized deadline, placing a copy of the request in a logical block address (LBA) data structure using a LBA corresponding to the copy of the request, issuing the request to the storage pool using the I/O queue, and issuing an adjacent request to the storage pool using the LBA data structure, wherein the adjacent request is determined using the LBA of the copy of the request.

Abstract: A tray assembly comprising a bottom tray, a support grid, and a top screen. The bottom tray includes a generally flat bottom wall having an upturned side, the side forming a ledge. The outer contour of the grid is similar to that of the ledge and the ledge supports the outer periphery of the grid, the grid extending across the flat bottom. The top screen comprises a flat screen and a border member around the periphery of the screen, the border member being secured to the screen and removably attached to the upturned side of the bottom tray. When assembled, the top screen is supported by the grid and the grid is supported by the bottom tray, and a piece of greenware to be cleaned is placed on the top screen. Scrapings from the greenware fall through the screen and the grid and into the bottom tray. After the piece has been cleaned and bisque fired, a person may turn the tray upside down and place the piece on what is normally the underside of the bottom tray.

Abstract: A dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprises a support having thereon a dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the dye having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group having from 5 to 7 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having from 6 to about 10 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted hetaryl group having from 5 to about 10 carbon atoms or an allyl group;R.sup.2 represents R.sup.1 or hydrogen;or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be taken together to represent the atoms necessary to complete a 5- to 7-membered ring;or one or both of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be combined with one or two of R.sup.3 to form one or two 5- to 7-membered rings;R.sup.3 and R.sup.5 each independently represents R.sup.1, halogen, an alkoxy group, an acylamido group, a cyano group, an alkylthio group or an arylthio group;or one or two of R.sup.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatographic toner comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a tetrahydroquinoline dicyanomethine yellow dye having the formula soluble in ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are lower alkyl, R.sup.3 is lower alkylene, R.sup.4 is dicarboximido of 4 to 8 carbon atoms, benzothiazolyl-2-thio of alkylcarboxy of 4 to 18 carbon atoms, R.sup.

Abstract: A yellow dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprises a support having thereon a yellow dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the yellow dye having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl group of from about 5 to about 7 carbon atoms; or represents the atoms which when taken together with Z forms a 5- or 6-membered ring;R.sup.1 is an alkylene or substituted alkylene group;X is --OJO--, --OJ--, --JO--, --OJNR.sup.3 --, --NR.sup.3 J--, --NR.sup.3 JNR.sup.3, --JNR.sup.3 -- or --NR.sup.3 JO--;J is CO or SO.sub.2 ;R.sup.3 is hydrogen; a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group of from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group of from about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms; or represents the atoms which when taken together with R.sup.2 forms a 5- or 6-membered ring;R.sup.

Abstract: A magenta dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprises a support having thereon a magenta dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the magenta dye comprising a substituted 5-arylazoisothiazole.In a preferred embodiment, the magenta dye has the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may each independently be hydrogen, alkyl, allyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be taken together to form a ring; or R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 may be part of a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring;R.sup.3 may be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkylthio or halogen;J may be alkyl, aryl or NHA, where A is an acyl or sulfonyl radical; andQ may be cyano, thiocyanato, alkylthio or alkoxycarbonyl.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an operating elevator system for malfunctions related to sequentially perform functions, including the detection of both sequence and timing errors. The method monitors predetermined signals for the detection of user defined unique events starting and stopping conditions, and it follows each state change of all of the pertinent signals which occurs between these two detected conditions. The state changes and their occurrence times relative to the start of the detected event, are compared with a learned binary image of the correct state changes and occurrence times, which correct image was prepared and stored during a learn mode when the elevator was known to correctly perform the sequence to be monitored.

Abstract: A method of integrating an expert system having a knowledge base of elevator trouble-shooting information into the working environment of elevator service personnel, without special training of such personnel, and without compromising the security of the knowledge base. The method includes an interactive initialization procedure which includes successive, successful user and knowledge base initiated communication links between the user and knowledge base, before actual access to the knowledge base is permitted.

Abstract: A supercritical movable airfoil over which is blown air to obtain a Coanda affect. A sealing strip is provided on a stationary airfoil portion which seals against the movable airfoil portion during blowing to prevent flow of air therebetween.

Abstract: An elevator system which includes a plurality of lamps, each associated with a different floor number of an associated building. Lamp burn-out is detected via a single current sensor disposed in the common return of the lamps, along with logic which indicates when a test should be made, and which lamp is being tested. Detection of a burned-out lamp is stored for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for correcting a software clock remote from an accurate clock, which include determining the error between the remote software clock and accurate clock, and in addition to periodically downloading the correct time to the software clock, a correction factor is also downloaded which attempts to correct the error.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for casting metal in sulphur-containing molds is disclosed. The mold is washed before casting with a compound, preferably barium dioxide. The compound reacts with gaseous sulphur compounds produced by the mold, thus lowering the diffusion of sulphur into the casting, and thereby minimizing graphite deterioration at and near the surface of the casting.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the servicing of an elevator system based upon the actual usage of its many functions. The usage of predetermined elevator system functions is monitored and data is collected relative thereto. Threshold and limit parameters are provided for the monitored functions, which parameters are periodically compared with the usage data. The reaching of a usage threshold parameter by a monitored function results in predetermined associated maintenance services being added to a maintenance due list. When a monitored function reaches its associated limit parameter, a need for scheduled elevator preventive maintenance is indicated for all of the maintenance services on the maintenance due list.

Abstract: Our invention is an improved process for removing gases and elements from a melt of molten ferrous metal; the process includes bubbling carbon dioxide through the melt, flushing the carbon dioxide from the melt with an inert gas and deoxidizing the melt with a metal chosen from the group of aluminum, magnesium, barium, calcium, zirconium or titanium.

Abstract: Elevator servicing methods and apparatus which detect and store information relative to user-defined intermittent conditions, or other abnormal operating conditions. The stored information is reproduced for evaluation and analysis in a manner selected by the user, such as on a video monitor and/or a printer.

Abstract: A magenta dye-donor element for thermal dye transfer comprises a support having thereon a magenta dye dispersed in a polymeric binder, the magenta dye comprising a substituted 5-arylazoisothiazole.In a preferred embodiment, the magenta dye has the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may each independently be hydrogen, alkyl, allyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be taken together to form a ring; or R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 may be part of a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring;R.sup.3 may be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkylthio or halogen;J may be alkyl, aryl or NHA, where A is an acyl or sulfonyl radical; andQ may be cyano, thiocyanato, alkylthio or alkoxycarbonyl.