Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for improving performance in a virtualization architecture are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor and a processor abstraction layer. The processor abstraction layer includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, support techniques to improve the performance of the apparatus in a virtualization architecture.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for improving performance in a virtualization architecture are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor and a processor abstraction layer. The processor abstraction layer includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, support techniques to improve the performance of the apparatus in a virtualization architecture.

Abstract: A virtual multithreading hardware mechanism provides multi-threading on a single-threaded processor. Thread switches are triggered by user-defined triggers. Synchronous triggers may be defined in the form of special trigger instructions. Asynchronous triggers may be defined via special marking instructions that identify an asynchronous trigger condition. The asynchronous trigger condition may be based on a plurality of atomic processor events. Minimal context information, such as only an instruction pointer address, is maintained by the hardware upon a thread switch. In contrast to traditional simultaneous multithreading schemes, the virtual multithreading hardware provides thread switches that are transparent to an operating system and that may be performed without operating system intervention.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a firmware architecture which splits firmware modules to support safe updates of specific modules as well as supporting multiple different processors. A firmware image is partitioned into several different binaries based on their update requirements and processor/platform dependence. A firmware interface table enables safe updates by enabling the option of redundant copies of specific modules as well as supporting systems with different and/or multiple processor types, mixed processors from the same family, and/or fault resilient firmware updates.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a firmware architecture which splits firmware modules to support safe updates of specific modules as well as supporting multiple different processors. A firmware image is partitioned into several different binaries based on their update requirements and processor/platform dependence. A firmware interface table enables safe updates by enabling the option of redundant copies of specific modules as well as supporting systems with different and/or multiple processor types, mixed processors from the same family, and/or fault resilient firmware updates.

Abstract: A baby bottle (10) having a dispensing member (20) and a sealing membrane (14) disposed between the dispensing member (20) and an open end (15) of the container (10). A threaded collar (26) engages the open end and a shoulder (34) extends laterally adjacent an extent of the thread. The sealing membrane (14) includes ports (42) for communicating fluid therethrough. The sealing membrane (14) moves from a sealing position with a sealing surface (24) in bearing contact with the open end (15) and a dispensing position with the sealing surface (24) spaced apart from the open end for fluid flow through the ports (42). The sealing membrane moves in response to the shoulder (34) moving as the collar (26) is rotated and moved longitudinally outwardly relative to the end (15) by the camming action of the thread on the bottle (10).

Abstract: A snap fastener (103) is disclosed having a pair of fastening members 100 each having bases (104) and mounting members (105). The base (104) defines a central opening (107) spaced-apart projections (108) are disposed in an annular pattern about the opening. The projections have lateral flanges (114) and adjacent recesses (116). The recesses 116 of one fastening member 100 receives the flanges 114 at an opposing fastening member to detachably connect the fastening members together. A method of detachably joining two substrates together is disclosed.