Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods, in distributed data-storage systems that associate one or more timestamps with each data block in each data-storage-component, for deciding whether or not a data block has been written. In certain embodiments of the present invention, a sparse database of timestamps associated with data blocks is maintained, each timestamp having a field that contains one of an indication of a time or sequence and a sentinel value indicating that the timestamp is garbage collected. When a timestamp is not found associated with a data block in a timestamp database, the data block is associated with a garbage-collected-timestamp state. In various embodiments of the present invention, data structures are maintained that store status information indicating whether or not any of a number of data blocks in each of a number of data-block-allocation units have been written. During replication, migration, or reconfiguration of a current segment of data blocks to a new segment of data blocks in these various embodiments, a data block is determined to be written or to be unwritten by determining, from the data structures, whether or not a data block-allocation unit containing the data block is written or unwritten.
Abstract:
An embodiment of a method of operating a replicated cache includes generating a timestamp. A unit of data is read from memory of the replicated cache. The replicated cache comprises a plurality of independent computing devices. Each independent computing device comprises a processor and a portion of the memory. Confirmations are received from at least a majority of the independent computing devices that a flush operation for the unit of data was initiated no later than a time indicated by the timestamp and that a more recent version of the unit of data has not been flushed. The unit of data is provided to storage.
Abstract:
Seismic data is collected by using an electrical submersible pump assembly in a well that is producing well fluid. By sweeping the rotational speed of the pump assembly through a selected range at selected intervals, seismic waves of varying frequency are emitted. These seismic waves are then picked up with a seismic sensor located at the surface or located in another well. If the seismic sensors are located in another well, the signal from the sensor may be transmitted to the surface by superimposing the data onto the power cable leading to the pump located in that other well. The seismic survey may be repeated at regular intervals, and the results will reveal the changes that have taken place over time in the reservoir.
Abstract:
A system for acquiring logging data comprises a controller for causing the generation of a signal in a formation surrounding a wellbore. The controller has a first clock for time-stamping a record of the generated signal. A receiver is deployed in the wellbore and is adapted for detecting the signal. A second clock comprises a double-oven surrounding a crystal oscillator. A controller is operatively coupled to the double-oven to maintain the crystal oscillator temperature substantially at the crystal oscillator turnover temperature. The second clock is synchronized with the first clock before deployment in the wellbore, and the receiver references the second clock in order to record a time-stamp associated with the detected signal.
Abstract:
An imaging apparatus includes a sheet picking mechanism drive unit that includes a sheet pick gear train for driving a sheet picking mechanism to transport a sheet from a stack of print media along the sheet feed path. A print media dam is pivotably coupled at an axis to the imaging apparatus. The print media dam has at least one dam member and a first gear. Each dam member has a media engaging surface. A drive mechanism is drivably coupled between the sheet picking drive mechanism and the first gear to move the dam member between an extended position and a retracted position. When the dam member is in the extended position, the media engaging surface is positioned to interrupt the sheet feed path. When the dam member is in the retracted position, the media engaging surface is positioned to not interrupt the sheet feed path.
Abstract:
Numerous embodiments are described of an apparatus and method for line-of-sight, optical signal channel propagating in free-space for interconnectivity between semiconductor packages on a carrier substrate. In one embodiment, a first semiconductor package and a second semiconductor package are coupled to the carrier substrate. A free-space, line-of-sight optical signaling channel is formed between a first semiconductor package and a second semiconductor package. An optical emitter on the first semiconductor package propagates an optical signal to an optical detector on the second semiconductor package along the free-space, line-of-sight optical signaling channel.
Abstract:
Numerous embodiments of a channeled heat dissipation device and a method of fabrication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a channeled heat dissipation device comprises a base portion having a dissipation surface and a substantially opposed mounting surface, and at least one channel defined in the base portion, wherein said at least one channel extends from said dissipation surface to said mounting surface.
Abstract:
A workpiece positioning device for translating elongate workpieces conveyed on a first workpiece conveyor in a conveyance direction and for positioning the elongate workpieces on an adjacent second workpiece conveyor, wherein the elongate workpieces are generally laterally aligned across the first workpiece conveyor, generally perpendicular to the conveyance direction, has a selectively actuable rotatable member extending between the first and second workpiece conveyors, rotatable so as to translate workpiece engaging means, coordinated by coordinating means, into engagement with an elongate workpiece at a workpiece engaging position on the first workpiece conveyor generally at an end of the first workpiece conveyor adjacent the second workpiece conveyor, and to translate the workpiece engaging means and the elongate workpiece so engaged from the first workpiece conveyor to the second workpiece conveyor so as to position the elongate workpiece on the second workpiece conveyor.
Abstract:
This disclosure describes an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal portable personal toilet seat that is resistant to algae, mold and mildew and that can be safely folded and held without the danger of pinched fingers and without a handle.