Abstract:
The cache coherency protocol described herein can be used to maintain a virtual model of a system, where the virtual model does not change as the system configuration changes. In general, the virtual model is based on the assumption that each node in the system can directly communicate with some number of other nodes in the system. In one embodiment, for each cache line, the address of the cache line is used to designate a node as the “home” node and all other nodes as “peer” nodes. The protocol specifies one set of messages for communication with the line's home node and another set of messages for communication with the line's peer nodes.
Abstract:
A distributed memory computer architecture associates separate memory blocks with their own processors, each of which executes the same program. A processor fetching data or instructions from its local memory also broadcasts that fetched data or instruction to the other processors to cut the time required for them to request this data. Runs of instruction and data local to one processor providing improved performance that is captured by the system as a whole by the ability of the other processors not executing local data or instructions to execute instructions out of order and return to find the data ready in buffer for rapid use.
Abstract:
A method of reducing soluble Cr(VI) levels in aqueous wastes from 200 ppm or more to less than 1 ppm, particularly to less than 0.05 ppm, preferably to less than 0.01 ppm, uses fermentative sulfate-reudcing anaerobic bacteria to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and immobilize the latter as the extememly insoluble hydroxide. The process is readily adapted to operate continuously using a bioreactor containing sludge with sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria and operated as a chemostat.
Abstract:
An alarm control circuit, designed as a unit package to be mounted in the interior of a vehicle, is adapted for connection to the ignition switch circuit, to a vehicle door or other closure operated light switch circuit, and to the vehicle battery, with the output being connected to the vehicle horn circuit. The alarm control circuit is completely automatic when operated through the vehicle ignition switch and a vehicle closure switch, and sounds the vehicle horn intermittently when a closure is opened by unauthorized persons. The alarm control circuit may also be connected to the vehicle headlight switch circuit to provide the ancillary function of a warning signal, should the headlights be left on with the ignition switch off.
Abstract:
A conflict resolution technique provides consistency such that all conflicts can be detected by at least one of the conflicting requestors if each node monitors all requests after that node has made its own request. If a line is in the Exclusive, Modified or Forward state, conflicts are resolved at the node holding the unique copy. The winner of the conflict resolution, and possibly the losers, report the conflict to the home node, which pairs conflict reports and issues forwarding instructions to assure that all requesting nodes eventually receive the requested data. If a requested cache line is either uncached or present only in the Shared state, the home node provides a copy of the cache node and resolves conflicts. In one embodiment, a blackout period after all responses until an acknowledgement message has been received allows all conflicting nodes to be aware of conflicts in which they are involved.
Abstract:
Described herein is a cache coherency protocol having five states: Modified, Exclusive, Shared, Invalid and Forward (MESIF). The MESIF cache coherency protocol includes a Forward (F) state that designates a single copy of data from which further copies can be made. A cache line in the F state is used to respond to request for a copy of the cache line. In one embodiment, the newly created copy is placed in the F state and the cache line previously in the F state is put in the Shared (S) state, or the Invalid (I) state. Thus, if the cache line is shared, one shared copy is in the F state and the remaining copies of the cache line are in the S state.
Abstract:
Critical sections of a program, providing exclusive access to shared data in a multi-processor architecture may be inferred from standard instructions and used to invoke a cache protocol that delays the response of requests of other cache and thus counter intuitively improving performance of the system. During this delay, read-only copies of data may be provided and the delay may recognize two priorities of requests, one of which is not delayed so as to improve the release of locks held by different processors.
Abstract:
A mechanical seal assembly is provided for inhibiting a fluid located in a higher pressure region of an apparatus from flowing to a relatively lower pressure region. The seal assembly is configured for cooperation with a seal ring connected to a cylindrical shaft which rotates about its longitudinal axis and which is mounted in the apparatus housing. The seal assembly includes an outer casing in which is mounted a non-rotatable seal ring which encircles the shaft for limited axial movement toward and away from the shaft seal ring. A biassing element is mounted in the outer casing for urging the non-rotatable seal ring axially into slidably mating engagement with the sealing face of the rotatable shaft seal ring. The biassing element includes a cylindrical bellows which encircles the shaft and a spring. The bellows includes a collapsible outer wall with a first skirt on one end of the outer wall and a second skirt on the other end of the outer wall. The first skirt is bonded to the seal ring, and the second skirt is clamped axially against the outer casing end wall.
Abstract:
Chromium in solid waste residues may be immobilized by reduction of essentially all of the Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(III). The Cr(VI) is separated from the solids by contacting with an acid to produce an aqueous solution having a pH of about 6.5 to 9.5, then adding sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria and, as required, a source of sulfates and nutrients for the growth of the bacteria. Where the solid residues are below the surface of the soil, a continuous recirculation may be established to extract Cr(VI), treat the resulting solution above grade to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and return the treated solution to the soil.
Abstract:
A raster-type personal display is provided by vibrating an array of fiber optic filaments (32) between display limit (52, 54) by means of an electromechanical exciter (36). One end of the fiber optic filaments (32) is cantilever mounted to an array of light emitting diodes (34), with the second end of the filaments free to be vibrated by the exciter (36). Drive signals for energizing the light emitting diodes (34) are generated by a symbol generator (38) that receives synchronization pulses from a position detector consisting of a light source (58), a shutter (56) and a light responsive pickup (60).