Method and apparatus for efficiently scheduling tasks on a network. A user may schedule node-specific tasks across the network without specifying particular times for each node. One application of the present invention is scheduling of survey tasks across the network. A user may select times at which a task is to be performed or exclusion times when a task is not to be performed at the node level, subnet level, or level of the whole network.

A modular caisson for use in performing underwater tasks in a dry environment includes a plurality of interconnected modules. The end of at least one of the modules is equipped with an end cover through which piping or other equipment can be passed into the caisson without leakage of water into the caisson. In a preferred embodiment, the end cover includes flexible doors. The caisson can be supported by a transport vehicle, or it can be anchored to piles by means of guides formed on the outside ...

A method and apparatus for controlling the execution sequence of a first sequence of modules in a first task are provided. The first sequence of modules are linked to one another and have at least one sequence of execution. The method stores in each of the first sequence of modules a skip value representing which of subsequent modules to execute. The method executes the first of the first sequence of said modules, and then executes the next of the modules indicated by the skip value. Conservatio...

The disclosure describes an improved apparatus for simultaneously transferring data or commands between several peripheral devices and a central processing unit. The apparatus includes a peripheral control unit which links the central processing unit to several peripheral devices. The peripheral control unit operates as a master with respect to the central processing unit and the peripheral devices in order to increase the capacity of the central processing unit.

A method for dynamically assigning and removing task affinity for a resource is disclosed and claimed. A first interrupt handler recognizes a special task interrupt condition which is generated by the hardware. The interrupt condition is generated because a task attempted to execute a special instruction and either a special resource is attached to the central processing unit which issued the special instruction, or a special resource is not attached to the issuing central processing unit, but c...

A method of operating a data processing system adapted for running two or more identical-data-receiving replicated tasks in parallel, in which method messages are transferred to the replicated tasks, each message including such data and a time stamp, the messages transferred to each replicated task being sequenced in chronological order so as to be processed by the replicated task in that order, and a stability time is determined for each message, which stability time defines the instant from wh...

A method of scheduling tasks subject to timing and succession constraints essentially comprises grouping the tasks in layers according to succession constraints and scheduling the tasks layer by layer in increasing layer order up to the last layer, if possible, and then deciding that the resulting scheduling succeeds. If the scheduling achieved in a layer other than the first layer does not satisfy one or more constraints applying to a task belonging to the current layer, the method reschedules ...

A scheduler system for use in connection with a resource allocation system is provided. According to the present invention, a plurality of queues are provided for scheduling the delivery of tasks or events to a resource. Each of the provided queues may have a different threshold time, allowing the queues to be segmented according to the time values of included tasks. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a primary queue comprising a delta queue is provided for tasks that are...

A portable, battery powered, self-levelling alignment tool for simultaneously indicating level, plumb and square. A projection unit including a laser diode, a collimator, and an optical system is located in a projection unit which is pendulously suspended inside a housing. The optical system divides a collimated beam from the laser diode and the collimator into output beams having a generally perpendicular relationship with each other. The projection unit may be balanced such that at least one o...

A method for providing location dependent information to a user for selective colleague assistance. The method on a Client Wireless Component includes the steps of receiving location data from a plurality of Global Positioning System GPS satellites and transmitting the location data to an Active Calendar Component. The method further includes on an Active Calendar Component the steps of receiving Client Wireless Component location data and determining if within a threshold distance a Colleague i...