Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for transmitting frames from a plurality of node ports (N_ports) to their associated fabric ports (F_ports) for forwarding to other interconnected F_ports on a Fibre Channel switch in which the transmitted frames are stored in a plurality of receive buffers (432, 434, 436, 438) at the associated F_port prior to forwarding to an interconnected F_port, and a receive credit counter(480), a smart credit counter (482) and a transmit credit counter (142) are employed for tracking the availability of the receive buffers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video game system for connecting to the Internet and allowing a user to transfer/receive data therefrom. The video game system includes a connector port for removably and electrically connecting a cartridge to the game console. The cartridge includes an application program stored therein, a modem and a telephone port for transferring data between the Internet and the video game system via a telephone line. A processor is electrically coupled to a system memory, the connector port and the I/O port. The processor is operative to (1) transfer the application program from the first cartridge to the system memory, execute the application program out of system memory and display an Internet graphical user interface (GUI) on the video display device and (2) execute Internet protocol programs to connect to the Internet and transfer data between the Internet and the video game system via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A multiport polling system for a network switch including a plurality of network ports, each including receive and transmit buffers. Each port includes port status logic for providing status signals indicative of whether a corresponding port has received data from a network device and whether a corresponding port has available space to receive data to transmit to a network device. The network switch further includes a switch manager for controlling data flow between the ports. The switch manager includes polling logic for periodically polling the port status logic of each port for receiving the status signals, and a memory for storing values indicative of the status signals for each port. In this manner, all of the ports are simultaneously polled in a singe query and the receive and transmit status of each port is maintained in the memory. This facilitates arbitration and control logic, which continuously reviews the memory to determine when to retrieve data from a source port and when to transmit data to one or more destination ports. The ports are preferably implemented with quad cascade devices for providing multiplexed status signals.

Abstract: This major work is an account of what is now the State of Victoria from the earliest European contacts to its separation from New South Wales in 1851.

Abstract: Today, more than 90 percent of international cargo moves through seaports, and 80 percent of seaborne cargo moves in containers. It has thus become imperative for major seaports to manage their container operations both effec tively and efficiently. We have designed and developed an interactive computer simula tion model to support the logistics planning of container operations. Logistics planning of container operations deals with the assign ment and coordination of port equipments such as quay cranes, prime movers, and yard cranes in the transportation of containers between the ship's bay and the container storage yards. This model provides estimates for port performance indicators such as berth occupancy, ship outputs, and ship turnaround time for various operating strategies in the logistics planning of container operations. The main objective of port management is to reduce the ship turnaround time by optimally utilizing the port resources. Reduced turn around time encourages trade and improves the c...

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for facilitating data flow through a multiple port multicast data switch includes receiving a data packet at a first port of the multicast data switch, the data packet formed of sequentially positioned cells of data. Determining if the second port is congested and if congested sending the selected cell to the second port if and when the second port becomes uncongested within a selected period of time. If otherwise uncongested, copying the cell data to the second port.

Abstract: An Asynchronous Transfer Mode switch and method which facilitate priority arbitration of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transmission are disclosed. To execute point-to-multipoint operation a bandwidth arbiter maintains a first list of connections and bit vectors indicating designated destination ports. The list maintained by the bandwidth arbiter is then compared to an unassigned output port bit vector to determine matches therebetween at which point-to-multipoint transmission may be made by utilizing instantaneously unused bandwidth within the switch. To execute point-to-point operation each input port maintains a list of connections associated with each output port, and those lists are used in conjunction with output port request information per input port in the bandwidth arbiter to match requests to the unassigned output port bit vector. The bandwidth arbiter may also assign priority to connections in the list.

Abstract: An apparatus for seamless connectivity between a narrow-band network like the Internet and an interactive TV wide-band network, and methods of operating the same, support on-the-fly translation and routing of data between the Internet and the interactive TV wide-band network. The apparatus for interfacing between a wide-band network and a narrow-band network comprises a decoder having a decoder input, a first decoder port, and a second decoder port, which receives wide-band data from the wide-band network via the second decoder port and decodes the wide-band data to provide decoded data in response to decoder requests from the decoder input. A gateway coupled to the decoder, the narrow-band network, and the wide-band network, having a first gateway port to receive the decoder requests from the first decoder port, a second gateway port to interface with the narrow-band network, and a third gateway port to interface with the wide-band network, retrieves requested data from the narrow-band network in response to the decoder requests and transfers the requested data to the wide-band network for transfer to the decoder.

Abstract: This paper examines the impact of containerization on upstream urban ports in Europe, briefly discusses the changing socio-economic role of such ports,and considers whether the few remaining upstream urban ports currently still attracting large containerships can continue to do so in the long-term. Citing the trend towards larger containerships, the analysis concludes by offering the view that continued investment in container-handling infrastructure within traditional upstream urban ports may be a flawed policy. Such ports are becoming outmoded (for the largest containerships), superseded by more appropriate custom-built infrastructure at coastal locations.

Abstract: A multi-port DRAM cell structure that enables read, write and refresh accesses at each port of the DRAM cell. The DRAM cell includes a storage capacitor for storing a data value, and a plurality of ports for accessing the storage capacitor. Each port enables both read and write accesses to the storage capacitor. Each port can include a port access transistor, a port bitline and a port wordline. The port access transistor includes a gate electrode, a source and a drain. The source of the port access transistor is coupled to the storage capacitor, the drain of the port access transistor is coupled to the port bitline, and the gate electrode of the port access transistor is coupled to the port wordline. This cell architecture enables overlapping read and write accesses to be simultaneously performed at the various ports of the multi-port DRAM cell.

Abstract: A portable timing device (10) stores selectable user, client and activity data. The device has a memory (14) which stores user selected information relating to a user, client and activity along with corresponding start and stop times. The system communicates with a central billing computer (33) over an appropriate two way port (30) which reads and writes to the memory (14) in the device (10). Also, disclosed is a method for recording provider, client and services in real time employing a streamlined and efficient sequencing of operation.

Abstract: The Benelux seaport system is among the most diversified in the world, It includes a series of specialized, niche ports, and two mainports in the full meaning of the word, Rotterdam and Antwerp. In their shadow, a second-order hub port, Zeebrugge, is gaining increasing recognition in port and shipowners' circles. The future of the ports is partly in their own hands, and partly beyond their control, as their prosperity is also conditioned by their hinterland relationships, The most original part of the article deals with a coherent structuring of their West-East and North-South intermodal links in a Benelux and European perspective, rather than taking into account sub-optimal national interests. The case for a new, high-capacity Rotterdam-Antwerp-Lille railway Line, with a Zeebrugge-Ghent branch is explored.

Abstract: The traditional view of ports as evolving from human settlements to distribution centres is re-examined in an ecological context. The discussion is essential because of the persisting traditional approach to ‘global’ port development, i.e. directed primarily by technological optimization related to cargo transfer and ocean trasportation. Growing environmental concerns and realities indicate the need for a broader environmental view in which the port is recognized as part of a larger interactive coastal ecosystem, with environmental pressures by the port on the surrounding environment, as well as by the environment on the port. The paper argues for an ecological basis for coastal port development, analyses the environment implications of riverine linkages between port and hinterland, and details some environmental consequnces of changing industrialization and chemical practices. It also identifies initiatives for relevant planning and future port management.

Abstract: The techniques for hazard identification of cargo, ships and port installations is discussed. Hazardous events related to port installations are identified and effects of chemical releases on board ship, on sea and in port are discussed through cause-consequence analysis. Suggestions are provided with respect to hazard containment in cargo sheds.

Abstract: Overview Review and Analysis of Privatization Efforts in Transportation by Simon Hakim, Paul Seidenstat, and Gary Bowman Ideas and Innovations in Developing Transportation Projects: A Search for Alternative Mechanisms Involving the Private Sector by Yuval Cohen Developing Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure by William H. Payson and Steven A. Steckler Creating Financing Options for Urban Transporation Privatization by Duane Windsor Privatizing Airports and Ports The Conflict Between Government Owned and Privately Operated Airports by Robert L. Bogan The Benefits and Costs of Airport Privatization by Eleanor D. Craig Evaluating the Privatizing of a Small Airport by Jack M. Reilly Port Privatization: An Historical and Public Administration Prospective by Jean Grosdidier de Matons Strategies for Imporving Port System Performance: Worldwide Experience by Anatoly Hochstein Privatizing Roads The Effects of the Post Intermodial Surface Transportation Act of 1991 on Financing Toll Roads by Robert W. Poole, Jr. Selling the Roads by John Semmens Introducting Market Forces to the Use of Public Roads: A Stage Prior to Privatization by Gabriel Roth Privatization and Marketization of Transport by William Vickrey Lessons from Road Privatization Experience by Carl B. Williams Privatizing Mass Transit Applying Competitive Incentives to Public Transit by Wendell Cox and Jean Love The Competitive Contracting of Public Transit Services in San Diego by Elliot P. Hurwitz Privatizing the New York City Subway by Charles A.M. de Bartolome and James B. Ramsey Government Creation and the Privatization of an American Railroad by Eric W. Beshers and Paul Seidenstat

Abstract: A LAN switch includes port modules which receive frames from their respective LAN segments and forwards the frames simultaneously to all output ports and to a port look-up function which determines the output port to which the frames should be forwarded. If the port look-up function identifies the output port, frame transmission is halted at all ports except the identified port. By performing the forwarding function and port look-up function simultaneously, a zero latency switch is provided.

Abstract: A real-time device data management (RTNDD) system for managing access to data describing devices in a telecommunications network. The RTNDD system maintains a partition data structure for each device. The partition data structure has a header section and a port data section. The header section contains data elements describing the device (e.g., number of ports and device type). The port data section has a port data structure for each port of the device that contains data elements describing the port (e.g., current cross-connect and actual port address for device). The RTNDD system also provides a standard interface through which external systems access the device data. The standard interface has functions for reading and writing to the partition data structures. Each read function reads multiple data elements of a header section or a port data structure at a time, and each write function writes a single data element of a device at a time. The standard interface is device independent such that an external system can use the standard interface to access device data for any type of device whose data is stored in a partition data structure.

Abstract: A communication switch comprises a matrix of switch modules interconnected to allow switching between multiple inputs and multiple outputs, characterised in that said switch modules are distributed between multiple input/output port cards (CD) so that each card incorporates one or more switch modules (SW) with multiple outputs (T1-T4) connected to respective output ports (OUT) of the card and multiple inputs (N1-N8) connected to respective transfer terminals (TR1-TR8) of the card, the inputs (N1-N8) of the switch modules (SW) of all the cards (CD) being interconnected via a set of buses (B1-B8) connected to said transfer terminals (TR1-TR8), and a selector (SL) being incorporated in each card (CD) which is setable to connect each of one or more respective input ports (IN) of the card (CD) to a selected input (N1-N8) of said switch modules (SW) on the same card so that each input port (IN) of the switch is uniquely connected via a respective selector (SL) to a respective input (N1-N8) of a switch module (SW) and to a respective bus (B1-B8).

Abstract: Port reforms in Argentina have sought to deregulate, decentralize, and privatize. And they have sought to introduce competition not only among ports but also for the ports --by inviting operators to bid for port concessions-- and within the ports-- by dividing large ports into terminals and offering each as a separate concession. Bidders were asked to set their own charges, subject to a maximum price cap for cargo, and concessions were awarded on the basis of the highest rental offered for the infrastructure and equipment. The results have been generally positive, with increased productivity, higher cargo volumes, and big reductions in tariffs. The authors look at the lessons from the reform and set out the remaining challenges.

Abstract: In this paper we analyze how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Port of Rotterdam can be supported in the assessment of electronic data interchange (EDI) investments in terms of expected net benefits In contrast to many other industry sectors, where a dominant hub actor is able to enforce wide-scale adoption of EDI by spoke SMEs, port communities need more ex-ante insights into the benefits that may accrue from EDI before they decide to allocate part of their scarce monetary resources to investments in this technology There is a need for a cheap method of quantifying bottom-line savings from EDI in a traceable wayA literature survey shows that none of the existing IT evaluation methods satisfies these criteria Therefore, we developed a new tool, called Edialysis, which aids in the decision-making process in terms of whether investments in EDI may yield a positive net present value, given a context-specific set of interorganizational communication scenariosThis paper discusses the method's scope, design, and underlying plan In addition, a case study conducted at a forwarder operating in the Port of Rotterdam illustrates the results one may obtain from the Edialysis application

Abstract: An improved multiple port protocol test apparatus and a method thereof by which it is possible to more easily perform a test with respect to the multiple port protocol, and increase an adaptability and interrelationship with respect to the standard of the system. The apparatus includes a test management unit for testing and controlling a protocol and performing management related thereto, a multiple port protocol testing unit connected to the test management unit for generating and controlling a test event with respect to the multiple port of a network system, a plurality of lower protocol processing unit connected to the multiple port protocol testing unit for performing an emulation function with respect to a lower protocol of the test objective protocol, and transferring a test-related event, a timer processing unit connected to the multiple port protocol testing unit for processing a timer information, a message distribution unit connected to the lower protocol processing unit for transferring a test event to a corresponding port of the test objective system, and transferring the received event to the lower protocol processing unit of a corresponding port, and a test objective system access unit connected to the message distribution unit for a physical connection with a test objective system.

Abstract: A bridge for simultaneous connection to n LANs, where n is greater than 2, and methods for determining whether the bridge has been connected properly. The bridge includes storage for respectively associating the (n2 -n)/2 unique pairs of LANs connected by the bridge with (n2 -n)/2 parallel bridge numbers. Messages received from a first LAN are forwarded to a second LAN only if the message identifies the second LAN and the parallel bridge number which is associated in the storage with the first and second LANs. To determine whether two or more ports of the bridge are connected to the same LAN, the bridge attempts to transmit messages from each of its ports to each other respective port by addressing the messages to the data link addresses of the other ports. After transmission, the bridge waits a short time interval and determines whether any of the messages are received at any of its ports. If a message is received at a port, then the port receiving the message and the port which transmitted the message must be connected to the same LAN. If the bridge is on a token ring LAN, the bridge may also determine whether a port is properly sending and receiving messages by sending a message, via the token ring, from the port to its own data link address. If the message is not received by the port during a short time interval after transmission, then there is a fault in the port.

Abstract: A lock valve for marine hydraulic steering systems includes a valve body with a spool valve reciprocatingly received in a bore therein. A first port and a second port of the valve are connected to a manual pump. A third port and fourth port are connected to a double acting hydraulic cylinder connected to a rudder or steerable motor. There are valves within the lock valve which normally prevent fluid flowing between the ports so the steering system remains in a fixed position when the helm is released. Fluid can flow from the first port to the third port when the first port is pressurized. A return flow of fluid from the fourth port to the second port is permitted only when the first port is pressurized. When the second port is pressurized, fluid can flow the second port to the fourth port. A return flow of fluid from the third port to the first port is permitted only when the second port is pressurized. The return flow of fluid on at least one side of the valve is controlled by passageways normally blocked by the valve spool which are uncovered when the valve spool is deflected by pressurized fluid at the first port or second port.

Abstract: This article uses univariate time-series models with data transformations and intervention models to forecast the volumes of twenty-two maritime traffic flows in the port of Antwerp which are expressed in tonnes. The models obtained produce forecasts that are a substantial improvement over those obtained with unadjusted data. The models also provide useful insight into the behaviour of maritime traffic flows during the period 1971–82.