Abstract: A method and system for supplying external electrical power to charge a battery within a data processing system by utilizing a automated remotely located power adapter is disclosed. The automated remotely located power adapter includes a state control logic circuit for determining when to supply external electrical power to charge the battery and an auto-close detection circuit for automatically shutting on and off the external electrical power in response to the state control logic. The automated remotely located power adapter is connectable between the external power supply and the data processing system for supplying external electrical power to charge the battery within the data processing system and automatically shuts off the external electrical power when the data processing system indicates that the battery is fully charged.

Abstract: An AC adaptor that can reduce power not in use state, and a battery-operated electronic apparatus that can employ such an AC adaptor.

Abstract: A client on a network is provided with low power logic, at the network adaptor, that is always active and simulates network packet traffic (e.g. Ethernet packets) normally sent under control of the main client system processor(s). This logic collects client status information regarding power state and reports to the network manager such information which allows the network manager to exercise broader control and perform maintenance and upgrades which would usually require a dialog with the user and consequently limit off-hours reconfiguring of the client.

Abstract: A switching controller for use in a power converter having a controllable switch and operable in a critically continuous conduction mode (CCCM). The switching controller includes an error amplifier that senses an electrical characteristic of the power converter and compares the electrical characteristic to a reference electrical characteristic to generate an error signal. Next, the error signal is provided to a drive signal generator, which is coupled to the controllable switch, that compares the error signal to a reference waveform and provides, in response thereto, a drive signal to the controllable switch. A waveform shaping circuit modifies the reference waveform by comparing a sensed voltage across the controllable switch to an input voltage and provides, in response to the sensed voltage being lower than the input voltage, a modifying signal to the drive signal generator. The modifying signal modifies the reference waveform which also causes the drive signal generator to turn-on the controllable switch.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a bus, one or more loads coupled to the bus, and a clock generator. The clock generator generates a bus clock signal that is coupled to at least one of the loads. While the clock generator is generating a bus clock signal having a first frequency, the number of loads connected to the bus is determined. In response to this determination, the frequency of the bus clock signal is automatically changed from the first frequency to a second frequency. In one embodiment in which the bus is a PCI local bus having a plurality of slots, the determination of the number of loads is made by examining at least one storage location associated with each of a plurality of slots.

Abstract: An improved architecture for an optoelectric computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes an optical bus and an electrical bus. With this computer system, electrical devices are connected to the electrical bus and optoelectric devices are connected to the optical bus. Furthermore, a few optoelectric devices are utilized to provide communications between the optical bus and the electrical bus.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automating migration of user system settings from an existing computer system to a replacement computer system in response to a user input. Selected portions of the registry, or central hierarchial data base within the existing computer system are automatically copied and stored in response a user input. A plurality of application program interface (API) routines are then initiated to retrieve and store selected settings within the existing computer system. Adapter binding information for all adapters within the existing computer system are retrieved and stored. The selected portions of the registry, selected settings and adapter binding information are then transferred to the replacement computer system and copied into appropriate registry keys, directories and files, effectively transferring the system settings from the existing computer system to the replacement computer system.

Abstract: A method of asset control and workstation computer deployment that utilizes a dual port electronic memory identification RFID tag to hold serial number and hardware and software configuration profiles as well as user information. The RFID tag is mapped into the workstation computer memory space and can also be read and written by radio frequency signalling through a wired plug and access flap in a shipping carton. Serial numbers and MAC address is stored on the tag by the manufacturer. User information, workstation profile and software image information is stored onto the tag while the computer is being received for forwarding to the final workstation destination without the need to unpack and power up the computer. The information stored on the tag is used to allow automated system configuration and software downloading to the computer.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system has a toolbar with associated items and a menu bar having at least one pulldown menu with associated items, and provides a visual correspondence between items on the pulldown menu and items on the toolbar. The visual correspondence can be provided when a graphical pointer is placed over an item on the pulldown menu, and when a graphical pointer is placed over an item on the toolbar. The visual correspondence may be provided by highlighting the item on the toolbar, by providing a ghost image of the item on the toolbar, or by providing a ghost image of the pulldown menu. The invention retains current user interaction with toolbars and menu bars, and the novel dynamic linking of menu bar and toolbar items extends the functionality of the GUI without increasing visual complexity.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a computer system, by detecting a power interruption to the computer system, using power down sense logic, and generating an alert associated with the power interruption. When the computer system is networked, the alert is transmitted to a remote server. The power down sense logic sends a message to an auxiliary processor (which may be an application-specific integrated circuit, or ASIC), and the auxiliary processor creates a network transmission packet indicating that the computer system is losing power. The auxiliary processor may allow selection of a transmission mode such as uni-cast transmission, multi-cast transmission, or broadcast transmission.

Abstract: A portable data processing system and method are disclosed for improving cooling of a microprocessor included within the system. The portable data processing system includes a base housing for housing a CPU and a display housing for housing a display. A heat sink is established within the base housing. The heat sink is formed from a highly conductive composite material. A heat dissipater is established within the display housing. The heat dissipater is comprised of a highly conductive composite material. The heat dissipater and heat sink are capable of receiving a heat pipe. Heat is transferred from the heat sink to the heat dissipator utilizing the heat pipe. In a second embodiment, the portable system is docked with a docking station, and a heat probe is included which is utilized to dissipate additional heat from the microprocessor to a large fan sink included within the docking station.

Abstract: A system monitored operations test area utilizes a central feed spur to deliver assembled products to parallel rows of test stations on each of its sides. A pivotal, sliding lift gate is mounted to each side of the central spur and is movable between vertical and horizontal positions. The gate can be moved along the length of the spur as needed. When the lift gate is in place, the operator can slide a unit into a desired test slot across the horizontally disposed gate which spans the distance between the spur and the selected test station.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently dismissing displayed message windows or dialog boxes in a data processing system which includes a graphical pointing device and a moveable cursor controlled by physical movement of the graphical pointing device. Each time a message window or dialog box is displayed, the position of the moveable cursor is monitored. A slight oscillation or “wiggle” in the position of the moveable cursor is then utilized to dismiss the message window or dialog box, eliminating the requirement that specific elements within the display be selected by the user in order to dismiss the message window.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product in which half of the storage space on a non-volatile storage device is used to maintain a copy of the last "known-good" copy of the operating system and on invocation by a user, restoring from this backup copy when, for example, the operating system has become corrupted due to changes made to settings or device drivers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning surface mounted optoelectric devices on a printed circuit board are disclosed. An optical transmitter and an optical receiver are added to the surface mounted optoelectric device. Also, a fiber optic cable is embedded within a printed circuit board. The length of the fiber optic cable is at least equivalent to a distance between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver placed on the surface mounted optoelectric device. An orientation of the surface mounted optoelectric device is aligned on the printed circuit board such that an optical signal transmitting from the optical transmitter can be received by the optical receiver via the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A device for the determination of the elapsed time since the initial activation of a unit of equipment. The device consists of a first and second circuit and a switch-on element. The first circuit establishes a connection between the item of equipment and the switch-on element. The second circuit consists of at least a time-counter and a source of energy to power the time-counter. Both circuits can be activated simultaneously by the switch-on element. The first circuit can be used both as the current flow for the item of equipment and also for detecting voltage or physical energy in a component of an item of equipment. The switch-on element can be activated both mechanically and electronically. The counter-information can be presented in a display unit in both a deletable or non-deletable manner. The time-counter and the display unit are powered by their own energy source.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are disclosed for efficiently maintaining security during a booting of the system. The system includes a plurality of boot devices. One of a plurality of password requirements are specified separately for each of the plurality of boot devices. In response to an attempt to boot the system utilizing one of the plurality of boot devices, a determination is made regarding whether a first of the plurality of password requirements is specified for the one of the plurality of boot devices. In response to a determination that the first of the plurality of password requirements is specified for the one of said plurality of boot devices, a correct entry of a password is required prior to permitting the system to boot utilizing the one of the plurality of boot devices.

Abstract: Described is a battery switching circuit in which a first battery and a second battery are connected to a common feeding point via a first feeding circuit and a second feeding circuit each including a semiconductor switch. The switch is alternately turned on so that one of the first and second batteries supplies electric power to the feeding point at a time. The battery switching circuit includes a first temperature sensor disposed in the proximity of the switch. A temperature detector is connected to the temperature sensor for generating an operational output in response to the output of the temperature sensor when the temperature of the switch exceeds a predetermined temperature. Lastly, a circuit is connected to the switch and is responsive to the operational output of the temperature detector for turning off the switch disposed in the proximity of the temperature sensor. Because the switch is protected from being overheated, it can be mounted on a low cost nonmetallic substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the maximum allowable current limit for each of a plurality of parallel power supplies within an N+1 power supply system in response to dynamic variations in the total supply current capacity of the N+1 power supply system. A plurality of parallel supplies make up the N+1 power supply which provides power to a load. A sensor within each of the parallel power supplies determines an operating status of each of the parallel power supplies. A detector circuit in communication with the sensors translates the operating status determination into a supply current capacity signal. Finally, a current limit adjustment circuit generates a current limit signal in response to the supply current capacity signal, such that the maximum allowable current limit for each parallel power supply is adjusted while maintaining the overall power supply VA limit for the N+1 power supply.