Abstract: An integrated circuit 2 is provided with a clamp transistor 20 for providing electrostatic discharge event protection. A detector circuit 28 produces a clamp control signal for switching the clamp transistor 20 to a conductive state so as to provide the electrostatic discharge protection. The detector circuit 28 also generates an electrostatic discharge event signal 36 which is distributed elsewhere within the integrated circuit 2 and controls a protection circuit element 60, 64, 44 to force a processing control signal 40, 52 of a signal processing transistor 38, 54 into a state in which the signal processing transistor 38, 54 is more resistant to electrostatic discharge damage. The signal processing transistors 38, 54 may be P-type field effect transistors associated with a receiver 14 or a transmitter 12 connected to an external signal communication line.

Abstract: A stack group bidding protocol (SGBP) establishes systems as members of a stack group connected together through one or more networks. When an event, such as establishment of a point-to-point link, occurs on one of the systems, a bid request is sent to each stack group member. Each stack group member then bids for the event. The bid is based on dynamic bid weighting criteria that varies depending on the computation capacity of the member at the time the bid request is initiated. A multichassis multilink PPP (MLP) protocol utilizes the SGBP to conduct multilink PPP sessions for links that either originate or terminate on different physical systems. A L2F forwarding protocol is used in combination with multichassis MLP to forward the links from one system to another system and offers location transparency.

Abstract: An encoding scheme controls long carry-over propagation while at the same time prevents start code emulation. An arithmetic encoder converts an input signal into an encoded bit stream that provides data compression of the original input signal. The encoding scheme identifies carry-overs from the encoded input signal that could propagate into portions of the previously encoded bit stream and inadvertently emulate a start code. Bit stuffing is used to avoid emulation of the start code while at the same time limit propagation of carry-overs. A first bit stuffing procedure is used for detecting carry-over in the encoded input signal. A second bit stuffing procedure is used during normalization of the arithmetic encoded data.

Abstract: An IP address is automatically discovered by a network endpoint, such as a PC or router. The endpoint listens for a broadcast network packet or promiscuously listens for a unicast network packet sent from a web browser from a host system. The network packet includes the IP address for the host system and a preselected IP domain name. The IP domain name is used to initiate the address discovery in the endpoint. The IP address from the host system is used by the endpoint as a seed for generating a proposed IP network address. The endpoint then uses an address resolution protocol (ARP) to determine whether the proposed IP address is currently assigned to any other device in the network. If no device in the network responds to the ARP request, the proposed IP address constitutes a unique address on a network segment. Because the proposed address is not used by any other device in the subnetwork, it is self-assigned to the endpoint.

Abstract: A VMWI (Visual Message Waiting Indicator) multisense detection device solves both the problem of long CLASS VMWI signal retransmission delays and unreliable CLASS VMWI signal transmission by simultaneously enabling both stutter dial tone detection and CLASS VMWI signal detection. The multisense device samples the line each time the phone is placed on-hook or after the phone goes unanswered after a ring. If a valid CLASS VMWI signal is detected before the scheduled dial tone test, the dial tone test will be canceled. If no CLASS VMWI signal is detected, after a given amount of time, the VMWI device automatically enables stutter dial tone detection. The detection circuitry periodically polls for a preamble field of the CLASS signal to determine whether a valid CLASS signal is about to be transmitted. If the preamble indicates a CLASS signal is being transmitted, the detection circuitry remains on and the CLASS signal is received and processed.

Abstract: A disc screen classifies material by size. The disc screen includes a frame, a plurality of shafts mounted on the frame parallel with one another and a first stage including discs mounted on the shafts in a substantially coplanar row. Each of the discs has a perimeter shaped to maintain the space between discs substantially constant during rotation. A second stage includes discs mounted on the shafts in a substantially coplanar row. Each of the discs has a perimeter shaped to maintain the space between discs substantially constant during rotation. A receiving section agitates debris while the debris moves at an angle up to a given elevation. A roll over section drops the materials down to a discharge position for feeding onto a discharge section. The materials are dropped from the roll over so that the debris either falls vertically or flips over further promoting separation. The discharge section again agitates the debris while moves up a second incline until the larger debris discharges out a rear end.

Abstract: A pluggable port adapter is used for connecting PCI devices to a host system through a PCI local bus while also adding functionality to the host system. The port adapter communicates with the host system through a port adapter/host interface that includes the PCI local bus and an auxiliary bus. The auxiliary bus is used for controlling the additional circuitry on the port adapter. A PROM on the adapter card is used for identifying the port adapter type, serial number and hardware revision. The auxiliary bus is used for conducting JTAG testing and is used by the host system to program logic devices on the port adapter. The logic devices can be reprogrammed in the field by the host system to repair bugs and to enhance performance and/or functionality. A power control circuit on the port adapter is controlled by the auxiliary bus for conducting hot swap operations.

Abstract: A surge suppression system includes a surge suppression circuit having multiple surge suppression elements each capable of activating during a voltage transient or other power surge condition. A multi-level monitoring circuit surveys the percentage of operational surge suppression elements. The monitoring circuit generates a low priority signal when a small percentage of the surge suppression elements are disabled. The monitoring circuit generates a high priority signal when a second higher percentage of the surge suppressor elements are disabled. In another aspect of the invention, each fuse is formed as a trace on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A special memory overlay circuit uses a first DRAM buffer memory in combination with a second faster SRAM buffer memory to reduce the time required to translate information into different network protocols. Packet data is stored in the DRAM buffer memory and packet headers requiring manipulation are stored in the SRAM buffer memory. Because the SRAM has a faster data access time than the DRAM buffer memory, a processor can reformat the packet header into different network protocols in a shorter amount of time. Packet headers also use a relatively small amount of memory compared to remaining packet data. Since the SRAM buffer memory is only used for storing packet headers, relatively little additional cost is required to utilize the faster SRAM memory while substantially increasing network performance.

Abstract: An analog oscillator for an integrated circuit operates at low frequency with reduced sensitivity to noise and can be implemented with a capacitor that takes up a small amount of die space. The oscillator charges a capacitor by generating a current with a charge current source and then shunting a portion of the current away from the capacitor with a shunt current source. The current sources are implemented in bipolar transistors which are operated at high current to reduce sensitivity to noise. The capacitor is charged slowly by a small difference current which is equal to the difference between the current from the charge current source and the current from the shunt current source. A Schmitt trigger comparator compares the capacitor voltage to a reference voltage and controls a discharge current source which discharges the capacitor. The current sources include current mirrors and are temperature compensated.

Abstract: A portable RF docking station is detachably coupled to a palm-sized computer to provide extended wireless communication through a radio modem and wireline communication through a wireline modem. Both modems are contained inside the docking station and are powered by rechargeable batteries. The docking station includes a housing having a flat platform, a side section that extends vertically upward along a side edge of the platform and a rear section that extends vertically upward along a rear edge of the platform. The housing in combination with a data connector holds the computer and docking station together as one cohesive unit. A four-stage charging circuit maintains the rechargeable battery in a fully charged condition.

Abstract: A rigid frame that is positioned around the skull to define a multi-dimensional coordinate system. Multiple arms are coupled together with a support ring to increase the overall stiffness of the frame. The arms and the support ring are made from a plastic material that makes the frame appear transparent in CT and MRI images. Receptors provide a mounting base upon which the frame is repeatedly attached and detached from the skull at the same reproducible reference location. Each receptor is mounted to the skull with a screw that inserts through a rear end. A drill assembly and attachment assembly are used to secure the receptors in the skull.

Abstract: An augerless boring system uses a relatively slender drill steel pipe attached at a front end to a large tubular hammer. The hammer holds different drill bits. The drill steel and the hammer are located inside a casing and driven along with the casing by a power and advance unit. The hammer extends through a front stabilizer head attached to the front end of the casing. A stabilizer head improves drill bit control while supporting the boring assembly in the casing. The stabilizer head includes multiple stabilizer bars extending lengthwise along the inside of a stabilizer casing. A special thrust adapter is used for pushing the casing in a forward direction and attaches to a size adapter that provides forward pressure against substantially the entire rear end of the casing. The thrust adapter in combination with the size adapter provides even distributed pressure to the rear end of the casing for more effective thrust of the casing into a bore hole.

Abstract: An electrically powered annunciating system, for use in electrical panel boxes, having a sensing circuit including a first acoustical transducer to transmit a sonic signal to an annunciating circuit baring a second acoustical transducer at a spaced distance from the first transducer to operate the annunciating circuit responsive to a sonic signal received from the first transducer. The sensing circuit powers the first acoustical transducer to produce a sonic signal responsive to a sensed electrical event such as termination of power to an electrical component. The annunciating circuit includes a tuned amplifier for signal purification and amplification, a time delay integrator to prevent accidental circuit operation caused by noise and an annunciator and a communication interface activated responsive to a sonic signal received by the second transducer.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: The invention comprises a rigid frame that is positioned around the skull to define a multi-dimensional coordinate system. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm having an attachment assembly movable along a longitudinal axis directed toward the center of the rigid frame assembly. Multiple receptors are either attached to the skull or drilled into the skull for receiving an associated attachment assembly. The receptors provide a mounting base upon which the frame is repeatedly attached and detached from the skull at the same reproducible reference location. Each arm has a multi-station receptacle that receives various attachments used for mounting and attaching the receptors. Special bushing are used to lock the attachment assembly in a preset longitudinal position in relation to the arm. The locked attachment assembly can then be removed from the arm allowing the frame to be removed from the skull while maintaining frame position information.

Abstract: A dolly distributes weight between a highway truck and trailer while at the same time maintaining an extended wheelbase between load bearing axles. A front end of the dolly includes a king pin that joins to a sliding fifth wheel located on the truck frame. A second fifth wheel is joined to the rear end of the dolly and receives a corresponding king pin on the front end of the trailer. A pivot assembly is joined to a center section of the dolly and is pivotally joined to a rear end of the truck frame. The pivot assembly serves to pivot weight between the front and rear end of the dolly and also maintains the dolly in a rigid longitudinal alignment with the truck. Air bags are located between the steerable dolly wheels and the the rear end of the dolly to further increase adjustability of trailer weight distribution.