Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating unnecessary address transitions on an DRAM address bus and DRAM write enable line. In a known DRAM controller and DRAM array, all address transitions on the CPU address bus are mirrored by address transitions on the DRAM address bus. The present invention eliminates all address transitions not associated with an actual DRAM access cycle by eliminating the DRAM controller's address multiplexer and replacing it with a multiplexing driver circuit and a bus holder circuit. In a similar fashion, a DRAM write enable circuit eliminates all transitions on the DRAM write enable line that are not associated with actual DRAM access cycles. Although specifically discussed in terms of a DRAM array and its associated circuitry, the portion of the present invention that reduces address transitions on the DRAM address lines could be used in any device currently using a multiplexer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for interleaving display frame buffers is disclosed. The system includes a processor providing CPU addresses for peripheral access, a display system, a single memory system for storing multiple frame buffers, data buses for transferring image information and a video controller for processing the image information received and for converting CPU addresses into memory addresses for accessing the memory system. The multiple frame buffers stored in the memory system in accordance with the present invention provide either overlay images for a display or separate images for separate displays or both.

Abstract: A power connecting device for electrical appliances having two metal prongs for use with standard North American mains outlets; the prongs rotate to fold into a recess in the device. The recess protects the prongs for storage and transport, and is designed to accept slip-on adapters that slide into the recess, surrounding and mating with the folded down prongs and providing connection to the local mains connections in differing international locations.

Abstract: A hinge-EMI grounding conductor is disclosed for an electronic device which has hinged operating portions, for example, a portable computer having a display housing hingedly attached to a main body housing. The present invention not only allows the angle between the two portable computer housings be rotably adjusted for optimal user operations but also provides a compact and economical way of implementing a conductive grounding path for purposes such as EMI shielding.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating electroluminescent panels. An electroluminescent panel is driven by a voltage source feeding a modified bridge driven by a pulse width modulated signal. By using a pulse frequency above the range of human hearing and a modulating signal that is a sine wave of the proper frequency for operating the panel, a sine wave is generated across the panel without requiring bulky low frequency magnetic components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing bootstrapped gate drive voltage in a flyback switching power supply. Switching transients and ringing caused by leakage inductance and capacitance in the flyback transformer are captured and used to provide a boosted gate drive voltage for the flyback switch, resulting in lower on resistance and lower switching losses.

Abstract: An integrated and drop-in EMI filter that features common-mode and differential-mode noise filtering capabilities is disclosed. The common-mode portion and the differential-mode portion of the filter are independent of each other in that the two filter portions may be made out of different ferrites, also in that, the an increase in the filtering capability in one mode, such as having an increased number of turns in the winding, would not affect or reduce the filtering capability of the other mode, such as reducing the overall throughhole depths a conductor travels.

Abstract: The use of a single metal mounting frame within an LCD assembly having an outer plastic housing provides for a thin, light, rigid, and less expensive LCD assembly. The metal mounting frame is coupled to a bezel and aligns an LCD panel between the bezel and the mounting frame. A backlighting assembly which provides illumination for the LCD panel is aligned by the mounting frame and the bezel and is aligned between the mounting frame and a plastic cover panel. The plastic cover panel couples to the bezel to form the outer housing of the LCD assembly.

Abstract: An integrated AC adapter and battery charger is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an AC adapter unit for converting AC power to a DC power and a battery charging apparatus coupled to the AC adapter unit for charging a battery pack. The battery charging apparatus further comprises a microcontroller for sensing the condition of the battery pack or tacks being charged, a memory for storing the proper charging profile for a number of different types of battery packs, and a charging current generator capable of generating a varying charging current based on the microcontroller's determination of the battery's condition and the charging profile stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for instantaneously and discontinuously moving the cursor in a computer system to any one of a plurality of user-selected screen positions is disclosed. In many known computer systems, a cursor control device known as a mouse is used to move and manipulate the position of the display's cursor. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, X- and Y-axis position sensing means are incorporated into the mouse's known electronics. A program correlates a plurality of X- and Y-axis mouse positions with a plurality of cursor positions on the display. When the computer user moves the cursor control device into any one of these programmed positions, the cursor on the display automatically moves to the predetermined position.

Abstract: An audio receiver FIFO memory buffer in the serial digital video interface allows improved timing synchronization between video and audio information. Furthermore, it eliminates unpleasant sound effects when multiple data samples are skipped or repeated in series. This FIFO receiver buffer receives data at an input write-data rate filling up the memory storage cells therein. An output read-data signal clocks the data out of the memory storage cells. The FIFO's fullness is monitored and maintained, in response to an external signal, to within a specified range delimited by an upper and a lower threshold. If the FIFO buffer fullness is below the range's lower threshold, then the FIFO's read address pointer is held so that the immediately preceding read out data element is read out again, but only once. On the other hand, the FIFO buffer fullness is over the range's upper limit, then the FIFO's write address pointer is held so that the immediately preceding written in data element is written over, but only once.

Abstract: An illuminated dome type switch for use on a control panel having a support base and suitable circuitry for interconnecting various components making up the panel is disclosed herein. This switch includes a light source and a dome, both of which are supported on the base of the panel and the latter of which is resiliently movable between a biased OFF position and a depressed ON position. The switch also includes a keycap having an upper portion through which at least some light can pass, and a bottom outer periphery including a dome actuator. The keycap is supported directly over the light source and to one side of the dome for movement between a biased OFF position so as not to depress the dome and a depressed ON position for causing the actuator to depress the dome in order to move the latter to its on position, whereby to turn on the light source by means of circuitry forming part of the control panel and a suitable source of power and thereby illuminate the upper portion of the keycap.

Abstract: Deteriorated or aged magnetic recording media exhibiting undesirable properties such as shed, stickiness or squeal are restored to playable condition having no such objectionable properties by heating the media to an elevated temperature and for lengths of time sufficient to restore the media. A typical temperature used is 54.degree. C. and a typical effective time is 16 hours. Ambient humidity is suitable. The restored media can be used to transfer data or information to new media. Restored media can also be again heat treated for restoration purposes, if it deteriorates again.