Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for protecting a condensate removal device from damage that may be caused when the condensate removal device comes into contact with foreign objects. The present invention discloses placing a shield around the condensate removal device to help prevent the condensate removal device from coming into contact with any foreign object. The present invention also discloses placing a removable cap around the condensate removal device and a condensate removal device that may recess within a mounting assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for extending cursor control sticks commonly utilized by portable computers to provide a joystick. The apparatus allow adjustment of joystick height, and provide for storage and use of the cursor control stick cap while attached to the mounting post.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accommodating irregular memory write word widths allow for writing to multiple rows in a memory so as to reduce or eliminate holes in the address read space. First and second memory blocks are provided that include a first bitcell selectable by a first write bitline and a second bitcell selectable by a second write bitline. Where a write word width is not equal to a read word width and is not some factor of a power of two times the read word width, the column decode to read out the entire word is not a power of two, and holes in the read address space will exist. When the write address is even, a first range of bits is written to the first block on a first write bitline, a second range of bits is written to the second block on the first write bitline, and a third range of bits is written to the first block on a second write bitline.

Abstract: A multilevel clock tree uses a temporary clock buffer or reference signal in a clock tree deskew circuit to dynamically minimize skew in a variable delay clock signal that synchronizes operation of synchronized circuit components of an integrated circuit. There are multiple temporary clock buffer signals at each level of the multilevel clock tree. Skew between the temporary clock buffer signals are minimized by providing identical path lengths and path geometries at each level of the temporary clock buffer. The clock tree deskew circuit reduces the clock tree skew, on a level by level basis, in repeated intervals over a period of time. When each level of the tree deskew circuit is deskewed, that level of the clock tree deskew circuit is then turned off to prevent unnecessary further adjustments to the clock signals, but can be turned back on when conditions change that alter the clock tree skew.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively obtaining information over a network with an information handling system coupled to the network are disclosed. The network is searched for the information based upon a predetermined criterion, and the information is located on a node of the network where the information is stored. A parameter value of the node where the information is stored is determined, and the determined parameter value is displayed in conjunction with a link to the node whereby a determination may be made whether to obtain the information from the node based upon the determined parameter value. The search results may be ordered and selected according to one or more of determined parameter values of the nodes where the information is stored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical connector including a first connector pin suitable for making contact on a side of a first flat conductor surrounded by an insulator and a second connector pin suitable for making contact on a side of a second flat conductor surrounded by an insulator. The first flat conductor and the second flat conductor are spaced to form an electrical differential pair.

Abstract: A termination impedance in a semiconductor circuit is trimmed to fall within a desired range by a trimming circuit such that the amount of variation in the termination impedance is less than the variation in the sheet rho (resistivity) of the semiconductor. An external reference resistor causes a reference current to flow in multiple branches of a current mirror circuit. One branch of the current mirror circuit has a resistance less than the reference resistor, another has a resistance approximately equal to the reference resistor, and another has resistance greater than the reference resistor. Variation in the sheet rho results voltage drops across the resistor in variation in the resistor values. A logic circuit detects the variations, and encodes a control signal. The control signal is received by a variable termination circuit that switches parallel resistance branches in or out of the termination impedance circuit such that an effective termination impedance is selected based upon the control signal.

Abstract: An adapter for receiving a surplus optical storage media drive capable of stand-alone playing of optical storage media is described. The adapter provides at least the minimum level of functionality required, together with the surplus optical storage media drive, to play optical storage media in order to extend the useful life of the surplus drive. The optical storage media may include compact disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs or the like type of storage media. The adapter provides the capability of connecting with external devices that improve the functionality and usefulness of the drive-adapter system.

Abstract: A touchpad pointing device dynamically adjusts cursor control gain characteristics based on the x-y coordinates at which the finger first touches the touchpad for a given cursor control task. In this manner, cursor control gain such as simple cursor tracking rate or cursor acceleration profile may be optimized for each control task without changing settings. The x-y coordinates are preferably grouped into easily identifiable zones on the touchpad surface. Accordingly, a wide range of control gain is available, including very high cursor track rates where long distance cursor excursions are desired, and very low cursor tracking for tasks requiring fine cursor positioning. As a further aspect of the invention, the touchpad also allows control of other operational features such as tapping, tapping sensitivity, and button functionality, thus providing a touchpad that is highly customizable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing several applications to share a single video overlay resource via multiplexing are disclosed. The multiplexing is accomplished from the application end through a multiplexing abstraction layer provided to the developers of end applications as an application program interface. Through the application program interface, each application may, at any time, request, release, or modify the attributes of the video overlay device such as picture quality, tuning, source, etc. The application program interface provides all basic functionality of the hardware as accessible through other means including normal operating system support and device driver services.

Abstract: A bulk cargo container is disclosed for storing, transporting or processing solid or liquid bulk materials. The bulk cargo container includes a vessel suitable for containing the bulk material and a supporting frame assembly having a generally horizontally disposed support member attachment. In an exemplary embodiment, the vessel is formed of fiber reinforced plastic material and includes a container portion and a support member. The container portion is formed into at least one hopper having a discharge opening therein suitable for discharging bulk material contained within the vessel. The vessel is supported from the support member attachment via the support member so that the weight of the bulk material is carried in tension by the fiber reinforced plastic material of the vessels shell.