Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing environmental protection to electronic systems, particularly data storage systems, in order to permit such systems to survive severe environmental changes such as those that occur during a fire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing environmental protection to electronic systems, particularly data storage systems, in order to permit such systems to survive severe envionmental changes such as those that occur during a fire.

Abstract: A USB (universal serial bus) digital display system including a stand-alone (e.g. an active matrix thin film transistor) digital display surrounded by an aesthetically pleasing picture frame to give the impression that photographic images being displayed are actually printed photographs. A remote personal computer and a remote USB mass storage device (e.g. a digital camera or a card reader) are coupled to the digital display by way of respective USB cables. Each of the personal computer and the digital camera or card reader is connected to its USB cable by a suitable USB interface so that photographic images as well as optional descriptive text and sound data can be conveniently and inexpensively downloaded directly to the digital display from a remote location for viewing purposes.

Abstract: A standard picture frame detachably connected to a video monitor of the kind having a digital display to receive and display photographic images that are downloaded from a compatible image source so as to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the monitor to match the surroundings in which the monitor will be stationed. In the assembled relationship, the picture frame is attached to the front of the monitor so as to lie in surrounding engagement with a picture frame mount, whereby the digital display is visible through the central window of the frame. In a first embodiment, a pair of slidable locking latches project outwardly and in opposite direction from the monitor for receipt by the existing peripheral groove formed in the picture frame. In a second embodiment, a pivotal locking latch and a stationary locking tab project outwardly and in opposite directions from the monitor for receipt by the existing peripheral groove in the frame.

Abstract: An automated direct memory access system is implemented as an advanced ATA host IC for mother board or adapter applications. The system transfers data from two independent ATA channels using the ATA Ultra-100 protocols. The ADMA implements a command chaining technique to de-couple the host command sequence from channel execution. Software builds a command chain for hardware execution. The ADMA hardware independently reads command chain requests from memory and executes the next task on the list. When the ADMA hardware completes a task, it interrupts the host in order to inform the host that the task is complete, but immediately proceeds to the next task without waiting for interrupt servicing by the host.

Abstract: A portable meter-billing machine, for issuing bills to the customers of public utilities such as town gas and electricity which are supplied to the consumers through meters at the consumer's premises, comprises a portable carrying case for the official meter reader to carry to successive premises, the case being provided with a keyboard for entering the new meter reading at the premises of each successive consumer and housing a data memory storing the previous meter-readings of the respective consumers, a program memory storing a billing program and tariff data, a microprocessor and a bill printer controlled by the microprocessor in accordance with the billing program. The machine is responsive to a new meter reading for a consumer being entered on the keyboard to prepare billing data from the previous meter reading stored for that consumer and the stored billing program and tariff data and to print a corresponding bill for that consumer.

Abstract: An envelope which, for the purposes of delivery, may be hung over a door knob. The envelope comprises an envelope portion provided with a flap for closing that envelope portion, and a hanging portion from which the envelope portion is separable, the hanging portion being formed with an aperture from which a slit radiates and provided with a flap for sealing across the slit once the envelope has been applied (by its aperture) to the door handle.