Abstract: A wireless modem is connectable to a user device, in which application software is “wireless unaware” and does not require an application programmer to consider particularities of wireless communication protocols, via a serial port. The serial port of the wireless modem receives user data transmitted by the user device in accordance with a communications protocol for wireline transmission. An output port of the modem is connectable to an antenna. A processing unit is coupled to the serial port and the output port and includes an embedded communication protocol for wireless data communication. The processing unit processes the user data received from the serial port in accordance with the embedded communication protocol.

Abstract: A combination of software and hardware in a computer system prevents a hard disk from starting if an environmental parameter (i.e. temperature) is outside operational limits. An extension to the basic input/output software normally used with IBM-PC architecture processes signals indicative of the ambient environmental parameter. The extension to the basic input/output software is added to silicon memory in the computer instead of being stored on the hard drive. Upon initial application of electrical power to the computer the hard drive is disabled while the extension determines whether the environmental parameter is within an acceptable limit. The extension enables the hard drive and allows the boot process to proceed only if the environmental parameter is within the limiting value.

Abstract: Vaginal muscle contraction is sensed by change of pressure within a flexible, hollow tubular member that is adapted to be compressed in response to muscle contraction. A simple pressure transducer embodies a pressure tube connected with the tubular sensing member and having an end covered by a flexible diaphragm that expands in response to increased pressure so as to progressively block light transmitted to a photosensitive resistor. The resistor controls an electrical signal that is employed to provide an audible or visual display that provides a measure of relative strength of muscular contraction and which also may be used in a biofeedback loop to inform the user of the intensity of the contraction. Accuracy of the inexpensive transducer is increased by compensating the output electrical signal for both nonlinearity and hysteresis of the distensible rubber diaphragm.