Abstract: A computer motherboard has a central processor socket, memory sockets, and a plurality of connectors for connecting peripheral devices to the motherboard. Two or more storage ports enable connection of storage devices (e.g., HDDs) to the motherboard. A system BIOS that is resident on the motherboard contains computer-executable program code for enabling backup and restore functionality on the storage devices connected to the storage ports.

Abstract: A computer motherboard has a central processor socket, memory sockets, and a plurality of connectors for connecting peripheral devices to the motherboard. Two or more storage ports enable connection of storage devices (e.g., HDDs) to the motherboard. A system BIOS that is resident on the motherboard contains computer-executable program code for enabling backup and restore functionality on the storage devices connected to the storage ports.

Abstract: A computer storage device has a RJ-45 female connector. In this RJ-45 physical storage device, the RJ-45 connector is integrated into the storage device control unit. This eliminates the need for a hardware bridge between the serial or parallel ATA/ATAPI/SCSI/SAS/Fiber Optic or any other storage device and a computer or computer network.

Abstract: A computer storage device has a native USB/FireWire (1394) connector. In this native USB or FireWire physical storage device, the USB or FireWire (1394) connector is integrated into the storage device control unit. This eliminates the need for a hardware bridge between the serial or parallel ATA/ATAPI storage device and the USB or FireWire host computer port.

Abstract: A backup and recovery system for a computer deals with the creation and subsequent incremental updating of an image copy of the data. This image copy is stored on a separate storage device (“backup storage device”) also connected to the computer system. By storing the image data on the backup storage device in a format that is directly usable by the operating system/file system on the user's computer, the invention gives the user access to a complete and up-to-date copy of their computer storage device, including all data stored therein such as that in the form of user files, applications, preferences, system files, partition tables, hidden partitions, and free space. In the event of failure of the computer system storage device, or loss or corruption of the data therein, the invention provides for the restoration of the data through an image- or file-copy of the contents of the backup storage device.

Abstract: A software piracy protection and access authorization device is provided in the form of a USB dongle key. A first end is formed with a USB connector for insertion into a USB port receptacle in a computer device. A second end is formed with a USB port receptacle for receiving a USB connector of a peripheral device to be connected to the computer device. Piracy protection and access authorization software is operatively connected to the first end that plugs into the computer device. The second end is connected to the first end to enable an operative USB connection between the peripheral device and the computer device. The peripheral connection may be entirely transparent, i.e., completely independent of the piracy protection and access authorization software, or it may be a protected connection that is partly or wholly directed through the piracy protection and access authorization software.

Abstract: Local backup operations in a computer are organized from a remote computer. The local computer has an intermediate device controller and at least one additional hard disk drive for backup. There are two types of backup operations provided. The first is an image backup which assures that the backup hard disk drive will be an exact duplicate of the system disk drive, thus contain all data, programs and system information, and in fact it becomes a bootable disk. In this way, the backup disk can completely replace the failed system disk. The second type is a file backup, which may include all files, selected files, or only files modified since the last backup. No user involvement is needed when the backup is taking place. All commands necessary to the backup operation, whether it will be an image backup or a file backup, can be sent remotely, through network and/or Internet connections. This has the advantage of providing remote administration together with tracking and monitoring information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intermediate hard disk drive adapter for a computer system and, in particular, to an inexpensive high performance, high reliability intermediate hard disk drive adapter for a computer system that allows periodic multiple data archiving.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intermediate hard disk drive adapter for a plurality of data processing channels and, in particular, to an inexpensive high performance, high reliability intermediate hard disk drive adapter for a number of data processing channels to share a single hard disk drive, each seeing the hard drive as its own.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intermediate hard disk drive adapter for a computer system and, in particular, to an inexpensive high performance, high reliability intermediate hard disk drive adapter for a computer system utilizing the Serial ATA method of communicating between the central processor and the hard disk drives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the sampling of liquids which permeate dialysis membranes, comprising cells bounded by two such membranes. The device according to the invention is suited for determining hydrochemical profiles of groundwater, in lakes and the like. The device according to the invention is a modular one, comprising a plurality of consecutive dialysis cells, spaced at predetermined intervals, in a support system. The sampler is introduced into the liquid and left there for an adequate period of time to establish an equilibrium. After removal, each of the cells is analysed and provides information on the composition of the liquid at the given depth.