Abstract: The present invention is a system or method for assisting in the maintenance and servicing of computers. The system, for example, comprises a cluster database containing information relating to one or more computer clusters, the information relating to each cluster comprising one or more cluster descriptions and one or more representations of configuration information values that characterize typical computer members of the cluster, and also a tracker database containing configuration information values gathered from and relating to one or more computers.

Abstract: A financial instrument, and methods and systems for trading the financial instrument are provided. In one method, a trader enters into a futures contract for at least one share of a non-public company at a time prior to an initial public offering of stock of the company at an expected future price of the stock at a future time. The futures contract also provides for being settled at an actual future market based price at the future time after the non-public company becomes public through the initial public offering.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying clusters of similarly-configured computers. The method, for example, comprises gathering system and business configuration information values from a set of computers. Next, at least a portion of the system and business configuration information values gathered from the set of computers is analyzed along with the numbers of computers that are configured in various ways. Then, using the result of the analysis as a guide, logical expressions of configuration information values are selected for use as definitions of one or more clusters of similarly-configured computers, the selection process generally maximizing the number of computers included within each cluster and also generally maximizing the number of configuration information value specifications included within the definition of each cluster.

Abstract: An optical fiber distribution cabinet includes at least three separate, vertically arranged areas of optical fiber functionality; namely a coupler module storage compartment, a fiber slack storage compartment, and a fiber connection compartment with the fiber slack storage compartment disposed laterally between the coupler module storage compartment and the fiber connection compartment. A plurality of pre-connectorized (pigtail or jumper) coupler module output fibers are routed from the coupler module storage compartment through the fiber slack storage compartment to the fiber connection compartment and interconnected with corresponding optical fibers of one or more pre-connectorized distribution cables. At least one coupler module input fiber is spliced directly to an optical fiber of a feeder cable.

Abstract: A unique gaming format that can be played online and employs procedures for allocating game value units or points among a plurality of users (including through auction bidding and market-based transactions) and applies such procedures to determine certain rights with respect to such game value units or points in a manner that, when combined with certain external events (e.g., a real-life event-RLE), determines the outcome. The RLEs to which the format can be applied include any professional or amateur sports, reality-based television program, competition, or the like. In addition to the applicability to popular domains such as football and baseball, the game format can be applied to a broad variety of participants' particular interests, and can be configured to suit participants' particular playing styles, intensity, and competitive tastes.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes is disclosed. The device includes a housing with at least one compartment for containing at least one product. The compartment(s) can be closed by at least one corresponding cover. The device further includes at least one means for storing and releasing energy, so that the product to be dispensed may be released at one or more predetermined point(s) in time during a wash cycle. In one embodiment, the means may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. The device may also include at least one sensor and/or at least one actuator for detecting when the wash conditions are optimal and open at least one of the compartments for releasing a product.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an optical waveguide panel assembly having at least one slot for slidably receiving an optical waveguide module attachment, the slot including at least one optical waveguide module attachment with an outer surface having channels for receiving the side edges of the slot. In one embodiment, the slot includes a plurality of optical waveguide module attachments such that successive optical waveguide module attachments are stacked over a preceding optical waveguide module attachment. The optical waveguide module attachments may be separated by one or more spacers. Also provided for is an optical waveguide panel assembly having a plurality of slots, each slot containing a plurality of optical waveguide module attachments, thus forming a dense optical fiber output array.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method and a system for creating a sub-1V bandgap reference (BGR) circuit. In particular, a sub-1V BGR circuit is formed comprising a shallow trench isolation (STI) region and a poly silicon region above said STI region. The poly silicon region is formed having a first doped region longer than a second doped region. The poly silicon region as one single structure is adapted to function as a resistor and a diode coupled in series, said structure adapted to generate currents in a feedback loop to generate a BGR voltage. In forming the sub-1V BGR circuit, a silicide blocking mask (already available in the process flow for forming a standard semiconductor device) is used to prevent spacer oxide from forming above the center portion of the poly silicon region. In turn, silicide contacts can be formed away from the center portion of the poly silicon region.

Abstract: A method and package for controlled metered dispensing of a fluid product contained in the package having a metered dispensing system, each time the package is opened or uncapped are disclosed. By the present method and package, the maximum amount of product that can be dispensed is limited to a single metered dose after each uncapping of the package. Specifically, the metered dispensing system is configured to allow dispensing of only a single metered dose of a liquid, viscous liquid, gel, paste, or semi-solid product contained in the package and to prevent further dispensing of additional doses of product until at least one specific and deliberate step is taken that re-activates or re-engages the dispensing system. Such deliberate step is preferably one that occurs through natural use of the package, such as re-capping the open package after one single dose has been dispensed. Only after the open package has been re-capped can the next dose of product be available for dispensing.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained, device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes is disclosed. The device includes a housing with at least one compartment for containing at least one product. The compartment(s) can be closed by at least one corresponding cover. The device further includes at least one means for storing and releasing energy, so that the product to be dispensed may be released at one or more predetermined point(s) in time during a wash cycle. In one embodiment, the means may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. The device may also include at least one sensor and/or at least one actuator for detecting when the wash conditions are optimal and open at least one of the compartments for releasing a product.

Abstract: A wrench device has a bearing-type clutch for providing a unidirectional rotational force and an opposite unidirectional independent rotation. The device includes at least one bearing movably disposed in a tapering space between primary and secondary bodies. A displacement member engages and dislodges the at least one bearing from a binding location to a free location. A switch is pivotally disposed on the secondary body. A pivot member or gear is pivotally disposed between the switch and the displacement member such that pivoting the switch in one rotational direction results in movement of the displacement member in an opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: A method and package for controlled metered dispensing of a fluid product contained in the package having a metered dispensing system, each time the package is opened or uncapped are disclosed. By the present method and package, the maximum amount of product that can be dispensed is limited to a single metered dose after each uncapping of the package. Specifically, the metered dispensing system is configured to allow dispensing of only a single metered dose of a liquid, viscous liquid, gel, paste, or semi-solid product contained in the package and to prevent further dispensing of additional doses of product until at least one specific and deliberate step is taken that re-activates or re-engages the dispensing system. Such deliberate step is preferably one that occurs through natural use of the package, such as re-capping the open package after one single dose has been dispensed. Only after the open package has been re-capped can the next dose of product be available for dispensing.

Abstract: A wrench device has a bearing-type clutch for providing a unidirectional rotational force and an opposite unidirectional independent rotation. The wrench device includes both a bearing-type engagement for use at lower torques, and a ratchet pawl for use at higher torques. The bearing is disposed in an irregular space between a primary wall of a primary body and a secondary wall of a secondary body. The space has tapering or narrowing sections in which the bearing binds to fixedly engage the primary and secondary bodies as the primary body rotates in a first rotational direction. A pin or toggle dislodges the bearings so that the primary body may rotate freely in a second, opposing rotational direction while another bearing binds the secondary body to the primary body when the primary body is rotated in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming an insulative layer over a fuse link in a semiconductor device that is sufficiently thick to encapsulate the fuse link during laser opening, thereby preventing vaporized metal from re-depositing on the fuse link. The layer is also sufficiently thin to allow the laser to penetrate the insulative layer during laser opening of the fuse. A primary dielectric layer is formed over a metal fuse link, the primary dielectric having a predetermined deposition thickness over the fuse link. The primary dielectric layer is then covered with an etch interrupting layer. The etch interrupting layer is covered with a secondary dielectric layer and a portion of the secondary dielectric layer is then removed, resulting in an interlayer dielectric (ILD) stack formed from the etch interrupting layer and the remaining secondary dielectric layer. The ILD has a selected thickness that is greater than the thickness of the primary dielectric layer.

Abstract: A wrench device has a bearing-type clutch for providing a unidirectional rotational force and an opposite unidirectional independent rotation. The wrench device includes a set of larger and smaller bearings disposed in an irregular space with larger and smaller tapering sections between a primary wall of a primary body and a secondary wall of a secondary body. The space has tapering or narrowing sections in which the bearings bind to fixedly engage the primary and secondary bodies as the primary body rotates in a first rotational direction. A pin or toggle dislodges the bearings so that the primary body may rotate freely in a second, opposing rotational direction while another bearing binds the secondary body to the primary body when the primary body is rotated in the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A wrench device with a bearing-type clutch for selectively and reversibly providing a unidirectional rotational force and an opposite unidirectional independent rotation. The wrench device includes one or more bearings disposed in an irregular space between a primary wall of a primary body and a secondary wall of a secondary body. The space has tapering or narrowing sections in which the bearings bind to fixedly engage the primary and secondary bodies as the primary body rotates in a first rotational direction. A pin or toggle dislodges a bearing so that the primary body may rotate freely in a second, opposing rotational direction while another bearing binds the secondary body to the primary body when said primary body is rotated in the first rotational direction. Alternatively, a bearing is selectively positioned in the space to cause the primary and secondary to rotate together or independently depending on the positioning of the bearing and the rotational direction of the primary body.