Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a first processor coupled to a first system bus to provide data to a cache and a memory, and a second processor coupled to the first system bus and a second abbreviated system bus to receive read data from said first system bus. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes means for correcting errors in memory. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a number of computing systems each including a memory device mounted on an infrequently replaced hardware unit, and capable of communicating with the number of computing systems. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a counter, means for detecting a selected state of said counter, and means, responsive to output signals from said counter, for selectively permitting or inhibitting transfer of data fed to a recirculating state device.

Abstract: A modular system for supporting equipment on a wall has support panels. Each panel includes a sheet having columns of keyholes, and a rear support surface lying in a plane parallel to and spaced behind the sheet. The rear support surface has keyholes near the top of the panel and fastener elements near the bottom of the panel. The fastener elements have the same spacing as the keyholes near the top of the panel. The fastener elements project from the plane of the rear support surface toward the front support surface to permit mating with keyholes near the top of another panel to be hung below it.

Abstract: In a computer graphics system, an address generator processes physical and virtual addresses using a common command set. The address generator formulates addresses as a function of distance from the origin of the desired destination area in a destination memory to the requested position in the destination area. A plurality of context drawing commands is used to define a desired context in which drawing graphics commands operate. Different parts of the context are changeable/redefinable independently of the other parts. Graphics commands have a format of multiple fields having corresponding parameters arranged in order of common use of the parameter such that fields of less commonly used parameters are at an omittable end of the format. Raster drawing commands are delimited by a beginning and end indicator to form a drawing unit. For clip list processing, a drawing unit is stored as a single occurrence in the system command buffer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching power supply having a protection device to shutdown the supply of the output voltage and a circuit for providing a trickle voltage while the power supply is shutdown. The power supply is shutdown by lowering the primary bias voltage, the voltage which powers the internal components of the power supply, to a value which disables the production of the output voltage. However, the primary bias voltage is not reduced to ground. Various circuits and devices, such as a restart circuit, may then be powered by the trickle voltage while the power supply is shutdown.

Abstract: There is provided a method and materials for cooling the power train components, such as transformers, rectifiers, chokes, and the like, of an integrated on-board power supply IOP) using a single heatsink. Spacers are positioned between the power train components and a substrate, the substrate for mounting the components. The spacers are individually dimensioned and shaped to raise the heat-removal surfaces of the components to a substantially uniform and minimal height. A heatsink having a substantially planar, heat-acquiring surface is positioned on the heat-removal surfaces of the power train components. Fasteners are used to compress the spacers, urging the components against the heatsink to provide a substantially continuous and coplanar thermal interface between the components and the heatsink. After the components, heat sink and substrate have been fastened to each other, the components are electrically connected to the substrate by soldering.

Abstract: According to the invention a battery charger for charging a plurality of batteries includes a voltage supply connected by a pair of switches to a power converter including a transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings. Each secondary winding is coupled to a battery. Voltage is transferred from the voltage supply to the primary winding when the switches are closed and current is transferred from the secondary windings to the batteries when the switches are open. Charge control circuitry monitors the voltage of each battery and the total battery voltage and determines the amount of current to supply to the batteries. Supervisory logic monitors the current received from the secondary windings by each of the batteries and the voltage of each of the batteries to determine the charge status of each battery and the operating status of the power converter.

Abstract: A dual processor computer system includes a first processing system having a central processing unit which executes a series of data processing instructions, a data bus system for transferring data to and from the first central processing unit, a memory unit coupled to the first central processing unit, and a cross-link communications element for transferring data into and out of the first processing system. A similarly configured second processing system, operating independently of the first processing system, is also provided. The cross-link communications element associated with the second processing system is coupled to the cross-link communication element of the first processing system, for transferring data into the second processing system from the first processing system and for transferring data into the first processing system from the second computer system.

Abstract: A dual processor data processing system having interprocessor error checking includes a first central processing unit executing a series of instructions. A second central processing unit executes the same series of instructions independently of and in synchronism with the first central processing unit. A first data bus is coupled to the first central processing unit for receiving data to be input to the first central processing unit and a second data bus is coupled to the second central processing unit for receiving data to be input to the second central processing unit. Error checking devices are coupled to the first and second data busses for checking data transmitted over the first and second data busses and for detecting errors on I/O reads prior to delivery of the data to the first and second central processing units. The error checking devices include comparison means for indicating an error when the data on the first and second data busses are unequal.

Abstract: A technique for distributing updated distance vectors used in routers, which are connected by point-to-point links having datagram service. Distance vectors are used by routers to route messages over the most desirable paths, but must be continually modified as a result of update messages passed between routers, to reflect changes in network topology. Datagram service does not normally ensure that such update messages will reach other routers, but the technique of the invention uses unique sequence numbers on all information packets containing distance vector update messages, and achieves efficient and timely distribution of updated distance vector information with only a modest storage requirements. Unlike reliable service, which requires each message to be delivered exactly once and in the order sent, the invention allows subsequent update messages to be delivered to the same neighboring router even if previous messages have not yet been received and processed.

Abstract: A shock and vibration isolating device is provided for mounting a component on a supporting structure while absorbing with substantially equalized reaction force relative movement between the component and the supporting structure occurring in all of the three mutually orthogonal planes in which the dynamic loading of the component can occur. The device includes an open frame planar spring element lying in a plane parallel to one of the mutually orthogonal planes, the spring element composed of a core member of a low creep, high modulus, metal and a shell member of a plastic exhibiting high internal dynamic loss substantially encompassing said core. A first cantilever section adjacent a first end is mounted to the supporting structure; a second cantilever section parallel to the first cantilever section adjacent a second end is mounted to the component; and a bridge section connects the first and second cantilever sections and is perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for circulating a body of molten solder. An enclosure, attached to the base of an impeller motor extends downward into the body of molten solder. A rotatable shaft, advantageously attached to the impeller motor by a flexible coupling device, extends through the interior of the enclosure, terminating beyond the open end of the enclosure and connected at that end to an impeller. A seal between the rotatable shaft and the open end of the enclosure acts to prevent solder from entering the interior of the enclosure. The seal is comprised of a self-lubricating material which expands as the temperature of solder increases, forming a solder tight fit between the rotatable shaft and the seal and further securing the exterior of the seal to the interior wall of the enclosure while permitting shaft rotation. The self-lubricating and high temperature characteristics of the sealing material preclude the production of by-products from wear by the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: Provided is a cooling system for transferring heat away from heat dissipative devices. The cooling system includes a thermally conductive heat sink member which is connected on one side to a heat dissipating device and attached on the second side to a resilient bellows pipe element filled with liquid coolant. The other end of the bellows is attached to and communicates with an evaporator section which communicates with a condenser section. The thermally conductive heat sink member, which may include thermally conductive fins, conducts transfers heat energy from the heat dissipating device to the liquid coolant. As the liquid coolant in the heat pipe heats and expands, the liquid in evaporator section of the cooling system can evaporate, the vapor passing to the condenser section. Vapor cools and returns to liquid state in the condenser section, wherein it is gravitationally returned to the evaporator section of the cooling device.