Abstract: A backup power system includes continuously powered memory (CPM) backup functionality integrated with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup functionality, for use with a computer system. Battery energy level is monitored to detect when a threshold energy level is reached. The threshold level is an energy level required to ensure a successful CPM backup operation. When a utility power interruption is detected, if the battery energy level is above the threshold, UPS operation is provided. When battery energy level reaches the threshold, CPM operation is provided.

Abstract: A concentrator and protocol converter for concentrating signals from a plurality of information circuits and coupling to a computer system control device, and for converting between at least two communications protocols. The information circuits contain vital product data (VPD) about associated devices which is used by the computer system control device.

Abstract: In an electronic system having at least one enclosure including at least one connecting board with at least one associated device coupled thereto, a respective physical location of each device is electronically determined, and an indication of each respective physical location is stored in memory disposed in the at least one enclosure. An operating system uses the stored physical location indication to correlate logical addresses to physical location.

Abstract: A divider for preventing a card device from contacting another card device or other electrical component includes a planar member, and locating and securing features which serve to locate the planar member with respect to a card connector, a card planer board, and to locate and secure a card device with respect to the divider.

Abstract: Hot-plugging and power management capabilities are simultaneously provided for a connector. Circuitry is provided to control a power management terminal so that it is powered up gradually and only after a device has been connected to the connector. The power management terminal is powered down when the device is disconnected from the connector under control of the circuitry. The power management voltage domain is isolated from the voltage domain of the system having the connector by further circuitry which also provides connection status lines.

Abstract: A device for converting the visual and/or auditory into tactile representations includes imaging equipment for converting light and/or sounds, including spoken text, into electrical signals, processing equipment for processing the electrical signals, and a tactile display for converting processed electrical signals into tactile images. The tactile images are felt by the user enabling them to obtain visual or auditory information by touch about the world around them that would otherwise be obtained through vision and/or hearing.