Abstract: A method of gapping a ferrite core by coating the core with a stabilizing material, fracturing the core with a laser beam thereby creating one or more gaps in the core's magnetic field, optionally opening the fracture to obtain a desire inductance, and then sealing the core.

Abstract: A database and execution hierarchy for computer graphics display systems that breaks LOD transitions into two functional steps. The first is the geometry transition, and the second is the detail transition, provided by texture maps. The geometric transition applies conformal fixed vertex decimation methods to create multiple levels of detail with a shared vertex coordinate database. Transitions between LOD's are made seamless by creating the multiple LOD levels with macrogrids of fixed, non-decimated vertices. These are generated using a hierarchical approach that reduces the number of fixed points in the macrogrid at each successive level. Visual anomalies associated with color and texture transitions are reduced by using texture maps to ensure consistent detail transitions for pixels between LOD's. The textures capture the detail information of the highest LOD using orthographic rendering on a grid matching the geometric macrogrid. Database storage size and transmission rate are optimized.

Abstract: An architecture for delivering up-to-date graphics technology to a mass market, locating rapidly chaning graphics technology on a central server and partitioning application functions between server and distributed consoles in such a fashion that upgrades in graphics technology do not require corresponding upgrades in the consoles or in functions allocated to the consoles. Multiple instances are provided of the graphics technology, and these instances are switched to active applications and consoles.

Abstract: In response to an inquiry by an unsophisticated Subscriber over a nonsecure network, a Provider returns a public key and retains the corresponding private key. The Subscriber encrypts a password using the public key, which is decrypted by the Provider. The password is then used to securely transfer to the Subscriber a key determined by the Provider, thereby enabling the Subscriber to decrypt messages encrypted by the Provider and transmitted over the nonsecure network. This password dependent secure transmission of a key to an unsophisticated Subscriber may be accomplished by several methods, including hashing, key lookup, Wizard protocol, and Warlock procedure. In each method the password is used by the Subscriber and the Provider in correlated operations ending in secure receipt by the Subscriber of a key determined by the Provider.

Abstract: A filter driver for implementing disk space quotas is described. Quota limits on disk space taken up by files in the file system are established for users and directories, and an internal database is established to track quotas against actual disk space utilization. A driver in accordance with the invention uses kernel resources of the operating system to prevent execution of file system I/O operations which would violate any established quota. In doing so, the driver executes a logic in kernel mode which serializes file allocation operations and also serializes access to the internal database. The first step in this logic is to intercept file system I/O requests before they reach the file system driver. Then the driver determines prospectively--before the I/O request is completed--whether any quota would be exceeded by completion of the I/O request. If a quota would be exceeded, completion of the I/O request is blocked and an error status is issued.

Abstract: A battery drain limitation circuit for use in engine powered vehicles and equipment which rely upon a battery to start the engine and also to operate accessories. When the engine is not running, the circuit disconnects the battery from all loads when battery charge, as measured by either one of two complementary means responsive to high and low drain rates, respectively, falls to a level below which the battery charge may not be sufficient to start the engine. High drain rates exaggerate battery voltage reduction below no load voltage levels, and are detected by a low cutoff voltage level after which the battery voltage recovers to reflect sufficient charge to start the engine. Battery dissipation from low drain rates is prevented by a long timing delay following detection of a high cutoff voltage level. The circuit is rendered inoperable if the engine is running, by means of a microphone which detects engine noise. The device is simple to install at the battery.

Abstract: In response to an inquiry by an unsophisticated Subscriber over a nonsecure network, a Provider returns a public key and retains the corresponding private key. The Subscriber encrypts a password using the public key, which is decrypted by the Provider. The password is then used to securely transfer to the Subscriber a key determined by the Provider, thereby enabling the Subscriber to decrypt messages encrypted by the Provider and transmitted over the nonsecure network. This password dependent secure transmission of a key to an unsophisticated Subscriber may be accomplished by several methods, including hashing, key lookup, and Wizard protocol. In each method the password is used by the Subscriber and the Provider in correlated operations ending in secure receipt by the Subscriber of a key determined by the Provider.

Abstract: An apparatus for inter-process/inter-device communication in a system of multiple asynchronous devices which uses processing resources efficiently by adhering to an event driven software architecture. An event driven architecture requires that every process have a single blocked input and no blocked outputs, and that all communication between processes take place through a common routing mechanism. The apparatus uses a streams facility, which is commonly used to handle devices, to make processes see the common routing mechanism as a device driver within the streams facility. This common process driver is linked to each real device driver via either a device process set, a polling support service or a half duplex flip-flop, depending upon the nature of the device driver, so as to minimize use of processing resources for communications with real devices.