Abstract: A synchronous interrupt handler for a processing system executing multiple modes of operation employs a minimum number of lines of interrupt handler code written to execute at the "zeroth" level, is combined with a virtualized interrupt vector table. An identical zeroeth level handler is inserted at each of the processor's interrupt vector entry pints. These short code sequences are the first to gain control following an interrupt. They are handwritten in the platform's native instruction set to be mode-independent. For example, if the platform's processor does not alter the "endianness" of the machine state following an interrupt, the "zeroeth level" code must be written for endian neutrality; likewise, for 32/64-bit mode, etc. For each mode of operation, there is created a Virtualized Vector Table to represent the proper interrupt handlers for each physical interrupt level. Each task data structure, implicitly reflecting its unique mode of operation, contains a pointer to its virtualized vector table.

Abstract: An improved gyroplane having an improved rotor blade with an edgewise stiffness (El) of at least 80,000 pounds inch.sup.2 per pound of aircraft gross weight and blade weights of sufficient size to store a minimum of 100 foot pounds of rotational kinetic energy per pound of gross weight of the gyroplane while the rotor blade pitch is set to minimum lift during blade prerotation. Then a clutch driving the rotor is disengaged and the rotor blade pitch is changed to a lift condition to enable the gyroplane to climb to an altitude of at least fifty feet. The speed and thrust of a propeller is increased to achieve an increasing a horizontal velocity to maintain altitude, first with the rotor blade providing most of the lift and until the wings provide all the lift. To maximize velocity an improved flight control method is utilized. With this method, the angle of attack of the rotor disc is decreased and the pitch of the rotor blade is reduced to decrease rotor blade rotational speed to minimize drag during flight.

Abstract: A customizable integrated circuit device is disclosed that is capable of having unique data selected for controlling the functionality or configurability of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit device has a microcontroller unit, a plurality of function units, coupled to the microcontroller unit, and a novel customization logic unit, also coupled to the microcontroller unit. A plurality of signal selectors, further coupled to the customization logic, either on the integrated circuit or on the mounting module to which the integrated circuit is afixed, are selected to control a signal generated by the customization logic to the microcontroller. The customization logic unit may use data that represents a serial number, performance characteristics, such as operational speed, or qualified external working configurations, such as mainstore or caching configurations, associated with the integrated circuit and as selected by the signal selectors.

Abstract: An output driver circuit for a semiconductor chip has a push-pull output with a P-channel pull-up and an N-channel pull-down. Predrivers produce push-pull outputs for driving the gates of the output driver. In previous circuits, a stacked arrangement was usually employed where the N-channel pull-down transistor had another N-channel transistor, with gate connected to the voltage supply, in series with it. In this invention, a parallel N-channel or P-channel transistor is employed to shunt part of the current at the beginning of a transition from high-to-low at the output node of the off-chip driver circuit, and thus lower the voltage across the pull-down transistor to a level which will avoid hot-electron degradation. This parallel transistor is small compared to the main N-channel pull-down, and serves to reduce the output node voltage to a level which does not present a likelihood of hot-electron effects in the main pull-down device.

Abstract: A multiple output level power supply is provided having an overpower detection circuit. The power supply provides multiple DC voltage output levels. A differential amplifier coupled to each DC voltage output level of the power supply is then utilized to generate a signal which is representative of the power output at each of the multiple voltage levels. The output of each differential amplifier is then coupled to a summer which generates a signal representative of the total power output from the multiple outputs of the power supply. A comparison of the total power output signal and a reference signal selected to be representative of the maximum desired power output may then be utilized to efficiently provide an indication of an overpower condition within the power supply.

Abstract: A method of selectively obtaining formatted dump data from a remote software product employs an open Manager-Agent concept, where the Agent is represented by the remote software product and the Manager is represented by the local customer/vendor management station. A dump object is defined; this object exists at the Agent and is exposed to Manager for modification, e.g., specification of a value. Modification of the dump object by the Manager will cause the Agent to selectively create/store a formatted storage dump for one or more of software products components. The Manager retrieves the formatted dump data from the Agent using a standard/open file transfer mechanism; since the dump data is formatted at the Agent (rather than by the receiver, i.e., manager) the problem of transmitting large amounts of data across a network is minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: An electronic trigger lock which contains a back plate which blocks access to the trigger from one side of a firearm. This back plate has a member extending from it which contains a first series of ratchet teeth. Next, an electronic portion of the electronic trigger guard is provided to block access to the other side of the trigger. This electronic portion is contained within an outer housing. A user interface is located on the exterior of the outer housing for entering information into the electronic trigger lock. This interface may be comprised of translucent colored buttons. Also, this user interface is illuminated. The outer housing has an opening for receiving the member extending from the back plate. This opening contains a second series of ratchet teeth which are adapted to engage the first series of ratchet teeth on the member. A solenoid is located inside the outer housing to enable the release of the first series of ratchet teeth from the second series of ratchet teeth.

Abstract: A voltage multiplier includes a first charge transfer capacitor designed to take and transfer electrical charges from the input terminal to the output terminal, a second capacitor for charge storage connected between the output terminal and ground and an output voltage stabilization circuit. The output voltage stabilization circuit includes an integrator designed to generate a continuous voltage corresponding to the difference between a reference voltage and the output voltage of the voltage multiplier. The continuous voltage is applied to one terminal of said charge transfer capacitor so that the potential at the other terminal of the capacitor changes proportionally to the output voltage of the voltage multiplier.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube device has multiple elements for generating a display. Each of the relatively large number of elements has its own electron gun and deflection assembly and a shadow mask. A large number of these subunits are connected into a regular array in which each unit generates a portion of the overall display. The individual elements are preferably formed in a framework which serves to both align and position the individual assemblies, and further to provide structural support for the evacuated tube.

Abstract: A method and system for efficiently managing a plurality of displayable objects within a display. The present invention displays a first plurality of graphic selections in a substantially circular formation. Each of the graphic selections are associated with one of the displayable objects. A rotatable pointer is displayed within the circular formation with the rotatable pointer including a movable control element located within the rotatable pointer. A second plurality of graphic selections are arranged in a substantially circular formation. The display of this second plurality of graphic selection may be altered in response to a selection of a graphic selection from the first plurality of graphic selections. A display of a displayable object associated with the selected graphic selection from the first plurality of graphic selections occurs utilizing the rotatable pointer and the removable control element.

Abstract: A power control circuit is provided for coupling a load to a power source. It includes a transistor for coupling said load to the power supply through the transistor dependent upon a control voltage applied to a control terminal of the transistor, a charge pump circuit having its output connected to the transistor control terminal to apply a controlled turn on signal to the transistor when the charge pump is activated, wherein the controlled signal gradually increases until the transistor is biased into its fully on state.

Abstract: A data transfer system is provided for use with a computer. The computer includes a drive controller for controlling at most a predetermined maximum number of nonvolatile data storage devices. A drive bank is provided which includes a plurality of independently operable nonvolatile data storage devices. Each data storage device may be used to read data from, or copy data to, separate storage media such as computer floppy disks, magnetic tape, and optical storage devices. The plurality of nonvolatile data storage devices exceeds the predetermined maximum number of nonvolatile data storage devices within the range of control of the drive controller of the computer. A control interface is provided and electrically coupled between the drive bank and the computer. The control interface receives signals from the computer, including signals from the drive controller, for selectively enabling and disabling selected ones of said plurality of nonvolatile data storage devices of the drive bank.

Abstract: A networking system is disclosed that has an improved address resolution protocol. The network system, which includes a table or cache, has a plurality of nodes, each node having a unique address. The protocol establishes in the table an address mapping for each of the nodes in the network system being used. The protocol generates a target address for an addressing request. When an address mapping needs to be reresolved/refreshed, the protocol then sends the request to the node associated with the address currently in the table. The protocol allows for a certain amount of time for the node to accept the request and then updates the address mapping table based upon a reply received within that limited time. If the node fails to reply within a given time, the protocol then broadcasts the request throughout the networking system until a response is received. Once a response is received, the system then updates the table of address mapping.

Abstract: An analog output buffer circuit having a low quiescent power dissipation and a high current-driving capability is disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the analog output buffer circuit includes a capacitor and three transistors. The first transistor is coupled between a power supply and an output. The gate of the first transistor is utilized for receiving input signals. The second transistor is coupled between the output and ground. The capacitor is coupled between a gate of the first transistor and a gate of the second transistor such that voltages at the gate of the first transistor are related to voltages at the gate of the second transistor via the capacitor. Finally, the third transistor is coupled between the gate of the second transistor and a current source. This configuration allows the analog output buffer circuit to have a high current-driving capability while maintaining a low power dissipation during the quiescent period.

Abstract: A method of operating a redundant power supply is disclosed wherein two or more converters are separately connected to a common output node through separate diodes to isolate the converters and allow the outputs to be separately tested for diagnostic purposes. The diodes are selectively bypassed by connecting drain-to-source paths of P-channel MOS field-effect transistors separately across the diodes. During the diagnostic mode of operation, a controller shuts off the MOS transistors, so the diodes are effective in isolating the converters. During the bypass mode of operation, the transistors are turned on by the controller so the diodes are bypassed and their forward voltage drop does not appear in the circuit and so power dissipation is reduced. It is noted that the P-channel MOS transistor is connected such that it's intrinsic PN-junction diode conducts in a forward direction in parallel with the isolation diode, so that isolation during the diagnostic mode is not cancelled.

Abstract: A method for loading the content of any selected cell of a source register to any selected cell of a destination register. The value in the selected source cell is tested for a value of zero. The value of the destination register is then copied into a temporary register. During the copying, the selected destination cell is set to a selected value. The selected destination cell, in the temporary location, is either left unchanged or reset to a complementary value depending on the result of the previous zero test. In either event, the value of the temporary register is then copied to the destination register.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a plastic package for an integrated electronic semiconductor device to be encapsulated within a plastic body, being of the type which comprises the step of molding said plastic body so as to fully enclose a semiconductor element, on which an integrated electronic circuit has been formed and which is placed onto a metal leadframe connected electrically to said integrated electronic circuit and carrying a plurality of terminal leads for external electric connection. To compensate the outward bends uncontrollably undergone by the plastic body due to thermal stresses during the molding step, a mold is used which has a cavity delimited by perimeter walls which define a concave-shaped volume. Preferably, at least one of the large walls, a bottom wall and a top wall, has a curvature inwardly of said mold cavity. The curvature values are predetermined to compensate any outward curvature undergone by corresponding surfaces of said plastic body during the molding step.

Abstract: A pointing object display technique that can manipulate a pointing object without the user being aware of a difference in display time between sites in a distributed computing environment is disclosed. It is so designed that with whatever level of time difference the receiver side receives a pointing object is displayed and confirmed using an auxiliary pointing object on the sender's screen and the positional difference on the display is absorbed. In addition, the receiver side predicts the current position of the sender's pointing object by taking the time difference on the display into account and displays a pointing object at the predicted position on the receiver's screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for installing an electronic component and its electrical connections on a support provided with a cavity to house said component. A metallic layer is cut out into zones on which there is deposited a layer of polyimide which mechanically holds the said zones during the operations for the electrical connection of the electronic component and for encapsulation and installation on the support. This method avoids the use of a supporting film and of a bonder to fix the metallic joints to the film, namely elements that do not withstand high temperatures during encapsulation.