Abstract: Method and apparatus for transitioning an electronic device operable in a reduced power consumption mode from the reduced power consumption mode to a full power mode immediately before a user attempts to operate the device is disclosed. A hand held intelligent data entry unit (IDEU) of the present invention is provided with a noncontact sensor for detecting the prepense of a user's hand within an predefined actuation region of the IDEU while the IDEU is operating in a low power consumption mode. Responsive such detection, the sensor generates a wake up signal to a microprocessor of the IDEU for causing the IDEU to transition from the low power consumption mode to a full power mode.

Abstract: An infrared device for prewarming IV solutions is provided with a cassette having a predetermined length of tubing connectable at an inlet to and IV solution source and an inlet connected to a device for infusion to a patient. An infrared energy-generating sheet is positioned in the cassette on or adjacent to the IV tubing or passage. The infrared energy sheet includes a fiberglass support grid, a layer formed on support matrix from a mixture of carbon and polymeric materials capable of producing infrared radiation in response to electrical current passed there through. A pair of electrical conduction power strips are attached along opposite sides of the matrix layer and are attached to input power terminals to provide the required current. The entire cassette may be held together with a glue or may be otherwise bonded or molded into a unit for convenient handling.

Abstract: A multiple fan system including at least two simultaneously operated fans. Each of the fans are operable as a constant speed fan and as an oscillating speed fan. Not more than one of the fans is operated as a constant speed fan. Each fan not being operated as a constant speed fan is operated as an oscillating speed fan. A fan controller operates each oscillating speed fan in a mode whereby a respective acoustic emission having a range of frequency different than any other oscillating speed fans is produced.

Abstract: A test fixture including a fixture body and a self-centering or floating connector body positioned adjacent to a first side of the fixture body. The connector body is made of a polymeric material. Spaced apart sleeves extending through the fixture body. A first end of each one of the sleeves includes a threaded portion engaged with a corresponding threaded portion in the connector body. Each one of the sleeves defines a respective longitudinal axis. A head is attached to a second end of each one of the sleeves. Each head includes a tapered portion engaging a tapered seat provided on a second side of the fixture body. An alignment pin extends axially through each one of the sleeves along the respective longitudinal axis. Each pin includes a shaft, a flange attached to the shaft and an end protruding from the connector body. A first spring member is axially carried by each pin. Each first spring is compressed between the flange of the respective pin and the fixture body.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically switching buses and ports inside a computer. The system configures the connection of first and second buses/ports for buses as USBs or 1394 buses, to another bus such as a PCI bus. The system includes first and second interfaces for connecting the PCI bus to the first and second buses. A switching system selectively connects the first and second buses to a plurality of ports. The switching system is responsive to bus requirements of any devices connected to the ports so that the total requirements for all the devices is balanced between the first and second interfaces.

Abstract: A method of determining the real time bubble point pressure of a fluid originating from a subsurface earth formation using an adjustable choke positioned downhole adjacent to the formation. The adjustable choke is placed into communication with the wellbore fluid flowing from the formation to the surface. The adjustable choke has a remotely adjustable choke opening for selectively restricting the flowrate of the fluid flowing through the choke. The adjustable choke has a pressure sensor for measuring the fluid pressure downstream of the choke opening. The method includes obtaining downstream fluid pressure data as a function of choke size for generating a plot of downstream pressure versus choke size data which exhibits substantially linear behavior having two different slopes.

Abstract: A computer, including an carrier for mounting a peripheral device in the chassis of the computer. The carrier includes a plate disposed in the chassis and having two or more extensions. The peripheral device is mounted on the plate between the extensions and is captured between the extensions to prevent relative movement between the device and the plate in a first plane. A hook member extends from the plate and engages the peripheral device to prevent movement of the peripheral device relative to the plate in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for mounting a component in a computer chassis. The present embodiment includes an embodiment in which the component is associated with a heat sink. A mounting bracket, including at least one slot, is disposed on a component. At least one fastener affixes the mounting bracket and component to the chassis. In an alternative embodiment, the component can be secured to an interposer plate affixed to the chassis. The plate includes threaded openings for engaging the fasteners. A second supporting means engages the mounting bracket also. In the present embodiment, the second supporting means is a cover including at least one tab. When the cover is coupled with the chassis, the tabs align with and engage the slots of the mounting bracket. A guide is described for aligning an electrical connector of the component with a corresponding connector of the computer, wherein the connectors make the electrical connection as the component is secured to the chassis.

Abstract: A software installation process for use in the manufacture of a prescribed computer system includes the steps of providing at least one processor, at least one memory, and an interface for connecting the computer system to a network server. The at least one memory includes a master boot record, a utility partition and a primary partition. The utility partition includes manufacturing code particular to a manufacturing sequence in the manufacture of the computer system. The primary partition further includes file allocation tables and a root directory. Upon booting of the computer system, the manufacturing code is executed by the at least one processor, wherein the manufacturing sequence includes at least a downloading of software from the network server to the primary partition.

Abstract: A structure includes a framework including frame members interconnected by hub members. The framework includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Cladding material is attached to the inner surface of the framework to form an enclosure or shell within the framework and maintain the framework exterior of the cladding material. This arrangement limits the collection of dust on the structural space frame elements due to the absence of the framework from the interior of the structure.

Abstract: A docking apparatus for docking selected portable computers which provides coarse and medium alignment between the docking connector of the computer system and the docking connector of a docking station mounted on a docking tray by providing rails having oppositely facing upright flat faces on a docking tray and notches formed in the underside of the chassis, the notches having corresponding oppositely facing upright flat faces and opposing sloping sidewalls for urging the flat face of the rails toward the flat faces of the notches. The notches are preferably wider at the leading edge of the chassis, away from the connector than at the trailing edge, close to the chassis and the rails are preferably spaced further apart at the leading edge of the tray than they are close to the docking station.

Abstract: A wireless communications network and method include a home system, a serving system, and authentication failure triggers. The home system includes an authentication center, a network information element, and a prescribed authentication capable mobile station. The authentication center performs an authentication of the prescribed mobile station upon a network access by the mobile station. Authentication includes use of shared secret data particular to the prescribed mobile station. The serving system includes a network access element and a network information element associated therewith. The serving system is capable of performing authentication upon authentication capable mobile stations. Lastly, the authentication failure triggers and shared secret data are shared with the serving system by the authentication center of the home system upon the mobile station's initial system access.

Abstract: A computer system including a chassis having a plurality of walls forming a cavity. The computer system further includes a peripheral device positioned in the cavity. A retention clip movable between an open position and a closed position is attached to one of the walls. The retention clip includes an arm portion and a retention flange. The retention clip retains the peripheral device in a supported position relative to the chassis when in the closed position so that a fastener member can be engaged with the peripheral device.

Abstract: Parallel organized unit-by-unit manufacturing and assembly systems and methods for computer systems and other products advantageously integrate into a build-to-order environment. Responsive to orders received, kit trays are prepared that each hold parts and components needed to build an ordered product. The kit tray is transferred to a work cell where a team builds the product. The product is then tested and repaired, with information regarding any problems provided to the responsible work cell.

Abstract: A multi-layer circuit substrate having an integral bus portion includes a dielectric substrate having a first device signal layer formed on a first side thereof and a second device signal layer formed on a second side thereof. The first and second device signal layers are each patterned to include at least one bus reference plane. A device reference plane layer is disposed between the first and second device signal layers in the dielectric substrate. The device reference plane layer is patterned to include a plurality of guard bands and a bus signal trace between at least two of the guard bands.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base having a heat producing electronic component mounted therein. A heat sink, also referred to as a remote heat exchanger, is positioned in the base adjacent to the heat producing component. A heat pipe has a first end permanently bonded to the heat sink and extends to a second end thermally engaged with the heat producing component. The heat sink and heat pipe assembly is rotatable about an axis of the heat sink so as to move the second end of the heat pipe into and out of thermal engagement with the heat producing component.

Abstract: A moveable pedicure table for combination with a reclining facial bed as provided having a table frame with side portions and a central open portion. Legs extend downward from the frame and rollers are attached to the legs for movement along a horizontal ground or floor surface. Projections extend inward into the central open area from the sides of the table frame. The projections are constructed for supporting a pedicure basin at a predetermined height. A connector mechanism is attached to the table frame for detachable engagement with a facial bed.

Abstract: An improved microbiological fire-fighting foam which comprises a bioremediating component, surfactants, foaming agents, and inorganic nutrients, the bioremediating component consisting substantially of sporulating bacteria which are tolerant of the surfactants used, the surfactants selected being innocuous to the bioremediating component used both when the microbes are in a spore state and when activated, and the selected surfactants further being biodegradable by the microbes of the microbial solution. Alternative embodiments of the invention include formulations which comprise perfumes and/or preservatives in addition to the constituents mentioned above. The improved formulation enables microbiological digestion to inert volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons which may indeed be ablaze when applied.

Abstract: A computer including a microprocessor, an input coupled to provide input to the microprocessor, a mass storage coupled to the microprocessor and a memory coupled to the microprocessor to provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor. A heat pipe including spaced apart condenser regions and an evaporator region disposed between the condenser regions is provided. The evaporator region is positioned adjacent the microprocessor. A first heat dissipating device is attached to the heat pipe adjacent to a first one of the condenser regions. A second heat dissipating device is attached to the heat pipe adjacent to a second one of the condenser regions. The second heat dissipating device is of a different type than the first heat dissipating device. The reliability and effectiveness of the cooling apparatus are greatly increased through the use of a heat pipe having two condenser regions that are attached to different types of heat dissipating bodies.

Abstract: A housing for components of a computer system includes a portion having a material which is integral with an electrically conductive signal line. The material and the electrically conductive signal line are formed so as to physically break in response to application of a physical force on the material. Circuitry is coupled to the signal line for detecting a physical break in the material by detecting an open circuit caused by physically breaking the electrically conductive signal line. In response to the open circuit, an operation of the computer system is disabled.