Abstract: A method of forming a device package having an edge interconnect pad includes forming an array of MEMS devices overlaying at least one conductive via that electrically connects to an underlying layer. The method continues with depositing, by way of a damascene process, a conductive material on a substrate that is coplanar with the array of MEMS devices, the conductive material coupling to the at least one conductive via. The method also includes covering the array of MEMS devices and the conductive material with a passivation layer.

Abstract: A method for displaying metadata placed on a document, includes accepting a command to load a document file that corresponds to the document into a memory of a computing device. The method also includes a computer-aided design application accepting, by way of a command line interface, a command to assign a label to each of a plurality of metadata elements in the document file. The method further includes displaying at least one of the plurality of metadata elements in response to a command to display the label assigned to the at least one of the plurality of metadata elements, thereby allowing a user to verify a value of the at least one of the plurality of metadata elements.

Abstract: A computer that establishes an ad hoc network, and a method performed by the computer are disclosed. The computer comprises an input device such as a keyboard or a graphical pointing device having a selector that generates a signal which indicates that a user has selected an ad hoc networking function. In one embodiment the computer includes a processor, coupled to the input device, which receives the signal and causes the computer to participate in an ad hoc network. The computer can also include a network interface, coupled to the processor, for communicating directly with at least one other computer within wireless communications range of the first computer.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a sealed object includes placing the sealed object into a chamber and introducing an x-ray attenuating gas into the chamber. The method also includes observing, by way of x-ray imaging, the transfer of the x-ray attenuating gas between the sealed object and the chamber.

Abstract: An accessory for transmitting signals, includes a receptacle that accepts signals of a first format from a computing unit. The accessory also includes a converter, coupled to the receptacle, which converts the signals of a first format to signals of a second format. The accessory also includes an aperture, coupled to the converter, which transmits the signals of the second format. The aperture is also coupled to a resilient element that extends the accessory from a compressed state, wherein the extension influences transmission of the signals of a second format. The accessory may also receive signals as well.

Abstract: A computing device having programmable state transitions is disclosed. The device includes a real-time clock that generates a signal in response to the real-time clock attaining a programmed time of day. The device additionally includes a processor, coupled to the real-time clock that receives the signal and transitions from a first state to a second state, such as from a hibernate state to a standby state.

Abstract: A system for labeling a storage media is disclosed. The system includes a unit for arranging images, wherein the images correspond to images encoded on the storage media. The system also includes a device for printing the images coupled to the unit for arranging the images. Printing may be performed by one of a printer and a laser.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting and receiving a debugging information word in a computing device is disclosed. The method includes setting a main processor to run in a debugging mode. The method continues with the main processor transmitting the debugging information word to a keyboard controller. The method further includes transmitting, by the keyboard controller, the debugging information word using a secondary bus coupled to the keyboard controller.

Abstract: A temperature-indicating power adapter includes a case, a conversion module coupled to the case that receives a first voltage and produces a second voltage. The adapter also includes a temperature-indicating device that is also coupled to the case for indicating the temperature of the case.

Abstract: This abstract has been included pursuant to Section 1.72(b) of the Rules for Patent and Trademark Cases, Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This abstract is intended only to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to generally determine the nature of the technical disclosure. This abstract is not intended to aid in the interpretation of the scope of any claim. A computing device manufactured in a build to customer order (BTCO) environment includes an internal disk drive which is loaded with a custom software package during manufacturing. When the user desires to reload the software placed on the internal disk drive during manufacturing, such as after the drive has been replaced or after a virus has degraded the data resident on the internal disk drive, the user can recover the previously installed software package by accessing a network server available on a network.

Abstract: In an electronic device, a method for adjusting the power consumption of the electronic device includes the steps of presenting a power adapter that supplies power to the electronic device. The method continues with the electronic device sensing an attribute of power adapter, and modifying an aspect of the operation of the electronic device in response to the sensing step.

Abstract: A device used to accept an operator input to a computing device is disclosed. The device includes a first layer that includes a translucent, two-dimensional cover. Additionally included is a second layer in which a plurality of surfaces is constructed using a translucent and conductive material. The device further includes a third layer that employs a light-emitting material that generates light in response to the operator input.

Abstract: A port replicator is disclosed. The port replicator includes a substantially horizontal surface configured to accept the underside of a portable computing unit. The port replicator also includes a first connector, located on the horizontal surface, facing in an upward direction, and being positioned to couple with a connector located on the underside of the portable computing unit. The port replicator also includes a main body that is attached to the horizontal surface, wherein a portion of the horizontal surface is either recessed into the main body or otherwise brought towards the main body when not in use.

Abstract: In a high availability redundant array of data storage elements, one of a plurality of storage element controllers (FIG. 1, 110, 120) is interfaced to a corresponding network (150, 160). Each of the plurality of storage element controllers (110, 120) receives and transmits mass storage traffic to and from a plurality of processing elements (130, 140) coupled to each network (150, 160). The storage element controllers (110, 120) also transmit and receive coherency traffic among each other in order to ensure that individual file management and manipulation operations, as initiated by each processing element (130, 140) within a network (150, 160), are carried out by the storage element controllers (110, 120) within the storage elements (100).

Abstract: A docking station that accepts a portable computing device is disclosed. The docking station comprises a first surface that supports a bottom surface of the portable computing device. The first surface includes a means for restricting the movement of the portable computing device. The docking station additionally includes a body or a trunk that interfaces the portable computing device with an external device. The docking station additionally includes a hinge which joins the first surface to the body or trunk, in which the hinge permits the portable computing device to be rotated between a horizontal and a vertical orientation as well as various acute angles.

Abstract: In synchronous optical communications network, a communications node (FIG. 1, 10) is in communications with a second communications node (12) and desires to fail all traffic over from a working link (120) to a protection link (130) without requiring coordination with the second communications node (12). In order to bring about the fail over, the first communications node (12) fabricates an alarm which expresses that a failure has occurred at a location external to the first communications node (10). When the second communications node (12) receives the alarm, it changes the state of an indicator which is not intended to influence the behavior of the first communications node (10). Upon reception of the indication that the second communications node (12) is receiving traffic over the protection link only, the first communications node (10) begins transmitting all traffic over the protection link (130).

Abstract: A computing device includes a keyboard controller that is adapted to convey an operator input from the keyboard controller along a communications channel. Also included is a battery module, which is interfaced to the communications channel, for receiving the operator input. The computing device further includes a memory element located within the battery module for recording the operator input.