Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for implementing peripheral device bus mastering in a mobile computer system. The system uses the micro-controller of the mobile computer system to program a DMA controller. The DMA controller transfers data to and from the memory of the mobile computer system. A bus controller which is coupled to both the micro-controller and the DMA controller implements a memory data transfer request from the DMA controller and the micro-controller. A device controller, either a IDE hard disk controller or an ECP parallel port controller, is also coupled to the DMA controller and the micro-controller. The device controller receives and responds to the command signals from the micro-controller by transferring data to and from the DMA controller means and generating a completion signal when the transfer is complete.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled bicycle drive system for variably transferring rotational motive power from a rider to the chain of a bicycle. The bicycle comprises a chain drive, a plurality of hydraulic clamps, and a plurality of roller clamps; a rotatable disk driven by the pedals of the bicycle received in the hydraulic clamps and roller clamps; and a control mechanism controllable by the rider for applying a variable pressure to the hydraulic clamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for implementing peripheral device bus mastering in a mobile computer system. The system uses the mobile computer system's microcontroller for programming a DMA controller, generating and sending command signals, and receiving completion status after transfer of data is complete. The micro-controller accesses a data buffer descriptor list. The data buffer descriptor list describes each data transfer that the micro-controller initiates, controls, and completes. The Direct Memory Access controller which is programmed by the micro-controller transfers data to and from a memory section of the mobile computer system. A bus controller is used for implementing a memory data transfer request from the DMA controller means and the micro-controller means.

Abstract: A dual horizontal level waffle iron apparatus is disclosed which contains first and second horizontally rotatable waffle iron assemblies each containing a cover member, a base member and grid arrays associated therewith. Horizontal rotation is limited to 180 degrees and a pair of handles in cooperation with a pair of hinge arms permit each cover member to be lifted for ease in loading waffle food mixture, removal of waffles and removal of the grid arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail safe non-volatile memory programming system. The system uses a high voltage charging capacitor to store a charge for programming a memory device. A second charging capacitor is used for supplying power to the control logic used for programming the memory device. If power is removed during a programming cycle, the charge stored in the two capacitors is sufficient to complete the programming cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that can combine data packets from two serial data streams to provide a single uncorrupted serial data output. The system is comprised of an internal data source and an external data source which each generates serial bit packets containing system information. The outputs of both the internal and external sources are coupled to a packet arbiter which combines the serial bit packet from the internal data source with the serial bit packet from the external data source to form an uncorrupted combined serial data output stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for dynamically altering the speed of a bus based on utilization of the bus. The system will monitor a bus for a predetermined number of clock cycles. The system will then lower the frequency that the bus runs at if the bus is underutilized, or the system will increase the frequency that the bus runs at if the bus is at or nearing saturation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for loading and storing small recreational water vehicles such as jet skis and wave runners. The apparatus is comprised a lifter apparatus that may be releasably coupled to a carrier vehicle, for lifting and lowering small recreational water vehicles. The apparatus is further comprised of a support rack for supporting a plurality of small water vehicles, which support rack may be coupled to a carrier vehicle and/or to a trailer.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the performance versus the power consumption of a computer system. The method uses a CPU which has the ability to select an optimum external to internal clock frequency ratio. By changing the external to internal clock frequency ratio, the computer system is able to decrease the internal clock frequency in order to conserve power, while allowing the external clock frequency to be at an optimum level in order to maintain maximum system performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for supporting DMA I/O devices on a PCI bus. A DMA I/O device is coupled to a DMA controller via a serial link and two signal lines. The serial link is used by the DMA I/O device to request a DMA transfer. When the DMA controller receives the serialized DMA request, it sends a signal to an arbiter and waits for the PCI bus to be granted to the DMA controller for use during the DMA transfer. When granted the PCI bus, the DMA controller signals the DMA I/O device. The DMA I/O device asserts a signal in response to the one asserted by the DMA controller. The DMA controller recognizes the signal asserted by the DMA I/O device and continues with the DMA transfer. The transfer continues for as long as the DMA I/O device continues to assert the signal or for as long as the DMA controller is programmed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a removable lampshade cover and method therefor. The removable lampshade cover is comprised of a tubular band of material having a top opening and a bottom opening, which band of material may be in any shape--including cylindrical or conical--to correspond to the shape of an existing lampshade. In one embodiment, the lampshade cover is circumscribed at its top by an elastic band, for releasably attaching to the top of an existing lampshade. In a second embodiment, the lampshade cover is also circumscribed at its bottom by an elastic band, so that the lampshade cover may be releasably attached to both the top and the bottom of an existing lampshade.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved disposable diaper and method therefor. The disposable diaper achieves significant fluid absorbency through a wadding batt layer consisting solely of a combination of wood pulp and cotton pulp, rather than through a wadding batt layer comprising wood pulp and a superabsorbent polymer. In this fashion, the disposable diaper minimizes skin irritation that may be caused during rewetting when body waste fluids contacting the superabsorbent polymers carry a portion thereof back out through the diapers into contact with the skins of babies or children using the diapers. The disposable diaper also minimizes skin irritation caused when both the exterior portion of a diaper contacts a child's skin or the skin of a person touching the diaper, by the use of an outer and inner surface layer of a soft, cloth-like, non-woven bond material such as polyester.

Abstract: A zero-current start-up circuit for a reference circuit which is initially unbiased and which has internal nodes that needs to be regulated to a predetermined voltage. When the start-up circuit is enabled, a switching transistor is turned on which enables the reference circuit to generate an internal reference current which regulates an output current to a predetermined value set by the reference circuit. The output current flows through a voltage drop device and when the voltage level reaches a predetermined value, the start-up circuit is disabled eliminating the current path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing sound distinctions for auditory conditioning. An audio storage media is used for storing multiple channel audio recordings. The audio storage media is played on a multiple channel audio player. A channel selection device is coupled to the multiple channel audio player for adjusting the strength of each channel of the multiple channel audio player. Headphones are coupled to the channel selection means for allowing the user of the apparatus to listen to at least one channel of the multiple channel audio recordings stored on the audio storage media. By separating the sounds into different channels, a user of the apparatus and method will be able to better distinguish sounds thus increasing the learning ability of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for passing Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) legacy interrupts across Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connectors. The system interconnects a plurality of PCI devices coupled to a PCI bus such that a last interrupt pin of each of the plurality of PCI devices are coupled together in a directly bussed manner to provide a serial interrupt signal line. The remainder of the interrupt pins of each of the plurality of PCI devices are coupled together in a barber pole manner.

Abstract: A method is described for a read-only MOS semiconductor memory. An addressable array of a multiplicity of cells each comprising a single MOS transistor is coded for preselected cells by providing them with source/drain regions which are spaced apart from edges of their respective overlying gate electrode regions. This is accomplished by a masking step late in the fabrication sequence. In this way, a dense MOS memory having rapid manufacturing turn-around is provided.

Abstract: An interrupt based positioning system for a joystick. A potentiometer is coupled to the joystick for supplying a voltage signal representative of a current position of the joystick. An analog-to-digital converter changes the voltage signal to a digital voltage signal which is then stored in a register. Interrupt generation logic monitors the output of the register and generates a position interrupt signal when the digital voltage signal stored in the register indicates a change in the axial position of the joystick.