Abstract: Polling of devices on an inter-IC (I.sup.2 C) is provided. An expansion processor resides on a primary I.sup.2 C bus. The expansion processor is coupled to a plurality of I.sup.2 C sub-buses each of which may host a plurality of I.sup.2 C devices. Data is transferred between the expansion processor and the plurality of I.sup.2 C devices via the corresponding sub-bus according to an I.sup.2 C protocol. Data transfer is in response to a request initiated by a bus master on the primary I.sup.2 C bus. The bus master communicates with a target device residing on one of the sub-buses by addressing the expansion processor. The bus master informs the expansion processor of the target device by sending the expansion processor a number of the sub-bus on which the target device resides, and an address of the target device. A data stream bound for the target device is directed to the expansion processor which then echos it to the target device.

Abstract: When two 56K server modems communicate with one another over the public switched telephone network, they signal each other so that they communicate data to each other in a digital pass-through mode whereby essentially there is a direct digital connection between the two modems. This is accomplished by using extended ITU-T Recommendation V.8 protocols.

Abstract: A field emission cathode is provided which includes a substrate and a conductive layer disposed adjacent the substrate. An electrically resistive pillar is disposed adjacent the conductive layer, the resistive pillar having a substantially flat surface spaced from and substantially parallel to the substrate. A layer of diamond is disposed adjacent the flat surface of the resistive pillar.

Abstract: A bath mat is disclosed that provides a portable device for converting a typical bathtub into a safe, more user-friendly environment for bathing infants/preschoolers or individuals with impaired mobility. The bath mat provides both a system for catching fluids that splash over a top rim of the bathtub while bathing and a padded surface to cover the top rim of the bathtub to ease discomfort of the parent or care giver who must lean over the bathtub. The bath mat is designed so that attachments, for the convenience and entertainment of the bather and the care giver (such as toys, cartoon characters, brushes, etc.), can be removably attached to the bath mat. In addition, the bath mat provides surfaces for receiving the buttocks and head of individuals who may require support from a caregiver.

Abstract: A clock distribution system for a data processing system is implemented in CMOS technology wherein a full-swing differential clock signal is converted to a low-voltage swing differential clock signal by a driver's circuit and then returned to a full-swing differential clock signal at each receiver circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for producing thin, uniform powder phosphors for field emission display screens wherein a planarization of the phosphor powder layer is accomplished by placing the deposited phosphor layer in an anode plate between two optical flats, which are then mounted within a mechanical press.

Abstract: Error correction code ("CECC") generation within a directory or memory controller is distributed between generation of an ECC for the tag and status portions of a directory entry and then summed to produce the ECC bits for the directory entry. The ECC generation may be performed for entries with respect to a cache for a uniprocessor or multiprocessor system or for system memory within such a data processing system. The ECC generation of the present invention reduces by one or more cycles the required time utilized for updating a directory entry.

Abstract: A clock distribution system for a data processing system is implemented in CMOS technology wherein a full-swing differential clock signal is converted to a low-voltage swing differential clock signal by a driver's circuit and then returned to a full-swing differential clock signal at each receiver circuit.