Abstract: The BIOS of a multiple processor system passes partial control to the operating system following an abbreviated power-on initialization. The BIOS program retains control of one or more processors and any memory that was untested during power-on. While the operating system is loaded and the system is operational, the BIOS program tests the retained memory. The BIOS program then relinquishes control of the retained memory and processor(s) during runtime to the operating system.

Abstract: A reliable and automated boot process for computer systems of limited access. Both the power-on routine and the operating system report error conditions to common storage during execution, are repeatedly re-executed in an effort to automatically boot successfully, and may diagnose system problems as desired. When failures persist, the computer system may be assisted remotely.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a low magnetic-coercivity layer of material (LMC layer) having a majority electron-spin-polarization (M-ESP), an energy-gap coupled with the LMC layer, wherein a flow of spin-polarized electrons having an electron-spin-polarization anti-parallel to the LMC layer are injected via the energy-gap, to change the M-ESP of the LMC layer. A non-magnetic material is in electrical communication with the LMC layer and provides a spin-balanced source of current to the LMC layer, responsive to the injection of spin-polarized electrons into the LMC layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor package including a conical or pyramidal vapor chamber body coupled to a package bottom to enclose a vapor chamber within which are disposed a semiconductor die and working fluid. A matching conical or pyramidal heatsink is coupled to the vapor chamber body. The conical or pyramidal shape allows a tight fit and good thermal performance, without undue force being applied to the package bottom, and further allows a variety of heatsinks to be used with a standardized shape vapor chamber body.

Abstract: A system to connect cards in a chassis is provided. The system includes a chassis frame having a slot to receive a card. A rocker is coupled to the chassis frame and positioned in a closed state when the card is in the slot. A magnetic element is positioned on the rocker and a sensor positioned to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnetic element. The sensor then determines whether the rocker is positioned an open state or said closed state.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC converter having an input voltage and an output voltage, which includes a circuit topology such that, in operation, the input and output voltages have the same polarity, and that a magnitude of a ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage of the DC-to-DC converter is capable of being equal to, greater than, or less than one. The circuit topology is also such that a same at least one capacitor and alternative coils of a two-coil inductor are employed in a primary and a secondary circuit loop of the DC-to-DC converter. The primary and secondary circuit loops are not electrically isolated.

Abstract: A novel high availability small foot-print server is described in which four or more separate computer modules and associated power supply and communication connections or other units are clustered together in a single server chassis to occupy a limited amount of space while providing maximum accessibility for administrative, maintenance, installation, or other purposes. Each separate computer module is equipped with its own fan or blower box to provide redundancy in the case of fan or blower box failure. The server chassis is contoured to provide for natural interconnection such that more than one high availability small foot-print server may be stacked together to take up the same amount of floor, shelf, or desk space as a single server.

Abstract: Storing a data bit includes exposing a volume of a polymer, having a first conductivity, to an electron beam. Exposing damages cross-links in the volume of material. A first conductivity of the polymer is changed to a second conductivity and the data is stored in the bit.

Abstract: A signaling mechanism associated with errors in a processor is promoted or demoted based on a set of stored values.

Abstract: A test bus architecture for testing an integrated circuit having a plurality of agents includes providing both a test block select signal and test function select signal to a plurality of select decoders respectively disposed in each of the plurality of agents. The test block select signal has a number of states at least equal to the number of agents and the test function select signal at least equal to a maximum number of internal signal groups of any one of the agents, each select decoder having at least one internal signal group which is outputted from circuitry to be tested within the agent of the select decoder. An output from each of the select decoders is fed to a test bus output such that a selected internal signal group is outputted to the test bus output upon the agent of the selected signal group being selected by the state of the test block select signal and the selected signal group being selected by the state of the test function select signal by the select decoder.

Abstract: Storing a data bit includes exposing a volume of a polymer, having a first conductivity, to an electron beam. Exposing damages cross-links in the volume of material. A first conductivity of the polymer is changed to a second conductivity and the data is stored in the bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming firmware on a circuit board without powering the entire circuit board includes a firmware interface which can be isolated from the rest of the circuit board and a logic module for programming the firmware. The firmware interface includes a connector which supports powering the circuit board as well as permitting programming from the logic module.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a computer system allows an expansion component of the computer system to properly operate even when the computer system is in a low-power mode. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a local system bus has a first section and a second section. An isolation circuit is included which selectively establishes a connection between the first section of the local system bus and the second section of the local system bus during a normal-power mode of the computer system and removes the connection between the first section of the local system bus and the second section of the local system bus during a low-power mode.

Abstract: An electrodeless microwave discharge lamp includes a source of microwave energy, a microwave cavity, a structure configured to transmit the microwave energy from the source to the microwave cavity, a bulb disposed within the microwave cavity, the bulb including a discharge forming fill which emits light when excited by the microwave energy, and a reflector disposed within the microwave cavity, wherein the reflector defines a reflective cavity which encompasses the bulb within its volume and has an inside surface area which is sufficiently less than an inside surface area of the microwave cavity. A portion of the reflector may define a light emitting aperture which extends from a position closely spaced to the bulb to a light transmissive end of the microwave cavity. Preferably, at least a portion of the reflector is spaced from a wall of the microwave cavity. The lamp may be substantially sealed from environmental contamination.

Abstract: A fax machine works as a fax machine, and is capable of sending and receiving image data by email. In addition to a fax type scanner and fax type printer, the device includes an alphanumeric keyboard, a processor and a memory. The device is configured as a customer for an internet service provider, with its own email address, i.e., a user name and password. The device includes an internet type modem that is set up for calling either another fax machine or a customer number of the provider. The user enters in the keyboard either the telephone number of the other fax machine, or the email address of the addressee. The processor determines which one is entered by examining the entry for the “169” character of an email address. If it is a regular fax transmission, the other fax machine is dialed, and the document is scanned and transmitted.

Abstract: A method of electing a bootstrap processor from among a plurality of processor includes creating an atomic access shared location and electing one of said processors as the bootstrap processor.

Abstract: A startup program for protecting against corruption of firmware resides in multiple blocks of a firmware device in a processor-based system. While the firmware device typically stores code, the device may additionally store data that is accessible to application programs. The startup program confirms that the block from which it executes is a valid startup block. If the block is not a valid startup block, the startup program searches the other blocks in the firmware device for a valid startup block. Upon identifying a valid startup block, the startup program sets an execution address such that subsequent initialization of the processor-based system occurs from the startup block.

Abstract: A computer includes two signal lines on which wake events can occur, but the computer's motherboard recognizes wake signals occurring on only one of these signal lines. Therefore, the computer includes a circuit that, in response a wake event on the signal line that is not recognized by the motherboard, delivers a wake signal over the signal line that is recognized by the motherboard.

Abstract: An oscillator includes a solid state active device having an input and an output, a feedback circuit connected from the output of the active device to the input of the active device, the feedback circuit providing suitable positive feedback to initiate and sustain an oscillating condition at a fundamental frequency, and a waveform modifying circuit connected to the output of the active device, wherein the waveform modifying circuit is adapted to modify the waveform on the output in a manner which increases an efficiency of the oscillator. For example, the waveform modifying circuit comprises transmission lines and optionally components which provide a high impedance for odd harmonics of the fundamental frequency. The waveform modifying circuit may further include transmission lines and optionally components which provide a low impedance for even harmonics of the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A hand tool for securely supporting an article during painting includes a mounting portion adapted to secure the article thereto, a handle portion connected to the mounting portion, the handle portion being adapted to be grasped by an operator, and a supporting portion connected to the handle portion, the supporting portion being adapted to support the article after a painting operation is completed and while the paint dries. The hand tool may be of a general “L” shape or a general “T” shape. Preferably, the hand tool is of one-piece construction.