Abstract: A system for providing test tools at a remote location with a portable computer is disclosed. The system includes a peripheral interface coupled to the computer for communicating data between the computer and a unit under test. The test tool is implemented on a printed circuit card that, preferably, conforms to the dimensions and specifications of the card categories for the Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) standard. The test tool receives and transmits signals to and from the unit under test so that an application program executing within said computer may display, analyze, or otherwise use the data received from the test tool which is controlled by the program. The test tool includes a tuple to identify the functionality of the tool. A card service interpreter within the computer communicates with the tool in accordance with the tuple information identifying the test tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a grader blade includes a support bracket, a first upper retainer secured to the support bracket and a second upper retainer secured to the support bracket. The apparatus also includes a first lower retainer secured to the support bracket, the first lower retainer being movable relative to the first upper retainer, and a second lower retainer secured to the support bracket, the second lower retainer being movable relative to the second upper retainer. The apparatus further includes a first adjustment member which contacts the first lower retainer, wherein rotation of the first adjustment member causes movement of the first lower retainer relative to the first upper retainer, and a second adjustment member which contacts the second lower retainer, wherein rotation of the second adjustment member causes movement of the second lower retainer relative to the second upper retainer. A method of retaining a grader blade relative to a support bracket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of affixing heat sink assemblies to integrated circuit devices includes the following steps (1) providing a first heat sink assembly having a first base, with the first base having a first layer of adhesive material disposed thereon, and with a first strippable liner positioned over and in contact with the first layer of adhesive material, (2) removing the first strippable liner from the first layer of adhesive material, (3) positioning the first heat sink assembly in contact with a first integrated circuit device mounted on a printed circuit board such that the first layer of adhesive material is interposed between the first base and the first integrated circuit device, (4) removing the first integrated circuit device from the printed circuit board, (5) providing a second heat sink assembly having a second base, with the second base having a second layer of adhesive material disposed thereon, and with a second strippable liner positioned over and in contact with the second layer of adhesive material

Abstract: A portable computer assembly includes a portable computer and a receptacle adapted to hold the portable computer. The portable computer assembly further includes a base for supporting the receptacle. Moreover, the portable computer assembly includes a latch for latching the receptacle to the base. Additionally disclosed is a method of removing particulate from a portable computer storage system which includes a receptacle, a base, and a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to a memory includes the step of defining a group of priority codes, each of which represents an order for granting simultaneous memory access requests. One of the group of priority codes is selectively provided to a memory controller. A request to access memory is then granted according to the selected priority code.

Abstract: A method of insuring recovery of a quantity write request data in a storage device having a plurality of controllers includes the steps of (1) providing a primary controller for storing the write request data received from a host device, (2) providing an alternate controller having a memory area allocated for use by the primary controller, (3) maintaining a first control block in the primary controller for indicating status of the write request data stored in the primary controller, and (4) maintaining a second control block in the alternate controller for indicating status of the write request data stored in the primary controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an interface opening in a computer housing includes an electromagnetic shielding cover which is positionable over the interface opening, the shielding cover having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the shielding cover is positioned within a recess located within the computer housing. The apparatus further includes a clamp maintainable in an operational mode during which the clamp is urged against the second end portion of the shielding cover so as to secure the shielding cover over the interface opening. In addition, the apparatus includes a fastener for maintaining the clamp in the operational mode. A method of covering an interface opening in a computer housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of cooling a heat source, such as an integrated circuit device, includes the following steps (1) providing a base having a plurality of elongated fins on a first side thereof and a mating surface on a second side thereof, with the plurality of elongated fins defining a plurality of channels, (2) positioning the mating surface of the base in contact with the integrated circuit device, (3) advancing a first flow of fluid onto a top surface of each of the plurality of fins so as to form a quantity of spent fluid which continues to be advanced into the plurality of channels, and (4) advancing a second flow of fluid into the plurality of channels so as to exhaust the quantity of spent fluid from the plurality of channels. An apparatus for cooling a heat source is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of implanting a graft in the body of a patient to bypass a segment of a blood vessel includes the steps of: (1) securing a first end of the graft to the blood vessel at a first location while the first location is covered by a substantially intact portion of the epidermis of the body, and (2) securing a second end of the graft to the blood vessel at a second location while the second location is exposed through an incision in the body. The first end securing step comprises the step of securing the first end of the graft to the blood vessel with an expandable stent. The second end securing step comprises the step of suturing the second end of the graft to the blood vessel.

Abstract: A method of cooling a heat source includes the steps of (1) positioning a thermally conductive base in contact with the heat source, the base having a plurality of fins which define a plurality of channels, (2) generating an initial flow of fluid, (3) positioning a baffle in the path of the initial flow of fluid so as to create a primary flow of fluid and a secondary flow of fluid, (4) directing the primary flow of fluid against the plurality of fins so as to form a quantity of spent fluid which is advanced into the channels, (5) directing the secondary flow of fluid into the plurality of channels so as to force the quantity of spent fluid out of the plurality of channels, and (6) repositioning the baffle from a first position to a second position to change the magnitude of the primary flow of fluid. An apparatus for cooling a heat source which splits an initial flow of fluid into a primary flow of fluid and a secondary flow of fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: In computers, a test of memory is generally performed at the time of powering up. In one form of the invention, this type of test is run on part of Random Access Memory (RAM), while allowing data or a program to reside in another part. Then, after the partial test is completed, the data is transferred into the RAM just tested, and the RAM which previously held the data is tested. Thus, the data can co-exist in memory while the test runs, by being shuttled from one location to another.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and supporting electronic components includes a first housing portion having a first support, and a second housing portion having a second support. The apparatus further includes an elastomeric isolating member being secured between the first support and the second support so as to position the isolating member within the apparatus. Moreover, the apparatus further includes a base upon which electronic components are mounted, the base being attached to the elastomeric isolating member.

Abstract: The invention provides for antenna apparatus having antenna members extending parallel to a ground plane, which members are L-shaped and can be provided in advantageously miniaturized form. Two such antenna members can be provided on the same ground plane so as to achieve antenna diversity and a switch mechanism is provided for switching between the antenna member in a receive mode, and for switching to only one of the antenna members for operation of the apparatus in a transmit mode. The switch mechanism is arranged to ground a feed connector of the antenna member that is not selected for transmission or reception so as to render that antenna member passive.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating the effectiveness and efficiency of a communication device is disclosed. The system includes a computer executing a communication efficiency program. The computer further includes a modem that is coupled to a plurality of transmission devices through a plurality of I/O ports. Prior to transmitting a selected data file through the modem to one of the transmission devices for subsequent transmission to a remote site, a user may evaluate information about the transmission of the selected data file through a transmission device such as the estimated cost and time of transmission for the data file. The program provides the estimates by using retrieved data file parameters for the selected data file and user defined data transmission parameters for the various transmission devices. The estimated cost and time are stored and the user may select another device for which the time and costs of transmission are estimated.

Abstract: A memory controller intercepts data bytes destined for a memory and selectively combines them with data bytes previously read from the memory. The controller also blocks data bytes destined for the memory corresponding to data bytes previously written to the memory. The memory controller includes an input device and an output device. An output line of the input device is connected to both the memory and an input line of the output device. Also, the memory is connected to the input line of the output device.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an integrated circuit device includes a container defining a chamber that is partially filled with a coolant which forms a coolant pool in the chamber, wherein heat generated by the integrated circuit device causes boiling of the coolant in the coolant pool so that vaporized coolant rises upwardly from the coolant pool and condenses on a ceiling of the chamber forming coolant droplets thereon. The apparatus further includes a cooling conduit positioned within the chamber and at least partially out of the coolant pool, the cooling conduit further being positioned (1) in a first path traveled by the vaporized coolant as it rises upwardly from the coolant pool towards the ceiling, and (2) in a second path traveled by the coolant droplets falling from the ceiling due to gravity.

Abstract: A method for displaying a charge level of a battery includes the steps of (1) displaying the charge level of the battery in a first manner during battery charging, and (2) displaying the charge level of the battery in a second manner which is different than the first manner during battery discharging. The first manner displaying step includes the step of operating a battery charge level indicator in a first mode, and the second manner displaying step includes the step of operating the battery charge level indicator in a second mode which is different than the first mode. In addition, a battery charge level indicator is disclosed and includes a display for indicating a charge level of a battery, and a mechanism for operating the display so as to indicate whether the battery is in a charge state of operation or a discharge state of operation.