Abstract: A multiple data stream processing arrangement includes a receiver/signal processor (14) and a plurality of signal input paths (11, 12) which meet at a junction (36). A junction output from the junction (36) provides a single input to the receiver/signal processor (14). A switching arrangement (16) is associated with the plurality of signal input paths (11, 12). The switching arrangement (16) includes a switch (31, 32) connected in each signal input path (11, 12). Each switch (31, 32) responds to an enable signal to allow a data stream applied to the respective input path (11, 12) to pass on to the junction (36) and to the receiver/signal processor (14). According to the invention only one signal input path (11, 12) and respective switch (31,32) is enabled at any given time.

Abstract: A molten metal reactor (10) includes a reactor vessel having a heating section (11) formed from a dielectric material. The reactor vessel also includes a reaction section (12) connected to heating section (11). An induction heating coil (18) is associated with the reactor vessel heating section (11) and produces an electromagnetic field within a field area (19). A portion of the field extends through the heating section (11) for inductively heating a reactant metal (14) contained in the heating section, while a dielectric spacing material (25) positioned around induction heating coil (18) isolates electrically conductive materials from the induction heating field (19). A circulating arrangement (20) circulates molten reactant metal between the heating section (11) and reaction section (12) to react waste material introduced into the reactor in the reaction section, outside of the induction heating field (19).

Abstract: A comparator circuit (40) includes a comparator network and a comparator enabling device (80) and may be integrated with a sense amplifier circuit (41). The comparator network is adapted to receive a complementary pair of reference data signals (B, B13) and a complementary pair of analog data signals (d1, d1b). An output of the comparator circuit (40) represents a comparison of the data represented by the reference data signals and the data represented by the analog data signals. The comparator output is generated in response to a comparator enable signal (SE) applied to the comparator enabling device (80) while the input data is applied to the comparator network. The comparator enable signal (SE) is applied at a time when the analog data signals (d1, d1b) have developed a minimum differential level.

Abstract: An option card retainer (10) includes a first elongated leg member (14) and a second elongated leg member (15). The two leg members (14, 15) are aligned with their upper ends connected by a bridge structure (16). The first leg member (14) includes a first clip structure (18) at its lower end and the second leg member (15) includes a second clip structure (19) at its lower end. A biasing device (20) is located beneath the bridge structure (16) between the first and second leg members. The retainer (10) is fastened over an option card (11) with the biasing device (20) compressed between the bridge structure (16) and a top edge (26) of the option card with the clip structures (18, 19) in a gripping engagement with an underside of the option card connector (12).

Abstract: A first antenna (16) at a user location (14) receives signals at a first frequency where the signals are travelling only within a first directional reception range as measured from a centerline (28) of the first antenna (16). The first antenna (16) has its centerline (28) aligned to receive direct broadcast satellite signals transmitted from a satellite in geosynchronous orbit about the earth. A second antenna (18) at the user location (14) receives signals at the first frequency where the signals are travelling only within a second directional reception range as measured from a centerline (30) of the second antenna (18). The second antenna (18) is aligned to receive signals transmitted at the first frequency from a terrestrial transmitting location remote from the user location. A terrestrial transmitter transmits signals at the first frequency and directionally within a terrestrial azimuth range from the terrestrial transmitting location.

Abstract: A keeper circuit (14) is included in a memory arrangement comprising a column of memory cells (20) connected by a bit line pair (16,18). The keeper circuit (14) comprises two keeper transistors. One keeper transistor (86) is connected to control current from a supply voltage source to one bit line (16) and the other keeper transistor (88) is connected to control current from the supply voltage source to the other bit line (18) of the bit line pair. Current through each keeper transistor (86, 88) is controlled by the charge state of the opposite bit line. A low charge state on one bit line causes the keeper transistor associated with the opposite bit line to conduct and maintain the charge level of the opposite bit line.

Abstract: A clock receiver system (10) includes a clock receiver circuit (14), a phase-lock loop circuit (15), and a clock receiver mirror circuit (16). The clock receiver circuit (14) comprises a differential amplifier having complementary first and second clock inputs and producing a clock receiver output (20). The clock receiver output (20) is applied as a first input to the phase-lock loop circuit (15). The output of the phase-lock loop circuit comprises a phase-locked clock output (22) which is directed to a clock distribution arrangement (25). The signal at the clock distribution arrangement (25) is fed back to the second input of the phase-lock loop circuit (15) through the clock receiver mirror circuit (16). The clock receiver circuit (14) and clock receiver mirror circuit (16) are both self-biased and include identical circuit components.

Abstract: Memory chips (15) are mounted perpendicularly on a memory module substrate (14) to achieve a close spacing between the chips. A plurality of memory chip signal lines (20) are located on the memory module substrate (14) and the memory chips (15) are electrically coupled to the memory chip signal lines at spaced apart chip coupling points (23). Digital signals are driven to the memory chip signal lines (20) through signal lines (21) having a first level impedance. The memory chip signal lines (20) have a second level impedance greater that the first level impedance. The spacing between the chip coupling points (23) is chosen such that the effective impedance level of the memory chip signal lines (20) substantially matches the lower, first level impedance.

Abstract: A write driver apparatus (10) is adapted for producing a first data output signal and a second data output signal used in driving data onto a bit line pair (16, 18) associated with an electronic computer memory. The first and second data output signals represent desired data and are produced in response to a data signal, refill signal, and a data propagation clock signal. The data propagation signal is derived from system clock signals. A precharge circuit (12) associated with the write driver (10) operates in response to a precharge clock signal to precharge the bit lines (16, 18) prior to each read or write operation. The precharge clock signal is related to the data propagation signal to ensure that the bit lines (16, 18) are fully precharged prior to a read operation. A keeper circuit (14) associated with the bit lines (16, 18) also helps maintain a desired charge state on the bit lines during a read operation from memory cells (20) connected to the bit lines.

Abstract: An information handling system includes one or more processing units, a data management unit, connected to the processor data bus, to a memory system, and to an I/O bus, an address management unit, connected to the processor address bus, to the memory system, and to an I/O bus. Data management unit also includes interrupt routing logic which snoops interrupt packets, stores the information in registers, and generates a signal indicating whether a particular interrupt was accepted or rejected. If the interrupt logic has a higher priority interrupt pending, the current interrupt packet will be returned to the requesting device using the interrupt return transaction, and the requesting device will accept the return transaction by decoding the bus unit ID field in the packet. The interrupt will be requeued and held in a pending status until an interrupt reissue transaction is transmitted by the interrupt routing logic and received by the interrupting I/O controller.

Abstract: A voltage converter circuit (10) includes a primary P-type FET (20) having its source-drain conduction path connected between an input (22) and a first output node (23). An N-type FET (21) is connected in parallel with the primary P-type device (20) between the input (22) and first output node (23). The gate electrode of the primary P-type device (20) is connected to the first output node (23) while the gate electrode of the N-type device (21) is connected to a second voltage supply at the voltage level of a desired second voltage signal. A first digital signal at a first voltage level is applied to the input (22). The voltage produced at the first output node (23) equals the desired second voltage level and comprises the input signal voltage reduced by the threshold voltage of the primary P-type device (20). One or more additional P-type devices (40) may be connected in series with the primary P-type device (20) to reduce the output voltage level further.

Abstract: A dynamic sense amplifier (10) cooperates with an embedded latch arrangement for converting signals read from a memory cell array to digital signals. The dynamic sense amplifier (10) is connected to a complementary pair of data output lines, each associated with a data output node, and to a complementary pair of data lines from a column decoder associated with the memory cell array. The dynamic sense amplifier (10) is also connected to a sense enable line for receiving a sense enable signal, while the latch incorporated in the dynamic sense amplifier (10) is connected to a latch enable line. The dynamic sense amplifier (10) operates to quickly develop an intermediate charge state at the data output nodes in response to a read charge state on the data lines and a sense enable signal applied at the sense enable line. After developing the intermediate charge state, the latch enable signal is applied to the latch enable line to take the intermediate charge state to a final charge state at the data output nodes.

Abstract: A bit switch circuit (10) includes an amplifier stage (11) and a plurality of input stages (23,33,43,53). Each input stage (23,33,43,53) is connected to receive as inputs the signals applied to a bit line pair associated with a memory array. Each input stage (23,33,43,53) is also associated with a common node (24,34,44,54), and a select transistor (T4, T5, T6, T7). Each select transistor (T4, T5, T6, T7) responds to a select input signal to couple the respective common node (24,34,44,54) to ground. This allows the sense amplifier (11) to respond to the data signals on the bit line pair (20,21,30,31,40,41,50,51) associated with the respective input stage (23,33,43,53).

Abstract: An integrated back support and bed having a removable back support supported by a bottom which is attached to a maneuverable bed and frame. The back support is designed to be taken to the victim of spinal trauma, the victim placed thereon and never removed until treatment is substantially completed. The back support is made of radiolucent material and the bed frame and other parts are made of non-magnetic material so that the back support and bed may be located directly next to magnetic resonance imaging devices, cat scans and the like, without hindering diagnosis. A front support, also removably attachable to the bed and frame, can be sucked into a thin shell by means of common hospital suction lines. The deflated front support is then placed over the user, secured in place, and allowed to reinflate so that it conforms exactly to the dimensions and shape of the user.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus and method having three long sections and one short section joined together so that when opened in the proper position, a square is formed. One long section serves as a target pointer, a second long section serves as the ball pointer, and a third long section serves as a body alignment guide. The sections of the invention are joined together in a rotatable fashion so that the device may be opened or closed easily and transported in a golf bag, if desired. When the device is used, one section is pointed at the target, one section is pointed at the golf ball, and the third section forms a reference for positioning of the golfer's feet. The section of the device pointed at the target has an elongated section that serves as a guide for take away of a golf club in a direction directly opposite from the target, as is desired. The portion of the long section pointed at the golf ball also has an elongated end that serves as a reference point for the alignment of the ball to the golfer's body.

Abstract: A portable lifting apparatus and method having a pair of oppositely positioned end pieces to which are attached lifting devices. A support is attached between the end pieces upon which an individual rests. The support contains at least one access opening so that access for a bed pan, for airing bed sores, for changing bandages and linen, is provided. Further, a leveling device is attached to the support for maintaining the support in a level position as the patient is lifted and lowered above the bed. The end pieces may be attached to any existing bed in a hospital or nursing home or elsewhere and the support is conformed to the size and dimension of the bed to which it is attached. The device is remotely operable and, if the patient is capable, may actually be operated by the patient so as to enable the patient to raise and lower himself above the bed for use of a bed pan, and so forth.

Abstract: A seal is adapted for temporarily but securely sealing a toner bin, and particularly, a toner bin having a container with a container opening, a sealing surface formed around the container opening, and a container cover structure connected to the container over the container opening so as to form a narrow slot exposed along one side of the toner bin at a slot opening. The seal includes a sealing sheet adapted to be inserted through the slot opening in an inserted position in which the sealing sheet completely covers the container opening and a portion of the container sealing surface around the entire perimeter of the container opening. The sealing sheet includes an adhesive coating positioned on a sealing side thereof, and has an insertion edge at one end and a trailing edge at its opposite end.

Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus and method employing an electric pump with one discharge port and one or more suction ports connected to corresponding discharge conduit and suction conduits. By means of a switch, suction can be directed from one suction conduit to the other as required. The operator simply directs the flow of the contaminated oil to a suitable receptacle, energizes the system and provides suction on the oil pan through an oil plug adapter and old oil is removed. New oil is added by switching suction to another suction conduit and directing the discharge port to connection with an oil cap adapter so that new oil can flow through the discharge conduit into a vehicle through an oil cover adapter. Not only oil, but other automotive fluids can be removed and added to the vehicle by means of this invention. As a result, a safe and ecologically respectful and cost efficient means is provided for the transfer of automotive fluids into and out of a vehicle.

Abstract: A locking apparatus is adapted for locking a firearm or the like received in a holster, so that the firearm may not move appreciably while received in the holster and so that the firearm may be quickly withdrawn. The locking apparatus is particularly useful with speed holsters which provide minimal support for the weapon received therein. The preferred locking apparatus includes an activating member connected to a locking member. A suitable clamp or base member connects the activating and locking members to an inside surface of the holster. The locking apparatus is adapted to be positioned in an unlocked position in which the activating member extends generally transversely into the holster in position to be contacted as a firearm is inserted, and in which the locking member is retracted so as to lie generally adjacent an inner surface of the holster.