Abstract: A method for transferring data on a communication medium between a host computer and a plurality of peripheral devices coupled to the medium at a plurality of first address locations, including first and second peripheral devices at a one of the first address locations. The host computer transmits a plurality of first signals to the one of the first address locations requesting any peripheral devices at the one of the first address locations to transmit data to the host computer. The first peripheral device senses the medium to determine if the medium is currently in use. The second peripheral device senses the medium to determine if the medium is currently in use. The first peripheral device transmit data to the host computer when the medium is not in use. The second peripheral device discontinues the transmission of data when the medium is in use and sets an internal collision flag.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an analog audio signal and a speed control signal for a disk drive for use with a microprocessor having a RAM which provides a video signal for a raster scanned display. Direct addressing to the RAM is used during horizontal blanking periods to allow data to be read from the RAM and used to generate the audio and speed control signals. The data is updated during the blanking periods. The speed control signal to the disk controller varies as a function of track (radius).

Abstract: A communications medium for transmitting data between a plurality of peripheral devices and a host computer. Only one device may talk on the bus at a time and only in response to a command from the host. When a peripheral device needs to be serviced, it sends out a service request signal by holding the bus low after any command signal. The device continues to request service until it receives a talk command from the host computer. When more than one device are the same type (for example, two mice) are coupled to the bus, the host computer assigns new addresses to the devices. Devices detect collisions by sensing a low signal on the bus when they attempt to send a "1".

Abstract: Packaging of the type comprising an outer rectangular box (100) of rigid cardboard or the like, and a flexible inflatable structure (200, 300) situated inside the box and comprising, overlying each of the inside faces of the box, an inflatable cushion for coming into close contact with the article to be packaged. The box includes a bottom closure (120) and a top closure (130) each having self-locking flaps. The inflatable structure comprises two unit assemblies (200, 300) each comprising a central cushion (220, 330) overlying a respective one of the closures (120, 130) of the box, and two side cushions (211, 213; 312, 314) overlying respective side walls (111, 113; 112, 114) of the box, with each assembly further including means (270-274; 370-374; 500) for simultaneously inflating its three cushions, with at least one of the assemblies being inflatable from outside the box.

Abstract: A printed circuit board card adapted to fit into a slot and make electrical connections with cooperating terminals in the slot, the slot being disposed on the main circuit board of a personal computer system, the main circuit board including a CPU, memory, a 32-bit address bus with control signals associated therewith, and input/output circuitry. The slot is coupled to the 32-bit address bus, being substantially a NUBUS bus, and the slot includes distinct identification line means which provide the slot with an identification number (distinct number) in the computer system. The card includes a decoder means which is coupled to the slot to receive the identification number; the decoder means has memory reservation means which causes 256 megabytes of memory space to be reserved for the card in the slot, such that, where the slot number is X, the 256 megabytes of reserved memory space begins at location $X000 0000 and ends at locations $XFFF FFFF.

Abstract: A full-wave rectifier circuit is coupled to a pair of differential signal lines emanating from a computer. The differential signal lines which carry digital data information having a serial protocol scheme is tapped by the full-wave bridge rectifier to provide a power supply voltage to power various circuits coupled to the power supply. This scheme permits an interface unit to a serial protocol scheme of a computer to power itself from the data lines.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated testing apparatus and process for screen alignment involving a pattern generator, sensors, and an analysis computer. Two sets of patterns are displayed on the screen being tested. Sensors are used to observe patterns on the screen. An analysis computer receives the data from these observations and then compares the observed data to data from an ideal screen to determine the screen's alignment parameters.

Abstract: A video card using VRAMs for a computer which includes a CPU and main memory. The VRAM addresses are generated in a manner making it unnecessary to have an integer number of scan lines per memory row. A counter keeps track of the shift register position in the VRAMs and a new row address is generated in hardware independent of the scan line. A look-ahead feature detects the approaching end of the shift register data and initiates a timing sequence to reload the shift register.

Abstract: A method for requesting service by a device coupled to a host computer through a communication medium. The host computer sets a service request bit of the device to a first logical value to allow the device to produce a service request signal if the device requires servicing. The device determines that it requires servicing and the device sets an internal flag bit to a first logical value to indicate that the device requires servicing. The device monitors a command from the host computer to see if the command is addressed to the device. If the command is not addressed to the device and if the service request bit is set to a first logical value, then the device generates a service request signal on the medium after the command by holding the communication medium low for a first period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is an error detection system for liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. The system comprises a photo-scanning device coupled to a computer and a LCD display driver. Faulty LCD cells are detected by using the photo-scanner to produce two images. The first image is produced by displaying a predetermined pattern on the LCD device. This pattern is inverted to produce the second image. By analyzing these two images, faulty LCD cells are located. The results of the analysis give the location of the faulty LCD cells.

Abstract: A video display apparatus for composing video signals for a raster scanned display on a line-by-line basis. Objects are stored in a video RAM and are packed in the RAM without regard to their location on the display. A separate dispatch table contains information on each object and commands. A dispatcher operates on this information, allowing lines of data and commands to be extracted from the RAM as each video line is composed in a buffer.

Abstract: A computer monitor stand is described having a platform for holding the computer monitor, a swivel piece and a base. The platform is coupled to the swivel piece. The swivel piece is coupled to the base. The base allows the swivel piece to rotate in a certain predetermined rotational angle. The swivel piece allows the platform to vary its angle of inclination. The platform is dynamically adjustable but still statically latching. The platform has a convexly curved bottom and a rack on that bottom; the bottom fits into a concavely curved top of the swivel piece. The concavely curved top includes a cantilevered pawl which engages the rack on the bottom of the platform.

Abstract: A system for programming an asynchronous logic cell and a two- or three-dimensional array formed of such cells. Each cell comprises a number of exclusive-OR gates, Muller C-elements and programmable switches. The logic cell is reprogrammable and may even be reprogrammed dynamically, such as to perform recursive operations or simply to make use of hardware which is temporarily idle. Programming is accomplished by setting the states of the switches in each cell. A user-friendly programming environment facilitates the programming of the switches. The programming system facilitates the construction of circuits, circuit modules, black box elements and the like, with provision for storing such building blocks in a library for future reference. With an adequate library, custom hardware can be designed by simply mapping stored blocks onto chips and connecting them together.

Abstract: An enhanced video graphics controller for converting digital signals to a video signal is described. The controller is capable of displaying composite or analog RGB colors as well as providing shades of grey on monochrome displays. The processing of graphics information includes arranging 256 colors into 16 palettes of 16 colors each and is stored in a first memory. Pointers are assigned to each scan line of a frame of a display and these pointers are also stored in the first memory. Data fields which represent bit mapped video data are also stored in the first memory. For each scan line, a corresponding pointer is selected and this pointer selects one of the palettes to be loaded into a second memory. Then data field for that scan line address the second memory to provide color to the stored video data.

Abstract: A crosspoint encoder having a n-key rollover data collection system in which all keystrokes are recognized. A phantom key detection routine detects phantom key conditions and provides for temporary storage of subsequent keystrokes until the phantom condition is removed thus ensuring uninterrupted recordation of all keystrokes.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for converting a serial bit stream representative of a composite color video signal to RGB control signals is described. A sliding window is used to determine the video color for each new bit in the stream after the bits are rearranged to their proper order. As soon as a change in color is detected, the prior color is used until a predetermined condition occurs such as the passage of a predetermined number of bits. This prevents displaying of transitional colors which appear as shadows on the display.