Abstract: A series of connections of photodiodes has a plurality of alternating N-type conductivity surface areas with P-type conductivity surface areas with each member of the P-type conductivity surface areas being separated by a member of N-type conductivity surface areas. Metal conductors connect the P-type conductivity areas to the N-type conductivity areas at an N+ implanted area within the N-type conductivity surface area to form the series connection of photodiodes.

Abstract: An assembly that engages a component to a computer system includes a cover adapted to retain the component and to be inserted within a chassis of the computer system. A slide movably coupled to the cover has a proximal position associated with inserting the cover into the chassis and a distal position associated with withdrawing the cover from the chassis. A detector coupled to a lock and to the slide detects movement of the slide to actuate the lock. The lock is coupled to the slide and to the detector, and blocks movement of the slide towards the distal point when the lock is in an engaged state.

Abstract: A technique for assigning addresses to modular units connected to a computer system expansion bus. A unique address is initially generated in a controller module attached to the expansion bus and is transferred to the first one of several serially coupled expansion modules. The first modules receives the unique address which now identifies that module and generates a new unique address from the received unique address. The new unique address is transferred to the next expansion module which uses the received address to identify itself. The steps are repeated until each expansion module has received a unique address to identify itself. In each module, a Read Only Memory (ROM) is used to receive the unique address from the previous module and to generate a new address for the next module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and dynamically providing wiring connections at a central location coupled via ordinary phone lines to a plurality of work stations including a master work station. A central hub couples to a plurality of two wire telephone lines, each of which is coupled to an individual work station. The hub includes circuitry for monitoring transmissions to determine which of the work stations is the master. A receiver coupled to the master work station is coupled to transmitters to each of the other work stations. Receivers coupled to the remaining work stations are in turn coupled to a transmitter to the master work station.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for allowing multiple enclosures (10) to be connected so that their respective motherboards (15) together define a single bus. System-wide arbitration is carried out asynchronously on an enclosure basis while arbitration within each enclosure occurs synchronously. A bus repeater (20, 25, 25') is provided at each of the upstream and downstream ends of each enclosure's motherboard. The upstream bus repeater (20) in a given enclosure is coupled by a flexible connector cable (30) to the downstream bus repeater (25, 25') in the enclosure immediately upstream. One of the bus repeaters (say the upstream one) has the status as master or arbiter while the other has the status of a slave. The connector cables have two sets of lines (32, 35), thereby allowing the bus repeaters to pass two basic types of signals: (a) bused signals (address, data) which are made available to the relevant unit boards; and (b) private signals which are passed only to the bus repeaters.

Abstract: A power distribution system intended for use in a highly modular desk top computer system is disclosed. The invention provides a programmable modular DC power supply including a power module that produces a first fixed regulated DC voltage which is coupled from the power module to a power bus. Thereafter the first voltage is distributed to a plurality of DC-to-DC convertors, each of which is operable to change the first DC voltage to a second regulated DC voltage selected from a plurality of programmed voltage values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for allowing simultaneous depression or chording of a multiple number of keys on a keyboard coupled through an interface circuit to a computer operating system. An arbitrary association can be made to the chord which is distinct from the association made with its component keys. A dedicated processor system in the keyboard peripheral scans and stores in a dedicated memory the identity of all keys detected in the depressed state during the scan of the keyboard. For transmission to the computer operating system, each key depression detected during the scan is represented as an 8-bit binary component and the most significant bit of each binary component is set to the same one of the two permissible binary values, except for the most significant bit of the binary component representing the last depressed key detected during the scan of the keyboard. The most significant bit of that component is set to other of the two permissible binary values.

Abstract: An improved housing (15, 17) and associated latching mechanism that render practicable the implementation of a completely modular computer system. The latching mechanism effects simple positive engagement and disengagement of the pin and socket connectors (22, 20) as respective outer surfaces of a first wall (25) on a first module housing (15) and a second wall (27) on a second module housing (17) are brought together or separated. The second wall (27) carries a plurality of hooking members (30) which pass through corresponding apertures (32) in the first wall (25) and are captured and restrained by a reciprocable latch bar (50) inside the first housing (15). A rotary latch (37) engages the latch bar (50) such that actuation of a handle (40) on the rotary latch (37) causes reciprocation of the latch bar (50) between a first accommodating position and a second capturing position.

Abstract: A base for supporting a load defines a first articular concave spherical surface segment forming a first socket about an axis extending through the center of curvature of the surface segment. The socket is nested with a first mating articular convex spherical surface segment forming a first ball segment joined to a load carrying platform. A first strip of low friction bearing material is seated in a first recess encircling the axis at the perimeter of the first socket to support the first ball segment. The side of the first ball segment facing away from the first socket defines a second articular concave spherical surface segment forming a second socket. A second mating articular convex spherical surface segment forming a second ball segment joined to a retaining member is nested in the second socket. A second strip of low friction bearing material is seated in a second recess encircling the axis at the perimeter of the second ball to support the second ball segment.