Abstract: A computer system includes a memory controller that interfaces a memory requester with a memory device that may include defective memory cells. For each of plural memory blocks, defective bit sets having one or more defective memory cells are identified. A bit set error map is created and stored which identifies the defective bit sets of each of the memory blocks. In response to receiving from the memory requester a request for access to a requested storage location of the memory device, a determination is made from the error map whether the storage location is in a memory block that includes one or more defective bit sets. If the error map indicates that the requested storage location is in a memory block with one or more defective bit sets, then a determination is made from the error map which of the bit sets are defective. To execute the memory access request, the memory controller accesses the non-defective bit sets to which the detective bit sets have been mapped.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching processors and other components to printed circuit assemblies. One particularly useful application for several embodiments of the invention is attaching a single-edge-contact processor to a PCB. In one embodiment, a mounting-module for attaching a component to a PCB is attached to the PCB prior to being shipped to a final device manufacturer. The component has a component height greater than a desired shipping height for the printed circuit board. The mounting-module, more particularly, may have a base attached to the printed circuit board and a component holder attachable to the base. The base and component holder together may have a first height less than the desired shipping height when the component holder is in a detached or lowered position. As such, the base may be attached to the printed circuit board prior to shipping without adversely impacting the shipping costs.

Abstract: A method for locating an electronic device such as a stolen portable computer. The method includes initiating a phone call; receiving automatic number identification (ANI) information; and terminating the phone call before the call is answered. The received ANI information may then be provided to law enforcement agencies so that they may retrieve the electronic device. The act of initiating and terminating may be performed by a computer or a modem.

Abstract: A bi-directional buffer circuit for transferring data between clock boundaries in a computer system is described. The circuit is divided into halves, with one half being controlled by a first clock and the second half being controlled by a second clock. The incoming data that is synchronized to the first clock is compiled into data blocks and stored into registers before being synchronized and transferred to the other half of the circuit. The data blocks that are stored in the register sent across a the clock boundary the then synchronized into matched registers within the second half of the circuit. In addition, the signals that control the synchronization of data blocks between the halves of the circuit are synchronized by two stages of registers to avoid the problem of metastability.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a method for stacking receptacles. The method comprises stacking a first receptacle on a second receptacle; and inverting the stacked first and second receptacles to engage the first and second receptacles.

Abstract: A computer system having an advanced programmable interrupt controller (APIC) is described in which an I/O APIC module is included in core logic circuitry coupled between a processor bus and a system bus. An interrupt controller is included in bridge circuitry coupled between the system bus and an expansion bus. System and expansion bus devices requiring service output interrupt request signals (IRQs) which are received by the interrupt controller. The interrupt controller then outputs an interrupt signal which is received by the I/O APIC module. The I/O APIC module initiates a system bus acknowledge cycle to receive an interrupt vector from the interrupt controller. The I/O APIC module converts the interrupt vector into a system-appropriate APIC protocol and transmits the vector on an APIC bus to local APIC modules integrated within processors of the computer system.

Abstract: A closure system useful for securing a device having a stylus. In a first embodiment, the closure system includes a housing having first and second housing members, the first housing member being configured to matingly contact the second housing member when the device is in a closed configuration. The stylus is received within a channel located in the second housing member. A latch release also located within the second member is controlled by the position of the stylus such that when the stylus is inserted within the channel, the latch release engages a latch located on the first member, thereby preventing the first and second members from separating. The latch release may also be used to block the latch such that the first and second housing members can not be mated when the stylus is removed from the channel. In another embodiment, a blocking device located within the second housing member and separate from the latch is utilized to prevent the device from being closed when the stylus is removed.

Abstract: A logic device has address decoding logic for receiving an address to be decoded, for performing address decode operations and for providing current address decode operation results, an address range register for storing the address range of a previously decoded address, address comparing logic for comparing the address of the address to be decoded and the address range of the previously decoded address and selecting logic for bypassing a current address decode operation if the address of the address to be decoded is within the address range of the previously decoded address. The device may further have an address decode results register for storing the results of a previous address decode operation, wherein the selecting logic selects the results of the previous address decode operation stored in the address decode results register if the current address decode operation is bypassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a user parameter-specific information. In one embodiment, a server receives from a client a parameter-specific information request, which identifies at least one parameter corresponding to the requested parameter-specific information. A file processing program is then invoked to process a first information file. The file processing program reads from the first information file code segments, including both client-displayable segments and segments executable by the file processing program ("FPP-executable code segments"). If the code segment is client-displayable, the file processing program sends to the client the client-displayable code from the client-displayable code segment. On the other hand, if the code segment is FPP-executable, the file processing program executes the FPP-executable code. In doing so, it sends to the client additional client-displayable code in response to the at least one parameter identified in the information request.

Abstract: A tool for the installation and removal of a lever cam operated spring clip. One embodiment of the invention has a pair of levers pivotally attached together, with one of the levers configured to frictionally engage the cam lever and the other lever configured to engage the clip's outer perimeter. Once the tool is installed on a lever operated cam spring clip, a slight squeeze of the two levers spreads the clip hooks to a position where the clip can be installed over a heat sink and engaged with an underlying electronic device. Pivoting the tool about the cam pivots the cam about its axis until the clip is locked into place. The tool can then be disengaged from the cam lever. Removal of the clip is accomplished by reversing the process.

Abstract: A tool for the installation and removal of a lever cam operated spring clip. One embodiment of the invention has a pair of levers pivotally attached together, with one of the levers configured to frictionally engage the cam lever and the other lever configured to engage the clip's outer perimeter. Once the tool is installed on a lever operated cam spring clip, a slight squeeze of the two levers spreads the clip hooks to a position where the clip can be installed over a heat sink and engaged with an underlying electronic device. Pivoting the tool about the cam pivots the cam about its axis until the clip is locked into place. The tool can then be disengaged from the cam lever. Removal of the clip is accomplished by reversing the process.

Abstract: The overall transfer rate of user data is improved with the translation of certain low-number logical addresses into higher number physical addresses in order to displace inward the low-number logical data (e.g., low-level data). This makes it possible to store at least some user data on the higher transfer rate, outer cylinders. The sequence of the resulting physical addresses is changed relative to the logical addresses.

Abstract: A computer system includes a desk top computer and a portable computer. The desktop computer can be operatively connected to the portable computer and can perform symmetrical processing.

Abstract: An integrated circuit cartridge extracting tool includes a generally u-shaped frame including a crossbar and first and second legs extending from the crossbar. An upper bar is located adjacent to the crossbar. First and second rods are coupled to the upper bar and extend through the crossbar. Each rod has a dowel extending out from a lower portion thereof for engaging a device to be extracted, such as an integrated circuit cartridge. A cam lever is operatively in contact with the upper bar and the cross bar. The cam lever can be moved from a first position to a second position which causes the upper bar to move away from said crossbar.

Abstract: A method for ensuring secure delivery of a computer system to a customer. The computer system includes a motherboard with a processor, a read-only memory, and a programmable memory. The method encodes onto the read-only memory an identification number for the computer system. The computer system is sent to the customer via a first delivery channel and the identification number is sent to the customer via a second delivery channel. When the computer system is initially booted after being sent, the computer system prompts for input of the identification number for the computer system. When the computer system receives an identification number that matches the identification number encoded onto the read-only memory, it stores an indication of the match in the programmable memory indicating that the identification number has been verified to be correct so that the computer system operates normally thereafter.

Abstract: A computer system has a system memory, cache memory, system controller that process memory transactions. The system controller transmits a memory request to the system memory without waiting for the cache memory to be snooped to determine whether the cache memory stores information in an address corresponding to a selected address of the system memory. The system controller may transmit a snoop request to the cache memory concurrently with or after the memory request is transmitted to the system memory. The system controller may have a control switch that uses a first pathway for the memory request and a second pathway for the snoop request so that the snoop and memory requests can be transmitted simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining if contention exists in a simulated electronic circuit due to multiple simulated drivers contending for the same simulated bus. A contention detection function counts the number of simulated drivers on the simulated bus which are active. If the number of active simulated drivers is greater than one, then an error message is generated reporting contention. The invention is suitable for computer implementation and is particularly well suited for simulation of an integrated circuit. A conversion function can be applied to translate the output of the simulated drivers into a format suitable for processing by the contention detection function and can also retranslate the output of the resolution function into a format suitable for further processing in the simulated electronic circuit. The active state of a simulated driver can be indicated by either a predetermined high voltage level or a predetermined low voltage level.

Abstract: An extraction force tester which measures the force necessary to remove header pins from the sockets of a cable connector in a steady straight line motion, the extraction force tester includes: a base, a tensile force gauge slidably mounted to the base and a pin assembly slidably mounted in relation to the base such that the pin assembly may slide independently of the tensile force gauge. The pin assembly has a specified number of pins, e.g., twelve, for engaging the sockets of a connector. The extraction force tester further excludes a coupler for coupling the pin assembly to the tensile force gauge such that the force gauge may push the pin assembly in a first direction, to allow the pins of the pin assembly to engage the sockets of the connector, and pull the pin assembly in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to disengage the pins from the sockets, thereby allowing the force gauge to measure the extraction force necessary to disengage the pins from the sockets.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is method for managing solutions to problems. The method includes accessing a first store containing at least one issue and at least one pre-existing solution associated with the issue; and importing the first store into a second store, the second store being remote from the first store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a parameter display region, separate from the display screen, for both the normal display of primary computer parameter(s) and the selective display of a secondary computer parameter under control of a user. A primary parameter, e.g., battery charge level, is normally displayed on a parameter display region with a set of icons, wherein the number or configuration of activated icons corresponds to the relative magnitude or level of the parameter. When a secondary parameter, such as the computer speaker volume, is checked or adjusted by a user, the set of parameter display region icons is then utilized to display the secondary parameter. A controller, by executing a keyboard service program, causes the parameter display region to normally display the primary parameter.