Abstract: A method for fault tolerant execution of an application program, in a server network having a first and second server, wherein the method includes: executing the application program in the first server; storing an object which represents the program in a cluster network database, wherein the object contains information pertaining to the program; detecting a failure of the first server; and executing the application program in the second server upon detection of the failure of the first server, in accordance with the information in the object. The information may include: a host server attribute which identifies which server is currently executing the program; a primary server attribute which identifies which server is primarily responsible for executing the program; and a backup server attribute which identifies which server is a backup server for executing the program if the primary server experiences a failure.

Abstract: A computer software method is disclosed for facilitating a user's replacement or insertion of devices in a computer server network system. The method allows a user to swap or add peripheral devices while the server network is running, or in a "hot" condition, with little or no user knowledge of how the network carries out the "hot swap" or "hot add" functions. The method, which employs a graphical user interface (GUI) and associated computer software modules, allows the user to select a desired peripheral device location within a server, and then provides the modular software structure to automatically execute a series of steps in the hot swap or hot add process.

Abstract: A method and associated circuitry are described for interfacing a software-based modem in a computer system. Memory/modem interface circuitry is integrated within a system controller coupling a main memory with a microprocessor. A dedicated region of the main memory is configured as separate transmit data and received data buffer regions. Buffer address registers included within the system controller store values pointing to address locations within the buffer regions of the memory for next data in and next data out. The values programmed in these registers are incremented responsive to associated data transfers in/out of the buffer regions, and the transmit data and received data buffer regions function as FIFOs. The frequency and duration of processor utilization imposed by software-based modems is significantly reduced, due to FIFO operations functioning at main memory access speed.

Abstract: A method for classifying a device as being a first device type or a second device type, wherein the first and second device types are each contained a package which has a plurality of terminals. The method includes identifying at least one target terminal, testing the target terminal, and classifying the device based upon the testing act.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a stolen computer or other electrical device is implemented by special programming stored in a program storage device. When an e-mail is being sent from the stolen electronic device, the sender address is compared to an owner address. If the sender address does not match the owner address, the e-mail is redirected or copied to e.g. a law-enforcement agency or a stolen-computer registry address.

Abstract: A batch of devices is installed in a handler of a tester. A known qualification test is executed on the batch of devices to determine a first resultant binout. The resultant binout for the batch is stored. Without displacing the devices, a trial qualification test is executed on the batch of devices in the handler of the tester to determine a second resultant binout. The first resultant binout is compared to the second resultant binout for each device of the batch of devices. For example, each device may be categorized as either a correlating part, an upgraded part or a downgraded part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting a planar electrical component, such as a computer motherboard, to a chassis. In one embodiment, the device includes a spacer including a coiled wall configured to be positioned between the board and the chassis, and an elongated clip coupled to the spacer. The elongated clip including an upper fastener extending in a first direction from the spacer. The upper fastener is configured to removably clamp onto the board and secure the board to the spacer. The elongated clip further comprises a lower fastener extending in a second direction from the spacer. The lower fastener is configured to removably clamp onto the chassis and secure the chassis to the spacer.

Abstract: A batch of devices is installed in a handler of a tester. A known qualification test is executed on the batch of devices to determine a first resultant binout. The resultant binout for the batch is stored. Without displacing the devices, a trial qualification test is executed on the batch of devices in the handler of the tester to determine a second resultant binout. The first resultant binout is compared to the second resultant binout for each device of the batch of devices. For example, each device may be categorized as either a correlating part, an upgraded part or a downgraded part.

Abstract: A network of microcontrollers for monitoring and diagnosing the environmental conditions of a computer is disclosed. The network of microcontrollers provides a management system by which computer users can accurately gauge the health of their computer. The network of microcontrollers provides users the ability to detect system fan speeds, internal temperatures and voltage levels. The invention is designed to not only be resilient to faults, but also allows for the system maintenance, modification, and growth--without downtime. Additionally, the present invention allows users to replace failed components, and add new functionality, such as new network interfaces, disk interface cards and storage, without impacting existing users. One of the primary roles of the present invention is to manage the environment without outside involvement. This self-management allows the system to continue to operate even though components have failed.

Abstract: A method for additively de-marking a packaged integrated circuit die bearing engraved marking indicia on an exterior surface thereof. The marked surface is covered with an overlayer of material to fill the engraved markings and provide a surface suitable for re-marking. The covering material may be applied in a flowable state by applicator contact or by non-contact dispensing, or may be applied as a preformed segment. The exterior surface to be covered may be pre-treated to enhance bonding of the covering material. The covering material may be bonded to the marked surface in a post-application curing operation. De-marked integrated circuit packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fault tolerant computer system for powering up and powering down a server through either a local or remote client machine. The remote machine accesses the server by use of a dial-in modem connection. The power up operation brings the server to an operational state such that diagnostics or recovery can be performed even though the operating system software on the server is not operational. Power down is used when diagnosis and maintenance, such as changing a part, needs to be done. Other reasons for power down are for security or power conservation.

Abstract: A device for supporting a first computer component relative to a second computer component. The device may comprise a base member configured to engage the second computer component and a support surface. The device may further comprise a support assembly having a first portion configured to support the first computer component in a selected position and a second portion coupled to the base member. The first portion may be movable toward and away from the base member along two orthogonal axes, or may be pivotable about two orthogonal axes relative to the base member. A weight of at least one of the second computer component and the base member may be sufficient to maintain contact between the base member and the support surface when the first computer component is supported by the support assembly in the selected position and the base member engages the second computer component.

Abstract: An adjustable nut for mounting a movable working assembly to a lead screw having a longitudinal axis and a thread, and methods for adjusting lead screw nuts. In one embodiment, the adjustable nut has a first member, a second member and an adjustment assembly. The first and second members of this embodiment are configured to threadably engage the thread on the lead screw. The second member can be coupled to the first member to prevent relative rotation between the first and second members, and to allow axial displacement between the first and second members along the longitudinal axis of the lead screw. The adjustment assembly of this embodiment includes a biasing element coupled to the first and second members to exert an axial drive force with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lead screw that drives the first and second members apart from one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for applying torque to a CPU fan unit and mounting the fan unit onto a mounting structure. The tool includes a pair of mounting pins for engaging the CPU fan unit. The position of the mounting pins is adjustable so that the tool may be used to apply torque to fan units of various sizes. The pins on the tool are configured to be inserted into mounting notches on the outer housing of the fan unit so that torque may be transferred from the tool to the fan unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of applying torque to a CPU fan unit. One embodiment of the method comprises providing a tool having two mounting pins adjustably positioned along a common axis. The position of the mounting pins is then adjusted so that the mounting pins are positioned to engage the CPU fan unit. The pins are then engaged with the fan unit, and the tool is rotated to apply torque to the fan unit, such as for tightening onto a mounting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing, receiving or storing packaged integrated circuit devices using at least one vertically-oriented, removable, tubular magazine disposed above a controllably-driven, rod-like indexing element extending from a drive below the magazine. A magazine, with an associated indexing element and drive, is configurable as an individual magazine module. The indexing element, under power of the drive, raises or lowers a vertical stack of devices to a desired level adjacent the top of the magazine to dispense or receive an individual device from a feed mechanism, such as a pick-and-place mechanism. A number of magazine modules may be assembled in a multi-module array, which is particularly suitable for binning tested devices, with a sort category being directed to each magazine.