Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for skipping a track on a disc in a disc player. Unlike current methods, this method does not rely on identifying tracks to be skipped based upon which slot a disc is located in. Instead, one embodiment of the present invention identifies discs based upon identification data read from discs in the disc player. Thus, this embodiment of the present invention provides a method for skipping a track on a disc in a disc player that operates by identifying discs contained in the disc player. The method receives track identification data from a track sequencer. The method also reads track identification data for tracks to be skipped from a memory storage device. The method then compares the track identification data for the tracks to be skipped with the track identification data from the track sequencer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for burning in a computer having a parallel port, includes a diagnostic program, stored in an internal memory of the computer, for running diagnostic tests on at least one component of the computer. The apparatus also includes a power cycling circuit, coupled to the parallel port of the computer, for receiving a power-off signal from the computer, for turning power off to the computer in response to the power-off signal and for automatically turning power back on to the computer after a specified period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A network server includes removable network interface modules mounted in a chassis. The network interface modules connect to a CPU through an interconnection assembly module. The network interface modules may comprise removable canisters containing a plurality of interface cards.

Abstract: A software architecture for the hot add and swap of adapters. The software architecture allows users to replace failed components, upgrade outdated components, and add new functionality, such as new network interfaces, disk interface adapters and storage, without impacting existing users. The software architecture supports the hot add and swap of off-the-shelf adapters, including those adapters that are programmable.

Abstract: A software architecture for the hot add and swap of adapters. The software architecture allows users to replace failed components, upgrade outdated components, and add new functionality, such as new network interfaces, disk interface adapters and storage, without impacting existing users. The software architecture supports the hot add and swap of off-the-shelf adapters, including those adapters that are programmable.

Abstract: A fault tolerant method of 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, while the local machine accesses the server by a local serial connection. The power up operation brings the server to a maintenance state such that diagnostics or recovery can be performed even though the server operating system software is not operational. Power down is used when certain types of diagnostic, maintenance, or administrative tasks need to be done.

Abstract: A detachable device for a laptop computer. The laptop computer has a base and a display housing coupled to the base. The display housing is movable relative to the base between a closed position in which the computer is in a stowed configuration and an open position in which the computer is in an unstowed configuration and the display housing and base are accessible to a user. The input device includes controls that receive commands from the user and transmit the commands to the computer via a communication link. In one embodiment, the input device may be attached to the computer by positioning it within an aperture of the base. The input device may be detached from the computer by removing it from the aperture. The controls of the input device may remain accessible to the user when the input device is either attached to or detached from the base. The computer may be placed in the stowed configuration when the input device is in the attached position.

Abstract: A computer system may include a retractable illumination device to illuminate a keyboard in a dimly lit environment. The illumination device may be located proximal to the keyboard or on a display. The illumination device may be activated by raising it to a position above the keyboard or by exposing the device via a slideable cover. The illumination device may be deactivated by retracting it into the computer system or covering it with the slideable cover.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a status condition of a first server with a second server in a server network, and also providing synchronization and messaging between the two servers, the method including: transmitting a software-generated pulse waveform from the first server to a device coupled to the first server, wherein the software-generated pulse waveform is comprises a first command corresponding to a logic level low and a second command corresponding to a logic level high; setting said device to a first state during logic level lows of said pulse waveform and to a second state during logic level highs of said pulse waveform; receiving the software-generated pulse waveform with the second server by determining when said device is in the first state and when it is in the second state; and determining when said device no longer changes from the first state to the second state.

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 software architecture for the hot add and swap of adapters. The software architecture allows users to replace failed components, upgrade outdated components, and add new functionality, such as new network interfaces, disk interface adapters and storage, without impacting existing users. The software architecture supports the hot add and swap of off-the-shelf adapters, including those adapters that are programmable.

Abstract: Bracket for connection to a chassis of an electronic apparatus without the use of screws is described. The bracket may feature a support arm having at least one connection means, a ledge portion connected to the top of the support arm, and a flexible section connected to the ledge portion. The flexible section may extend at an angle to the ledge portion to impart a tension force on the chassis when installed, and contains an engagement device for attachment to a chassis connection element. In a described embodiment, when installed, a protrusion of the flexible section engages a pre-existing hole in the chassis of the electronic apparatus, and the flexible section exerts a bias force against the chassis to ensure a secure connection. The bracket may also include a handle attached to the flexible section, to permit a person to disengage the engagement device of the flexible section from the chassis connection element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying components based upon selected physical characteristics. Initially, a characterization function that will produce a unique characterization value within a set of components, is (or has been) assigned to the set of components. The characterization function is a function of at least one physical characteristic that is shared by the components within the set of components. Next, the measurable physical characteristics defined as part of the characterization function are measured by testing. A characterization value, which is calculated from the assigned characterization function, is determined for each component. Each component that is to be subsequently identified is then identified by its associated characterization value.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for displaying data on a video display that is controlled by a video controller, the video controller is coupled to a high-speed memory and a low-speed memory. The memories have separate data paths. A video address corresponding to a location on the video display is received. If a specified address bit is in a first state, then data is displayed from the high-speed memory. If the specified address bit is in a second state, then data is displayed from the low-speed memory. The specified address bit may be a high order address bit that is not utilized by a conventional VGA controller to transmit address information.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for removably mounting a computer component to a chassis. The assembly includes first and second engaging members. The first engaging member has a first protrusion which extends away from the first engaging member and is received by a first aperture positioned in a first surface of the component. The second engaging member has a second protrusion extending away therefrom and is received by a second aperture positioned in a second surface of the component to substantially prevent motion of the assembly relative to the component. The assembly further includes a chassis coupling member which engages first and second surfaces of the chassis to restrict motion of the assembly and the component to which it is attached relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A computer system having a motherboard that is adapted to receive a daughterboard containing a CPU coupled to a PCI bus and a memory device through a system controller. The PCI bus is, in turn, coupled to a storage device, such as a programmable array logic device, containing CPU data identifying the type of CPU or other hardware installed on the daughterboard. The motherboard includes a memory device storing a BIOS program as well as a startup program. The startup program is executed by the CPU at power up or reset to cause the CPU to compare the CPU data identifying the CPU to BIOS data identifying the CPU adapted to execute the BIOS program. In the event that the CPU data and the BIOS data match, the CPU executes the BIOS program in a normal manner. In the event the CPU data does not match the BIOS data, the CPU executes a crisis recovery routine which may involve writing the proper BIOS program from a floppy disk to a programmable memory device containing the BIOS program on the motherboard.

Abstract: A method of assembling electronic equipment using a work station which comprises a rotatable work surface, a fixed work surface and a support frame. The rotatable work surface is rotatably mounted to the fixed work surface which is, in turn, mounted to the support frame. The work station includes a locking mechanism positioned between the rotatable work surface and the fixed work surface for adjusting the rotational orientation of the rotatable work surface. The rotatable work surface and the fixed work surface are both made of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for skipping a track on a disc in a disc player. Unlike current systems, this system does not rely on identifying tracks to be skipped based upon which slot a disc is located in. Instead, one embodiment of the present invention identifies discs based upon identification data read from discs in the disc player. Thus, one embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for playing discs that skips a track on a disc. The apparatus includes a disc player including a sequencing mechanism that generates a sequence of tracks from discs in the disc player. The disc player also includes an identification mechanism within the disc player that reads identification information from discs in the disc player and determines from the identification information if a specific disc is in the disc player.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a computer system that allows a processor module to be removed while the computer system is operating. This computer system includes a connector, for connecting the processor module to the computer system. It also includes a power switch coupled between a power source and the connector, for selectively removing power from the processor module in the connector while power is maintained to other components of the computer system. The computer system additionally includes a mechanism that modifies the operating system so that the computer system will continue to function without the processor module. Thus, this embodiment of the present invention allows the processor module to removed, replaced and reinitialized without shutting down the computer system.

Abstract: A method of automatically configuring and formatting a computer system for installation of a prespecified application program in the computer system, which includes the performing the following acts: automatically creating a primary active DOS partition on a primary hard disk drive of the computer system; automatically selecting a size value for a primary extended DOS partition; automatically creating the primary extended DOS partition on the primary hard disk drive, wherein the size of the primary extended DOS partition equals the selected size value; automatically formatting each partition so as to create a root directory and a file allocation table for each partition; and automatically executing a DOS batch file in order to install said prespecified application program.