Abstract: Before a register provided exclusively for an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) is set, a System Management Interrupt (SMI) is issued to a Central Processing Unit (CPU). A System Management-Basic Input Output System (SM-BIOS) performs the power management of a computer system. Values representing a wakeup factor of the system and a power management event are set in the register, and an Operating System Directed Power Management System (OSPM) is informed of a Power Management Event (PME). When the values are set in the register, an SMI is issued to the CPU, and the SM-BIOS performs the power management of the computer system.

Abstract: A microcontroller including a system bus; a microprocessor coupled to the system bus and configured to transfer data and control signals over the system bus; a memory device coupled to the microprocessor and mapped to the system bus and configured to store microprogram instructions for execution by the microprocessor; a controller coupled to the system bus and configured to transfer data and control signals to the microprocessor over the system bus; a host interface coupled to the system bus and configured to interface to a host computer and receive the data and the control signals over the system bus from the microprocessor; and an I/O interface coupled to the system bus and configured to interface to at least one I/O device and receive the data and the control signals over the system bus from the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for recognizing and processing conflicts in policies that govern a policy-based system. The method and apparatus may be implemented as a policy verifier that acts upon one or more policies. Each policy is formally defined and comprises a condition and a consequent, each of which are further formally defined in terms of component elements. A conflict among two or more policies is formally defined to occur when the condition of a first policy and the condition of a second policy may be simultaneously true, and when the consequent of the first policy and the consequent of the second policy may not be carried out simultaneously. When a policy conflict is detected, the conflict is resolved by bringing it to the attention of a user or external system, and receiving information that corrects one of the policies or specifies a precedence relationship among the policies.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a removable module and a chassis having a module receptacle. Cartridge storage slots arc disposed within the chassis, and a media drive is disposed within the removable module. A cartridge transporter is disposed within the chassis and transports the cartridge between one of the cartridge slots and the media drive when the module is inserted within the module receptacle. A library control circuit is disposed within the chassis and controls the cartridge transporter. An interface circuit is disposed within the removable module and electronically interfaces a host computer to the media drive, and, when the removable module is inserted within the module receptacle of the chassis, electronically interfaces the host computer to the library control circuit.

Abstract: A manually operated mail sorting station includes a case having numerous bins in which sorted mail will be placed. The mail sorting station also includes a scanner that reads an address printed on the pieces of unsorted mail. The scanner includes a communications interface over which the scanner sends signals during operation. A computer for the mail sorting station is connected to the communications interface of the scanner. The computer further includes a program responsive to the signals transmitted by the scanner on the communications interface. The program defines or stores a scheme representing an assignment of addresses to bins in the sorting case, a separate assignment of bins to locations in the sorting case, as well as instructions that match the internal address representation against the scheme to select one of the bins as the correct bin for the piece of unsorted mail. The bins include at least one region bin indicative of an airport or a city or state remote from the sorting station.

Abstract: A manually operated mail sorting station includes a case having numerous bins in which sorted mail will be placed. The mail sorting station includes a feeder belt system with a feeder belt a motor driving the feeder belt, and an interface port. A scanner reads an address printed on the pieces of unsorted mail. The scanner includes a communications interface connected to the interface port over which the scanner sends signals during operation. A computer for the mail sorting station is also provided and is connected to the interface port with the scanner. The computer further includes a program responsive to the signals transmitted by the scanner on the communications interface.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for the control of automatic watering systems having plural lines comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit for the control of a plurality of different watering lines. A manually operated selector, preferably of the rotary type, is provided, that is settable in a plurality of selectionable positions, to each one of which a specific watering cycle for the lines corresponds. By acting on the selector and on a start button, it is possible to modify the programming of the processing unit in order to associate with each single line a respective watering cycle different from the ones otherwise selectable by means of the selector.

Abstract: A pair of communications adapters each include a number of digital signal processors and network interface circuits for the attachment of a multi-channel telephone line. A bus connecting the communications adapters can carry data between a network line attached to one of the adapters and the digital signal processors of the other adapter. The digital signal processors on each card are connected to a host, or controller, processor. Each digital signal processor interrupts its host processor by transmitting an interrupt control block as data to a data memory of the host processor, and by subsequently sending an interrupt causing the host processor to examine the data memory. Preferably, the interrupt control block includes data representing a number of requested interrupts.

Abstract: A method of controlling the drive of computer-controlled transporting devices (2), in particular crane facilities with lifting winches and at least one mast supported on a moving frame on which are mounted shelf operator devices provided with load-carrying means and a lifting platform, and including a current control circuit (7), a drive control circuit with a speed control circuit (6), and a position control circuit (5), extend the possibilities of intervention when an instantaneous dynamic behavior of a transporting device (2) is calculated from an available data tree of a state and disruption monitor-regulator module (8) by using available measurement and setting values-containing information on a device dynamic and based on coefficient-characteristic fields, wherein the coefficient-characteristic fields incorporate structural details and/or dynamic characteristics of the transporting device and are determined by a regulator module (9) which performs an automatic self-teaching coefficient identification, p

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit for suppressing power consumption is provided. In the case where an internal signal should be monitored from outside the circuit, an output control circuit outputs the same value as that of the internal signal from each of external terminals. In the case where the internal signal does not need to be monitored, e.g., in the same manner as ordinary user's use, the output control circuit outputs an invariable value from each of the external terminals. Thus, in the case where the internal signal does not need to be monitored, the invariable value is outputted. Consequently, power consumption can be suppressed.

Abstract: A process model of an industrial process or system is generated. The model correlates a first number M of process parameters forming input values with a second number L of quality characteristics forming output values, which are processed to form feedback control signals for the process or system. A third number N of training data sets of the industrial process are first gathered and processed during a learning phase of the model with the help of a central processing unit, whereby a preliminary approximately model is used including a neural network with local approximation characteristics. The neural network is connected in parallel with a linear network. Both networks are connected to the same inputs. The neural network initially has a number N of neural cells corresponding to the number of training data sets. A weighted linear combination of the M process parameters is performed. The linear network and the neural network are connected with their outputs through weighting circuits to a common summing point.

Abstract: An interface apparatus capable of appropriate connection with external devices having various specifications. Control signal DRVSEL is used for setting output method of a signal from output circuit 801 to an open-collector drive or a totem-pole drive. 3-State buffer 904 which drives a communication path comes into high-impedance status when its enable input is at a H level, on the other hand, when the enable input is at a L level, drives its output with the same logic as that of AND gate output. When the signal DRVSEL is at the L level, the 3-state buffer 904 drives the output only when its internal signal is at the L level, thus output is made in the open-collector drive. On the other hand, when the signal DRVSEL is at the H level, the 3-state buffer 904 drives the output with the same logic as that of its internal signal, thus output is made in the totem-pole drive.

Abstract: In a method for switching between multiple system hosts (154,164,174,184) on a CompactPCI bus (110,120), a hot swap controller (166,186) provides to a special arbiter (820) a high priority request signal and the special arbiter (820) provides to the hot swap controller a grant signal only when the CompactPCI bus is idle. The hot swap controller (166,186) provides to the special arbiter (820) a float signal causing the special arbiter (820) to disable the system host signals, which include one or more grant signals for granting bus access to devices on the CompactPCI bus (110,120), one or more reset signals for resetting the devices, one or more interrupts and one or more clock signals provided to devices. The hot swap controller (166,186) transfers control of the CompactPCI bus (110,120) to a standby system host 154,164,174,184).

Abstract: A module connection assembly connects modules in a torus configuration that can be changed remotely. In particular, a single module can be added to or deleted from the configuration by remotely switching from conducting paths that provide end-around electrical paths to conducting paths that provide pass-through electrical paths. The assembly includes two backplanes, a first set of module connectors for electrically connecting modules to one of the backplanes, and a second set of module connectors for electrically connecting modules to the other backplane. The assembly further includes configuration controllers. Each configuration controller selects between end-around electrical paths that electrically connect multiple module connectors of the first set to each other, and pass-through electrical paths that electrically connect module connectors of the first set to module connectors of the second set.

Abstract: For making a nest of cuts (N) for cutting blanks out of flat, irregular workpieces (W), the contour (U) and the flaws (F) of the spread workpieces (W) together with a workpiece characteristic are detected by means of a digitizing unit (3), and the corresponding data are read into a computer (5), which on the basis of these data and the data stored in the computer (5) concerning number, shape and quality requirements of the blanks calculates and stores a nest of cuts and utilizes the detected workpiece characteristics of the workpieces (W) as a workpiece code for allocating the nests of cuts (N) to the respective workpieces (W).

Abstract: A power management system for a PC card is disclosed. The power management system allows for a detachable battery pack to be used on a PC card. The PC card can select power from the personal computer or from the detachable battery pack. In one embodiment, power can also be selected from a DC wall adaptor, which can be connected to the PC card or battery pack. In another embodiment, the power controller on the PC card is always powered by the personal computer, so that the power management system can work even when a detachable battery pack is low in power or not connected to the PC card. The battery pack can be recharged from the DC wall adaptor or from the personal computer.

Abstract: A library for storing a cartridge of data-storage media includes a chassis and includes cartridge slots, a media drive, a cartridge transporter having a cam mechanism, and transporter and cam drive assemblies all located within the chassis. The cartridge slots each have an outer slot opening that faces outward of the chassis and an inner slot opening that faces inward of the chassis, and each slot allows insertion and removal of the cartridge through both of the respective inner and outer slot openings. The media drive has a cartridge opening that faces the inner slot openings and receives and ejects the cartridge via this opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for over current backup protection is provided. The method generates a set of root mean square (rms) values from samples that are taken from the system current. Several rms current values are averaged to generate an estimated rms over current value. The estimated over current value is compared with a predetermined threshold value. If the estimated current is above the predetermined threshold value, a fault protection mechanism, such as opening a circuit breaker, is activated. A generator protection unit having digital signal processing capabilities executes the inventive method to provide protection from over current episodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for organizing the assembly of a retailer's order. The system of the invention includes a system computer, conveyor assemblies and multiple sections. Each section includes an assembly section computer which controls multiple picking machines, a section conveyor, printers, and bundlers. Multiple bins are filled with articles, such as magazines, by the picking machines; the section conveyor then transports each bin to their next respective picking machine to be filled with that title location's magazine. Once a bin has been serviced by each picking machine of each title location, the contents of the bin are ejected and bundled by a bundler. Then, all bundles of a retailer's order are assembled at a palletizing area awaiting to be loaded into the delivery truck.

Abstract: As a variation of the non-orthogonal filter, a phasor estimate is computed by using an N-point window. An aspect of the sub-window cosine filter is to repeat the basic cosine filter for only selected points of the window. In the end, a least-squares fit is used to obtain an estimate for the phasors components. Previous cosine techniques use a data window whose length is greater than 1 cycle while the present invention requires only 1 cycle.