Abstract: In an information handling system, a universal serial bus (USB) key emulation system includes a USB hub operable to communicate with a USB host, a USB bus communicatively coupled with the USB hub, a USB controller communicatively coupled with the USB bus via a set of endpoints, and a USB virtual media module communicatively coupled with the USB controller and operable to communicate data between the USB controller and a plurality of data storage devices as if the plurality of data storage devices are a single USB key.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for updating an utilizing the contents of a non-essential region in a memory device in a computer system. A computer program is utilized to build an image file. The image file may include program code and data for operating a computer system. The image file includes an essential region for storing program code required to boot the computer system and a non-essential region for storing program code and data which is not required to boot the computer system. The non-essential program code may include graphics data, a language module, or diagnostic tools for the computer system. After building the image file, the image file is then copied to a memory device in the computer system. Finally, only the non-essential region in the memory device is updated. A method may also be utilized to execute program code contained in the non-essential region prior to executing program code contained in the essential region.

Abstract: A card having a first device and a second device is plugged into a root port having a predefined root port width. The first device is trained and the device lane width is determined. If the root port width is greater than the device lane width then the root port is dynamically configured via hardware strapping to include a predefined number of adjacent ports with each port having a lane width equal to the device lane width. The root port is reset to force training of the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A card having a first device and a second device is plugged into a root port having a predefined root port width. The first device is trained and the device lane width is determined. If the root port width is greater than the device lane width then the root port is dynamically configured via hardware strapping to include a predefined number of adjacent ports with each port having a lane width equal to the device lane width. The root port is reset to force training of the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting invalid function calls between segments during the generation of a computer program. A source file and a fixup source file are created for a program file. The source file defines segments in the program file. The fixup source file defines the segments defined in the source file to be a predetermined size. Next, the program file, the source file, and the fixup source file are assembled to create a program object, a source object, and a fixup object. A source library and a fixup library are created from the source object and the fixup object. The program object is linked with the fixup library to generate a dummy output file. During the generation of the dummy output file, a determination is made as to whether an invalid function call is made between the plurality of segments defined in the fixup library. If it is determined that an invalid function call is made between the segments defined in the fixup library, then an error is reported in the dummy output file.

Abstract: There is described herein a method for detecting anomalies in an infrastructure, the method comprising: providing a computationally-intelligent analysis model to model a behaviour of at least one detection instrument in said infrastructure; inputting control instrument data into said analysis model, said control instrument data being provided by control instruments in said infrastructure; outputting an estimated behaviour for said at least one detection instrument from said analysis model; comparing actual data from said at least one detection instrument to said estimated behaviour and generating a set of residuals representing a difference between said actual data and said estimated behaviour; and identifying anomalies when said residuals exceed a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An information handling system has the capability of matching UART baud rates and other serial data parameters between a system UART and baseboard management controller (BMC) UART used for serial-over-LAN (SOL) access to the information handling system via an Ethernet connection, either locally or remotely by a user, administrator, maintenance technician, etc. The BMC may snoop set-up data sent to the control register(s) of the system UART, look up a corresponding baud rate from a baud rate table of the BMC and set the BMC UART to match the system UART baud rate and other serial data parameters so that SOL access to the information handling system is available no matter what baud rate and/or serial data parameters an application may have programmed the system UART configuration registers. The BMC may snoop system UART data over a simple data bus such a low pin count (LPC) bus.

Abstract: A reconfigurable variable blank-holder force system (and method) for producing sheet metal stampings comprises a portable hydraulic unit, controlled by a digital control system and a knowledge-based expert system to enable reconfigurability and an easy transition from the try-out stage to production. The knowledge-base has a hierarchical structure and includes stored information about part geometry, material properties and press parameters. The expert system enables an operator to determine optimal blank-holder forces, and to fine-tune through a graphical interface unit. The optimal blank-holder forces are generated by hydraulic force actuators, using a controller running a nonlinear algorithm that accounts for valve nonlinearities, variable flow-rate and numbers of operational cylinders. The portable hydraulic unit preferably comprises hydraulic cylinders with quick disconnect hoses, a manifold, servo-valves and a pump unit.

Abstract: A card having a first device and a second device is plugged into a root port having a predefined root port width. The first device is trained and the device lane width is determined. If the root port width is greater than the device lane width then the root port is dynamically configured via hardware strapping to include a predefined number of adjacent ports with each port having a lane width equal to the device lane width. The root port is reset to force training of the first device and the second device.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for providing chilling in a localized area comprises a chiller compartment and an independent cooling source thermally coupled to the chiller compartment by a thermally conductive interface. The cooling source provides a separate controllable temperature to the chiller compartment, which is adapted to be removably positioned in a selected temperature controlled environment. In another aspect a refrigerator comprises a freezer unit, a fresh food unit and a chiller compartment adapted to be removably positioned in either the freezer unit or the fresh food unit as a secondary chilling compartment. In another aspect a method of chilling comprises cooling a modular chiller compartment using an independent cooling source, chiller compartment being removably positioned within a temperature controlled environment and the cooling source and the chiller compartment being thermally coupled.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing having at least one refrigerator compartment, a door for accessing the at least one refrigerator compartment, and an ice-dispensing assembly. The ice-dispensing assembly includes an insulated housing arranged within the at least one refrigerator compartment, an ice-making device arranged within the insulated housing and configured to produce ice, an ice-storage container arranged within the insulated housing, and a dispenser arranged within the door and communicating with the ice-storage container, wherein the dispenser is configured to transfer ice from the ice-storage container to an external portion of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A computer program product is provided that is readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions. The computer program product includes a hardware protected region that is utilized to store a portion of a computer BIOS. The BIOS includes a compressed computer program for restoring at least a portion of the computer BIOS when uncompressed and executed. The computer program product also includes a non-hardware protected region that is utilized to store the remainder of the computer BIOS. The hardware protected region may include an uncompressed computer program that may be utilized to uncompress the compressed program. The hardware protected region may also include an uncompressed program for detecting and initializing one or more memory devices within the computer system. Methods and apparatus are also provided for creating and utilizing the contents of the computer program product.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the validity of configuration data and recovering configuration data in a computer system. A layout of present configuration data is detected in the computer system. The present configuration data is stored in a memory device which may be a non-volatile random access memory (“NVRAM”) device. Next, a layout of updated configuration data for the computer system is detected. The updated configuration data is stored within program code, such as a BIOS, which includes an updated configuration for the computer system. Next, the layout of the present configuration data is compared to the layout of the updated configuration data in the computer system. If the layout of the present configuration data matches the layout of the updated configuration data, then it is determined that the present configuration data is valid configuration data for the computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for air quality control system for an air-conditioning device. The air quality control system includes a housing having an inlet end to receive a source airflow from the air-conditioning unit and an outlet end to provide a sanitized airflow. The system also includes a number of independently controllable air sanitizing components coupled to the housing. The system further includes a controller to adaptively control which of the air sanitizing components should operate as a function of at least an operating state of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: System and method for preserving food. Embodiments of the system include a food compartment to store food and a user interface configured to receive user input relating to the preservation of the food stored. The system also includes a humidity sensor configured to sense a humidity level, an ozone generator configured to generate ozone gas, an ozone sensor configured to sense an ozone level and a gas sensor configured to sense a level of residual gases inside the food compartment. The system further includes a controller, responsive to the user interface, the humidity sensor, the ozone sensor and the gas sensor. In one embodiment, the controller preserves the food stored in the food compartment as a function of the user input, the humidity level, the ozone level, the residual gas level and as a function of a type of the food stored in the food compartment.

Abstract: A method and system for recording hardware and software events of a computer system. An event logger, typically part of system management software, records both primary event records and secondary event records. Secondary event records are used when the data space in a primary event record is insufficient to adequately describe the primary event. The data fields of a secondary event record designate the record as a secondary event and contain the additional data about the event.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for providing chilling in a localized area comprises a chiller compartment and an independent cooling source thermally coupled to the chiller compartment by a thermally conductive interface. The cooling source provides a separate controllable temperature to the chiller compartment, which is adapted to be removably positioned in a selected temperature controlled environment. In another aspect a refrigerator comprises a freezer unit, a fresh food unit and a chiller compartment adapted to be removably positioned in either the freezer unit or the fresh food unit as a secondary chilling compartment. In another aspect a method of chilling comprises cooling a modular chiller compartment using an independent cooling source, chiller compartment being removably positioned within a temperature controlled environment and the cooling source and the chiller compartment being thermally coupled.

Abstract: An apparatus with a self heating feature includes a conductive component of the apparatus having conductive composite. The conductive component is adapted to couple with a source of electricity, and the conductive component heats up on passage of electricity. According to another aspect, a domestic appliance that requires heating for its operation, includes at least one part comprising a conductive composite, which heats up on passage of electricity and the part is adapted to couple with a power supply. According to another aspect a method for providing heating in an apparatus includes heating at least one conductive component of the apparatus. The heating is done by passing an electric current through the conductive component, and the conductive component comprises a conductive composite.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the validity of configuration data and recovering configuration data in a computer system. A layout of present configuration data is detected in the computer system. The present configuration data is stored in a memory device which may be a non-volatile random access memory (“NVRAM”) device. Next, a layout of updated configuration data for the computer system is detected. The updated configuration data is stored within program code, such as a BIOS, which includes an updated configuration for the computer system. Next, the layout of the present configuration data is compared to the layout of the updated configuration data in the computer system. If the layout of the present configuration data matches the layout of the updated configuration data, then it is determined that the present configuration data is valid configuration data for the computer system.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting invalid function calls between segments during the generation of a computer program. A source file and a fixup source file are created for a program file. The source file defines segments in the program file. The fixup source file defines the segments defined in the source file to be a predetermined size. Next, the program file, the source file, and the fixup source file are assembled to create a program object, a source object, and a fixup object. A source library and a fixup library are created from the source object and the fixup object. The program object is linked with the fixup library to generate a dummy output file. During the generation of the dummy output file, a determination is made as to whether an invalid function call is made between the plurality of segments defined in the fixup library. If it is determined that an invalid function call is made between the segments defined in the fixup library, then an error is reported in the dummy output file.