Abstract: Computer systems, software and methods that permit reservation and allocation of additional space on a hard disk drive for use by an end user after a computer system is in the hands of the end user. The hard disk drive is configured (such as by using the PARTIES specification) to have a boot engineering extension record (BEER) including a BEER pointer that points to a SETMAX marker that defines a host protected area and indicates an end of a user-accessible area of the hard disk drive. The user-accessible area of the hard disk drive is enlarged by determining if the boot engineering extension record is present on the hard disk drive. If the boot engineering extension record is present, the amount of free media space available on the hard disk drive is determined.

Abstract: Methods for processing basic input output system (BIOS) modules of a computer to initialize the computer. The computer includes a system memory, a central processing unit (CPU), a computer bus, a critical nonvolatile storage device, and a secondary nonvolatile storage device. Selected BIOS modules required for operation of the computer are transferred from the critical nonvolatile storage device, and optionally a protected area of the secondary nonvolatile storage device, to system memory and executed to initialize the computer. Minimal BIOS initialization code is stored in a first portion of the critical nonvolatile storage device which is operative to initialize the CPU and the system memory. Additional BIOS modules are stored in the critical nonvolatile storage device or the protected area of the secondary nonvolatile storage device. A dispatch manager is stored in a second portion of the critical nonvolatile storage device.

Abstract: Computer systems, software and methods that allow information from a nonvolatile removable media device, such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or the like, to be placed on a mass storage device. Once the information from the non-volatile removable media device is on the mass storage device, a computer operating system can then use the information in the same manner as it would normally use a CD-ROM, DVD, or other media inserted in its reader. In accordance with the present invention, the systems, software and methods are operative to create a boot engineering extension record (BEER) on the hard disk drive. The boot engineering extension record is configured to have SETMAX pointer that points to a user area of the hard disk drive and a service area pointer that points to a PARTIES service area that is part of a host protected area. Data derived from the removable storage media device is stored in the PARTIES service area, which will be used in an emulated removable storage media device.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method and system for accessing at least one storage element in a processor-based system. The system comprises a memory for storing instruction sequences by which the processor-based system is processed. The memory has at least one storage element. A processor is coupled to the memory, and a storage device is coupled to the processor. Prior to booting an operating system on the processor-based system, the stored instruction sequences cause the processor to write the contents of the at least one storage element to the storage device. Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer system having a user computer in communication with a remote service computer. The remote service computer has access to a database identifying information available to the service computer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that protect against boot sector viruses on partitioned media of a computer system. The apparatus and methods incorporate code in system firmware, or basic input/output system (BIOS) that parses the partition table. The Apparatus and methods thus provide virus protection implemented by the system firmware (BIOS). Exemplary boot sector virus protection apparatus and methods comprise a computer system having a nonvolatile memory and a mass storage device with a master boot record containing a partition table. The apparatus and methods store code in the nonvolatile memory that is capable of reading the partition table in the master boot record stored in the mass storage device, or stored in a secure area of the mass storage device. The stored code is used to read the master boot record, locate the partition table in the master boot table, locate a bootable partition within the partition table, and begin a boot process using the bootable partition.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that control removable media devices, such as CD-ROM, DVD and magneto-optical devices, and the like, using an abstraction layer in firmware (BIOS). The apparatus and methods provide for communication with CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical, and other removable media devices so that they are bootable regardless of the primary or secondary bus used to interface them to the computer system. Exemplary apparatus and methods comprise one or more abstraction layers in the system firmware that employ interrupt 13h functions to allow a program, such as an operating system or application, to communicate with the removable media device. The removable media employed with the removable media device comprises an operating system, a file system driver, a device driver that calls the abstraction layer in the BIOS, and one or more applications. The removable media employed with the removable media device may be preferably used to perform recovery of contents of a device coupled to the computer.

Abstract: Methods for granting access to a protected area, such as a PARTIES area of a storage device of a computer, after the computer has been booted. A calling process desiring access to the protected area is caused to locate an interface that interfaces between the calling process and system firmware. The calling process is caused to use the interface to create a trusted relationship between the calling process and the system firmware. Various operations may then be performed. In one embodiment, once the trusted relationship is established, access is allowed to a specific service area in the protected area. Data contained within the service area may then be processed. In another embodiment, once the trusted relationship is established, the service areas found in the protected area may be manipulated. In another embodiment, once the trusted relationship is established, the calling process is allowed access to retrieve a directory of service areas in the protected area.

Abstract: A transformer comprising a core, a plurality of primary coils and a plurality of secondary coils, the core having three sections arranged in a generally triangular configuration forming three vertices, the coils being disposed on the core about respective vertices, each of the core sections having at least one mitered side abutting a mitered side of an adjacent core section.

Abstract: A force controller wherein lateral, axial and rotational force on a handle (10) are opposed by bending, extension, compression and torsional forces in a tubular flexure element (12) that includes lateral rings (92a . . . 92n) and longitudinal beams (96a . . . 96n-1). A translating plate (23) is controlled in accordance with the torsion and deflection of flexure element (12) to provide optical control signals from code element (56) and read head (64) for three axes of motion. Axial forces on handle (10) cause extension or compression of flexure element (12) which is linked to fin (42). Pivotal movement of fin (42) in response to such extension and compression provides optical control signals from code element (72) and read head (74) for a fourth axis of motion.

Abstract: An optical hydraulic control wherein the flow of hydraulic fluid is controlled by movement of a valve spool 12. Movement of the valve spool is initiated by a hydraulic pressure differential that is established by moving a control member 34 out of an equilibrium position. Movement of the control member from its equilibrium position is accomplished by illumination of a beam support structure 36 with an optical command signal. The control member 34 is returned to its equilibrium position after appropriate movement of a valve spool 12 by mechanical linkage between control member 34 and valve spool 12 or, alternatively, by modulation of the optical command signal.

Abstract: An optical position transducer comprising a coupler responsive to an input light pulse for providing a plurality of light pulses and a movable element movable along a path and having light transmitting regions and light obstructing regions. A first set of light pulse conductors conducts the light pulses, respectively, to a first set of locations closely adjacent the movable element with each of the light pulses being transmitted by the associated light pulse conductor to a different one of such locations. The light pulses are transmitted or obstructed by the movable element to provide a signal representative of the position of the movable element. A second set of light pulse conductors is positioned to conduct the light pulses transmitted by the movable element to a second location. At least some of the light pulses are delayed different lengths of time so that the light pulses from the second set of light pulse conductors can be transmitted as a light pulse train on a single light conductor.

Abstract: A control system for generating a control signal at a first station, transmitting the control signal to a second station, and processing the control signal at the second station to provide a controlled output. At least some of the processing equipment at the second station draws electrical power, and power for such purposes is generated by a generator located at the second station.