Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. The utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. The stack of the utensils comprises at least one utensil in addition to a next utensil. At least one generally vertical guide rail can be disposed within the housing, and can be configured to receive a first portion of each utensil having a contoured projection extending outwardly from each utensil to maintain the stack of the utensils in a stacked orientation. A front pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The front pedestal can be configured to contact the first portion of the next utensil, and a rear pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The rear pedestal can be configured to contact a second portion of the next utensil.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. The utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. The stack of the utensils comprises at least one utensil in addition to a next utensil. At least one generally vertical guide rail can be disposed within the housing, and can be configured to receive a first portion of each utensil having a contoured projection extending outwardly from each utensil to maintain the stack of the utensils in a stacked orientation. A front pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The front pedestal can be configured to contact the first portion of the next utensil, and a rear pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The rear pedestal can be configured to contact a second portion of the next utensil.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) resonator to monitor the platform temperature. Fabricating the resonator on a relatively low cost flexible polymer substrate rather than silicon provides mechanical flexibility as well as design flexibility with respect to sensor placement. Sensor readout and control circuits can be on silicon if desired, for example, a positive feedback amplifier to form an oscillator in conjunction with the resonator and a counter to count oscillator frequency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) resonator to monitor the platform temperature. Fabricating the resonator on a relatively low cost flexible polymer substrate rather than silicon provides mechanical flexibility as well as design flexibility with respect to sensor placement. Sensor readout and control circuits can be on silicon if desired, for example, a positive feedback amplifier to form an oscillator in conjunction with the resonator and a counter to count oscillator frequency.

Abstract: A system may control whether a particular peripheral may be connected to a particular computer system. Based on the needs of a particular computer system, codes may be provided, for example by the computer system manufacturer to authorized vendors of peripherals. If those peripherals meet certain standards and specifications, they may be provided with a code which is then sent from the peripheral to the computer system when the peripheral is connected to the computer system. The computer system undertakes a check of the code to determine whether the peripheral is an authorized peripheral. If so, communications are allowed. Otherwise, the peripheral may be prevented from communicating with the rest of the computer system and the user may be notified that the peripheral is inappropriate for use with a given computer system.

Abstract: A chassis having an interior surface, the interior surface having a first area coated with a metal substance to receive a radio signal. At least a first metal tab coupled to the first area coated with a metal substance, and the first metal tab coupled to a circuit board, the first metal tab to transmit a signal between the first area of the chassis coated with a metal substance and the circuit board.

Abstract: An element for an in home power line network is housed within the power supply of laptop computer. The element communicates with the power line and carries out network operations over that line. The device also includes logic therein which automatically detects the format of the network being communicated with so that a number of different network types can be automatically connected.

Abstract: A system may control whether a particular peripheral may be connected to a particular computer system. Based on the needs of a particular computer system, codes may be provided, for example by the computer system manufacturer to authorized vendors of peripherals. If those peripherals meet certain standards and specifications, they may be provided with a code which is then sent from the peripheral to the computer system when the peripheral is connected to the computer system. The computer system undertakes a check of the code to determine whether the peripheral is an authorized peripheral. If so, communications are allowed. Otherwise, the peripheral may be prevented from communicating with the rest of the computer system and the user may be notified that the peripheral is inappropriate for use with a given computer system.