Abstract: An optical disk changer that is capable of automatically playing both sides of a dual-sided optical disk. By coordinated rotation and delivery of disks taken from a linear disk storage bin, both sides of a dual-sided optical disk can be automatically accessed.

Abstract: The invention comprises data processing systems and components thereof. Such systems may include a memory controller, a plurality of memory devices, a data bus coupling the memory controller with the plurality of memory devices, and at least one bus switch located in the data bus between the memory controller and one of the plurality of memory devices. Memory integrated circuits and memory modules including at least one switch in the data bus are also provided.

Abstract: A portable computer is described that contains a circuit for receiving pages and performing security functions based on the received page. Once a page has been received by the portable computer, the computer's hard drive can be automatically reformatted, or the portable computer can be prevented from booting. In addition, the portable computer can be programmed to use a modem to automatically dial a security center and transmit security information such as the Caller ID Tag of the current telephone number.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing and restoring a machine state of a computer system. The apparatus includes a PC card having a non-volatile memory for storing machine state information corresponding to a machine state and a controller coupled to the nonvolatile memory to control the transfer of the machine state information to and from the nonvolatile memory. The apparatus further includes a transfer component for directing the controller to coordinate the storage and download of the machine state information in order to capture and restore a computer system to the stored machine state.

Abstract: A computer system is described in which a table created in memory includes drive description data for one or more IDE devices included in the system. A command intercept circuit is described which intercepts device-identification commands and reroutes the device-identification operation to memory. The command intercept circuit includes an address decode circuit which asserts a first control signal upon decoding an address corresponding with the one or more IDE devices. A command decode circuit responds to the asserted first control signal to decode data and asserts a second control signal when the decoded data corresponds with a device-identification command. An address generator responds to the asserted second control signal to generate a memory address where the drive description data table is stored.

Abstract: An improved Luer-lock fitting for hypodermic needles and methods for using the fitting to inject suspended solids into a body. The improved fitting includes a lumen having a curvedly tapered, distally decreasing throat region, which is believed to provide improved flow of suspended solids into the hypodermic needles. One fitting includes at least two threads to provide a more secure fitting able to withstand higher injection pressures. Another fitting includes rounded wings better able to withstand jarring by endoscope eyepieces and resisting being dislodged from position. One method includes injecting suspended solids into soft tissue such as sphincter mechanisms. One method includes injecting suspended solids into tissue surrounding a mechanism to correct defects.

Abstract: An optical disk changer that is capable of automatically playing both sides of a dual-sided optical disk. By coordinated delivery of disks between a disk reader, a disk transfer mechanism, or a disk turner and a carrousel that is approximately toroid shaped, both sides of a dual-sided optical disk can be automatically accessed.

Abstract: A computer system processes system management interrupt (SMI) requests from plural system management (SM) requesters. Different SM requesters are provided with different priority levels such that high priority system management interrupts can be serviced without waiting for lower priority system management interrupts to be serviced completely. In particular, the system executes a first SMI handler routine in response to receiving a first SMI from a first SM requester. In response to receiving a second SMI asserted by a second SM requester, the system determines whether the second SMI request has been assigned a higher priority than the first SMI request. If so, then the system interrupts executing the first SMI handler routine and executes a second SMI handler routine corresponding to the second SMI request. Otherwise, the system completes executing the first SMI handler routine and then executes the second SMI handler routine.

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 computing device receives page messages and performs functions based on the page message. The messages may be stored in a non-volatile memory. The functions may include security functions for portable computing applications.

Abstract: A portable computer is described that contains a circuit for receiving pages and performing security functions based on the received page. Once a page has been received by the portable computer, the computer's hard drive can be automatically reformatted, or the portable computer can be prevented from booting. In addition, the portable computer can be programmed to use a modem to automatically dial a security center and transmit security information such as the Caller ID Tag of the current telephone number.

Abstract: The present invention determines that an object is moving within a scene. At run time, the number of primitives used to represent the moving object is reduced. The degree of reduction can be related to the amount of motion, i.e. speed, of the moving object. The moving object is then rendered based on the reduced number of primitives saving time and memory bandwidth.

Abstract: A system for managing messages so that messages with redundant contents need not be reviewed by a user. Techniques of the invention monitor electronic messages received by a user and determine whether the received electronic messages are related to pending electronic messages for the user, such as by being part of the same message thread. Messages with redundant contents among the related messages are then identified, and the messages with redundant contents are managed so that the user need not review the contents. The messages with redundant contents can be managed by creating a new message which includes the unique contents of each of the identified messages but at most a single copy of the redundant contents. After the new message is created, the identified messages can then be indicated to be redundant in light of the newly created message in one or more ways, such as by deleting the identified messages or by altering the visual indicators of the identified messages presented to the user.

Abstract: An upgradeable cache circuit is described which automatically routes those control signals necessary to maintain cache coherency in a computer system having a processor (with integrated L1 cache) coupled with main memory by a controller. The cache circuit includes an L2 cache module connector and a high speed multiplexer having minimal propagation delay. The multiplexer selects one of two sets of control signals to route to and from the processor, controller and cache circuit, corresponding to the presence or absence of an L2 cache module in the cache module connector.

Abstract: A PCB assembly which allows economical and reliable rework. The PCB assembly contains a soldermask and a trace with a portion of the trace exposed by a soldermask relief. When one needs to rework the PCB assembly, one bonds a rework wire, using conventional intermetalic bonding materials, to the portion of the trace exposed by the soldermask relief. There is no need to bond a rework wire to a component. Further, there is no need to scrape off the soldermask and possibly damage the traces and/or vias. The bonds are high reliability bonds, and the labor required to perform such bonds are minimal.

Abstract: A computer system and method is described for improved storage of computer system configuration information. A ROM module includes both a BIOS ROM portion and a configuration ROM portion. The configuration ROM includes a backup copy of the system configuration parameters stored in a battery-powered configuration CMOS RAM. If the configuration CMOS RAM fails to provide valid configuration data, the contents of the configuration ROM are used to configure the computer system. If the contents of the configuration ROM are also invalid, default configuration values are provided by the BIOS ROM. User modification of the default values may be effected through a setup utility program, and the configuration ROM then programmed accordingly.

Abstract: A system for automatically switching a computer to a password protected screen saver mode when a computer user leaves the proximity of the computer. The system includes a proximity sensor that determines whether or not an individual is located proximate the computer. The proximity sensor interfaces with either the computer a bus bridge, a keyboard controller, a keyboard, or some another component of the computer to cause the computer to start executing a screen saver program responsive to an output signal from the proximity sensor. A variety of proximity sensors may be used, including ultrasound, infrared, or electromagnetic proximity sensors. A proximity sensor may also detect the presence of the computer user by detecting the weight of the user at a location proximate the computer.

Abstract: A time-multiplexed multi-speed bus that comprises a combination of a low-speed communications bus and a high-speed communications bus into a single communications bus that supports both low-speed and high-speed operations. The time-multiplexed multi-speed bus contains a low-speed state machine and a high-speed state machine. The time-multiplexed multi-speed bus is controlled by the low-speed state machine and operated at low speed in order to conduct transactions between two low-speed peripheral devices, and is controlled by the high-speed state machine and operated at high speed in order to conduct transactions between and two high-speed peripheral devices. For transactions between peripheral devices having different speeds, either a buffer is used to store data between data transmission and data reception by the two devices, or the low-speed and high-speed state machines are synchronized and operationally interleaved.

Abstract: Described are methods of tissue marking using microparticles that have carbon surfaces, and that contain a contrast agent. Preferred microparticles include a permanently radiopaque particle substrate and a pyrolytic carbon surface.

Abstract: A power-conserving computer containing a peripheral device that, when used alone, requires the CPU of the computer to be powered-on for only the short period of time needed for the CPU to translate a user-specified command into a command that the CPU then transmits to the peripheral device. Inputs are added to the computer system for direct input of user commands to the peripheral device. The BIOS power-up/reset routine of the computer is modified to detect power-on as a result of user input to the added inputs, to then transmit a corresponding command to the peripheral device, and to finally power down the CPU. The system controller of the computer is electrically shielded from the peripheral device when the system controller is powered-down and the peripheral device is operating.