Abstract: A convenient and secure system and method for access to any number of password-protected computer applications, web sites and forms without adding to the user cognitive load and without circumventing the inherent security of such password-protection schemes. An existing password field on a device display is overlaid with password wallet pop-up field which allows a wallet “master” key to unlock the wallet. An application-specific and/or user-specific password is automatically retrieved from the wallet and entered into the password field with no other user action required.

Abstract: When an installed electron gun has failed testing, the gun is cut out of the neck of the Cathode Ray Tube (“CRT”) without destroying or damaging any other portion of the CRT. A new neck is then formed on the tube which can be re-inserted into the production line and re-used. The reclaimed electron gun can then be analyzed and tested to determine the cause of its malfunction or test failure. In this way, minimal damage is done to the CRT in which the gun is originally installed and as much of that CRT as possible is salvaged for use in a completed unit.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation.

Abstract: A method, program, and system for communicating between a host computer and a pointing device is provided. The program receives a control signal from a toggle-actuated mechanism operably connected to the pointing device. The program initiates data transfer between the pointing device and the host computer in response to the control signal. The program transfers data between the pointing device and the host computer via an infrared data link.

Abstract: The present invention is a graphical user interface and method of operation for searching, and selecting items from, a database. The invention provides a convenient mechanism to thoroughly search a database for useful items. The invention runs in the background, dynamically annotating the active part of a main application's user interface with an indicator, to show a user of a main application that useful items may be available in a database. The trigger for initially activating the mechanism for searching and selecting in a main application is the same as the trigger for activating another round of searching the database, thus minimizing the diversion of a user's attention away from the main application. A user may select an item from the database for use in the main application. This might involve inserting a word into text with a word processor; the items may be words, and the database may be a thesaurus or dictionary, for example.

Abstract: A method and implementing system are provided in which a user is enabled to view source code within a context of the screen presentation which is created by the source code. In an exemplary embodiment, a graphical user interface (GUI) is selectively overlaid upon a content screen display. The GUI includes a translucent area through which a user is able to view screen content underlying the GUI in order to maintain a visual relationship and orientation between selected screen content and related underlying source code. The GUI also includes a “hot spot” highlighted area. A user is enabled to manipulate the GUI and the hot-spot contained therein to areas of interest on the screen being displayed. The GUI displays markers to indicate beginning and ending points of source code elements for screen areas which are proximate to the hot-spot area in the GUI.

Abstract: A load voltage socket is provided for monitoring the load voltage across a CRT during aging so as to determine the current aging condition. The socket is insertable between the CRT and an aging line socket. The socket is provided with a plurality of banana plugs or other connecting means by which the load voltage socket may be conveniently connected to a voltage meter or other measuring instrument for the purposes of monitoring or determining the current aging condition.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system is provided in which a user program-linking interface is presented on a computer screen to enable a user to select an input or source program, as well as one of several available functional operators. The linking program is effective to receive data from the input program, perform a selected functional operation on the data as may be selected by a user, and deliver the resulting information in a manner chosen by the user. In one exemplary embodiment, the resulting information is delivered to a selected output or target program which may be coupled to the linking program. In another example, the linking program is effective to provide a display window to show the results of the functional operation performed on the source program as selected by the user.

Abstract: An efficient and intuitive means, method and apparatus for displaying and searching information organized in a hierarchical manner. The presented method for displaying and searching information utilizes methods residing at the nodes of the hierarchically organized information.

Abstract: Heating or maintaining the temperature of a cathode ray tube that is waiting to undergo frit knocking has been discovered to substantially reduce the dangerous and harmful tendency of electrical arcing between the high-voltage probe and grounded band used in the frit knocking process. Any means or method of heating such a cathode ray tube including, but not limited to, placing the cathode ray tube in an oven or heating unit, or in a heated room or chamber produces beneficial results. Placing the cathode ray tube in an insulated envelope or blanket can also help. In particular, one or more heat packs that are heated in an oven and then brought into thermal contact with the cathode ray tube can be used to heat or maintain the temperature of the cathode ray tube.

Abstract: During manufacture, the components of a cathode ray tube must be protected against contaminants, such as dust, that will degrade performance of the completed tube. A protective tunnel, in which a contaminant-free environment can more easily be maintained, protects open cathode ray tube funnels that are moved between a coating station and a drying oven. Access doors may be provided to allow for cleaning and maintenance of the tunnel, as well as access to cathode ray tube funnels in the tunnel. A vacuum system may also be provided to clean airborne contaminants from the protective tunnel.

Abstract: An insulating member is used on or with a high-voltage probe that applies a voltage to the anode of a cathode ray tube during manufacture of the tube. If there are flaws in the frit seal of the tube, the probe produces arcing through the flaw into a grounded, conductive band disposed around the exterior of the frit seal. The insulating member is placed between the high-voltage probe tip and the grounded band around the frit seal. Consequently, the insulating member prevents electrical arcing external to the cathode ray tube between the high-voltage probe and the grounded band. Such arcing would otherwise interfere with the testing of the frit seal and could possibly damage the test equipment.

Abstract: When an installed electron gun has failed testing, the gun is cut out of the neck of the Cathode Ray Tube (“CRT”) without destroying or damaging any other portion of the CRT. A new neck is then formed on the tube which can be re-inserted into the production line and re-used. The reclaimed electron gun can then be analyzed and tested to determine the cause of its malfunction or test failure. In this way, minimal damage is done to the CRT in which the gun is originally installed and as much of that CRT as possible is salvaged for use in a completed unit.

Abstract: A protective cover is placed over a rack of cathode ray tube components to prevent contamination of the components and/or moisture damage to the components. Some cathode ray tube components, particularly funnels, are stockpiled so that assembly lines can be kept running even if the supply of the component becomes temporarily exhausted. However, these stockpiled funnels must be protected while in storage. The protective cover described herein can be fastened in place around a rack or pallet containing a stockpile of funnels. The protective cover can also incorporate moisture-absorbent elements to prevent moisture damage to the stockpiled funnels.

Abstract: A protective cover is placed over a rack of cathode ray tube components to prevent contamination of the components and/or moisture damage to the components. Some cathode ray tube components, particularly funnels, are stockpiled so that assembly lines can be kept running even if the supply of the component becomes temporarily exhausted. However, these stockpiled funnels must be protected while in storage. The protective cover described herein can be fastened in place around a rack or pallet containing a stockpile of funnels. The protective cover can also incorporate moisture-absorbent elements to prevent moisture damage to the stockpiled funnels.

Abstract: A jig incorporates a thermocouple clamp for measuring the temperature of a soldering iron. With the jig and the thermocouple clamp, the method of taking the temperature of the soldering iron is made consistent. Consequently, any variations in temperature readings can be attributed to an actual change in soldering iron temperature and not to a variation in the technique for measuring the temperature. Thus, the temperature of the soldering iron can be controlled with high accuracy. This is important particularly in high-precision manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A novel test lead can be used to connect an aging line with a voltage or multi-meter in order to monitor the voltage output by the aging line. The aging line is used to age electronic devices and components, particularly cathode ray tubes, during the manufacturing process. The test lead includes a plug adapted for ready connection to an output socket of the aging line without requiring any disassembly of the socket. The other end of the test lead preferably includes a number of clips, banana or alligator, for connecting the lead to the voltage or multi-meter. In this way, the output voltage of the aging line can be easily and rapidly tested for conformance with predetermined specifications.

Abstract: A system and method for reanchoring logical objects or members of a directory tree within a graphical user interface. First, at least one anchored logical object is designated for reanchoring. Logical objects which have a predetermined relationship with the selected logical object may be placed into a group with the at least one designated logical object. Next, the user selects a reanchor command and the selected group is reanchored. In an illustrative implementation, reanchoring moves the selected group to a location closer to a left margin of the display screen. Reanchoring allows a user to customize the directory tree. Customizing the graphic directory tree allows a user to increase the usability of the directory tree and decrease complexity of existing directory trees.