Abstract: Genetically modified microorganisms that have the ability to convert carbon substrates into chemical products such as 2,3-BDO are disclosed. For example, genetically modified methanotrophs that are capable of generating 2,3-BDO at high titers from a methane source are disclosed. Methods of making these genetically modified microorganisms and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: An air purifying data processing system includes a chassis, a planar, a microprocessor and an air purifier. The air purifier produces purified air that is exhausted exterior to the chassis to improve the air quality in the vicinity of the chassis. The air purifier produces an air flow that is preferably in proximity to the microprocessor to facilitate dissipation of heat generated by the microprocessor. The air purifier may be oriented to direct the air flow through an opening in a first face of the chassis. The air purifier may include a high voltage unit to create an electrical discharge within the air purifier. The high voltage unit preferably produces a voltage greater of 8000 V or at an output point of the high voltage unit. The air purifier includes a grounded and electrically conductive grid in the vicinity of the high voltage unit output point.

Abstract: A method and system of minimizing sticky keys in an electronic device having a body, circuitry, and a plurality of keypads is disclosed. The method and system comprise providing a protectant coating; and applying the protectant coating on surfaces of both the keypad and also the body to prevent sticking between the mating surfaces. A system and method is added in accordance with the present invention utilizing a protectant on critical surfaces which serves to prevent the residual buildup of contaminants following spills. In so doing the sticky key problem associated with the contaminated buildup is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A method and system of minimizing sticky keys in an electronic device having a body, circuitry, and a plurality of keypads is disclosed. The method and system comprise providing a protectant coating; and applying the protectant coating on surfaces of both the keypad and also the body to prevent sticking between the mating surfaces. A system and method is added in accordance with the present invention utilizing a protectant on critical surfaces which serves to prevent the residual buildup of contaminants following spills. In so doing the sticky key problem associated with the contaminated buildup is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A method and system of reversibly absorbing liquid penetrations into electronic devices having a body and circuitry is described. The method and system comprises providing an absorbent sponge membrane structure in sheet-like form. The structure contains a hydrogel-forming core integrated into a blown polymer foam. The method and system includes placing the absorbent structure within the electronic device such that the hydrogel-forming core and blown polymer foam at least partly covers the electronic circuitry to be protected. A method and system in accordance with the present invention has the further advantage that due to the inclusion of the crystals into the open cells of the sponge, that structure is much easier to manufacture into various templates by punching or stamping holes where the keys and other mechanical obstructions such as bosses and supports must be accommodated.

Abstract: A method and system of reversibly absorbing liquid penetrations into electronic devices having a body and circuitry is described. The method and system comprises providing an absorbent sponge membrane structure in sheet-like form. The structure contains a hydrogel-forming core integrated into a blown polymer foam. The method and system includes placing the absorbent structure within the electronic device such that the hydrogel-forming core and blown polymer foam at least partly covers the electronic circuitry to be protected. A method and system in accordance with the present invention has the further advantage that due to the inclusion of the crystals into the open cells of the sponge, that structure is much easier to manufacture into various templates by punching or stamping holes where the keys and other mechanical obstructions such as bosses and supports must be accommodated.

Abstract: The present invention offers an improved method of reversibly absorbing aqueous solution penetrations into electronic equipment. The method comprises providing an absorbent structure having a certain thickness, the thickness defined by the desired or expected use of the electronic equipment such as a computer keyboard, cellular phone, ATM machine keyboard, radios, PDAs, remote controls, and other electronic devices that might be compromised by liquids and aqueous solutions, rain and the like. The absorbent structure comprises at least a water-permeable top sheet, a hydrogel-forming core, and a water-impermeable back sheet. Several layers and combinations of layers may also be provided, depending upon the desired usage.