Abstract: The adverse impact of system abnormalities, such as crashes or other failures or problems, is minimized by switching control of a computing device from a first operating system to a second operating system in the event a system abnormality is detected. For example, if a system abnormality causes a processor system under control of the first operating system to crash, another processor system under control of a second operating system can take over. An application program that was executing under control of the first operating system when the crash or other abnormality occurred can continue functioning under control of the second operating system.

Abstract: A computing device is booted in a manner that enables a software application to begin execution with minimal delay. When the device is powered up, a first processor begins booting under control of a first operating system, and a second processor begins booting under control of a second operating system. The first operating system is of a type that generally takes longer to complete booting than the second operating system. As soon as the second processor has booted up, it begins controlling execution of a software application. Then, when the first processor has booted up, control over the software application is transferred from the second processor to the first processor.

Abstract: A ruggedized mobile computing system for a motor vehicle includes a ruggedized mobile computing device, which can be mounted in the trunk or other convenient location, and a suitable user interface system, such as a display screen, keyboard, etc., mounted in the vehicle cabin. The computing device can accommodate user-removable, plug-in electronic modules that perform specialized processing, communications, control or other specialized tasks relating in some way to the vehicle mission or purpose. The device has a ruggedized enclosure made of a durable material such as sheet metal or high-impact plastic. The enclosure can include a guard that protects cables extending from the front panel from being damaged or inadvertently removed. Cooling and warming systems can be included that maintain the enclosure environment within suitable operating temperatures in hot or cold weather.

Abstract: A computing device is booted in a manner that enables a software application to begin execution with minimal delay. When the device is powered up, a first processor system begins booting under control of a first operating system, and a second processor system begins booting under control of a second operating system. The first operating system is of a type that generally takes longer to complete booting than the second operating system. As soon as the second processor system has booted up, it begins controlling execution of a software application. Then, when the first processor system has booted up, control over the software application is transferred from the second processor system to the first processor system.

Abstract: A transflective cockpit display device for aircraft has display electronics and a transflective liquid crystal display (LCD). The backlight lamp of the transflective LCD is brighter than those of common transmissive LCDs to facilitate viewing in the changing light conditions experienced by aircraft.

Abstract: A computing device is booted in a manner that enables a software application to begin execution with minimal delay. When the device is powered up, a first processor system begins booting under control of a first operating system, and a second processor system begins booting under control of a second operating system. The first operating system is of a type that generally takes longer to complete booting than the second operating system. As soon as the second processor system has booted up, it begins controlling execution of a software application. Then, when the first processor system has booted up, control over the software application is transferred from the second processor system to the first processor system.

Abstract: The adverse impact of system abnormalities, such as crashes or other failures or problems, is minimized by switching control of a computing device from a first operating system to a second operating system in the event a system abnormality is detected. For example, if a system abnormality causes a processor system under control of the first operating system to crash, another processor system under control of a second operating system can take over. An application program that was executing under control of the first operating system when the crash or other abnormality occurred can continue functioning under control of the second operating system.

Abstract: A transflective display device for ground vehicles, such as police, fire and ambulance vehicles, has display electronics and a transflective liquid crystal display (LCD). The backlight lamp of the transflective LCD is brighter than those of common transmissive LCDs to facilitate viewing in the changing light conditions experienced by such vehicles.

Abstract: A compressor rotor assembly including an impeller including an impeller stem, the stem including a first coupling end having a first face and at least one arcuate coupling tab along the first face; the impeller stem further comprising a bore that extends inwardly from the first face, the bore having an interior wall that is tapered. The rotor assembly further comprising a pinion shaft having a second coupling end with a second face and at least one arcuate coupling slot along the second face; and a hub extending outwardly from the second face, the hub including a tapered outer wall; the first and second coupling means and the hub and bore are adapted to be mated when the impeller and pinion shaft are assembled to prevent relative displacement of the stem and shaft.