Abstract: A data processing system includes a microprocessor connected to a circuit board and a fansink positioned on the microprocessor. The system includes dedicated code that causes the microprocessor to draw a predetermined level of power. A fan speed required to maintain the microprocessor at a targeted temperature while the microprocessor is drawing the predetermined power level is then determined. If the required fan speed level exceeds the expected fan speed, corrective action is taken. Exercising the microprocessor may include executing a dedicated piece of code continuously until the microprocessor temperature stabilizes. The system may further include a stored table of empirically determined expected fan speed values that is indicative of the expected fan speed for various ambient temperatures and microprocessor temperatures. Alternatively, the system may generate an algorithm during an initial boot of the system and use the algorithm to derive the expected fan speed values during subsequent operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing dust on components in a computer system is disclosed. Embodiments include a system that generally includes an enclosure, a component mounted with the enclosure, and a fan adapted to induce an airflow towards the component to provide cooling. The system also generally includes a dust ionizer adapted to provide an electrical charge to dust particles within the airflow and a dust reflector having an electrical charge adapted to deflect the charge dust particles away from the component. In some embodiments, the component may be a processor, heat sink, video chip, memory module, voltage regulator module, etc.

Abstract: Operating parameters and potentially related malfunctions are gathered from end users of computer systems and used to develop a best practices profile. The profile can be used to automatically alter the operating parameters of a user computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a “smart” AP, whereby the AP periodically checks its connection with a network and, if a determination is made that the connection between the AP and the network server has been lost, an indication of this loss of connection is made available to all wireless stations connected to the AP. In a preferred embodiment, the indication given to the wireless stations is in the form of an SSID change. When the AP detects the loss of network connection, it automatically changes its SSID from a primary SSID to an alternative SSID. The wireless stations receive the alternative SSID and, since they are configured to connect to the primary SSID, immediately and automatically begin to search for another AP in the system that is using the primary SSID, and then connect to AP having the strongest signal. In one embodiment, the alternative SSID's can be selected so as to provide diagnostic assistance to a person attempting repairs to the faulty AP/network connection.

Abstract: A computer system includes a system unit and a peripheral device connected by an electrical connection. The peripheral device includes a main power switch that turns power off within both the peripheral device and the system unit, together with a drive indicator light that is turned on to indicate when data is being written or read at a hard disk drive within the system unit. Preferably, the peripheral device is a display device including a screen and receiving a video signal from the system unit, with a power indicator light indicating whether power is on and whether the system unit is running in an operational state or in a suspended state. The peripheral device can also be used with a system unit not having these capabilities.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for configuring an electronics card support bracket to adaptably and readily conform to more than one computer system profile is disclosed. The bracket fits in both full height and low profile mechanical configurations. The design includes a hinged bracket that swings back from the full height configuration to the low profile configuration. The bracket hinge is placed so that a swing back portion of the bracket provides a required edge lip on one end of the bracket.

Abstract: A trench cover for temporarily covering a trench and a rail member used in constructing the trench cover. The cover includes a pair of longitudinally extending rails, the rails being spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Each rail includes a web extending between an upper flange and a lower lip. The flange, web and lip form a C-shaped channel. The C-shaped channels of the cover's pair of rails face each other. A substantially flat cover member having longitudinally extending side edges is positioned within the C-shaped channels of the rails and attached to the rails.