Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method initiate, in connection with a context switch operation, a prefetch of data likely to be used by a thread prior to resuming execution of that thread. As a result, once it is known that a context switch will be performed to a particular thread, data may be prefetched on behalf of that thread so that when execution of the thread is resumed, more of the working state for the thread is likely to be cached, or at least in the process of being retrieved into cache memory, thus reducing cache-related performance penalties associated with context switching.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method initiate, in connection with a context switch operation, a prefetch of data likely to be used by a thread prior to resuming execution of that thread. As a result, once it is known that a context switch will be performed to a particular thread, data may be prefetched on behalf of that thread so that when execution of the thread is resumed, more of the working state for the thread is likely to be cached, or at least in the process of being retrieved into cache memory, thus reducing cache-related performance penalties associated with context switching.

Abstract: Persons often encounter the need to apply some form of skin treatment when on the go. Such treatments include disinfectant, sunscreens, medications, and moisturizing lotions. The present invention comprises convenient portable skin treatment dispensers in the form wrist-worn devices with detachable wristbands. The devices are convenient to use, unobtrusive and can even be disposable. Ease of manufacture is facilitated by the use of self-sealing diaphragm valves.

Abstract: Page size prediction is used to predict a page size for a page of memory being accessed by a memory access instruction such that the predicted page size can be used to access an address translation data structure. By doing so, an address translation data structure may support multiple page sizes in an efficient manner and with little additional circuitry disposed in the critical path for address translation, thereby increasing performance.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wrist- or forearm-mounted device for dispensing a small amount of alcohol-based disinfectant hand rub, moisturizer, or other hand medicament. Even powder-based hand treatments can be dispensed using the present invention. A wristband or other attachment means affix the device to arm or wrist. Various locations are feasible including the top, side, or underside of the wrist or forearm. In a preferred embodiment, the device is in the form of the device is in the form of a wrist-mounted dispenser with a nozzle that uses refill cartridges or packets to supply a small amount of dispensed skin treatment when actuated. Surreptitious actuation and dispensing of hand treatments is made possible with embodiments of the invention that are mounted on the underside of the wrist and can be easily actuated in a casual, not easily detected manner.

Abstract: A fixing assembly for attaching a fixing to a workpiece, having a fixing and a resilient member. The fixing includes an aperture and is adapted for mating with the workpiece and holding the fixture. The resilient member includes a first portion secured in the aperture, and a second portion adapted for frictional engagement with a nosepiece of a fastener-driving tool.

Abstract: A flexible, wrist mounted device is disclosed for dispensing skin treatment and skin absorbed pharmaceutical treatments. The device comprises a dispensing volume that is caused to dispense treatment through a diaphragm valve upon simple application of pressure to the device. Various embodiments include devices fabricated from translucent polymeric material and with leak prevention means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conduit anchor which includes a base, a strap structure at the base, and an engagement head at the strap structure, the engagement head being receptive to and retentive of a nail gun barrel. Further disclosed herein is a conduit anchor and power fastener driven combination. The combination includes a nail gun having a barrel and an anchor engaged with the barrel. Yet further disclosed herein is a method for fastening an anchor to a surface. The method includes engaging an anchor on a barrel of a nail gun, placing the anchor on a selected surface, and firing the nail gun.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fastener assembly which includes a fastener, a barrier engaged with the fastener via an aperture, the aperture being configured and dimensioned to create an interference fit with the fastener and a washer having an opening therein, the opening receiving the barrier. Further disclosed herein is a barrier for a fastener and washer where the barrier is described as a barrier comprising a body having one or more outside dimensions calculated to engage an opening in a washer in an interference fit sufficient to retain the washer on the body in an assembly. The body further includes an opening extending at least substantially through the body, the opening in the body having a dimension and configuration to create an interference fit with a fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fastener assembly which includes a fastener, a barrier engaged with the fastener via an aperture, the aperture being configured and dimensioned to create an interference fit with the fastener and a washer having an opening therein, the opening receiving the barrier. Further disclosed herein is a barrier for a fastener and washer where the barrier is described as a barrier comprising a body having one or more outside dimensions calculated to engage an opening in a washer in an interference fit sufficient to retain the washer on the body in an assembly. The body further includes an opening extending at least substantially through the body, the opening in the body having a dimension and configuration to create an interference fit with a fastener.

Abstract: Persons often encounter the need to apply some form of skin treatment when on the go. Such treatments include disinfectant, sunscreens, medications, and moisturizing lotions. The present invention comprises convenient portable skin treatment dispensers in the form of neck-worn and disposable wrist-worn devices. The devices are convenient to use, unobtrusive and can even be disposable. Ease of manufacture is facilitated in various embodiments which include self-sealing diaphragm valves.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a body, and a valve for releasing dispensable fluid from the body. The valve includes an elongated stem. A unitary member is secured to the body by its first end being secured to the stem. The unitary member includes a connector formed at a second end and a fluid conduit extending between the first and second ends. The connector is adapted for sealingly engaging a dispensable fluid inlet.

Abstract: A fixing assembly for attaching a fixing to a workpiece, having a fixing and a resilient member. The fixing includes an aperture and is adapted for mating with the workpiece and holding the fixture. The resilient member includes a first portion secured in the aperture, and a second portion adapted for frictional engagement with a nosepiece of a fastener-driving tool.

Abstract: A laser diode bar, solder preform and heat sink are assembled prior to reflowing the solder in a manner to prevent molten solder from being drawn by capillary action over the light emitting end of the diode bar. A recessed pin 30 locates the ends of the laser bar and solder preform with respect to an edge of the heat sink so that the laser bar and solder preform overhang the heat sink edge by respective amounts. When molten, the solder will not be drawn by capillary action to obscure the light emitting end of the laser diode bar.

Abstract: A laser diode bar, solder preform and heat sink are assembled prior to reflowing the solder in a manner to prevent molten solder from being drawn by capillary action over the light emitting end of the diode bar. A recessed pin 30 locates the ends of the laser bar and solder preform with respect to an edge of the heat sink so that the laser bar and solder preform overhang the heat sink edge by respective amounts. When molten, the solder will not be drawn by capillary action to obscure the light emitting end of the laser diode bar.

Abstract: In order to provide an improved heat transfer interface between an solid state device and a heat sink to which it is soldered, one or more “vents” are provided in the interface between the solid state device and the heat sink to prevent the entrapment of gases that could form solder voids. Advantageously, the provision of such vents in the interface surface geometry of the semiconductor may be effected by the use of appropriate masking and etching following the epitaxial regrowth process. Alternatively, the heat sink or a solder preform may be provided with suitable notches. The use of such “die-bond vents” also allows solder, after melting, to be forced under the chip by external gas pressure such that no solder voids are left.

Abstract: In order to provide an improved heat transfer interface between an solid state device and a heat sink to which it is soldered, one or more “vents” are provided in the interface between the solid state device and the heat sink to prevent the entrapment of gases that could form solder voids. Advantageously, the provision of such vents in the interface surface geometry of the semiconductor may be effected by the use of appropriate masking and etching following the epitaxial regrowth process. Alternatively, the heat sink or a solder preform may be provided with suitable notches. The use of such “die-bond vents” also allows solder, after melting, to be forced under the chip by external gas pressure such that no solder voids are left.

Abstract: A loudspeaker comprising a panel adapted to support bending waves and an exciter for exciting said bending waves employs an exciter having an effective size with which it acts on said panel, the effective size varying in dependence on the frequency with which the exciter acts on the panel. Exciters suitable for use in such a loudspeaker are also disclosed.

Abstract: A swiveling electrical connector is described. A male assembly has three conductors electrically isolated from each other. A first one of the three conductors in the male assembly includes a cylindrical surface. A female assembly has three conductors electrically isolated from each other and a receptacle for receiving the male assembly. A first one of the three conductors in the female assembly has a clip assembly extending therefrom for contacting the cylindrical surface of the first conductor in the male assembly. A locking mechanism is coupled to the female assembly for locking the male and female assemblies together when the male assembly is inserted into the female assembly thereby providing electrical contact between the male assembly conductors and the female assembly conductors.

Abstract: A swiveling electrical connector is described which includes a male assembly and a female assembly having a receptacle for receiving the male assembly. A locking mechanism coupled to the female assembly locks the male and female assemblies together when the male assembly is inserted into the female assembly thereby providing electrical contact between conductors in the male assembly and corresponding conductors in the female assembly. The locking mechanism is operable to facilitate a quick release of the male assembly from the female assembly. The male and female assemblies rotate relative to each other when locked together.