Abstract: A method for rebalancing bandwidth allocations to peripheral and other devices, particularly for isochronous communications, connected to a computer system via a bus in order to accommodate bandwidth requirements of a newly added device or newly launched application is described. The method is particularly useful in the context of buses such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the IEEE 1394 bus (FireWire) which allow a plurality of devices to be connected to a computer system and even be powered by the bus. The method utilizes a Policy to identify preferred configurations and, furthermore, extends the USB and other standards to specify devices that can dynamically respond to commands to change their bandwidth to another setting.

Abstract: The following system and procedure for specifying an extended configuration descriptor includes a USB device that responds to device requests from a host. In response to receiving a host-specific device request that specifies a predetermined index, the USB device returns an extended configuration descriptor to the requester. The extended configuration descriptor includes information that can be used by the requestor to control the USB device. When the USB device is a composite device, the extended configuration descriptor includes function information corresponding to a plurality of sub-devices. Each function comprises one or more interfaces.

Abstract: A hub drive includes an in-hub motor and a shifting in-hub transmission coupled with the motor. A hub drive wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel. A vehicle includes a chassis, a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel for rotating the wheel with respect to the chassis. A method includes providing a shifting transmission and a motor coupled with the transmission in a hub of a wheel, providing electrical power to the motor, and rotating the motor with the electrical power. The method further includes rotating the transmission with the motor and rotating the wheel with the transmission.

Abstract: A ground vehicle and a method for articulating a payload module for mobility assist are disclosed. The ground vehicle comprises a chassis; and a payload module capable of articulating relative to the chassis to assist the mobility of the ground vehicle. The method comprises articulating a payload module relative to a chassis.

Abstract: The invention described in the instant application provides for a failure-recovery module, which permits automatic investigation of possible reasons for the failure and takes corrective action in a manner transparent to the user. The failure-recovery module, which is a software module, is useful in evaluating a device connected to a master-slave bus to determine whether it has failed. In the event the device is still connected to the master-slave bus but is non-responsive, the failure-recovery module resets the device, e.g., by turning off the power to the affected device and rebooting the device with a cold start. The failure-recovery module diagnoses the failure of a device by determining if the device is still connected to the master-slave bus. Then, the failure-recovery module sets a flag to mark the device as having failed while disabling access to devices downstream of the failed device.

Abstract: The various embodiments described below are directed to providing authenticated and confidential messaging from software executing on a host (e.g. a secure software application or security kernel) to and from I/O devices operating on a USB bus. The embodiments can protect against attacks that are levied by software executing on a host computer. In some embodiments, a secure functional component or module is provided and can use encryption techniques to provide protection against observation and manipulation of USB data. In other embodiments, USB data can be protected through techniques that do not utilized (or are not required to utilize) encryption techniques. In accordance with these embodiments, USB devices can be designated as “secure” and, hence, data sent over the USB to and from such designated devices can be provided into protected memory. Memory indirection techniques can be utilized to ensure that data to and from secure devices is protected.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises a frame carried by a group of wheels. At least one of the wheels is steerably connected to the frame. A steering handle assembly is rotatably connected to the frame. A servo valve has an input shaft connected to the steering handle assembly and an output shaft connected to a pitman arm. A linkage extends from the pitman arm to the steerable wheel or wheels. A pump draws fluid from a reservoir and passes the fluid through the servo valve before the fluid is returned to the reservoir. The servo valve redirects at least a portion of the flow to a cylinder to drive a ram within the cylinder in response to steering movement of the steering handle assembly. The ram, in turn, provides a power assist to the steerable wheel or wheels. A variable speed, constant displacement pump can be used to vary the flow rate in a manner that reduces the flow rate as the vehicle speed increases. Alternatively, a bypass can be used to vary a flow rate through the servo valve.

Abstract: A USB device is configured to support a non-USB-defined device request that is specific to an application program or operating system. The device request is supported by using a device-specific or vendor-specific request code, which is allowed to vary from device to device. To determine the proper request code, the host performs a GET_DESCRIPTOR device request, specifying a predetermined string descriptor. The requested string descriptor designates the request code to be used in the non-USB-defined device request.

Abstract: The following system and procedure for specifying an extended configuration descriptor includes a USB device that responds to device requests from a host. In response to receiving a host-specific device request that specifies a predetermined index, the USB device returns an extended configuration descriptor to the requester. The extended configuration descriptor includes information that can be used by the requestor to control the USB device. When the USB device is a composite device, the extended configuration descriptor includes function information corresponding to a plurality of sub-devices. Each function comprises one or more interfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for transitioning the operating mode and networking components of a network workstation from one mode of operation to another is described herein. In a disclosed embodiment, a method and system is described for transitioning a workstation from operating under a real mode operating system (with real mode network components) to operating under a protected mode operating system (with protected mode network components). A transition program preserves the state of the workstation before the real mode network components are loaded therein and enabled. The real mode network components are then enabled and utilized to transfer to the workstation memory the protected mode operating system and protected mode network components from the network. After the transfer, the transition program disables the real mode network components, restores the pre-real mode state of the workstation, and enables the protected mode network components.

Abstract: An insert for a chair includes a seat portion and a back portion, and is molded from dense firm rubber, or the like. The seat portion tapers from a front edge to the rear such that the upper surface is essentially parallel with the floor when the insert is installed on the chair. The back portion includes a lower concave front surface fitting the gluteal region of the pelvis, a central convex portion fitting the lumbar curve, and an upper concave portion matching the thoraic kyphotic curve. The use of the insert maintains the user's spine in a natural postion that places the center of gravity of the head over the vertical axis of the spine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an adjustable tool holder for a lathes or the like. A base block is secured to the lathe slide by a through bolt engaging a clamping bar in a Tee slot therein. A tool holding block is slideably mounted on the base block and also has a through-bolt extending through it and the base block and engaging the clamping bar. By loosening the second through-bolt and manipulating a micrometer adjustment screw, the cutting tool may be adjusted with great precision. The second through-bolt is then retightened to clamp the movable tool-holding block securely to the cross slide of the machine tool.

Abstract: A continuous coater of the type having a conveyor extending through a coating booth where paint or other material is sprayed onto the products as they are conveyed through the booth. The booth has an air flow control vestibule located adjacent the entrance and exit ports. Each vestibule is connected to an air flow exhaust system and is so configured that it is operative to draw air almost exclusively from outside the booth into the exhaust system so that there is a minimum of input air to the exhaust system from within the booth. The incoming air from outside the booth effectively forms a flow barrier to the egress of sprayed material and/or solvent to the atmosphere through the vestibule entrance and exit ports. Preferably, there is located in each vestibule means for creating an air curtain which functions to minimize the egress of paint or solvent from the coater cabinet and to provide a more nearly saturated atmosphere inside the cabinet.

Abstract: Quite a large cylindrical tube for a mouthpiece tube and a smaller stem for supporting a small bowl extend upwardly from different portions of a hollow base. The hollow base functions as a reservoir, and the base and the lower portions of the stem and the mouthpiece tube are filled with water. A plastic ball within the mouthpiece tube helps control the draw of the pipe. The plastic ball is the sealing member of the check valve that prevents rapid flow of water from the mouthpiece tube to the stem when inhalation is stopped abruptly. The port of the check valve is a hole that is eccentric within the bottom of the mouthpiece tube. The eccentricity provides a desirable amount of leakage for slowly equalizing the level of water in the mouthpiece tube and the stem.