Abstract: The use of operational configuration parameters to predict digital system failures is described herein. At least some illustrative embodiments include a method that includes initializing a digital system (the initializing comprising determining an operational configuration of at least part of the digital system), saving the operational configuration to a database stored on the digital system, reading the operational configuration from the database and comparing the operational configuration to a reference configuration, and identifying the digital system as being at risk of a future failure if at least one parameter of the operational configuration differs from the at least one same parameter of the reference configuration by more than a tolerance value.

Abstract: The use of operational configuration parameters to predict digital system failures is described herein. At least some illustrative embodiments include a method that includes initializing a digital system (the initializing comprising determining an operational configuration of at least part of the digital system), saving the operational configuration to a database stored on the digital system, reading the operational configuration from the database and comparing the operational configuration to a reference configuration, and identifying the digital system as being at risk of a future failure if at least one parameter of the operational configuration differs from the at least one same parameter of the reference configuration by more than a tolerance value.

Abstract: A method of customer service that uses a program which captures the computer's hardware and operating system configuration when the program is installed, and also captures the hardware and operating system configuration upon request (when the user needs customer service help), and compares the two, highlighting differences.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for performing remote system administration upon a standalone computer system, using a controlling computer system. A remote communication sequence is started. The remote communication sequence is used to initiate a web browser application within a communication control platform using an Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) communication link. Communications between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system is established using the communication control platform. A diagnostic application on the standalone computer system is initiated using the established communication between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for performing remote system administration upon a standalone computer system, using a controlling computer system. A remote communication sequence is started. The remote communication sequence is used to initiate a Hyper-Media Managed Object (HMMO) request to a computer destination address. Communications between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system is established by decoding the computer destination address. A diagnostic software application program on the standalone computer system is initiated using the established communication between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system.

Abstract: A method for servicing computers using diagnostics programs to capture and report comprehensive configuration information to customer service via email.

Abstract: An ultra-rugged biometric integrated circuit sensor and method for constructing the same is provided. The sensor comprises a sensing area and a control electronics area, and, as result of its construction, the sensor has a topology whereby the sensing area is elevated with respect to the control electronics area. In other words, a depression is created on the sensor surface that allows the control electronics to escape damaging impacts by external forces. According to one embodiment, the sensing area and control electronics area are structures such there is no overlap between either area, except where the sensing area is electrically coupled to the control electronics. According to another embodiment, the sensor further comprises a electric static discharge structure that creates a least resistant path to ground. The electric static discharge structure further protects the control electronics from high voltage surges encountered in normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for performing remote system administration upon a standalone computer system, using a controlling computer system. A remote communication sequence is started. The remote communication sequence is used to initiate an HTTP request to a computer destination address. Communications between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system is established by decoding the computer destination address. A diagnostic application on the standalone computer system is initiated using the established communication between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system.

Abstract: An enclosure for a loudspeaker is molded from a rigid acoustically inert material such as a polymer concrete. Preferably, the enclosure has an inner shell of a semi-rigid acoustically absorbent material providing damping for the enclosure. The enclosure may be conveniently manufactured by using a two-piece mold wherein the inner mold piece is sacrificed and forms the inner shell of the enclosure.

Abstract: Metal algicides, such as zinc and copper, are sprayed in the form of droplets of molten metal onto the surface of roofing granules or onto the surface of asphalt roofing compositions in which said granules are embedded. The metal algicides solidify and adhere on the surface of said granules or compositions as relatively fine, randomly distributed, irregular shaped metal globules. During periods of rain or dew upon atmospheric exposure of roofing compositions thus flame treated, or incorporating therein roofing granules so treated, the oxidized globules become ionized so that metallic algicidal ions are slowly released therefrom and leached over the roofing surface, thus retarding the biological growth of algae and/or fungi over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A voltage multiplier in which an n-phase circuit charges n-1 capacitors during the separate phases, then during the last or nth phase the capacitors are put in series to create n times the input voltage. MOS transistor devices are used to act as switches to charge a number of series connected capacitors. During a first phase of operation, the first in the series of capacitors is charged to a specific voltage to be multiplied by closing the MOS switches to place the voltage across the capacitor. During a next phase of operation, the first capacitor is disconnected by the switches and the next capacitor in series is charged to the input voltage. During successive phases of operation, successive capacitors are similarly charged. During the last phase of operation, the capacitors are connected in series with the voltage to be multiplied and are connected to an output capacitor.