Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code to generate proximity-based task alerts in a mobile computing device. A geographic location is linked to a set of tasks in a task list. A user selects a proximity to the geographic location for the alarm to form a selected proximity. A determination is made as to whether the mobile computing device is within the selected proximity. A proximity task-reminder alarm is triggered in response to making a determination that the mobile computing device is within the selected proximity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating multiple separate analog signals using a single microcontroller output pin. The microcontroller generates a waveform that is used to concurrently generate multiple separate analog signals. The microcontroller outputs a waveform that includes a first signal from one of the microcontroller's output pins. The first signal is used to produce a first analog signal. The microcontroller then outputs a delineating signal, as part of the waveform, from the microcontroller's output pin. The delineating signal indicates the start of a next signal in the waveform. The microcontroller then outputs a second signal, as part of the waveform, from its output pin. The second signal is used to produce a second analog signal. The waveform includes the first signal that is followed by the delineating signal that is followed by the second signal.

Abstract: A security apparatus and method is provided for a portable computer, wherein a solenoid within the portable computer is controlled by a specified program running on the computer. Activation of the solenoid is usefully enabled by a password or computer security chip. One embodiment, comprising a security apparatus, includes a locking mechanism such as a conventional manually operated USS locking device having a locking element. The security apparatus further includes a component positioned proximate to a slot disposed to receive the locking element, the component being adjustable to vary a dimension of the slot entrance between hold and release modes. The component is coupled to the solenoid and is actuated to adjust the slot entrance dimension, from the hold mode to the release mode, when the solenoid is energized in response to a command generated by the specified program running on the computer.

Abstract: Having detected an anomalous fault in a peripheral I/O slot, a processor entity may need to perform some remedial action, wherein the peripheral slot may have a fault line. First a voltage may be detected on the slot. Processor entity may set a fault if a voltage is found. A hotplug controller which may provide outputs that the processing entity may store as a fault syndrome word. The service processor or operating system, either during initial program load, or at another time, may detect that the fault could be a false fault depending on a set of predefined conditions and following the mechanism described here can then clear the fault earlier set. If an action from a previous device list is set, then there may be a clearing of the voltage fault based on determining that the action is set.

Abstract: A method of accessing an embedded microcontroller, by programmably selecting pins of the microcontroller for use as test lines, receiving a scan command at an input test line pin, emulating a virtual scan path through a logical block of the microcontroller, and transmitting scan results to an output test line pin. The microcontroller can provide such emulation of scan testing in compliance with the JTAG standard for a test access port and boundary-scan architecture. The test line pins are interconnected with a test bus structure to form a scan ring with other components of a data processing system, such as a microprocessor. The emulation can be used to change a functional mode of the microcontroller, or gather diagnostic information after a system error. The microcontroller assigns a high-priority internal interrupt routine to service test line pin activity. The virtual scan path need not include all internal microcontroller resources, and the scan path can be programmably varied by the application designer.

Abstract: A method, system, and product are disclosed for isolating a defect in a memory system by determining in which particular component of the memory system the defect exists. The memory system includes multiple components. The components include a physical memory module, a memory card to which the physical memory module is attached, and a memory controller for controlling the memory card. The memory card includes one or more electrical buffers for driving or detecting the memory signals. The buffers may be used as virtual memory elements. Each component is tested separately in order to identify the defective component with the help of virtual memory system elements. The components are tested by first testing the physical memory module. If the physical memory module passes the test, the memory card is then tested. If the memory card passes its test, the memory controller is tested.

Abstract: Cigarette rod or cigarette filter rod comprising an outer, longitudinally seamed wrapper is monitored, to detect defects in the longitudinal seam, by directing, from a nozzle, a stream of air tangentially of the rod, whereby the air flows in Coanda effect contact with the rod, and audio detecting the presence or absence of air, at a location spaced from the nozzle, in accordance with the presence or absence of a seam defect.

Abstract: A water trap comprises a body 10 which defines a passage having a downwardly extending portion 11 which in use communicates with the interior of a building and leads to a transverse portion 12 passing under a barrier 18. The transverse portion 12 leads in turn to an upwardly extension portion 13 which communicates through an outlet 14 with the exterior of the building. The transverse portion provides a gas barrier when filled with water. The trap includes at least one reservoir chamber 23, 24 which, when the trap is filled with water to the level of the outlet 14, contains sufficient water to refill the transverse portion 12 at least to the height of the barrier 18, should the transverse portion be emptied by siphonage.

Abstract: A pipe coupling formed by a tubular plastic member having at one end a portion of increased diameter defining an inwardly facing annular recess, and an annular sealing ring bonded therein by a foot portion substantially filling the recess and having a sealing head portion projecting partway across the interior of the coupling and secured to such foot portion by a neck portion. The seal ring configuration lends itself to injection molding of the assembly.