Abstract: A method is provided for configuring a communication port of a communications interface of an information handling system into a plurality of virtual ports. A first command is issued to obtain information indicating a number of images of virtual ports supportable by the communications interface. A second command is then issued requesting the communications interface to virtualize the communication port. In response to the second command, one or more virtual switches are then configured to connect to the communication port, each virtual switch including a plurality of virtual ports, such that the one or more virtual switches are configured in a manner sufficient to support the number of images of virtual ports indicated by the obtained information. Thereafter, upon request via issuance of a third command, a logical link is established between one of the virtual ports of one of the virtual switches and a communicating element of the information handling system.

Abstract: A metal piercing fastener having an elongated flat body having first and second surfaces with a heat at one end and a piercing point at the other. The thickness dimension of the flat body is greater proximate the head proximate the point. The first and second surfaces of the body are devoid of protrusions extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Oral care devices are provided that include a first component and a second component removably engaged with the first component; the first and second components having a respective fluid passageway extending therethrough, the respective passageways capable of fluid communication while the first and second components are engaged; and at least one of the first and second components including a sealing member constructed to allow fluid communication between the first and second passageways when the first and second passageways are engaged and to close the associated passageway when the first and second components are disengaged. Oral care devices are also provided that include a replaceable and refillable cartridge.

Abstract: Oral care devices are provided that include a pumping assembly for dispensing a fluid, e.g., a dentifrice, from the oral care device.

Abstract: A method of performing memory mapped input output operations to an alternate address space comprising: establishing a first instruction directed to a first memory mapped input output alternate address space associated with an adapter to store data in accordance with a definition of a z/Architecture; establishing a second instruction directed to the first memory mapped input output alternate address space associated with an adapter to load data in accordance with the definition(s) of the z/Architecture; and wherein a process issues at least one of the first instruction and the second instruction and thereby causes execution of at least one of the store and load with the first alternate address space.

Abstract: A method of managing memory mapped input output operations to an alternate address space comprising: executing a first instruction directed to a first memory mapped input output alternate address space of a machine associated with a first adapter to allocate a resource associated with the first adapter to a process in accordance with a definition of a z/Architecture; wherein a selected process issues at least one of a load and a store instruction executed in a problem state of the machine to a selected address location of a selected resource. The method further includes ensuring that the selected resource corresponds with the allocated resource and determining that the selected process corresponds with the process to which the resource is allocated.

Abstract: A method of performing memory mapped input output operations to an alternate address space comprising: establishing a first instruction directed to a first memory mapped input output alternate address space associated with an adapter to store data in accordance with a definition of a z/Architecture; establishing a second instruction directed to the first memory mapped input output alternate address space associated with an adapter to load data in accordance with a definition of a z/Architecture; allocating at least one of a real resource and a virtual resource associated with the first alternate address space to a process; ensuring that the selected process corresponds with the process to which the resource is allocated. The process issues at least one of the first instruction and the second instruction and thereby causes execution of at least one of the store and load with the first alternate address space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preparing a copper/nickel substrate by annealing nickel-coated copper. After the nickel deposition step, a dielectric, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), may be deposited onto the substrate by methods known in the art such as sol-gel or vacuum deposition. This invention further relates to thin film composites. These composites include a pre-annealed nickel-coated copper substrate and a dielectric such as PZT.

Abstract: A gravity flow grain tank includes enclosed chamber mounted on a hay processor, for holding grain to be dispensed. The chamber includes a rearwardly and downwardly sloped bottom, so that gravity causes the grain to flow into an auger at the lower end of the chamber. The auger extends outwardly from the chamber, to dispense grain on to processed hay.

Abstract: Crystalline dielectric lead zirconate titanate thin film composites on metallic foils exhibit high dielectric constants, low dielectric loss (loss tangent of less than 5%) and low leakage current. The lead zirconate titanates may be of the formula PbZrxTiyOz (PZT) wherein x and y are independently from about 0.35 to about 0.65 and z is from about 2.5 to about 5.0. The thin foil dielectric composites can be prepared by a variety of methods including deposition of PZT thin films on brass, platinum, titanium, and stainless steel foils using sol-gel processing, sputtering deposition and chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of preparing a copper/nickel substrate by annealing nickel-coated copper. After the nickel deposition step, a dielectric, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), may be deposited onto the substrate by methods known in the art such as sol-gel or vacuum deposition. This invention further relates to thin film composites. These composites comprise a pre-annealed nickel-coated copper substrate and a dielectric such as PZT.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a propulsion device and method of use of the propulsion device that propels at least one user equipped with at least one friction-reducing device. The propulsion device typically comprises a motor, a drive train, and a traction device attached or incorporated into a frame. At least one user is secured to the device by straps that engage the user at a waist level or shoulder level interface. The user may direct the propulsion device by acting upon the handlebars that are adjustably attached to the frame of the propulsion device. Moreover, multiple users using multiple propulsion devices can engage in social group or competitive activities. The propulsion device offers the versatility of being able to traverse numerous forms of terrain while using a variety of friction-reducing devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanostructured BaTiO3 film, plate or array that has from 1,000 to 10,000 times the storage capacity of conventional capacitors. The barium titanates are of the formula BaaTibOc wherein a and b are independently between 0.75 and 1.25 and c is 2.5 to about 5.0. The barium titanates may further be doped with a material, “M”, selected from Au, is Au, Cu, Ni3Al, Ru or InSn. The resulting titanate may be represented by the formula MdBaaTibOc wherein d is about 0.01 to 0.25, a is about 0.75 to about 1.25, b is about 0.75 to about 1.25 and c is about 2.5 to about 5.0. X-ray diffraction results illustrate that the crystal structure of the thin films changed from predominantly cubic to tetragonal phase and crystallite size increased with increasing concentration of “M”.

Abstract: A loyalty- and incentive-based program for assisting higher-education financing is disclosed. A user performs predetermined loyalty-based activities, such as purchasing goods or services from associated merchants. In exchange, the user receives points that are redeemable only to assist one or more individuals other than the user pay for higher-education costs, such as tuition, books, and supplies. The user redeems the points to assist these other individuals pay for their higher education.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanostructured BaTiO3 film, plate or array that has from 1,000 to 10,000 times the storage capacity of conventional capacitors. The barium titanates are of the formula BaaTibOc wherein a and b are independently between 0.75 and 1.25 and c is 2.5 to about 5.0. The barium titanates may further be doped with a material, “M”, selected from Au, is Au, Cu, Ni3Al, Ru or InSn. The resulting titanate may be represented by the formula MdBaaTibOc wherein d is about 0.01 to 0.25, a is about 0.75 to about 1.25, b is about 0.75 to about 1.25 and c is about 2.5 to about 5.0. X-ray diffraction results illustrate that the crystal structure of the thin films changed from predominantly cubic to tetragonal phase and crystallite size increased with increasing concentration of “M”.