Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer platforms and architectures employing many-to-many and many-to-one peripheral switches. The methods and apparatus may be implemented on computer platforms having multiple nodes, such as those employing a Non-uniform Memory Access (NUMA) architecture, wherein each node comprises a plurality of components including a processor having at least one level of memory cache and being operatively coupled to system memory and operatively coupled to a many-to-many peripheral switch that includes a plurality of downstream ports to which NICs and/or peripheral expansion slots are operatively coupled, or a many-to-one switch that enables a peripheral device to be shared by multiple nodes. During operation, packets are received at the NICs and DMA memory writes are initiated using memory write transactions identifying a destination memory address.

Abstract: A hydration reservoir is provided. The hydration reservoir may include a bladder for storing fluid defining a front panel and a rear panel. A fill opening may be defined in the front panel. An outlet port may be defined in the front panel and spaced away from the fill opening at a distance. A handle assembly may be coupled to the front panel. The handle assembly may include a spine layer coupled to the front panel and a handle protruding from the spine layer. The handle may be spaced away from the fill opening.

Abstract: A hydration reservoir is provided. The hydration reservoir may include a bladder for storing fluid defining a front panel and a rear panel. A fill opening may be defined in the front panel. An outlet port may be defined in the front panel and spaced away from the fill opening at a distance. A handle assembly may be coupled to the front panel. The handle assembly may include a spine layer coupled to the front panel and a handle protruding from the spine layer. The handle may be spaced away from the fill opening.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: A method for forming a heat pipe is provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel. Then, the pinched-off portion of the vessel is pressed so as to move it from a first position wherein the portion is convex to a second position wherein the portion is concave.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: A method for enhancing computer security and efficiency by providing automatic installation and maintenance of security applications including anti-virus, anti-spyware and a firewall along with continuous monitoring of the status of critical security programs to ensure that they are performing optimally and without significant interruption. The method also provides for maintenance of a user's computer.

Abstract: A heat pipe is provided having a vessel with a closed first end, a second end, and a wick on an inner surface that defines a passageway. A convex wall is positioned at the second end so as to block the passageway. The convex wall is deformable so as to move from a first position wherein a portion of the wall is convex to a second position wherein the portion of the wall is concave. The convex wall may include at least one stress concentrator so that upon an application of a force to the convex wall, the stress concentrator causes the convex wall to buckle. A method for forming the above-described heat pipe is also provided.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: A heat pipe is provided having a vessel with a closed first end, a second end, and a wick on an inner surface that defines a passageway. A convex wall is positioned at the second end so as to block the passageway. The convex wall is deformable so as to move from a first position wherein a portion of the wall is convex to a second position wherein the portion of the wall is concave. The convex wall may include at least one stress concentrator so that upon an application of a force to the convex wall, the stress concentrator causes the convex wall to buckle. A method for forming a heat pipe is also provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel.

Abstract: A bi-level assembly comprises a heat sink, a processor and a power supply. The heat sink includes a base and at least one fin structure attached to the base. The base may be a plate with attached heat pipes or the base may be a vapor chamber. The base is connected to the top of the processor and power supply and has an s-bend to accommodate the differing heights of the processor and power supply. Heat from the higher heat generating processor may be transferred by the base and dissipated by the fins above the power supply.

Abstract: A three dimensional vapor chamber is disclosed which has a horizontal vapor chamber portion and a vertical flat heat pipe portion. The interiors of the two portions are in fluid communication and can have a wick material saturated with a working fluid such as water. The vertical flat heat pipe portion can also have fins or other heat exchange structure connected to the exterior thereof to increase heat transfer away from the heat pipe portion. In operation, the vapor chamber portion is placed in contact with a heat source, thus causing the working fluid to evaporate and move into the vertical flat heat pipe portion, where it is condensed. The fluid is then transported back to the vapor chamber portion via capillary action through the wick. The interiors of the two portions may be constructed as a vacuum chamber, so that evaporation of the working fluid can occur at lower temperatures than would occur at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A heat pipe is provided having a vessel with a closed first end, a second end, and a wick on an inner surface that defines a passageway. A convex wall is positioned at the second end so as to block the passageway. The convex wall is deformable so as to move from a first position wherein a portion of the wall is convex to a second position wherein the portion of the wall is concave. The convex wall may include at least one stress concentrator so that upon an application of a force to the convex wall, the stress concentrator causes the convex wall to buckle. A method for forming a heat pipe is also provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.

Abstract: A heat pipe is provided having a vessel with a closed first end, a second end, and a wick on an inner surface that defines a passageway. A convex wall is positioned at the second end so as to block the passageway. The convex wall is deformable so as to move from a first position wherein a portion of the wall is convex to a second position wherein the portion of the wall is concave. The convex wall may include at least one stress concentrator so that upon an application of a force to the convex wall, the stress concentrator causes the convex wall to buckle. A method for forming a heat pipe is also provided comprising coating the interior surface of the vessel with a wicking material and partially saturating the wick with a working fluid. The vessel is then partially evacuated. A portion of the vessel is pinched-off so as to seal the vessel.

Abstract: The variable stiffness heating catheter includes a heating catheter shaft including at least one electrically conductive member, a reinforcing tube with apertures formed around the surface of the reinforcing tube, and at least one coaxial outer layer of a polymer, metal, or both for providing desired variations in stiffness along at least a portion of the length of the shaft. The apertures can be formed as axial or helical slits in the surface of the reinforcing tube, and the reinforcing tube can also be formed to be tapered at the point where the apertures are formed in the reinforcing tube to provide a heating catheter that is torqueable and pushable at the proximal end, yet soft and flexible at the distal end.