Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for preventing faulty commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) peripherals or I/Os from disabling the bus to which they are connected. The apparatus has isolators coupled to the bus and the I/Os. A controller is coupled between the interfaces, a processor and memory, operating such that an I/O cannot transfer data to the bus without permission from the bus. Isolation memory keeps I/O and bus messages separate. I/O messages are checked before being sent to the bus. The method comprises: determining if there is a message for the peripheral, temporarily storing the message, determining if the message is for output or input, and if for output, sending it to the peripheral, and if for input, requesting and receiving it from the peripheral, temporarily storing and checking it, and transferring it to the bus only if valid. This prevents a failed I/O or peripheral from disabling the bus.

Abstract: A codec selector, and a corresponding method for establishing media channels between a local endpoint and a remote endpoint, are disclosed. The codec selector and method are useful with a media endpoint that is constrained to have matching transmit and receive codecs. The method comprises sending a request to a remote endpoint to open a first transmit channel. Upon receiving a corresponding request from the remote endpoint for its transmit channel, the two requests are compared. If the two requests do not match, the first transmit channel is closed (whether or not it has been acknowledged by the peer). A second transmit channel, compatible with the remote endpoint's request, is then requested. A method for detecting that the remote endpoint is using a similar procedure, and a procedure for synchronizing when both endpoints are constrained, are also disclosed. The present invention reduces call setup time in most instances, and provides reliable channel setup for constrained endpoints.

Abstract: Energy conversion among heat or electricity and incandescent light is achieved, in the case of incandescent light emission, with the emission having reduced IR content, using a high band gap semiconductor element that is tailored in structure and in energy conversion physics to suppress free carrier absorption so as to be transparent or reflecting of photon energy that is below the band gap of the semiconductor and to only emit photon energy above the band gap of the semiconductor. A filament of lightly "N" doped 3C-SiC, at about 900 degrees C., will incandesce and radiate in the visible range for energies greater than about 2 eV and will exhibit inefficient emission of photons for energies less than about 2 eV.

Abstract: A microporous insulation material contains an ingredient which exhibits a phase transition and functions to maintain temperatures attained by an object shielded by the microporous insulation material, during exposure of the microporous insulation material to a high temperature environment, at an acceptable level over a given period of time. The insulation material is especially suitable for insulating flight data and voice recorder systems. The microporous insulation material contains inorganic particulate material; endothermic compounds, an opacifier, inorganic fiber and preferably, a dry resin binder. The inorganic particulate material can comprise only hydrophilic material or both hydrophilic and hydrophobic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing and storing product, especially glassware such as fluorescent lights and mercury vapor lamps, which when crushed, produces injurious substances, particularly mercury compounds, broken glass, and phosphorous powder. A flat funnel depending from a crushing chamber communicates with a round drum lid that has an opening coterminous with the narrow end of the flat funnel, so that crushed product is directed to the drum. A suction source is connected via the drum, through an opening in the lid, to the funnel-shaped compartment.

Abstract: A low density, high temperature resistant insulation material that is very thermally efficient, is easily moldable and is unaffected by water. The insulation material is especially suitable for use in aviation, aerospace and automotive applications. The insulation material contains inorganic fiber; inorganic binder; hydrophilic particulate inorganic material; hydrophobic particulate inorganic material; polymer; and preferably a setting agent and an opacifier.