Abstract: An email message body is processed to identify groups of characters that match patterns from a set of predefined signature data patterns. For each identified group of characters, a respective block of the email message body is reviewed to identify other groups of characters within the respective block that also match patterns from the set of predefined signature data patterns. A block score is generated for the respective block based on the groups of characters identified as matching patterns from the set of predefined signature data patterns. One of the blocks is selected based on the block scores generated for the respective blocks, and signature contact information is retrieved from the selected block.

Abstract: An email message body is processed to identify groups of characters that match patterns from a set of predefined signature data patterns. For each identified group of characters, a respective block of the email message body is reviewed to identify other groups of characters within the respective block that also match patterns from the set of predefined signature data patterns. A block score is generated for the respective block based on the groups of characters identified as matching patterns from the set of predefined signature data patterns. One of the blocks is selected based on the block scores generated for the respective blocks, and signature contact information is retrieved from the selected block.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transferring data between servers and a remote entity having multiple peripherals. Multiple servers are connected to a remote entity over an Remote Direct Memory Access capable network. The remote entity includes peripherals such as network interface cards (NICs) and host bus adapters (HBAs). Server descriptor rings and descriptors are provided to allow efficient and effective communication between the servers and the remote entity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for virtualizing port adapter resources such as network interface cards (NICs) used to connect servers to packet based networks. Resources are offloaded from individual servers onto a resource virtualization switch. Servers connected to the resource virtualization switch using an I/O bus connection share access to NICs. Redundancy can be provided using multipathing mechanisms implemented at individual servers or high availability mechanisms implemented at the resource virtualization switch. Switchover can occur between ports on the same port adapter, between ports on separate adapters, or between ports on separate resource virtualization switches.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for virtualizing port adapter resources such as network interface cards (NICs) used to connect servers to packet based networks. Resources are offloaded from individual servers onto a resource virtualization switch. Servers connected to the resource virtualization switch using an I/O bus connection share access to NICs. Redundancy can be provided using multipathing mechanisms implemented at individual servers or high availability mechanisms implemented at the resource virtualization switch. Switchover can occur between ports on the same port adapter, between ports on separate adapters, or between ports on separate resource virtualization switches.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transferring data between servers and a remote entity having multiple peripherals. Multiple servers are connected to a remote entity over an Remote Direct Memory Access capable network. The remote entity includes peripherals such as network interface cards (NICs) and host bus adapters (HBAs). Server descriptor rings and descriptors are provided to allow efficient and effective communication between the servers and the remote entity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing quality of service (QoS) configuration for storage applications running on servers connected to a storage area network (SAN). Resources such as host bus adapters (HBAs) are offloaded from individual servers onto a resource virtualization switch. Servers are connected to the resource virtualization switch using an I/O bus connection. The resource virtualization switch provides storage applications running on connected servers with different quality of service levels. The resource virtualization switch can also apply traffic shaping policies associated with QoS.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism for retaining loose-leaf pages has a housing, hinge plates, and ring members mounted on the hinge plates for retaining pages on the mechanism. The housing includes a plastic upper housing element and a lower housing element underlying the upper housing element. The lower housing element may be a single piece or multiple pieces. An actuating lever may be pivotally mounted on the housing for engaging the hinge plates and pivoting them to selectively move the ring members between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A backplane interface adapter for a network switch. The backplane interface adapter includes at least one receiver that receives input cells carrying packets of data; at least one cell generator that generates encoded cells which include the packets of data from the input cells; and at least one transmitter that transmits the generated cells to a switching fabric. The cell includes a destination slot identifier that identifies a slot of the switching fabric towards which the respective input cell is being sent. The generated cells include in-band control information.

Abstract: A sculptable, decorative light system includes a number of modules of differing lengths which can respond to commands either in parallel or time delay to create pre-selected light colors and sequences. Three miniature connectors are used to create a direct current fed system which has the potential to even out a current demand. Interconnectable lamp modules are provided in sets of 1, 2, 3, 4, and more lengths to create decorative light displays. Each lamp module or string of modules may include a male/plug end and a female/receptacle end.

Abstract: An electronic device for reading data from a removable storage medium includes a switch to generate a signal that circuitry of the device receives. The switch is connected to the circuitry and disposed outside a housing of the device. Or, in another embodiment, the switch is connected to a circuit board of the device and disposed in the interior of the device, but not mounted to the circuit board. The circuitry of the device can read data stored on a removable storage medium. The housing protects the circuitry and has a plurality of sides that define an interior in which the circuitry is disposed. With the switch disposed outside the housing, the switch may be located where it will be easier to see and reach. Thus, one can more easily avoid damaging the device when one inserts and removes storage media from the device.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism capable of mounting on a substrate includes a housing and at least one ring supported by the housing for mounting loose leaf paper. At least one clip has an attachment member for attaching the clip directly to the housing. The clip is adapted to secure the clip to a substrate and thereby mount the ring binder mechanism on the substrate.

Abstract: A child resistant lighter includes a housing having a trigger slidably mounted thereon. A latch, internal to the housing, prevents movement of the trigger and thus prevents ignition of the lighter. A lever is pivotally mounted on the trigger. In one position, the lever is flush with the trigger, and not readily discernable as a lock release mechanism. In a second position, the lever is raised off of the trigger. In the raised position, the lever contacts the latch to slide the latch in a direction that enables movement of the trigger.

Abstract: A ring binder mechanism has an elongate housing and at least one ring for mounting loose leaf paper. The ring includes ring members supported by the housing for movement relative to each other between a closed position and an open position. At least one mounting structure extends outwardly from the housing and has first and second ends. The first end is adapted for attachment to the housing and the second end has an aperture therein. A retainer is affixed to the mounting structure. A fastener is adapted for connection with the retainer for securing the housing to a substrate.