Abstract: In an active system, an actor is able to effect action in a subject system. The actor and the subject system exist in an environment which can impact the subject system. Neither the actor nor the subject system has any control over the environment. The actor includes a model and a processor. The processor is guided by the model. The processor is arranged to effect action in the subject system. The subject system is known by the model. This allows the actor to be guided in its action on the subject system by the model of the subject system. Events can occur in the subject system either through the actions of the actor, as guided by the model, or through actions of other actors, or through a change in state of the subject system itself (e.g. the progression of a chemical reaction) or its environment (e.g. the passage of time). The actor keeps the model updated with its own actions.

Abstract: A computer system module includes a system management controller to negotiate with other system management controllers to determine the controller's initial operational state. In an embodiment, negotiation with other system management controllers is based at least in part on one of controller capability, user configured preference, module type, and geographical address.

Abstract: A module to perform system management for a computer. The module includes a memory to store management event information and a controller to operate in an active central management controller mode and in a standby central management controller mode. In both modes the controller sends system event information to another controller to duplicate the management event information.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield that comprises at least a portion formed from a material comprising liquid crystal polymer incorporating an electrically conductive filler, the material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion, in at least one direction, in the range 1 to 20 ppmK?1 and/or having a electrical conductivity in the range 1 to 1000 Siemens/m.

Abstract: A module to perform system management for a computer. The module includes a memory to store management event information and a controller to operate in an active central management controller mode and in a standby central management controller mode. In both modes the controller sends system event information to another controller to duplicate the management event information.

Abstract: A method is described for performing a binding assay, comprising the steps of: (i) bringing a target molecule into contact with its affinity partner to form a binding complex, wherein the target molecule is immobilised on a magnetic particle and the affinity partner is immobilised on a support material; and determining the number of complexed magnetic particles, and thereby the amount of complexed target molecule, characterised in that at least step (i) is carried out in the presence of an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A primary BIOS may be used to boot a system after the primary BIOS has been validated. If the primary BIOS fails the validation test, a backup BIOS may automatically be used to boot the system. If the primary BIOS passes the validation test, but fails to complete execution in a predetermined period of time, the backup BIOS may automatically be used to boot the system. Code for validating the primary BIOS may be contained in the backup BIOS. The primary BIOS may be revised during system operation, but the backup BIOS may be write-protected during system operation to prevent the backup BIOS from being corrupted. A plug-in module may be used to revise the backup BIOS by booting from the plug-in module rather than the primary or secondary BIOS, and copying a BIOS program from the plug-in module to the backup BIOS.

Abstract: A module to perform system management for a computer. The module includes a memory to store management event information and a controller to operate in an active central management controller mode and in a standby central management controller mode. In both modes the controller sends system event information to another controller to duplicate the management event information.

Abstract: A computer system module includes a system management controller to negotiate with other system management controllers to determine the controller's initial operational state. In an embodiment, negotiation with other system management controllers is based at least in part on one of controller capability, user configured preference, module type, and geographical address.

Abstract: A star Intelligent Platform Management Bus (“IPMB”) topology that uses independent intelligent platform management buses between a central Baseboard Management Controller (“BMC”) and various satellite management controllers (“SMCs”) is disclosed. An SMC is any management controller that is not the central BMC. Thus, an SMC may or may not include BMC functionality. The star IPMB topology provides fault isolation such that if a satellite controller fails in a way that corrupts the IPMB to which it is connected, communication is only lost with the failed controller. In addition, the star IPMB topology offers separate address domains whereby multiple controllers can potentially have the same address. The star IPMB topology further offers multiple owner security by isolating each module so that a module's controller can only directly communicate with the central BMC for the chassis.

Abstract: A primary BIOS may be used to boot a system after the primary BIOS has been validated. If the primary BIOS fails the validation test, a backup BIOS may automatically be used to boot the system. If the primary BIOS passes the validation test, but fails to complete execution in a predetermined period of time, the backup BIOS may automatically be used to boot the system. Code for validating the primary BIOS may be contained in the backup BIOS. The primary BIOS may be revised during system operation, but the backup BIOS may be write-protected during system operation to prevent the backup BIOS from being corrupted. A plug-in module may be used to revise the backup BIOS by booting from the plug-in module rather than the primary or secondary BIOS, and copying a BIOS program from the plug-in module to the backup BIOS.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of magnetic particles within a sample using a tuned circuit having a capacitor and a coil.

Abstract: Water-soluble, branched, high molecular weight, cationic polymer flocculants are disclosed, as well as methods of making the same and methods of dewatering suspended solids using the same.

Abstract: To facilitate installation of cables through bulkheads and other surfaces and to provide electrical protection to apparatus connected to such cables, an assembly comprising electrically conductive blocks (6) clamped in a frame (2) is provided. The mounting blocks 6, each formed of two parts for fitting round a continuous cable length include ribs (11) adapted to grip the sleeving of the cable and an extended rib (10) for contacting screening of the cable. In use, the frame (2) is welded to a bulkhead or other conductive (earthed) element. A section of insulation is removed from the cable and on clamping of the assembly the blocks (6) are compressed together forcing ribs 10 to contact respective screens. Thus any induced electro-magnetic pulses on the cable screens are provided with a low-resistance leakage path.

Abstract: A conductimetric gas sensor consists of a ptfe body forming an electrolytic cell; two threaded silver electrodes screwed into the ptfe body and bridged by a layer of a hydrophilic gel in contact with an electrolyte in the cell; a reservoir for supplying deionized water to the cell, so that the volume of water between the electrodes is maintained; and a gas-permeable hydrophobic layer through which the hydrophilic gel can be exposed to the gas.