Abstract: A networking method is disclosed. At least one silent slot is included in either a collision detection prefix disposed before a preamble of one or more frames of data to be transmitted across a media or in the one or more frames of data to be transmitted across the media. Transmission collision is detected during the at least one silent slot included. In one embodiment, the method is embodied in a network interface controller having a media access control block to control access to a media, and a physical signal block to physically signal data to be transmitted. The media access controller includes the at least one silent slot in either the collision detection prefix or in the data, and the physical signaling block performs the transmission collision detection during the included at least one silent slot.

Abstract: A recording unit is incorporated into an electronic device to record an extent to which the electronic device is operated. In one embodiment, the recording unit is a code structure installed in a memory of the electronic device. The extent to which the electronic device has been operated can be interpreted based on information recorded on the electronic device by the recording unit. In one embodiment, the extent to which the electronic device has been operated is used to determine whether or not the electronic device is eligible for re-sale as a new product.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a network packet formatted in accordance with a given communication protocol over a network operating in accordance with a different communication protocol is provided. According to this method, a network packet formatted in accordance with a given communication protocol associated with a first network type is received from a host device. The network packet is then translated into a network packet that is compatible with a different communication protocol associated with a second network type. The translated network packet is then transmitted over the network of the second network type.

Abstract: A method for managing shared use of a parallel port installed in a host device is provided. The method includes receiving a first type of traffic directed to the parallel port, and also receiving a second type of traffic directed to the parallel port. The first and second types of traffic are then communicated to the parallel port in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically configuring circuit cards used in a computer system. The present invention includes a method and apparatus that enables the circuit cards to be automatically configured during system boot up without any user intervention. The present invention also includes a method for the computer system software to detect resources requested by the circuit cards in order to resolve any system resource conflicts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically configuring circuit cards used in a computer system. The present invention includes a method and apparatus that enables the circuit cards to be automatically configured during system boot up without any user intervention. The present invention also includes a method for the computer system software to detect resources requested by the circuit cards in order to resolve any system resource conflicts.

Abstract: Well logging method and apparatus which provides a magnetic saturation signal to at least a transmitter and one receiver mounted in a well casing of a well so as to open "windows" in the casing to allow the impedances of the formations outside the casing to be logged and recorded and also to detect faults in the casing.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a pipe by inserting a coil into the pipe and applying a voltage to the coil and measuring the time it takes for current in the coil to magnetically saturate the pipe and determining the thickness of the pipe from the measure time.

Abstract: A rotatable mandrel is provided for stippling various surfaces, including the surface of plastic material, and is disclosed as comprising a cluster of burrs symmetrically arranged about the axis of rotation of the mandrel.