Abstract: A clamp for securing a brick line is disclosed. The clamp comprises two jaws that are spring biased towards one another to enable a brick to be gripped between the two jaws. Each of the jaws is provided with an anchoring point to which the line may be securely fastened.

Abstract: A method and system for storing files in a computer readable format using a file allocation table wherein a storage device is formatted with a single file allocation table when accessed by a system which includes means for reconstituting the file allocation table in the event of a failure. Also provided is a method for determining how many file allocation tables to write to a storage device based on a number of characteristics of the storage device such as type, data structure previously provided on the device etc, and/or on user input.

Abstract: Disclosed is memory apparatus (20) in which an area (34) of a memory element (24) is reserved for configuration data relating to parameters of the memory apparatus (20), the area (34) being accessible using a command issued by a device driver (10). Including the configuration data in the memory apparatus (20) simplifies the design and maintenance of the device driver (10).

Abstract: A computing device comprises a plurality of data images for controlling operation of the device, wherein each image contains an independent filesystem containing a directory hierarchy and file list applicable to the contents of that image, and in which the computing device additionally contains a single directory hierarchy and file list applicable to the entire body of embedded software.

Abstract: A computing device incorporating memory such as mobile SDRAM, which is capable of conserving energy by being operated in a low-power self-refresh mode, is enabled to identify those regions of memory which are allocated but inactive. These regions are collected into specific banks of memory so as to create banks of memory containing only inactive data and which can then be placed in self-refresh. This reduces the power consumed by the computing device, and improves the energy efficiency of the device.

Abstract: When reading a directory on a computing device, the file server adds unique tags to the listing when passing the listing to a client application. The file server keeps a list of the unique tags together with the physical addresses of the files to which they correspond. When a client wishes to open a file, it can do so by passing the tag to the file server. This enables the file server to load the file directly without having to undertake a second directory search to discover the physical location of the file from its filename.

Abstract: A two-part cleanable keyboard includes an upper keyboard portion with a plurality of keys. A lower support portion includes an impermeable moisture barrier. The two portions easily snap-fit together to make a quick assembly for computer use. The portions also detach easily so the upper portion may be cleaned or sterilized after a first user, while a spare or additional upper portion is snap-fit onto the lower portion for use by a second user. The keyboard provides tactile feedback to the user in the form of a full-travel feel when each key is pressed and released. The lower portion may be cleaned or disinfected when the upper portion is changed. By restricting use of the keyboard itself to a single user or to a minimal number of users, the risks of passing on organisms that cause infections in a hospital or other care institution is kept to a minimum.

Abstract: A portable computing device, in which an internal non-volatile memory drive that is used to boot to a functional device GUI is automatically swapped with a temporary RAM drive if the internal non-volatile memory drive is found to be corrupted. The non-volatile memory is typically Flash memory, but the principle of the present invention can be applied to any kind of non-volatile memory that could become corrupted. Default configuration files may be automatically copied to the RAM drive. These may, for example, allow at least emergency voice calls to be made.

Abstract: Symbian OS applications assume a directory structure that has been defined by Symbian and defines a standard set of directories starting from the root of a drive. This is not compatible with the Memory Stick standard. The method presented provides applications with a drive that appears to be a standard Symbian drive but actually transparently maps to a safe area on the Memory Stick. It is also possible to access special Memory Stick defined root directories (e.g. for pictures and audio) and to map these directories to standard Symbian-style directories.

Abstract: A system for cooling one or more discrete superconducting devices wherein a primary refrigerator subcools cryogenic liquid for desubcooling in the devices and subsequently resubcools this liquid in a recirculation loop, and additional cryogenic liquid is maintained in a subcooled condition within a reserve storage container by diversion of some of the refrigeration generated by the primary refrigerator into the reserve storage container.

Abstract: A system for the cryogenic preservation of biological material having a dedicated cryocooler integrated with an insulated vessel and preferably a membrane separator which processes feed air for supplying gaseous nitrogen into the insulated vessel for condensation by refrigeration provided by the dedicated cryocooler.

Abstract: A pulse tube system for generating refrigeration for uses such as in magnetic resonance imaging systems wherein an oil-free compressor operating at a higher frequency generates pulsing gas which undergoes a frequency reduction and drives the pulse tube system at a more efficient lower frequency.

Abstract: A method of disseminating recorded information (e.g. a press release) spoken by a first person, including the steps of: a) recording at least audio information at a first location, thereby creating recorded information; b) generating a bibliographic tag which is associated with the recorded information and includes an identifier; c) transmitting the recorded information and the bibliographic tag to a second location; and d) storing the recorded information and the bibliographic tag at said second location for selective access by further persons from respective further locations. The bibliographic tag can include a condition access means substantially determining a condition which upon being fulfilled allows selective access.

Abstract: A method simulates the time effect of a battlefield engagement. The method determines whether a player is in an area of effects (27). A probability of kill is generated for the player (30). The player is assessed results of kill or near-miss (31-33). The method is repeated for a selected time duration (39).

Abstract: A method and apparatus controls the display of information for troops and vehicles in a simulated battlefield. Rounds of munition are fired into the simulated battlefield and the effects of such munitions are displayed on the troops and vehicles display devices. These display devices include character displays for troops and display screen for vehicles. The text character display may include such information as damage assessment, weapon type, miss distance and miss direction. A screen display may be used for a vehicle display. The screen display depicts similar information as for the text character display, but in a graphical representation via icons representing various battlefield effects.

Abstract: A forward observation officer (21) initiates a call for fire (33) on a particular target (20). The call for fire is received by a control center (30) which generates a precision guided munitions simulation message which is transmitted to all potential targets via a data link (31). The forward observation officer (21) then illuminates the target (20) with a laser designator simulator (22). Laser detectors (23) then determine that the target (20) has been illuminated. Processor arrangement (34) then determines that the target (20) was the correct one that was selected by the forward observation officer (21) and that the location of the precision guided munitions (29) is at the same location of the target (20). Processor arrangement (34) then indicates that the target (20) has been hit or missed.