Abstract: Mechanisms are provided, in a portable wireless device, for enabling transmission of stored data from the portable wireless device. The portable wireless device receives an interrogation signal requesting that the portable wireless device transmit stored data. The portable wireless device detects, in response to receiving the interrogation signal, a pattern of activated touch sensors on the portable wireless device activated at approximately a same time. The portable wireless device compares the detected pattern of activated touch sensors to a required pattern of activated touch sensors. The portable wireless device transmits the stored data in response to the detected pattern of activated touch sensors matching the required pattern of activated touch sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a single memory device providing data storage, a controller for controlling data transfer to and from the data storage, and first and second bus connector plugs, wherein each plug has contacts for connecting with the power, ground, and data contacts of a port of a host system. The power and ground contacts of the first and second plugs are coupled together to provide power to the apparatus through either or both plugs. Data from either or both plugs is communicated with the controller depending upon which plugs are coupled to a port. The controller is responsible for controlling the read and write operations of the data storage. The apparatus may be any type of external memory device, such as a flash drive, or a peripheral device having a high data transfer rate, such as a digital video camera.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for identifying a primary disk storage medium that is higher in a boot order than a secondary disk storage medium in a software RAID, and testing for a hardware failure of the primary disk storage medium during the BIOS power-on self test. The boot order of the disk storage mediums in the software RAID is automatically changed to position the secondary disk storage medium in the RAID higher in the boot order than the primary disk storage medium in response to detecting a hardware failure in the primary disk storage medium. The operating system is then booted from the disk storage medium that is highest in the boot order. A hardware failure may be detected by reading and verifying a predetermined portion of the boot partition of the disk storage medium.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for identifying a primary disk storage medium that is higher in a boot order than a secondary disk storage medium in a software RAID, and testing for a hardware failure of the primary disk storage medium during the BIOS power-on self test. The boot order of the disk storage mediums in the software RAID is automatically changed to position the secondary disk storage medium in the RAID higher in the boot order than the primary disk storage medium in response to detecting a hardware failure in the primary disk storage medium. The operating system is then booted from the disk storage medium that is highest in the boot order. A hardware failure may be detected by reading and verifying a predetermined portion of the boot partition of the disk storage medium.

Abstract: An apparatus including first and second memory devices, wherein each memory device includes data storage, a controller for controlling data transfer to and from the data storage, and a plug with contacts for connecting with the power, ground, and data contacts of an independent port of a host system. Additionally, the first and second memory devices are interconnected to share power and communicate data directly between the first and second memory devices. The memory devices may be any type of external memory device, such as a flash drive, or a peripheral device having a high data transfer rate, such as a digital video camera.

Abstract: Method, computer program product and system for communicating data between an operating system and a single peripheral device over a bus having a plurality of hubs. Portions of the data are sequentially directed through the plurality of hubs. Preferably, the portions of the data are substantially equally sized blocks of the data. Effective data transfer rates can be increased by connecting the peripheral to two root hubs instead of just one. The data storage system comprises a host computer including an operating system and a bus having a plurality of hubs, a single peripheral device coupled to the hubs, and a processor for communication with the peripheral device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a single memory device providing data storage, a controller for controlling data transfer to and from the data storage, and first and second bus connector plugs, wherein each plug has contacts for connecting with the power, ground, and data contacts of a port of a host system. The power and ground contacts of the first and second plugs are coupled together to provide power to the apparatus through either or both plugs. Data from either or both plugs is communicated with the controller depending upon which plugs are coupled to a port. The controller is responsible for controlling the read and write operations of the data storage. The apparatus may be any type of external memory device, such as a flash drive, or a peripheral device having a high data transfer rate, such as a digital video camera.

Abstract: An apparatus including first and second memory devices, wherein each memory device includes data storage, a controller for controlling data transfer to and from the data storage, and a plug with contacts for connecting with the power, ground, and data contacts of an independent port of a host system. Additionally, the first and second memory devices are interconnected to share power and communicate data directly between the first and second memory devices. The memory devices may be any type of external memory device, such as a flash drive, or a peripheral device having a high data transfer rate, such as a digital video camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printer paper spooler with error condition detector including a first slot structure and a second slot structure, a bobbin disposed between the first slot structure and the second slot structure, a light emitting diode, and a phototransistor that receives a detecting light beam emitted by the light emitting diode. Also included is a take-up reel that is powered by a take-up motor, associable with the bobbin via printed receipt paper, and disposed on a take-up tower. Further included is a base structure, on which the first slot structure, the second slot structure, and the take-up tower are disposed, and a spooler control program, associable via a data exchange connection with the phototransistor, the take-up motor, and a printer control program, which is associated with, and controls, a receipt paper printer that is printing the printed receipt paper.