Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to providing increased data integrity in computer systems and, more particularly, to using a system management processor to overcome a computer system failure because of corrupted programming. A system management processor detects an attempted boot by host computer system and starts a watchdog timer. If the system BIOS or other firmware fails to execute, the watchdog timer expires and the system management processor places the system processor(s) in a reset state. The system management processor provides the address of a back-up BIOS or firmware and releases the system processor(s) from the reset state. The system processor(s) are redirected to the back-up BIOS or firmware and the computer system is able to boot.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate generally to providing increased data integrity in computer systems and, more particularly, to using a system management processor to maintain the integrity of stored information. A system management processor detects an attempt to reboot the computer system and holds the system processor or processors in a reset state. While the system processor or processors are held in the reset state, the system management processor checks data such as the system BIOS to identify corruption. If the data checked by the system management processor is not corrupted, the system processor or processors are removed from the reset state and allowed to continue normal operation. If the data checked by the system management processor is corrupted, the system management processor repairs the corrupted data before removing the system processor or processors from the reset state.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide an efficient method and apparatus for reprogramming flash memory in a multiprocessor computer system. A bootstrap processor (BSP) partitions portions of an image to be programmed into the flash memory and may divide those portions amongst itself and one or-more application processors (APs) for reprogramming.

Abstract: An instrument (20) has a well (28a-b) for receiving a dry cell (75), an opening (78) through which a first connector (74) is exposed to the well (28a-b), and a boss (76) adjacent the opening (78). The boss (76) precludes the wrong terminal of the dry cell (75) from engaging the first connector (74) when the dry cell (75) is inserted into the well (28a-b) in incorrect orientation. A second connector (80) includes a base (81), a first leg (82) resiliently connected to and extending away from the base portion, a second leg (84) resiliently connected to and extending away from the first leg (82), and a third leg (86) resiliently connected to and extending away from the second leg (84) and toward the first leg (82). A display (42) for the instrument (20) has a lens (90) having a substantially transparent substrate with a polyurethane coating. The instrument housing has first and second portions.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon is disclosed comprising an overwrap with both a masking region and a wicking region. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region, an exterior surface, and an insertion end opposed to a withdrawal end. The overwrap comprises a masking region and a wicking region. The wicking region of the overwrap covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the withdrawal end of the compressed absorbent member. The masking region surrounds at least a portion of the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member proximal to the insertion end of the compressed absorbent member.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having a non-aggressive fluid wicking overwrap, which aids in fluid acquisition while not aggressively adhering to tissue is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having increased leakage protection and ability to readily absorb fluid while not aggressively adhering to tissue. This is accomplished with a tampon comprising a compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. The compressed absorbent member of the tampon has an inner region and an exterior surface. The fluid wicking overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member, substantially permeates the inner region of the compressed absorbent member and extends beyond the withdrawal end to form a skirt portion. A method of making a tampon of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved absorbent catamenial tampon having a non-aggressive fluid wicking overwrap, which aids in fluid acquisition while not aggressively adhering to tissue is presented. This tampon comprises a generally elongated absorbent member and an overwrap substantially covering the exterior surface of the generally elongated absorbent member, wherein the overwrap is fluid wicking and has an Agar Shear Force of no more than about 90 grams per inch of material width.

Abstract: An insulated chest for holding the head and cape of a harvested game animal, with an insulated, flexible lid having a pair of reclosable openings for passage of the animal's antlers or horns. Each of the openings has an overlapping closure, which can be closed around the base of each antler or horn before the edges of the lid are secured to the chest. A supporting block inside the chest supports the animal's head and elevates its antlers or horns, which protrude through the openings in the lid. Ice or another cooling medium is used to cool the chest.

Abstract: A packaging machine having multiple modules each performing a separate function in a packaging sequence. The modules are building blocks that are assembled to define a packaging machine. An infeed conveyor/lane divider module, a blank magazine and infeed tray module, a collation and synchronization module, a gluing and closing module, a turning module, a stacking module, a film cutting module, a film wrapping module and a heat shrink module are selectively assembled in various combinations to define machines that pack articles into trays, wrap the articles with heat shrink film, turn the packages, stack the packages for multi-tier packages, or any combination of these functions. The modules each have an independent conveyor driven by an onboard servo drive. The servo drives are coordinated to provide controlled flow of articles from module to module. The servo drives are all connected to and controlled by a supervisory computer such that no mechanical connection between modules is required.

Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having a composite of a film layer and a coextruded foam layer. The composite is made by extruding the film and foam together. The composite may also have a liner on the side toward the wearer and may have a cover on the backing sheet to make the product more aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A network computing device, known as a CyberHub, based on low-cost hardware and Java programming provides an architecture for extensible and inexpensive network connectivity and can be thought of as a combination of router and server in a box. The CyberHub provides all necessary functions with a small footprint and lightweight components, so that it can perform as an embedded device or thin server. The CyberHub can be employed in many different applications, ranging from an “instant office” to embedded network connectivity for remote devices.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a main housing, a primary filter system, and a secondary filter system. The main housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The primary filter system filters the air prior to being exhausted outwardly through the outlet. The secondary filter system is placed in downstream airflow from the primary filter system and provides additional filtering of the air prior to being exhausted to atmosphere.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly (10) comprising a main housing (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16). A motor (17a) is disposed within the main housing (12) between the inlet (14) and the outlet (16) for providing motive force to a cooling fan (17b), a blower (17c), and a separator (22). The cooling fan (17b) is mounted within the main housing (12) above the motor (17a) to circulate cooling air around the motor (17a). The blower (17c) is mounted within the main housing (12) below the motor (17a) for drawing air into the inlet (14) and exhausting air outwardly through the outlet (16). The separator (22) is mounted below the blower (17c) for circulating the air and water bath (20) within a water bath pan (36) and provides, in combination with the water bath (20), a primary filter for filtering the air prior to exhausting the air outwardly toward the outlet (16) of the vacuum cleaner to atmosphere.

Abstract: The process recovers NF3 from a multicomponent fluid containing NF3, one or more components less volatile than NF3, and one or more components more volatile than NF3. The process uses a first distillation column and a second distillation column, each distillation column having a top and a bottom. The process includes the following steps: feeding the multicomponent fluid to the first distillation column at a first feed location below the top of the first distillation column; feeding a cryogenic liquid to the first or second distillation column adjacent the top of the first or second distillation column; withdrawing a mixture containing NF3 from the first distillation column; feeding the mixture to the second distillation column at a second feed location; separating NF3 from the mixture in the second distillation column; and removing a stream of NF3 from the second distillation column.

Abstract: There is provided herein a multilayer laminate comprised of a layer of a film and a layer of a nonwoven fabric. The film is made from polymers and has as one surface a semi-crystalline/amorphous or “heterophasic” polymer, an optional inner, less expensive, filler type polymer, and as the other surface, a polymer with a lower coefficient of friction. The nonwoven fabric may be a spunbond or meltblown fabric, preferably spunbond and preferably also including a heterophasic polymer. The film and nonwoven components are bonded together using thermal point bonding preferably while the film is stretched at least 5 percent. Such a laminate may be made into a personal care product like a diaper, training pant, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence product, and feminine hygiene product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, durable, light weight and washable bag with a weighted bottom and an elastic opening. The bag of the present invention is designed to hold gear, clothing, groceries, trash or other articles, especially under windy circumstances, and ideally suited for use in boats or other vehicles.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly (10) includes a main housing (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16). A motor (17a) is disposed within the main housing (12) for providing motive force to a cooling fan (17b), a blower (17c), and a separator (22). The separator (22) circulates the air and water bath (20) within a water bath pan (36) and provides, in combination with the water bath (20), a primary filter for filtering the air. A second filter assembly (24) is also provided preferably including a high efficiency filter (100 or 100a), or HEPA rated filter, for filtering microscopic dust and dirt particles that escape the separator (22) and water bath (20) and is disposed after both the water bath (20) and the separator (22) for additional filtering of the air. Alternatively, it may be a non-HEPA rated filter (101).

Abstract: A breathable microporous film is prepared by extruding a film comprising about 30 to 70% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, about 30 to 70% by weight of filler particles having an average particle size less than about 10 microns and about 100 to 1000 PPM of a mono-functional hindered phenol, such as .alpha.-tocopherol, and then sufficiently stretching the filled film in at least one direction thereby creating a fine pore network therein and a water vapor transmission rate in excess of 300 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours.

Abstract: A damper provides tunable variable rates in both extension and compression operation. A piston is carried in a cylinder tube separating out extension and compression chambers. The piston carries a first valving assembly that is tuned to provide a first damping level when fluid flows through the piston from the extension chamber to the compression chamber and a second valving assembly that is tuned to provide a second damping level when fluid flows through the piston from the compression chamber to the extension chamber. A control valve assembly is mounted to move with the piston. When the control valve assembly is closed, fluid flow between the compression and extension chamber flows substantially only through the first and second valving assemblies and when the control valve is open at least some fluid flows between the compression and extension chambers through a secondary valve assembly without passing through the first and second valving assemblies.