Abstract: Products include autonomic logic to self-monitor one or more parameters associated with the products to provide product usage information. Data relating to the product usage information generated by the products is automatically disseminated to interested entities. The interested entities may analyze the provided data and automatically forward information relating to the provided data back towards the products. The interested entities may also effect changes to products based on the data.

Abstract: Storage media of a storage system are grouped into one or more groups based upon parameters associated with the storage media. Various parameters may be taken into consideration depending upon the criteria selected for the grouping. At least one grouping criterion is selected, and based on the grouping criterion, one or more parameters are measured. Then, using the measured data, a plurality of storage media are placed into one or more groups. The groups may then be used to form Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) arrays employed in the storage system.

Abstract: The present invention uses multiple broadcast television channels to distribute high volume of data to a client device from a server. Multiple analog channels are broadcast, at least one of which contains video/audio programs and control data inserted into the analog signal's VBI; and at least one separate channel contains a digital data stream which is modulated onto an analog channel and associated with channels containing those video/audio programs. STBs designed to implement this invention are equipped with at least two tuners in order to tune to two of those channels simultaneously. One tuner is used to tune to the video/audio channel, and extract the control data in the VBI. The second tuner is used to tune to the channels containing the data itself.

Abstract: A display having an electrically variable diffuser is disclosed. In response to an electric field, the electrically variable diffuser is electrically switched from a low illumination/narrow viewing angle mode to a high illumination/wide viewing angle mode. The viewing angle is correlated with backlight luminance to provide an adequate display as the viewing angle is varied. This allows a user to choose between preserving battery life and maximizing viewing angle.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is described which includes two transparent sheets separated by a given distance, with liquid crystal material being disposed therebetween. Adjacent one transparent sheet is a stack of at least three pleochroic polarizers which act to separately polarize each incoming primary color wavelength. A second stack of at least three pleochroic polarizers are adjacent the second transparent sheet and are oriented to select the primary color polarizations exiting from the liquid crystal structure.

Abstract: An optical fluid analyzing apparatus is shown comprising transparent means (12,13) of known refractive index (n.sub.1) providing a cell (14) for receiving a fluid sample of unknown refractive index (n.sub.2). A diffraction grating 10 is formed in an inner wall (11) of the cell. A light source (15) is positioned at an incident angle (.theta..sub.0) with a grating to satisfy the Bragg condition. A pair of detectors (16, 17) intercept the 0th order and 1st order diffracted light. Circuitry (18) responds to signals generated by the detectors to provide an output indicative of the refractive index of the sample.

Abstract: A flat panel display device comprising a matrix of X and Y drive lines and a plurality of selecting field effect transistors (FETs) is described. Each FET is selectively operable by applying a potential across a unique pair of X and Y drive lines for controlling activation of a corresponding optical transducer. A high value resistance is interposed in series between the gate electrode of each selecting FET and associated drive line to minimize the effect a short circuit caused by a defective gate electrode establishing an electrical connection between X and Y drive lines. The resistance is preferably provided by a segment of undoped polysilicon on a polysilicon circuit line connecting each gate electrode with the associated X drive line.

Abstract: A multiple electron beam cathode ray tube has a plurality of cathodes in a plane to form an array. Grids on the same substrate are positioned in spaced relation about the cathodes so that a plurality of individually controlled electron beams are formed when appropriate potentials are applied to the cathodes and grids.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically etching a semiconductor to a predetermined contour includes positioning at least one electrode on one side of the semiconductor and then applying a voltage to the electrodes so as to generate a varying current density vertically through the semiconductor and thereby electrochemically etch the mask-free other side of the semiconductor.

Abstract: An integrated thermionic device suitable for use in high temperature, high radiation environments. Cathode and control electrodes are deposited on a first substrate facing an anode on a second substrate. The substrates are sealed to a refractory wall and evacuated to form an integrated triode vacuum tube.

Abstract: The specification relates to a telemetering apparatus comprising a generator which generates at least a single frequency rf signal, a transponder for receiving that signal and for amplitude modulating it in accordance with information selected for transmission, an antenna on the transponder for reflecting the amplitude modulated signal, and a receiver which is preferably located at the generator. The receiver processes the signal to determine the information carried thereby.