Abstract: Embodiments of the invention extend a network protocol that is limited to a local area network (LAN) and enable it to function across the Internet. A LAN protocol is limited to providing services or resources to users within the same LAN. Embodiments of the invention make it possible for those services and resources to be available to users beyond the LAN. Embodiments of the invention also concern establishing connectivity without discovery for local area network protocols.

Abstract: A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention extend a network protocol that is limited to a local area network (LAN) and enable it to function across the Internet. A LAN protocol is limited to providing services or resources to users within the same LAN. Embodiments of the invention make it possible for those services and resources to be available to users beyond the LAN. Embodiments of the invention also concern establishing connectivity without discovery for local area network protocols.

Abstract: A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.

Abstract: A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.

Abstract: A system in which computer content is encoded at low latency and distributed to one or more client devices and in which user gestures on the client device are translated into a digital representation of the computer's native input format, thereby allowing the client device to control the computer. A method of capturing screen data on a desktop system, packaging the captured content, streaming the content to one or more client device, decoding the content on the client-side, displaying the decoded content on the client device, accepting user input, transmitting the user input to the desktop system, translating the input into a native format, and controlling the desktop system using the translated user input.

Abstract: An instant-on environment consists of components residing in a computer boot ROM and/or also on a mass storage device. Main components to the instant-on environment include a loader, EPG1, and EPG2. The loader is a module that is integrated into the computer boot ROM, based on an embedded OS, that functions to load other instant-on environment components. There are various methods of integrating the loader into boot firmware to optimize for different requirements. EPG1 is a first user screen that appears on the computer display within seconds after power-on, and from which the user can choose to launch one of the instant-on environment's applications or launch the primary OS. EPG2 is launched if the user chooses to launch an instant-on environment application. EPG2 is a Linux-based desktop environment that the user enters once he selects an application from EPG1.

Abstract: A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.

Abstract: A system in which computer content is encoded at low latency and distributed to one or more client devices and in which user gestures on the client device are translated into a digital representation of the computer's native input format, thereby allowing the client device to control the computer. A method of capturing screen data on a desktop system, packaging the captured content, streaming the content to one or more client device, decoding the content on the client-side, displaying the decoded content on the client device, accepting user input, transmitting the user input to the desktop system, translating the input into a native format, and controlling the desktop system using the translated user input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows multiple computer operating systems (OS) and/or personalities to run concurrently. An instant-on platform includes a resource management service, a caching service, a profile manager, a network stack which provides TCP/IP communication to the OS, and at least one appliance. The instant-on platform can be placed in the path of network and disk traffic between said user OS and actual system hardware. User selectable profiles and personalities are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing different environments in response to a change in one of the environments. The term environment encompasses operating systems, virtual machines, and states. The synchronization functions when one environment controls a master file or the environments access a shared folder. The synchronization is one-way or two-ways. The synchronization applies to digital photos, personal information management data, shared maps and directions, documents, configuration data, network settings, browser data sync, account information for accessing the client, and local and web applications.

Abstract: An embedded operating system (OS) displays a user interface (UI) without waiting for the host OS to fully load. In one embodiment, the UI comprises icons for applications, advertisements, and browsers already configured with a URL. In one embodiment, the pre-configured browsers are set by the manufacturer. In another embodiment, the user can specify pre-configured browsers. In one embodiment, the icon owner pays for displaying an icon. The icon can be a static or a dynamic icon. Dynamic icons are downloaded from a file server.

Abstract: A Quick Search User Interface (UI) comprises a search entry field for inputting characters, e.g. search terms. The Quick Search UI further comprises icons that are graphical representations of applications. The Quick Search UI subsequently launches an operating system and passes the user action to the operating system. The operating system uses this information to generate search results comprising websites, program files, videos, etc. Alternatively, the operating system launches the application(s) selected by the user. Icons displayed on the user interface are ordered, for example, according to a company's willingness to pay more money for a more prominent spot or according to user preferences. The Quick Search UI can be customized using skins with themes, such as musicians, geographic locations, and/or products. The icons can be displayed according to which application provider pays the highest premium, or according to user preference.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for downloading a Virtualization Environment comprising an electronic programming guide (EPG) and an appliance environment onto a client. The EPG is launched from boot files stored in the hard disk or other boot media. The EPG comprises a user interface (UI) that is displayed to the user. The EPG UI comprises a plurality of icons that are graphical representations of virtual appliances. The EPG UI can also include a search entry field. A user can enter text into the search entry field and launch a search engine to obtain search results. The virtual appliances can be stored locally, for example on a hard drive or peripheral device, or they can be stored on a download server. The download server also contains the virtualization environment installer. An installation server scans the client to determine if the client contains the proper hardware and drivers for running the virtualization environment.

Abstract: A virtual appliance environment (VAE) consists of components residing on a computer BIOS ROM and also on a mass storage device. The VAE includes a virtual appliance (VA) for diagnosing malfunctioning hardware or software. The VA for diagnosing malfunctions tests the hardware and/or software resident in the computer and transmits the results of the test to a server, which diagnoses the problem and transmits instructions to the VAE for saving the data, determining whether the computer is under warranty, and providing shipping information to a user. The VAE can also download a VA for scanning viruses. The VAE transmits the results of the virus scan to the server, which determines the type of virus infecting the computer and transmits instructions to the virtual appliance for downloading the appropriate VA for removing the virus. The VAE can save the data to another source, remove the virus, and restore the data or simply remove the virus.

Abstract: An instant-on environment consists of components residing in a computer boot ROM and/or also on a mass storage device. Main components to the instant-on environment include a loader, EPG1, and EPG2. The loader is a module that is integrated into the computer boot ROM, based on an embedded OS, that functions to load other instant-on environment components. There are various methods of integrating the loader into boot firmware to optimize for different requirements. EPG1 is a first user screen that appears on the computer display within seconds after power-on, and from which the user can choose to launch one of the instant-on environment's applications or launch the primary OS. EPG2 is launched if the user chooses to launch an instant-on environment application. EPG2 is a Linux-based desktop environment that the user enters once he selects an application from EPG1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the virtualization of appliances provides an embedded operating system (OS) which is included in the system boot ROM of a personal computer. When the system boots, the OS is launched and looks for all available virtual appliances from, for example, the following places: local USB, flash card, e.g. SD, xD, CF, CDROM/DVD, or other storage media; local hard disk storage; and the Internet, e.g. an appliance server. The user selects an appliance to use from the OS, whereupon the appliance is loaded and launched. If the selected appliance is not on a local storage, then it is downloaded, e.g. over the Internet from an appliance server. The downloaded appliance can be cached in local storage media such that, the next time it is needed, it need not be downloaded from the appliance server. The user can also elect to boot an operating system from the hard disk, if an operating system and hard disk are installed, or to power-off the system.