Abstract: An aqueous phosphoric bonding solution consists essentially of phosphoric acid, a source of magnesium ions, and a leachable corrosion inhibitor. The bonding solution is stable with respect to inorganic metal particles, such as aluminum, which are admixed to the bonding solution for the preparation of a coating slurry. Metal parts coated with the coating compositions have very satisfactory properties such as heat and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a selectively-expandable speakerphone system allows one or more portable computers to automatically, wirelessly interface with a speakerphone console via an audio access point. A scheduling module initiates the conference call at a scheduled time, whereupon the wireless network interface of each portable computer is automatically switched to an SSID uniquely associated with the audio access point, for connecting to the speakerphone console. The audio signals generated by the laptop microphones are mixed with any audio signal generated by an optional microphone on the speakerphone console, and the mixed audio signals are transmitted over the telephone line. Incoming audio signals are passed to the speakerphone console and wirelessly transmitted to the portable computers for substantially simultaneous playback on the respective loudspeakers.

Abstract: Administering power supplies in a data center including, upon connection of a first power supply through a power line to a circuit breaker in the data center, querying, by a power supply communications device of the first power supply through the power line, a circuit breaker communications device of the circuit breaker for a circuit breaker identification; querying, by the power supply communications device of the first power supply, for a maximum current threshold for the circuit breaker; sending the circuit breaker identification and the maximum current threshold for the circuit breaker to a management module; and determining, by the management module in dependence upon the circuit breaker identification and the maximum current threshold for the circuit breaker, whether to power on a computing device powered by the first power supply including determining whether the circuit breaker is shared by another power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic cleaning of a portable computing device, comprises at least one display surface of a portable device, a housing in the portable computing device adjacent to the display surface, an enclosed cavity located in the housing, a cleaning device located in the enclosed cavity, a mechanism for moving the cleaning device during cleaning, and a controller to initiate the cleaning.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a system generated noise level such that the same is adapted to an actual ambient noise level of the system environment. Internal noise generators will thus not run at a needlessly lowered rate than actually needed. For instance, by permitting a fan to run at a generally higher speed, the system will not needlessly undergo significant internal temperature increases. By the same token, CPU performance, to the extent that it represents a noise generator, will not be needlessly throttled.

Abstract: The invention is a fiber reinforced thermoplastic automotive bumper wherein the reduced fiber additions consist of a long, chopped glass mat with the addition of mineral fillers such as mica, talc or clay. The modified thermoplastic is used to produce I-section bumpers. The improved reinforced thermoplastic material has favorable flow characteristics which enable the material to substantially fill the deep ribs and mounting stay structures used in I-section bumpers during compression molding while improving the modulus or cross-face stiffness of the finished part. For the first time, improved flow characteristics during molding permit the material to flow evenly into small ribs, bosses and other features. The invention makes it possible to increase part integration, molding pencil braces, fascia supports, mounting holes and mounting stays. The front surface of the bumper may be covered with a conformal energy absorber made of plastic foarn. Moreover, the absorber serves to mount appearance fascia.

Abstract: An interface between a central processing unit (CPU) and a peripheral device is provided which ensures compatibility between existing software for the peripheral device and a CPU of any speed. The interface waveshapes read or write strobe signals in a transfer cycle between the peripheral device and the CPU in order to ensure timing parameters of the peripheral device are not violated by fast CPUs. If the waveshaping causes a change in the timing between first and second consecutive read or write strobe signals, the interface provides a wait signal to the CPU for the purpose of instructing it to extend the transfer cycle of the second strobe signal. In the illustrated embodiment, an interface according to the invention is part of a video interface connecting a microprocessor unit (MPU) and a video digital-to-analog converter (video DAC). Writing or reading color data to or from the video DAC occurs by way of the interface of the invention.

Abstract: A set of components for creating various spool-type directional control valves. By rearranging the spools and springs, or reversing one or more spools end-to-end, valves with different desired and preselected flow patterns can be made from the same components.

Abstract: A pressure modulation valve, for supplying a smooth pressure increase, having desired characteristics, to a load port in a hydraulic control system. A single spool provides initial and final bypass phases of rapid pressure rise, and an intermediate modulated phase. The pressure characteristics can be adjusted by varying the loads and openings.

Abstract: An asynchronous, regenerative, digital repeater for use in bipolar digital signalling systems includes an amplifier for receiving and amplifying incoming signals, a first monostable multivibrator for producing regenerated pulses responsively to the output of the amplifier, an output circuit for producing a bipolar pulse train responsively to the output of the multivibrator, and a second multivibrator for inhibiting the first multivibrator for a predetermined interval following the trailing edge of each output pulse to prevent the first multivibrator from responding to the electrical overshoot at the trailing edges of the incoming pulses.