Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for recording data. According to the present invention, the method and apparatus includes the implementation of a “circular” buffer whereby data is capable of being recorded in a circular fashion. By implementing a circular buffer, large amounts of data can be recorded over long periods of time without the use of cumbersome video tapes and the like. An aspect of the present invention includes an apparatus for recording data. The apparatus includes an input sensor for receiving data, a buffer coupled to the input sensor wherein the buffer includes a plurality of storage portions, a central processing unit coupled to the buffer and the input sensor wherein the central processing unit stores the data in the plurality of storage portions in a circular fashion and an interface coupled to the buffer for allowing a remote data accessing device to access a specific portion of the data stored in the buffer.

Abstract: A consolidated content apparatus comprises a local area network including a plurality of communication ports adapted to connect to a plurality of communication mediums, wherein at least one of the ports is a television tuner port. A television receiver is coupled to the television port and configured to receive a television signal and to convert the television signal into television program packets. A multiport switch having a number of local ports is coupled to the communication ports and the television tuner. A plurality of client devices are coupled to the local area network and configured to communicate with the television receiver to tune at least one television channel and deliver the television program over the network to the client devices. Advantages of the invention include consolidation of content communications for customers, resulting in more robust and less expensive access to content delivery and communication.

Abstract: A network-attached storage apparatus is configured to be in communication with a local device. The apparatus includes storage devices for storing data, one interface for establishing communication with the network and another interface for establishing communication with the local device. A processor enables the interfaces to alternatively establish communication with the local device or the network.

Abstract: A method for configuring a computing system having a processing unit and at least one application subsystem for enabling the processing unit to perform system functions, includes packaging the system processing unit in a first housing, and at least one subsystem of the computing system in a second housing separate from and external to the first housing. The second housing is configured to visibly identify the subsystem contained within. The processing unit and the subsystem are connected with a communication link.

Abstract: A keyboard provides an analog sound signal for a sound producing device. The keyboard includes an interface circuit that couples the keyboard to a digital sound source through a universal serial bus (USB) cable. The keyboard further includes an audio rendering circuit that receives digital sound samples from the interface circuit and converts the digital sound samples to an analog sound signal and a connector coupled to the audio rendering circuit that is configured to couple the analog sound signal to a sound producing device.

Abstract: The present invention includes an expandable modular storage unit for a computer system. According to the present invention, the expandable modular storage unit includes a backplane capable of being coupled to a host computer system. A plurality of storage modules can be coupled to the backplane for communicating with the host computer system whereby the storage modules can communicate with each other and the host computer system. Through the use of the present invention, large amounts of data storage capability can be added to an existing system without the added expense of controller electronics and related software. An aspect of the present invention includes an expandable modular storage unit. The expandable modular storage unit includes a backplane and at least one storage module storage module coupled to the backplane wherein the at least one storage module includes communication means for communicating with at least one other storage module coupled to the backplane.

Abstract: An expansion module including a housing having an interior, an end cap connected to the housing at one end, and an interface device positioned in the housing interior is described. The end cap includes at least two throughholes to the housing interior and at least two alignment receptacles. The interface device receives a) a standard data connector via a end cap throughhole and b) a power connector via another end cap throughhole. The interface device includes an expansion device connector internal to the housing interior for providing at least one of data and power to an expansion device. An expansion module bay including a module sleeve having an opening for receiving the expansion module is described. The expansion module bay further includes a connector connected to an end of the module sleeve for connecting to the received expansion module, and a door covering the module receiving opening.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a first connector such as an HCC connector, includes a HCC connector for mating with a connector disposed within a bay of a computer, and a second connector, such as a USB connector, for connecting to an external connector of the computer or of another computer. This scheme allows one to externally connect the cartridge to a computer with a cable, without the need for a special adapter.

Abstract: A mass storage device, such as a removable hard disk, stores data and has an overall storage capacity. The mass storage device includes a panel on which a capacity indicator is positioned, and the capacity indicator displays either a used storage capacity or a free storage capacity of the mass storage device, or displays both free and used storage capacities of the mass storage device. The capacity indicator may be, for example, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), or may be an LED or liquid crystal display indicating percentage of the overall storage capacity of the mass storage device that is used, available, or both. A capacity-update program executing on a computer system of which the mass storage device is a part can update the storage capacity information being displayed, or suitable circuitry or a program within the device itself can update such information.

Abstract: A removable device, such as a removable mass storage device, includes a multifunction handle coupled to the device. The multifunction handle includes a force-developing portion and includes an interlock portion adapted to be engaged by an interlock component. The handle develops an insertion force at the force-developing portion responsive to a force applied to the handle, and also secures the removable device in a desired position to prevent use of the handle responsive to the interlock portion being engaged by the interlock component.

Abstract: The present invention includes an expandable modular storage unit for a computer system. According to the present invention, the expandable modular storage unit includes a backplane capable of being coupled to a host computer system. A plurality of storage modules can be coupled to the backplane for communicating with the host computer system whereby the storage modules can communicate with each other and the host computer system. Through the use of the present invention, large amounts of data storage capability can be added to an existing system without the added expense of controller electronics and related software. An aspect of the present invention includes an expandable modular storage unit. The expandable modular storage unit includes a backplane and at least one storage module storage module coupled to the backplane wherein the at least one storage module includes communication means for communicating with at least one other storage module coupled to the backplane.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for recording data. According to the present invention, the method and apparatus includes the implementation of a “circular” buffer whereby data is capable of being recorded in a circular fashion. By implementing a circular buffer, large amounts of data can be recorded over long periods of time without the use of cumbersome video tapes and the like. An aspect of the present invention includes an apparatus for recording data. The apparatus includes an input sensor for receiving data, a buffer coupled to the input sensor wherein the buffer includes a plurality of storage portions, a central processing unit coupled to the buffer and the input sensor wherein the central processing unit stores the data in the plurality of storage portions in a circular fashion and an interface coupled to the buffer for allowing a remote data accessing device to access a specific portion of the data stored in the buffer.