Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting a power level of an electronic device (100) are disclosed. In an embodiment, an electronic device (100) receives a usage pattern of the electronic device (100) (e.g., typically used 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays). The electronic device (100) then dynamically adjusts a wake up timer (204) associated with the electronic device (100) based on the usage pattern (e.g., expire at 8:50 am the next morning, which is 10 minutes before usage typically resumes for that day). In response to an expiration of the dynamically adjusted wake up timer (204), the electronic device (100) increases the power level of the electronic device (100) (e.g., transition from hibernate mode to standby mode, possibly via other intervening power modes, for faster startup in anticipation of resumed usage).

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a powder filler system incorporating a pair of symmetrical agitators within a hopper, containing powder and having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower funnel portion. Each agitator includes: a first bar extending from the top of the hopper to a tubular section of the funnel portion; a second bar connected to the first bar and extending towards an interface between the upper cylindrical and lower funnel portions of the hopper; a third bar connected to both the first and second bars such that it is approximately parallel to an angled sidewall of a conical section of the funnel portion; and vertically oriented and angled fins connected between the second and third bars. Agitators configured in this manner maintain the powder at an essentially uniform density within the hopper; move the powder towards the auger such that cavitations/starvations are avoided; and ensure a steady discharge flow.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a powder filler system incorporating a pair of symmetrical agitators within a hopper, containing powder and having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower funnel portion. Each agitator includes: a first bar extending from the top of the hopper to a tubular section of the funnel portion; a second bar connected to the first bar and extending towards an interface between the upper cylindrical and lower funnel portions of the hopper; a third bar connected to both the first and second bars such that it is approximately parallel to an angled sidewall of a conical section of the funnel portion; and vertically oriented and angled fins connected between the second and third bars. Agitators configured in this manner maintain the powder at an essentially uniform density within the hopper; move the powder towards the auger such that cavitations/starvations are avoided; and ensure a steady discharge flow.

Abstract: Software for dynamically previewing changes to hardware driver settings for a graphics adapter is disclosed. Changes to the driver settings are dynamically previewed by forcing an executable graphics program module to load hardware parameter settings as changed, and drawing a region reflecting the changes using the executable graphics program library. The graphics program module may be forced to load new settings as a result of being newly instantiated. Conveniently, a preview region reflecting changes may be drawn in place of an already existing preview region.