Showing papers by "Apple Inc. published in 1987"

System for programming graphically a programmable, asynchronous logic cell and array

Abstract: A system for programming an asynchronous logic cell and a two- or three-dimensional array formed of such cells. Each cell comprises a number of exclusive-OR gates, Muller C-elements and programmable switches. The logic cell is reprogrammable and may even be reprogrammed dynamically, such as to perform recursive operations or simply to make use of hardware which is temporarily idle. Programming is accomplished by setting the states of the switches in each cell. A user-friendly programming environment facilitates the programming of the switches. The programming system facilitates the construction of circuits, circuit modules, black box elements and the like, with provision for storing such building blocks in a library for future reference. With an adequate library, custom hardware can be designed by simply mapping stored blocks onto chips and connecting them together. Further, because the array is regular and switch settings can produce logical wires, crossovers, connections and routings running both "horizontally" and "vertically", it is in general possible to "wire around" defective elements. If a large wafer contains defective cells, those cells can simply be avoided and bypassed, with the remainder of the wafer remaining useful. The programming system facilitates the rotation and reflection of blocks, to exploit the symmetry of the array and minimize unproductive cell area. The user is can see a representation of the chip as it is transformed by programming.

Assembly of variable-width gravity-feed beverage-container dispenser array from single-lane components

Abstract: In the rack mounting and display of chilled beverage containers, for ready access and withdrawals by retial customers, the gravity-feed forwardly-inclined shelving having multiple parallel lanes for upright presentation of the containers is formed by combinations of laterally-interlocked identical molded-plastic modules. Each elongated narrow module is of a high-strength ribbed construction and exhibits an upstanding narrow guide wall fully along one edge; when several such modules are joined side-by-side, via separable fastening provisions such as those composed of integral pegs depending from along one edge and accommodating recesses disposed in a narrow ledge along the other, the single guide walls cooperate to define the individual lanes or paths along which the containers must slide from back to front. Widths of the shelf assemblies are determined by the numbers of modules which are locked together, thereby allowing for fits within different widths of available space, and for adjustments of displays to offer something other than a standard number of selections.

Belt tensioner with spring actuated band brake damping

Abstract: A belt tensioning device having an improved damping mechanism for damping movements of the pivoted structure rotatably carrying the pulley with respect to the fixed structure. The damping mechanism includes a strap and a ring mounted on their respective fixed and pivoted structures and with respect to one another such that the strap engages the ring with a gripping action sufficient to provide (1) a relatively high resistance to frictional sliding movement between the strap and ring in one direction correspond to the direction of untensioning of the belt with the pulley and (2) a relatively low resistance to frictional sliding movement between the strap and ring in an opposite direction corresponding to the direction of belt tensioning. A spring is included in the mount for enabling the relatively high resistance and relatively low resistance to vary in response to the existence of predetermined vibrations such that the gripping action between strap and ring is relieved sufficient to enable movement therebetween in both directions to take place at substantially reduced resistance levels.

EMI seam for enclosures

Abstract: An enclosure having an improved seam for inhibiting passage of electromagnetic radiation through the enclosure is described. The enclosure having a housing and a removable cover are joined at its respective edges. A plurality of spaced-apart tabs extend from an edge and slideably engage a plurality of slots which are formed on an interior surface adjacent to a corresponding mating edge. A domed projection on each tab slides into recessed cavities located on each slot to form a tight mechanical connection. The enclosure has a metal-coated interior surface and mating surface, wherein the tabs and slots operate to electrically couple the cover to the housing.

Method and apparatus for determining available memory size

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in a computer system, and particularly, a computer system employing memory devices having discrete capacity (i.e., 256K bit, 1M bit, etc.), such as random access memory (RAM). The present invention includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled through a multiplexor to a plurality of contiguous banks of memory devices. In a typical embodiment, a user inserts a desired number of RAM memory devices having a particular memory capacity into the memory banks. A maximum memory address is defined for each bank as the address which would exist if the highest capacity memory devices available were utilized (e.g., 16M bit/device). On power-up, the CPU sequentially attempts to store the numerical address value of each possible memory address at that address location, from the highest possible contiguous address to the lowest, for the first memory bank. In the event that the CPU attempts to write to a non-existent address, the value is automatically stored at the highest read address in the system. The CPU then sequentially reads each possible memory address from the lowest to the highest. For each address read, the CPU compares the stored value with the address. The fact that the stored value equals the address indicates that the address exists. In the event the stored value does not equal the address, but rather equals the previously read address, the address does not exist and the highest available memory is set to the previous address value. The CPU repeats this procedure for the next bank of memory until the total available memory of the system is determined. A bit value is assigned which corresponds to the available memory size of the first memory bank. This bit value is stored in a register coupled to control logic which controls the operation of the multiplexor and generates row address (RAS) and column address (CAS) signals to access the memory. Memory banks are selected by the control logic based upon the logical state of predetermined address bits outputted by the CPU which are identified by the bit value.

Spin-offs

Abstract: When motor-nerve fibers are severed or crushed because of injury, signals from the brain cannot get through and the muscle controlled by the nerve cannot function. But if the gap in the nerve is bridged, some function may be restored.

The architecture of static hypertexts

Abstract: This paper's purpose is to describe how the hypertext technique can make CD-ROM (and other static storage media) a more comfortable environment for human use. I begin by considering implementation issues for hypertext on CD-ROM and surveying currently available products. I suggest desirable goals for the use of hypertext on the static CD medium, and propose that their achievement will follow from a correct choice of conventions of use and construction of the hypertext database. Such goals include augmenting text search algorithms, recovering lost benefits of the print medium, designing meaningful connections between documents to assist human communications, and allowing variable interactivity with the user.

Method for selectively activating and deactivating devices having same first address and different extended addresses

Abstract: A method for activating one of a plurality of devices coupled to a communications medium at a first address location and controlled by a host computer. A plurality of extended addresses are provided to the devices, each of the devices having a unique extended address. A command is transmitted from the host computer to the first address. One of the plurality of devices is activated by transmitting the unique extended address of the device on the communications medium, the activated device responding to further commands sent to the first address location.

Method for storing a second number as a command address of a first peripheral device and a third number as a command address of a second peripheral device

Abstract: A method for transferring data on a communication medium between a host computer and a plurality of peripheral devices coupled to the medium at a plurality of first address locations, including first and second peripheral devices at a one of the first address locations. The host computer transmits a plurality of first signals to the one of the first address locations requesting any peripheral devices at the one of the first address locations to transmit data to the host computer. The first peripheral device senses the medium to determine if the medium is currently in use. The second peripheral device senses the medium to determine if the medium is currently in use. The first peripheral device transmit data to the host computer when the medium is not in use. The second peripheral device discontinues the transmission of data when the medium is in use and sets an internal collision flag. The host computer transmits a plurality of second signals, including a second address, to the one of the first address locations, the second address becoming an address for the first peripheral device, and the second address not becoming an address for the second peripheral device, given that the internal collision flag for the second peripheral device is set.

Self-configuring memory management system with on card circuitry for non-contentious allocation of reserved memory space among expansion cards

Abstract: A printed circuit board card adapted to fit into a slot and make electrical connections with cooperating terminals in the slot, the slot being disposed on the main circuit board of a personal computer system, the main circuit board including a CPU, memory, a 32-bit address bus with control signals associated therewith, and input/output circuitry. The slot is coupled to the 32-bit address bus, being substantially a NUBUS bus, and the slot includes distinct identification line means which provide the slot with an identification number (distinct number) in the computer system. The card includes a decoder means which is coupled to the slot to receive the identification number; the decoder means has memory reservation means which causes 256 megabytes of memory space to be reserved for the card in the slot, such that, where the slot number is X, the 256 megabytes of reserved memory space begins at location $X000 0000 and ends at locations $XFFF FFFF.

Apparatus for driving liquid crystal display

Abstract: A circuit for accepting serial data from a source meant for video display and displaying it on a liquid crystal display. The data is converted to parallel and is stored in address locations corresponding to four quadrants of a display screen. An input counter controls the writing of data to the memory, while an independent output counter controls the reading of data from the memory and its display on the liquid crystal screen display.

Reactions to fear as a proximate factor in the sociospatial organization of baboon progressions.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that fearfulness is a key proximate factor determining the nonrandom order repeatedly reported for baboon troops progressing from one location to another. According to this hypothesis, the most vulnerable troop members, the walking immatures, are expected in most circumstances to be cautious and to keep others between themselves and potential danger. The more confident adults, especially large powerful males, should tend toward the front and rear of progressing troops. The fear hypothesis predicts that in progressions toward a fear source, adult males should be near the front of the troop; on the other hand, when the troop is retreating from a frightening or tense situation, adult males should be found more toward the rear. Progressions of chacma baboons away from the location of a severe fright or in retreat from another troop were compared with other progressions. Adult males tended to be more rearward in these situations. The number of adults of either sex interposed between a fear source and the first walking immature was greater for retreating troops than for others. Some adult males continued to be near the front of the troop when retreating from tense situations.

Memory mapping unit for decoding address signals

Abstract: A memory mapping unit which permits a computer to run programs designed to provide 32-bit or 24-bit address signals to address a 32-bit addressable memory. When a CPU generates a 32-bit address, that address is passed through to provide a 32-bit physical address. However, when the CPU generates a 24-bit address, the most significant bits are processed by the memory mapping unit to provide a remapped 32-bit physical address. The memory mapping unit is implemented on a single semiconductor chip using gate-array technology.

Video apparatus employing VRAMs

Abstract: A video card using VRAMs for a computer which includes a CPU and main memory. The VRAM addresses are generated in a manner making it unnecessary to have an integer number of scan lines per memory row. A counter keeps track of the shift register position in the VRAMs and a new row address is generated in hardware independent of the scan line. A look-ahead feature detects the approaching end of the shift register data and initiates a timing sequence to reload the shift register.

Computer system for automatically reconfigurating memory space to avoid overlaps of memory reserved for expansion slots

Abstract: A personal computer system includes a main circuit board having a central processing unit and expansion slots each of which is adapted to receive a printed circuit board card. The main circuit board further includes memory, a 32-bit address bus with control signals associated therewith, and input/output circuitry. The slot is coupled to the 32-bit address bus, which is substantially a NUBUS bus, and the slot includes distinct identification line means which provide the slot with an identification number (distinct number) in the computer system. The computer system reserves 256-megabytes of memory space ranging from location $X000 0000 to location $XFFF FFFF for memory on a card in a slot having a distinct number equal to $X.

Method for requesting service by a device which generates a service request signal successively until it is serviced

Abstract: A method for requesting service by a device coupled to a host computer through a communication medium. The host computer sets a service request bit of the device to a first logical value to allow the device to produce a service request signal if the device requires servicing. The device determines that it requires servicing and the device sets an internal flag bit to a first logical value to indicate that the device requires servicing. The device monitors a command from the host computer to see if the command is addressed to the device. If the command is not addressed to the device and if the service request bit is set to a first logical value, then the device generates a service request signal on the medium after the command by holding the communication medium low for a first period of time. If the command is addressed to the device, if the device determines that the command is not a command that services the device, and if the service request bit is set to the first logical value, then the device generates a service request signal on the medium after the command by holding the medium low for the first period of time and performs the command. If the command is addressed to the device, if the device determines that the command is not a command that services the device, and if the service request bit is not set to the first logical value, the device performs the command without generating the service request signal. The steps including and following the step of the device monitoring a command from the host computer are repeated until the device receives a command addressed to the device that services the device.

In vitro capacitation of Siberian tiger spermatozoa

Abstract: Three experiments were designed to determine optimum conditions for capacitation of Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) sperm in vitro using the zona-free hamster egg sperm penetration assay (SPA) as a verification of capacitation. Sperm collected from a 9-year-old captive Siberian tiger were subjected to different in vitro washing conditions, preincubation times, and temperatures to induce capacitation. Sperm were able to penetrate zona-free hamster ova after 2 hours preincubation at 37°C but not at time 0. Preincubation at room temperature was not sufficient to prepare sperm for fertilization. The presence of seminal plasma during the 2-hour, 37°C preincubation did not affect the ability of tiger sperm to penetrate zona-free hamster eggs. The SPA can provide a means for evaluation of in vitro capacitation of Siberian tiger sperm.

Sound generation and disk speed control apparatus for use with computer systems

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an analog audio signal and a speed control signal for a disk drive for use with a microprocessor having a RAM which provides a video signal for a raster scanned display. Direct addressing to the RAM is used during horizontal blanking periods to allow data to be read from the RAM and used to generate the audio and speed control signals. The data is updated during the blanking periods. The speed control signal to the disk controller varies as a function of track (radius).

Penetration of zona-free hamster ova by Siberian tiger sperm

Abstract: Sperm from the electroejaculate of captive Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) penetrated zona pellucida-free hamster ova in vitro, evidenced by a decondensation reaction. This assay, when used in conjunction with semen analysis, may be useful in assessing the fertility potential of males of this and other related felids. Such information is an important step in developing successful long-term management strategies for captive and wild populations of this severely endangered species.

Electronic mail for the online professional: A review of Dialmail

Abstract: Une recherche sur DIALOG debouche souvent sur de nombreuses citations interessantes que le client reclame pour le lendemain: imprimer les textes online ou reclamer le disque coute alors une petite fortune. DIALOG a concu DIALMAIL pour repondre a ce probleme par la commande d'une impression offline qui vous parvient le lendemain a bien moindre frais. Les objectifs de DIALMAIL sont decrits ainsi que ses possibilites: acces, interfaces, messagerie, conferences et bulletins. L'experience du groupe des utilisateurs de la bibliotheque Apple est ensuite decrite. (INTD)

ISDN: The man machine interface

Abstract: December 1987-Vol. 25, No. 12 IEEE Communications Magazine T he focus of many trials and discussion forums has centered in ISDN-the technology. There have been debates to determine the standards and their implementations to create a nationwide, consistent, multi-vendor digital network. Now, as we see daylight at the end of those particular tunnels, we need to pay more attention to the “integrated services” part of the overall network. The purpose of this paper is not to present solutions, but to provoke thought from a different prospective. I ask for some latitude and a change in thought process from those more familiar with the approach of reviewing the underlying technological issues of any particular subject. I would ask the reader to wear the hat of the “normal” anticipated ISDN user. Let us assume the ready availability of ISDN. Nowhow will ISDN be used? The question contains a hidden sub-question “how will I use ISDN?” The answer to this subtle difference will, in many ways, determine the market acceptance of this technology and by extension, its success or failure. Let us illustrate a number of points by a semi-serious review of the introduction to society of two productsthought radical, even sacriligious in their day-the motor car and the telephone. Some of the lessons bring hope for the proponents of ISDN, some are cautionary tales which, if used to steer ISDN on a more “customer sensitive” course, will prove that history is not bunk, Mr. Ford. We are where the automobile industry was a little less than a hundred years ago. Some comments of the day sound familiar, “the ordinary horseless carriage is, at present, a luxury for the wealthy, and although its price will probably fall in the future, it will never, of course, come into as common use as the bicycle.” (Li terary Digest, 1899) “The actual building of roads devoted to motor cars is not in the near future in spite of many rumours to that effect” (Harper’s W e e k l y , Aug. 1902)herein lies a major difference with ISDN to which I will return later-we are building freeways and no-one has really invented the motor car. Or if it has, it is the equivalent of the Stanley Steamer (one of the leading “horseless carriages” at the turn of the century). It did all of the things our motor cars do today. It sat four people in relative comfort, propelled them at respectable speeds and manoevered in a fashion all of us would find familiar. The big difference was the way that it did it. It had a terrible human interface. Valves, pistons and levers to control this steam-driven device were not embraced by many. Major breakthroughs in “ease-of-use” spurred the growth of this market-the carburrator, the gas pedal, the electronic ignition and the automatic transmission each enabled an ever-increasing set of users to say, “Yes, I can understand how this technology is useful-because I can understand how to use it.” The telephone is one of the most pervasive devices in western society today. It causes families to stay in contact-or even fall apart. It is easy enough for even small children to use-despite our best efforts. That has certainly not always been the case. President Rutherford Hayes, following a demonstration by the inventor in 1876, observed, “That’s an amazing invention, but who would want to use one of them?” Well, of course the