International Business Machines Corporation

Manfred Boldy

Werner Ruppert

Hermann Stamm-Wilbrandt

Peter Sander

A digital data storage device physically stores blocks of identical data only once on its storage medium wherein a second or even further identical blocks are stored only as reference referring to the first block of these identical blocks. By this technique, storage of duplicate data is most effectively avoided on the lowest storage level of the disk storage device, even in cases where identical blocks are written by different operating Systems. In the preferred embodiment, the underlying storage medium (magnetic hard disk, optical disk, tape, or M-RAM) is segmented into two areas, the first area particularly comprising a relatively small block reference table and the remaining physical storage area for storing real blocks of information.

Reducing occupancy of digital storage devices

In a strain relief clamp for use with a connector that is mounted on an end of a cable. The cable is provided with identification markings. The cable may be cut to length so that one of the identification markings which is a marking of interest appears directly behind a shell of the connector when the connector is mounted on the cable. The strain relief clamp includes a window through which the marking of interest on the cable is visible when the strain relief clamp is installed on the connector and a transparent member arranged on the window.

Device and method for identifying cables

A device and method for identification marking of cables, especially electric cables, that are continuously provided with unambiguous markings at least in their end sections. The cable is cut such that the marking of interest is visible directly behind the shell of a connector when mounting the connector to the cable at the end thereof, and wherein the connector is provided with a strain relief clamp. The strain relief clamp is provided with a transparent portion such as a window for making visible the marking of interest when the strain relief clamp has been arranged on the connector.

The invention concerns a simple and user-friendly actuating device () for miniature keyboards or miniature input tablets. The device has of a dome-shaped body () which is adapted to the curve of the fingertip and fitted to the fingertip by means of a removable adhesive bond. The dome-shaped body has a pin-shaped projection () on its convex side which serves as the actuating element. The dome-shaped body is made of a soft plastic material which molds to the fingertip. On the concave side of the dome is an adhesive layer () which permits repeated fitting and removal of the dome to and from the fingertip.

Actuating device for miniature keyboards

A keyboard data input device includes a one-hand module having a finger section with groups of keys each of which fixedly assigned to a finger of the operator. The keyboard has a cover part which includes a palm rest section and grooves. A group of keys is sequentially arranged at the ground of said grooves to be reached by the outstretched or bent fingers when the operator's hand is in contact with the palm rest section. A thumb section located adjacent to the forefinger groove comprises a flat area which includes groups of command keys, and comprises further keys at an upright wall adjacent to the forefinger groove. The keyboard may be used for two-hand operation by providing two separate one-hand modules. The keyboard comprises a graphical multipurpose display visualize control information and characters typed in. The keyboard may further include a bar code scanner.

Ergonomic keyboard device

A cursor control device, such as a trackball, controls the movement of a cursor on a computer display. An electromagnetically generated braking effect is applied to the trackball, which effect varies with the speed of the cursor to allow precise control of the cursor.

Cursor control device

The invention concerns a cleaning device for casing components of electronic devices such as laptop computers, keyboards, monitors and such which are susceptible to dust. The device has a cuboidal block ( ) made of a flexible material which on its underside, which is the surface of the block intended to contact the surface being cleaned, has a large number of incisions ( ) which run crossways and form flexible fins ( ) which can be deflected outward toward both sides. When the device is in use the fins spread and create slits ( ) to collect dust. The incisions preferentially stretch over two thirds of the height of the block and run virtually parallel to its sides, so that the fins have a rectangular cross-section. The block is preferentially made of a soft foam.

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Horb a.N., Germany

Manfred Boldy