James H Nuckols

US Patent:

53924410, Feb 21, 1995

Filed:

Oct 26, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/143529

Inventors:

Gary L. Brasher - Houston TX
James H. Nuckols - Houston TX
Jeffrey S. Watters - Houston TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F 1300

US Classification:

395725

Abstract:

A data field having a variable number of zero-level bits is read by a bus in a digital system, wherein the bus is pumped by writing all logical "one" bits onto the bus lines just before they are read. The unused bits will then be still in a logical "one" state, i. e. a known value, rather than floating or at an indeterminate value. A program for performing this operation in a computer uses steps to prevent other operations such as refresh cycles or interrupts from being interposed between the write and read cycles. A CPU may use this method to read a system identifier value upon boot-up, for example.

US Patent:

52108473, May 11, 1993

Filed:

May 19, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/354513

Inventors:

Gary W. Thome - Houston TX
James H. Nuckols - Houston TX
Paul R. Culley - Cypress TX
Gary L. Brasher - Houston TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F 1206
G06F 1300

US Classification:

395425

Abstract:

A computer system uses a random access memory to store memory characteristic information, such as noncacheable status. The memory is coupled to the processor address lines to produce an output representative of the memory address block, the output used as appropriate, for example by the noncacheable address input of a cache controller. Latches are used to store programming mode, write or read operation and data values. The reading and writing of the random access memory is performed without disturbing the main memory.

US Patent:

50975064, Mar 17, 1992

Filed:

May 18, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/525490

Inventors:

Roger A. Kaiser - Houston TX
James H. Nuckols - Houston TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

H04L 932
G06F 1314

US Classification:

380 25

Abstract:

A keyboard controller or interface with scans entered key sequences for a key sequence activating a keyboard lock feature. A password and particular hot key are loaded by the system microprocessor. The keyboard interface then scans untl the designated sequence is activated. All keyboard activity is blocked from the system microprocessor until a password sequence is entered. Codes releasing some of the key strokes in the activation sequence are transmitted and normal operation, including activation sequence scanning, resumes. The password mode may be directly activated on command from the system microprocessor.

US Patent:

49598600, Sep 25, 1990

Filed:

Feb 7, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/307402

Inventors:

Jeffrey S. Watters - Houston TX
Norman P. Brown - Houston TX
James H. Nuckols - Houston TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

H04L 900

US Classification:

380 4

Abstract:

A power-on password security function for a digital computer system allows the system software to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized users. Safeguards are made against corruption of password data which could lead to lock-out authorized users, and redundant checks allow the security function to operate even when first-level checks fail. The battery-powered RAM storage area used to hold the password when the system is turned "off" is protected against being accessible by unauthorized users when the system is turned "on".

US Patent:

53255291, Jun 28, 1994

Filed:

May 18, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/526036

Inventors:

Norman P. Brown - Tomball TX
James D. Williams - Cypress TX
Donald P. Clary - Houston TX
James H. Nuckols - Houston TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - Houston TX

International Classification:

G06F 9445

US Classification:

395700

Abstract:

A computer system which can receive boot information over a parallel or serial port. The ports are inspected for activity prior to attempting to boot from a floppy or hard disk. If there is activity on the port the sequence being received is read and compared to a predetermined identification sequence. If a match is made, an acknowledgement character is transmitted. A communication sequence commences to transfer the boot information over the link. After the transfer is complete, the boot information is executed. The serial transfer utilizes the conventional serial lines, while the parallel transfer is performed a nibble at a time. This nibble mode allows use of only outputs to inputs to avoid dual source driving problems.

US Patent:

49426060, Jul 17, 1990

Filed:

Feb 7, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/307404

Inventors:

Roger A. Kaiser - Houston TX
James H. Nuckols - Houston TX
Theodore F. Emerson - Houston TX
Gary L. Brasher - Houston TX

Assignee:

Compaq Computer Corporation - DE

International Classification:

H04L 932

US Classification:

380 4

Abstract:

A computer having an improved keyboard/auxiliary device interface controller which supports the selective restriction of user interaction with the computer system, while maintaining the full internal functionality of the host/peripheral interface. A "password lock mode" of the improved controller prevents users from gaining unauthorized access to the computer system, but still application and operating system software can continue to issue commands to and receive responses from the otherwise disabled peripheral devices. The improved controller does not require modification to the conventional keyboard/auxiliary device hardware.

US Patent:

50014722, Mar 19, 1991

Filed:

Feb 11, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/154970

Inventors:

Michael A. Fischer - San Antonio TX
William M. Cox - San Antonio TX
John L. Moschner - San Antonio TX
James H. Nuckols - Houston TX

Assignee:

Datapoint Corporation - San Antonio TX

International Classification:

H04Q 900

US Classification:

3408255

Abstract:

In a token-based local area network, the token may be selectively redirected out of its normal even rotational sequence among all of the active nodes of the network to pass the token more frequently through a priority group of nodes than through a non-priority group of nodes. The priority group is more likely to have messages to initiate from either a numerical or immediacy standpoint, compared to the non-priority group which is less likely to have messages to initiate. When token redirection is not desired, the token is passed in this normal even rotational sequence. Despite redirection, the token is still passed through all of the active nodes on the network in a periodic manner so as to assure normal network activity. Multiple messages can be initiated from a single node before the token is passed to any other node. Token redirection can be controlled in a predetermined pattern to accommodate either the actual or anticipated message traffic from the priority group of nodes, and can be controlled in response to a queue of messsages waiting to be initiated from a priority node.