Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed, in one implementation, to a system of dynamically spawned, virtual, three-dimensional (3D) viewports which render transparently within the elements of, or on top of, an existing desktop display environment, allowing rendered objects to seamlessly interact and move between different 3-dimensional viewport spaces and the two-dimensional (2D) screen space of the desktop environment. The present invention, in one implementation, renders multiple 3-dimensional viewports and free floating 3-dimensional objects on the client desktop, seamlessly mixed into the normal event and rendering pipeline of the computing device's 2-dimensional screen aligned desktop and windowed environment.

Abstract: An external docking station for a removable data storage unit, allowing it to communicate with a computer system via a standard interface connection, such as a USB connector. In one implementation, the present invention provides a docking station that, in a locked or closed mode, locks a removable data storage unit into place via a latch. In one implementation, the docking station includes a motorized, geared lever assembly that simultaneously unlocks and ejects the removable data storage unit from the docking station. In one implementation, a spring biases the latch to maintain the docking station in an open position for receipt of a removable data storage unit. In one implementation, after the user presses the eject button, the present invention delays ejection of the removable data storage unit until the hard disk drive is no longer in use, thereby preventing possible damage to the drive media and/or read-write heads.

Abstract: An asymmetry compensator for measuring and correcting of asymmetry in magnetic recording devices. The magnetic recording device includes a read head, an asymmetry compensator, a data decoder, and an analog-to-digital converter. The read head produces a read data signal that contains potential errors due to asymmetry. The read data signal is processed into a compensated data signal by the asymmetry compensator. The asymmetry compensator includes a power of two squaring device, a gamma amplifier, and a summing junction connected in a feed forward manner. The gamma amplifier uses an approach involving, for a positive isolated pulse, the amplitude of the positive pulse and the undershoot and, for a negative isolated pulse, the amplitude of the negative pulse and the overshoot. The approach further involves probabilities and weights in a weighted average to account for any variations with frequency. The approach may be performed in either the analog or digital domain.

Abstract: A head actuator design for a low profile tape drive is configured with a damping system for a head suspension system having flexure springs to accommodate a half-high form factor. The damping system employs hall sensors, for example, mounted on the head carriage that moves with the head carriage to provide position signals that are differentiated to form velocity signals used by a servo loop control system to dampen suspension system resonance. A flexible circuit routing is provided that is manageable for half-high form factors by combining the fine positioner loop and course positioner loop into a single loop, and preventing the head flexible printed circuit from contacting a top cover in the routing to a printed circuit board near the top cover.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a cable connection apparatus wherein a connector is mounted on a disk drive chassis, or a sub-assembly attachable to a chassis, such that a cable that connects to the connector will do so along an axis parallel to the chassis or subassembly that the connector is coupled to as opposed to a more typical perpendicular coupling. As a result, the cable will not stick straight out from the back of the drive and the drive footprint is also reduced.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to the integration of VLANs and wireless access points operating in a Multiple BSSID mode of operation. According to one implementation of the present invention, a wireless access point dynamically maps an SSID provided by a mobile station to a BSSID based on a VLAN assignment corresponding to the mobile station. In one implementation, the wireless access point learns the correct VLAN/BSSID for a given mobile station, while proxying an authentication session between the mobile station and an authentication server.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating the concurrent classification and control of tunneled and non-tunneled data flows in a packet-based computer network environment. As discussed in more detail below, embodiments of the present invention allow for the “intra-tunnel” classification of data flows and, based on the classification, the deterministic and intelligent application of aggregate bandwidth utilization controls on data flows corresponding to a given tunnel. Embodiments of the present invention allow for the allocation of bandwidth on an application-level basis between tunneled and non-tunneled traffic, as well as between applications within a given tunnel. Other embodiments of the present invention can be configured to provide a differentiated security model for non-tunneled and tunneled traffic. In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be further configured to implement a layered security model for tunneled traffic.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems allowing for dynamic bandwidth management schemes responsive to the state of a plurality of access links in redundant network topologies. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a bandwidth management device that periodically queries routing systems associated with access links, conceptually grouped into a virtual access link, to monitor that load of the access links and, depending on the detected load, adjust the configuration of the bandwidth management device to avoid overloading one or more of the access links. Embodiments of the present invention increases network efficiency and help network traffic to flow more smoothly with higher throughput. In one embodiment, the dynamic link control functionality is invoked when any given access link reaches a threshold capacity level.

Abstract: A tape drive is provided having a pair of stationary guide assemblies disposed symmetrically about the magnetic read/write head. Each of the stationary guide assemblies has a mounting portion and a separate guide surface portion mounted on the mounting portion. The mounting portion may be made of a plastic and the guide surface portion of a ceramic, for example. A spring arrangement with pressure pads is mounted directly on the mounting portion, and applies pressure to a top edge of a tape during guiding of the tape.