Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly in which adjacent roof panels are supported by underlying support structure in overlapping edge relationship to form a standing seam between adjacent roof panels is disclosed. A first roof panel having a female sidelap portion forms a male insertion cavity and a second roof panel having a male sidelap portion is inserted into the male insertion cavity to form the standing seam assembly. The standing seam assembly prevents unfurling of the first and second roof panels by forming force couples that resist forces due to uplift of the first and second panels. A mastic material is compressed between portions of the female and male sidelap portions, thereby forming a weathertight seal.

Abstract: A method for settling a transducer (18) of a hard disc drive (10) on a target track (30) on a rotating disc (12) of the disc drive at the end of a seek to the target track in a determined time period. The time period is divided into two deadbeat intervals(58, 60), each of which is divided into a plurality of time intervals in each of which the location of the transducer with respect to the target track is measured (80) and an accepted value of transducer velocity is measured (82) or determined from successive locations of the transducer. In the first time interval of the each deadbeat interval, a deadbeat value of a control signal is determined (88) on the basis of ideal deadbeat settle of the transducer to the target track and outputted to a power amplifier (36) that drives the actuator (40) on which the transducer is mounted for radial movement of the transducer across the disc.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the write current used by a disc drive read/write transducer to write data to data tracks on a disc. The method optimizes the write current by selecting write currents that minimize the occurrence of repeatable, hard read errors. The method comprises writing a predetermined pattern of information to selected data tracks using each of a plurality of write current values and subsequently reading the data on the selected data track while recording the number of hard read errors for each of the write current values. The optimum write current value is selected at the write current value having the minimum number of hard read errors. An optimum write current value is determined for each of a plurality of locations on the disc and these write current values are stored in the disc drive. During subsequent disc drive write operations, these values are used to determine the optimum write current value for a selected data track through interpolation techniques.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly with a four corner sealing assembly having an upper pair of interlocking standing seam joint panels and a lower pair of interlocking standing seam joint panels which meet in a lapped four corner juncture area, the upper ends of the lower panel pair are overlapped by the lower ends of the upper panel pair at the juncture area, one panel of each of the upper panel pair and the lower panel pair having an upstanding male side lap portion forming a male apex. The other panel of each of the upper panels and the lower panels have an upstanding female sidelap portion overlapping the respective male sidelap portions, each of the female sidelap portions having a longitudinally disposed sealant cavity and a sidelap sealant strip that is predeterminedly disposed within the sealant cavity with the sealant strip veering at the juncture area. The upstanding leg portions of the male sidelap portions are received within the insertion cavity of one of the female sidelap portions.

Abstract: A process for minimizing the formation of nitrogen oxides in the disposal of industrial waste streams containing chemically bound nitrogen, the process comprising the steps of passing a combustion gas stream at about 1200.degree. F. to about 2000.degree. F. to a combustion chamber; mixing an industrial waste stream with a selected mixing ingredient to provide a waste stream mixture having a composition such that adiabatic combustion of the waste stream mixture would yield combustion products having a combustion temperature of about 1500.degree. F. to about 2000.degree. F.; injecting the waste stream mixture into the combustion chamber and contacting same with the combustion gas stream to combust the nitrogen containing compounds to form a composite combustion gas stream having a temperature of from about 1500.degree. F. to about 2000.degree. F. The composite combustion gas stream can be vented to the atmosphere after, preferably, passing same through heat recovery equipment.

Abstract: An analog, adaptive generalized transversal equalizer for use in the filtering system of a disc drive PRML read channel, the transversal equalizer employing the use of non-ideal delay elements. The filtering system comprises the equalizer connected in series with an adaptive, analog prefilter. The prefilter is comprised of a plurality of serially connected, adaptive, analog filter stages having variable transfer functions determined by adaptive parameter signals received by the filter stages. The generalized transversal equalizer comprises a plurality of serially connected, adaptive, analog low pass filters, having taps on either side of each low pass filter, a plurality of multipliers that receive signals at the tap locations of the delay circuit, and a summing circuit that receives the outputs of the multipliers.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the demand velocities in a disc drive velocity profile using both time and vibro-acoustic constraints. An accurate, high-order dynamic model of the disc drive is formulated which describes the vibro-acoustic output of the drive in response to actuator coil current input, taking into account the disc drive actuator structure and the electrical response of the disc drive servo circuit. From this dynamic model, the shortest possible seek time is determined for a selected seek length which can achieve a vibro-acoustic output below a selected, maximum limit, as well as settling within a specified tolerance of the target track. Once the shortest possible seek time is determined, the demand velocity values in the velocity profile are selected so as to minimize the maximum position error during the seek settle. The demand velocity values are subsequently provided in a look up table for use during a seek by the disc drive servo circuit.

Abstract: A laminated base deck for a disc drive comprising a base portion and side walls extending from the base portion. The side walls mate with a top cover to provide a sealed environment for the disc drive and the base portion supports a disc drive spindle motor and actuator assembly. The base portion and side walls comprise a laminate including an interior structural layer, an exterior structural layer and a core layer disposed between the interior and exterior structural layers, wherein the structural layers provide mechanical support for the disc drive and the core layer provides improved damping of vibrations generated by the operation of the spindle motor and the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing for mechanical defects in a disc drive during manufacturing test is disclosed. The disc drive performs a special test seek to a destination track involving maximum acceleration and deceleration current to induce resonant frequencies in an actuator servo position error (SPE) signal. During track following on the destination track, the SPE is filtered by a sample and accumulate operation, resulting in the detection and characterization of the resonant frequency. The characteristics of the detected and characterized resonant frequency are compared to predetermined maximum acceptable threshold values, and when the characteristics exceed the threshold values an error flag is set, indicating a failure condition for the disc drive, enabling the disc drive to be removed from test for subsequent remedial actions.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise during track seeking in a disc drive wherein transducers proximate the surfaces of discs of the drive are accelerated away from an initial track in a first sequence of successive time interval and subsequently decelerated toward a destination track in a second sequence of successive time intervals in proportion to the difference between the actual velocity of the transducers and a demand velocity for each of the intervals. The demand velocity in each time interval is the sum of the demand velocity for the previous interval and a velocity demand fraction of the difference between an adjusted profile velocity and the demand velocity for the previous time interval. The adjusted profile velocity is the difference between a stored profile velocity and an anticipator that is maintained at a selected value during acceleration of the transducers and decremented to zero during initial time intervals in which the transducers are decelerated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing for mechanical defects in a disc drive during manufacturing test is disclosed. Resonances in the disc drive are excited by injecting a sinusoidal test signal of known magnitude and frequency into an incoming servo position error (SPE) signal in the servo loop to provide a modified SPE. While the test signal is injected, the modified SPE is sampled and filtered to characterize the test frequency in the modified SPE which is compared to a resultant frequency characterized in the incoming SPE. The presence of resonances in the disc drive structure will result in an increase in the gain of the loop as indicated by the characterized resonant frequencies from the incoming and modified SPE. When the gain exceeds predetermined criteria, an error flag is set indicative of a failure condition for the disc drive, enabling the disc drive to be removed from test for subsequent remedial actions.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a paint roller assembly having a roller applicator, the apparatus having a housing assembly forming a cleaning cavity and forming a longitudinal input slot, support apparatus removably supporting the paint roller assembly to dispose the roller applicator within the cleaning cavity for free rotation about the center axis thereof, and a nozzle and sealing assembly supported on the housing assembly having a nozzle having fluid communication with the cleaning cavity through the input slot and closure assembly which movably supports the nozzle for travel along the length of the input slot, the nozzle attachable to a high pressure supply of cleaning fluid, the nozzle supported to direct cleaning fluid against the roller applicator to impart rotation thereof during cleaning.

Abstract: An improved low NO.sub.x burner for firing fuels such as fuel oil, fuel gas and the like having an improved register which includes primary and secondary registers. The primary and secondary registers each have an annular perforated shield covering primary and secondary air inlets. The annular perforated shields form primary and secondary air equalizers which provide a more uniform distribution of combustion air about the register as the combustion air enters the register through primary and secondary air inlets, increasing regulation of combustion air and reducing flame impingement. Annular primary and secondary dampers adjustably cover the primary and secondary air equalizers to slidably adjust the ratio of primary to secondary air entering the primary and secondary registers through the primary and secondary air inlets.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing time and frequency-domain filtering in a sampled communication channel for the transmission of binary information. A received signal is provided to a double-domain, analog transversal equalizer comprising a plurality of serially connected, active, analog filter sections with associated tap locations, each filter section having a programmable frequency response and adaptively controlled one-bit delay. The filter sections provide sequential, cumulative frequency domain filtering as the received signal propagates through the equalizer. The transfer function of each filter section has a linear phase polynomial denominator and a real (at s=j.omega.) polynomial numerator, facilitating independent control of the delay and frequency response of each filter section.

Abstract: An improved toilet seat usable by either a human or a pet animal, the toilet seat having a rim member with a central aperture and a shelf assembly mounted to the rim member which adjusts the size of the central aperture in a protracted position to support the weight of the pet animal user. A support assembly supports the rim member above a floor surface for training a pet animal user, the support assembly having a leg assembly connected to the rim member by hinges and extendible therefrom for supporting the rim member during animal pet training. A training tray is supportable by the rim member for selectively providing a litter holder cavity below the central aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for adaptively compensating for variations in rotational speed of a back emf commutated spindle motor in a hard disc drive. After the motor achieves nominal operating speed, the hard disc drive enters a learn mode during which systematic variations in operational speed of the spindle motor are characterized over a plurality of rotations, including characterization of the average timing of zero crossing signals with respect to reference frequency periods and characterization of the average time between successive zero crossing signals. The hard disc drive next enters a compensation mode, during which modified speed control timing signals and modified commutation timing signals are outputted in response to the average timing characterized during the learn mode.

Abstract: A shower mounted hygiene dispenser for discharging a stream of water or a mixture of water and hygienic fluid for oral irrigation, the dispenser having a conduit housing connectable to a domestic water source. A dispenser assembly contains a collapsible bag of hygienic fluid which selectively discharges the hygienic fluid into the conduit housing in response to differential pressure exerted upon the bag to provide a mixture of water and hygienic fluid. An applicator assembly comprising a hose and a nozzle assembly delivers either pressurized water or a mixture of water and hygienic fluid for personal hygiene usage, such as for oral irrigation. A pressure regulating valve regulates the water pressure through the conduit housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for correcting up to two errors in a sequence of data elements read front a data track of a disc drive and detecting the occurrence of more than two errors. A syndrome generator determines a syndrome, having five components, from the data elements and the components are transmitted to a syndrome weight generator that provides an indication of a syndrome having a zero Hamming weight and to a detector that generates an indication of whether a selected component is zero. These indications are transmitted to a decoder. A determinant generator generates determinants that are combinations of selected components and a determinant weight generator determines a code indicating the Hamming weight of selected determinants. Such code is transmitted to the decoder. Discriminator and trace detectors generate additional signals determined from the components and determinants that are transmitted to the decoder.

Abstract: A toilet seat device and associated training method for pet animals that permit dual purpose use of a household toilet by both humans and pets, the toilet seat device comprising a toilet seat supported by a commode and having a plurality of shelf segments. The shelf segments are extendible to a protracted position to reduce the size of the central aperture of the toilet seat by a handle member operably connected to a cable and roller assembly which interconnects the shelf segments, and are automatically retractable in response to the weight of a human occupant on the toilet seat, or by manual manipulation of the handle member.