Abstract: A shock and vibration resistant hard disk drive has a plurality of fluid damping isolation devices disposed between the drive and a supporting frame. The isolation devices are capsules containing either gasses or liquids enclosed in a flexible membrane that spring back to its original shape after the shock or vibration event has transpired. Variation of fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and pressure allow for custom tuning of the vibration and shock performance. In addition, variation of membrane chemistry and thickness of the membrane also allows for further customization. A fuel cell is provided and the isolation devices may provide the energy source for the fuel cell.

Abstract: A magnetic storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic disk having a load zone and a data area; at least one head for reading from and writing to the magnetic disk; and a slider for supporting the head. The load zone is created by: creating a load zone marker on the disk, the load zone marker indicating a position of a load zone of the disk; reading the load zone marker for determining a position of the load zone on the disk; and storing the position of the load zone. The head is loaded on the load zone during subsequent load operations. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: A computer switching system is disclosed to include a switch for causing changing use of a portable computer keyboard and a portable computer mouse of a portable computer to use of the same by a non-portable computer, wherein the keyboard and mouse of the portable computer are utilized even when the portable computer is rendered inoperable.

Abstract: A system and method for loading a head onto a specified load zone of a disk includes reading positional index information for determining a position of a pre-specified load zone of a disk. When to load a head is determined based on the positional index information so that the head will load onto the load zone, the load zone having an arc of less than 360 degrees. The head is loaded from a ramp onto the load zone at the proper time.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for integrated vehicle stability control. Specifically, the hybrid drive system includes a multi-wheeled vehicle, a drop-in electric drive motor, and a master controller. The multi-wheeled vehicle is originally configured for propulsion using an internal combustion engine. That is, the present invention is suitable for powering legacy vehicles. The internal combustion engine capable of driving at least one wheel of the multi-wheeled vehicle. The remaining wheels of the multi-wheeled vehicle are not driven by the internal combustion engine. The drop-in electric drive motor is adapted to independently drive at least one remaining wheel on the multi-wheeled vehicle. The master controller is coupled to the drop-in electric drive motor. The master controller controls speeds of the remaining wheels driven by the electric drive motor to provide propulsion and overall stability management for the multi-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a disk to a spindle includes an annular spacer ring adapted to engage the disk and an annular clamp. The spacer ring is constructed at least in part of a plastic material. The clamp is constructed of a material having a modulus and stiffness greater than that of the spacer ring.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a disk to a spindle includes a lower layer adapted to engage the disk and an upper layer constructed of a material having a stiffness greater than that of the lower layer. The upper and/or lower layer has protrusions extending therefrom for mating with receiving areas of the other layer.

Abstract: A shock and vibration resistant hard disk drive has a plurality of fluid damping isolation devices disposed between the drive and a supporting frame. The isolation devices are capsules containing either gasses or liquids enclosed in a flexible membrane. Variation of fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and pressure allow for custom tuning of the vibration and shock performance.

Abstract: A sealed Hard Disk Drive filled with an inert gas mixture of air, helium, and/or nitrogen provides a wireless data encrypted interface to facilitate data and control transfer with a host system. The wireless interface additionally allows power transfer through Radio Frequency (RF) propagation or electromagnetic induction. Extended measures for vibration, shock, and temperature control are made possible through the use of the wireless interface. Immersion of the HDD into a viscous gel, or other damping material, provides vibration and shock control, while heating/cooling coils provide temperature control.

Abstract: A system and method for loading a head onto a specified load zone of a disk includes reading positional index information for determining a position of a pre-specified load zone of a disk. When to load a head is determined based on the positional index information so that the head will load onto the load zone, the load zone having an arc of less than 360 degrees. The head is loaded from a ramp onto the load zone at the proper time.

Abstract: A method and system for a beam projector having data manipulation capabilities. The beam projector includes a central processing unit integral with the beam projector, a memory portion coupled with the central processing unit and a signal-receiving portion coupled with the central processing unit. The signal-receiving portion for receiving data and providing the data to the central processing unit such that the central processing unit of the beam projector organizes the data into a viewable presentation without requiring input from a secondary computing device.

Abstract: A method and system for a beam projector having an audio capability device. The beam projector includes a central processing unit integral with the beam projector, a memory portion coupled with the central processing unit and an audio recognition portion coupled with the central processing unit. In so doing, the audio recognition portion is used for recognizing audible commands for the beam projector.

Abstract: An electrical test probe has a thermally activated, configurable shape probe tip. At low temperatures, the probe tip is in a generally hooked configuration. Upon heating, the probe tip is converted to a generally straight configuration. The probe tip is composed of a spring component bonded to a shape memory alloy component. The straight configuration allows placement of the probe between tightly spaced circuit pins, while the hooked configuration provides for tight gripping of a circuit pin during measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling a beam projector. The system includes a fluid reservoir proximal to a light-generating source of the beam projector, a heat pipe coupled with the fluid reservoir and a thermal mass coupled with the heat pipe. The fluid reservoir adapted for storing a low energy state fluid that changes to a higher energy state fluid when it absorbs a heat energy generated by the light-generating source. The heat pipe adapted for transmitting the higher energy state fluid. The thermal mass adapted for receiving and dissipating the heat energy released from the higher energy state fluid when it returns to a low energy state fluid.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver for produces and transmits signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive, where the enclosure includes a shock-proofing system.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver for produces and transmits signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive, where the enclosure includes sound-proofing materials.

Abstract: A method for measuring the clearance of a slider over a rotating disk by inducing a collision between the slider and the disk is described. After the normal flying height of the slider is established, the slider is driven into a collision with the rotating disk surface by applying a DC or AC voltage between the slider and the disk. The clearance data can be extracted from the induced collision by measuring a parameter, such as the change in the amplitude of the readback signal from the magnetic sensor, which is related to fly-height at the normal fly-height and at the disk surface. The two data points can then be used to derive the clearance. One embodiment uses a single beam interferometer to derive the vibrational displacement of the collision event.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver produces and receives signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive. An alert mechanism which is used to signal the user of medical and maintenance conditions is included.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes a primary disk drive and a secondary disk drive, where the secondary disk drive mirrors the primary disk drive. An enclosure surrounds at least one of the primary and secondary drives. A transmitter and receiver for produces and transmits signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the primary disk drive, and the secondary disk drive.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver produces and transmits signals, and include a GPS transmitter and a receiver for producing and receiving transmission signals in the radio frequency range, where the GPS sends satellite communication signals via the public GPS frequencies and protocol.