Abstract: A storage subsystem that utilizes power factor correction circuitry to solve an input current harmonics problem caused by one or more accessory units that are added to the storage subsystem. The circuit may be characterized as a boost AC/AC power converter and utilizes active current shaping to achieve a unity power factor. It utilizes pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) as a means of accomplishing this shaping. The modulation in the circuitry is controlled by a combination of an inner average-current loop and an outer voltage-control loop. Together, these control loops maintain a regulated output voltage while forcing the input current to be sinusoidal. Using such a circuit may eliminate the necessity of modifying either the power supply of accessory units or the rack electrical distribution system within the storage subsystem.

Abstract: Fuel cell based backup unit apparatus for storage subsystems are provided. With the apparatus, at least one fuel cell is provided as part of a fuel cell power generation array that is used to provide backup power to a storage subsystem of a computing device, such as a RAM cache. A regeneration mechanism is provided for regenerating the fuel in the at least one fuel cell. A logic and control module is provided for controlling the overall operation of the backup unit including determining when to provide backup power and when to initiate regeneration of the fuel cells. A DC/DC voltage conversion module may also be provided for converting a DC output from the fuel cell power generation array into an output useable by the storage subsystem.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method employing a magnetic proximity switch to enable the transfer of power between a power supply unit and a docking unit or to transfer data between a docking unit and a peripheral module such as a disk drive or controller module. Power may be transferred through the switch, or a signal from the switch may be employed to enable a control circuit. The control circuit may control a plurality of voltages or currents and may ramp voltages or currents to limit surge current when a module is installed or removed. The control unit may also be employed to place data and control signals in a high impedance state when a module is not docked, limiting electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that employs radio communication to transfer information between modular components removably installed in a cabinet such as may be employed for storage systems. Radio signals may be confined to the interior of the cabinet. Other radio signals may communicate from the cabinet to external monitoring equipment. A radio transceiver and antenna are provided as part of each modular component. A master unit may enumerate components, determine type, model, versions of components and may monitor operating conditions that may comprise voltage, current, temperature, fan rotation rate, data throughput and other variables. The master unit may process acquired information, may store information, or may transfer information to another system for processing.

Abstract: A communication system including a battery powered mobile service station is used to provide transactional support within a premises. The mobile service station includes a plurality of network devices that operate on a second wireless network, where at least one of the plurality of network devices participates on a first wireless network. In one embodiment, a network device participates as a slave device on the first wireless network and participates as a master device in the second wireless network. In another embodiment, a mobile service station includes a mobile network device that simultaneously operates over a wireless premises network and a wireless peripheral sub-network having a relatively shorter range than the wireless premises network. One or more peripheral devices communicate with the mobile network device in the peripheral sub-network. The mobile service station includes a battery power supply and may further include a peripheral device coupled to the battery.

Abstract: A latch for retaining moving parts on an enclosure service module (ESM) is provided. This latch comprises a retaining groove in the latch that holds a self-clinching standoff fastener attached to the ESM. A return spring is contained within a molded cavity in the latch, and an alignment groove in the latch is placed at one end of the return spring. The alignment groove guides an alignment pin on the ESM into a secure position, and the return spring applies pressure against the pin while the pin is in the alignment groove.

Abstract: An active heat sink uses a liquid coolant to transfer heat from a hot zone to a cool zone. The liquid coolant is propelled using a motor comprised of a plurality of external coils that are in magnetic communication with a plurality of magnets attached to a pump gear. The motor does not require any penetration of the liquid cavity. Further, the heat pump may have a temperature monitoring circuit to determine whether or not the pump should be activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cross ventilation technique for systems with redundant power supplies. Such systems may be fault tolerant, continuous uptime systems wherein a failed power supply may be replace while a system is running to ensure 100% uptime. The cross ventilation technique allows fans of a properly functioning power supply to aid in the ventilation of a neighboring power supply with a failed fan. The technique may allow a power supply with a failed fan to be functional for sufficient time such that an operator may replace the failed unit and restore the system to normal functionality. Further disclosed are methods for detection of failures and operation of the system in a degraded mode while awaiting service.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: A data communications device includes a base unit having a first microprocessor and a data and communication module received by the base unit that includes a second microprocessor and a transceiver. The data and communication module is selected from a plurality of data and communication modules each having different types of transceivers. A program is stored in one of the base unit and the data and communication module to control communication of control signals and data between the first microprocessor and the second microprocessor according to a uniform data protocol that is understandable to the base unit.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a hand-held data terminal has external electrical contact pads which mate with resilient contacts of a docking receptacle for the interchange of data and the supply of charging current to the terminal. The terminal may be loaded into and removed from the docking receptacle in a single motion with one hand. Keyboard and display of the terminal are fully accessible while in the docking receptacle. The terminal may be fully sealed and be completely free of the conventional pin and socket type electrical connector fittings at its exterior. Electrostatic discharge protection is provided by circuit components connected to the surface contact pads so that the sensitive electronic circuitry of the terminal is protected from electrostatic discharge transients.

Abstract: A hand-held data collection device with a user interface surface that is wider than its handgrip area. Also, a hand-held data collection device with an upwardly facing surface containing a user interface and a side surface containing a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can be held in one hand with a finger reaching the actuators. An opposite side surface can also contain a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can include combinations of a marker beam generator, an indicia reader, a display, a manually actuatable selector, a voice input and a digitizer. The indicia reader can be an optical reader or a radio frequency tag reader. Some of the actuators can have different shapes. The actuators can include an indicia reader actuator or a function selector. The data collection device can collect, for example, handwritten information, including signatures.

Abstract: A data collection system for use with a movable cart. The system has a portable data collection unit which may include an indicia reader, a wireless communication system or a user interface. The data collection unit can be removed from the cart and can remain operational when removed. When attached to the cart, the data collection unit can communicate with an output device contained within the boundaries of the cart. The output device can be a printer. The system can also include a mounting device which removably attaches the data collection unit to the cart. The mounting device can remain attached to the cart after removal of the data collection unit. The system can include an auxiliary device which can be removed from the cart for operation. For example, an auxiliary device can be a printer that can be removed from the cart along with the data collection unit.

Abstract: A computerized system for managing freight or the like which is picked up at various points and delivered to other various destinations, and more particularly to such a system which utilizes hand-held terminals, scanners and printers which are linked together by a micro link radio to each other and by a wide area network radio link to a main area station which can receive and transmit information to a plurality of sets of terminals, printers and the like for managing an overall freight system.

Abstract: A hand-held data processing system of modular structure includes a base unit that couples with a reader unit as well as other units. The other units can include display, printing, communication or other interface functionality. The base unit can also function when separate from the reader unit and the other units. The base unit can include an indicia reader or a display component. In addition, the base unit, reader unit and the other units can possess the capability of coupling with an accessory module such as a memory device, processor or microcomputer. The reader unit and the other units can include power supplies that can supply power to the base unit. Finally, a combined assembly of a base unit and a reader or other unit can be of a size that fits within a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A computer system providing for quick removal and quick and simple installation of a disk drive unit into the system. A latching and positioning arrangement provides releasable support for the disk drive unit and achieves automatic electric connections with the installation of the disk drive unit in the computer system.

Abstract: A computer system providing for quick and simple installation of a removable module, the module having a disk drive unit, a carrier and a connector, into a base unit. The module achieves automatic connection with the base unit in response to a loading force for moving the module into a final assembled position in the base unit wherein the connector of the module engages a connector in the base unit. All required electrical transmission paths between the disk drive unit of the module and the base unit are completed upon insertion of the module into its final assembled position in the base unit.