Abstract: Slide assemblies that include at least an inner slide segment and an outer slide segment. Many of the slide assemblies also include an intermediate slide segment interposed between the inner slide segment and the outer slide segment. The inner and outer slide segments include a plurality of rollers separated into upper rows and lower rows. The slide assembly can also include lock arrangements to secure individual slide segments in desired positions relative to one another. The slide assemblies preferably include mounting brackets, which, in some arrangements, include mounting pin assemblies capable of use with at least three mounting hole sizes or shapes.

Abstract: Slide assemblies that include at least an inner slide segment and an outer slide segment. Many of the slide assemblies also include an intermediate slide segment interposed between the inner slide segment and the outer slide segment. The inner and outer slide segments include a plurality of rollers separated into upper rows and lower rows. The slide assembly can also include lock arrangements to secure individual slide segments in desired positions relative to one another. The slide assemblies preferably include mounting brackets, which, in some arrangements, include mounting pin assemblies capable of use with at least three mounting hole sizes or shapes.

Abstract: A slide assembly with a self-closing mechanism that includes a dampening mechanism. In one arrangement, the slide assembly includes an inner slide segment slidably coupled to an outer slide segment. The self-closing mechanism is configured to move the inner slide segment towards a retracted position when the inner segment is moved to within a predetermined distance from the retracted position. The slide assembly can also include a latch which is engaged during the closing process and functions to trigger the self-closing and dampening. In an arrangement, the slide assembly has a maximum width dimension of about 0.4 inches or less, taking into account normal manufacturing variations. In an arrangement, a movable portion of the self-closing mechanism slidably engages a bearing race of the outer segment.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting a slide assembly to a rack having any one of multiple hole standards. The bracket includes a first portion defining a first surface that contacts the rack and a second portion that defines a second surface that contacts the rack. The first portion and the second portion cooperate to capture a portion of the rack therebetween. The bracket further includes a first projection sized and shaped to engage a first rack hole standard and a second projection sized and shaped to engage a second rack hole standard. The bracket may also include additional projections configured to engage additional hole standards.

Abstract: A slide assembly with a self-closing mechanism that includes a dampening mechanism. In one arrangement, the slide assembly includes an inner slide segment slidably coupled to an outer slide segment. The self-closing mechanism is configured to move the inner slide segment towards a retracted position when the inner segment is moved to within a predetermined distance from the retracted position. The slide assembly can also include a latch which is engaged during the closing process and functions to trigger the self-closing and dampening. In an arrangement, the slide assembly has a maximum width dimension of about 0.4 inches or less, taking into account normal manufacturing variations. In an arrangement, a movable portion of the self-closing mechanism slidably engages a bearing race of the outer segment.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting a slide assembly to a rack having any one of multiple hole standards. The bracket includes a first portion defining a first surface that contacts the rack and a second portion that defines a second surface that contacts the rack. The first portion and the second portion cooperate to capture a portion of the rack therebetween. The bracket further includes a first projection sized and shaped to engage a first rack hole standard and a second projection sized and shaped to engage a second rack hole standard. The bracket may also include additional projections configured to engage additional hole standards.

Abstract: A method useful to change a system's output from one value to another within a prescribed time-interval in an optimal manner using optimization criteria such as minimal time (e.g., to increase throughput) or minimal energy (e.g., to reduce heat dissipation and reduce induced vibrations). Optimal design of maneuvers (such as fast seek and scanning) that rapidly change the output from one value to another, arise in flexible structure applications, including rapidly positioning the end-point of large-scale space manipulators, positioning of read/write heads of disk-drive servo systems, which are relatively medium-scale flexible structures, and nano-scale positioning and manipulation using relatively small-scale piezo actuators. Maintaining a position of an element constant outside of the transition time-interval is critical in many applications.

Abstract: A method useful to change a system's output from one value to another within a prescribed time-interval in an optimal manner using optimization criteria such as minimal time (e.g., to increase throughput) or minimal energy (e.g., to reduce heat dissipation and reduce induced vibrations). Optimal design of maneuvers (such as fast seek and scanning) that rapidly change the output from one value to another, arise in flexible structure applications, including rapidly positioning the end-point of large-scale space manipulators, positioning of read/write heads of disk-drive servo systems, which are relatively medium-scale flexible structures, and nano-scale positioning and manipulation using relatively small-scale piezo actuators. Maintaining a position of an element constant outside of the transition time-interval is critical in many applications.