Abstract: A media stackloader processes removable data storage media such as optical disks, magnetic diskettes, or tape media. The stackloader removably couples to a storage drive, such as by plugging into a slot of the host computer. The stackloader has a plug portion integral with a housing portion, the plug portion plugging into the host computer and the housing portion housing a magazine containing the removable media. The stackloader includes a device for moving the magazine vertically within the housing to align selected cartridges with an opening in one of the drives of the personal computer. After the cartridge is aligned, a device is employed for moving the cartridge horizontally into the drive for processing and, after processing, for withdrawing the cartridge from the drive back into the magazine. A locking mechanism selectively locks and unlocks the cartridges to prevent improper removal of cartridges from the magazine.

Abstract: Various data storage formats help to efficiently locate, read, and write user data stored on magnetic tape media. A tape is formatted by writing multiple segment-headers, free from any interleaved access of user data. Adjacent segment-headers are spaced by a predetermined interval to define multiple data storage segments. Segment-headers all contain a unique key, which is copied into a key index to identify valid segments. After formatting, normal tape accesses can be performed. Without erasing any old headers or data, a new formatting scheme can be established by writing new segment-headers on the tape. The new segment-headers include a new unique key, replacing the previous key in the key index. Previous segment-headers stored on the tape are ignored, since they lack the updated key. Segments may be selectively grouped to provide independently addressable partitions. Mapping between segments and partitions can use a fixed relationship (e.g.

Abstract: A system for managing data storage devices of a data storage subsystem. A data storage system includes a controller coupled to multiple data storage devices. In response to a request, the controller allocates the devices' storage space into a number of storage partitions or "virtual devices." The request specifies the size and function mode for each storage partition. Each storage partition, having the requested size, is operated according to its requested function mode. This involves mapping access commands, which specify virtual addresses, to the proper physical addresses of the appropriate data storage devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated sectionalization of a DS1/DS3 data path based upon information received at a single location along the path. A test and monitor device is located at a point of demarcation between an LEC and an IEC. A Remote Module is located at a point of demarcation between the LEC and CPE. The test and monitor device is fully ANSI compatible. The information that is received is processed in a three step process in order to generate a "Sectionalizer Report". In preparing the Sectionalizer Report, the information output from a filter is used to determine where particular Events originated. An Alarm Indication Signal-Customer Installation signal is generated to enhance the ability to sectionalize the data path.

Abstract: A belt drive tube feeder for use in a surface mount placement system (SMPS) reliably advances a sequence of parts fed from a tube at a determinable sequential rate to a pick location on a belt assembly that includes one or more intermittently driven endless belts. Intermittent movement of the belts moves the parts along a track past a foot to the pick location. One part at a time is advanced to the pick location, with its immediate adjacent neighbor being clamped by the foot prior to the part being picked.

Abstract: A generally planar mounting plate is formed to slidingly receive at least one mounting strap for supporting the plate between two adjacent wall studs. A mounting dish overlies a first side of the mounting plate. A valve, such as an angle stop valve or a gate valve, is secured to the mounting plate and mounting dish utilizing a cylindrical hollow adapter and a nut. The adapter has a female threaded forward end which is screwed over the male threaded shank of the valve. The adapter has a male threaded rearward end that extends through a hole in the base of the dish and a hole in an intermediate region of the mounting plate. A nut is screwed over the rearward end of the adapter to squeeze the mounting dish and the mounting plate between a shoulder of the adapter and the nut. A detachable outer cover is provided for frictionally engaging an internal wall of the dish for enclosing and protecting the valve during installation and finishing of the surrounding drywall.

Abstract: A gray code is provided for use with disk servo track identification encodement that preserves the gray code property of only a single digit changing state between two numbers in the code sequence and also preserves magnetization between code numbers while only requiring a single bit for encoding each code value by recording a single pad bit before the gray code bits. By proper selection of the sign of the pad bit and the gray code numbering sequence, the gray code encodement scheme uses n+1 code bits for an n-bit gray code. The efficiency of the gray code encodement can be enhanced by splitting the track identification number to be recorded into multiple fields and then recording only the low order bits sufficient to identify a track within the maximum estimated error of the servo head on every track and otherwise alternating the high and low middle order bit fields with the low order bit field. A run-length limiting feature also can be provided.

Abstract: A media stackloader for processing media in one or more drives of a personal computer is provided where the stackloader plugs into a half slot or full slot (51/4) inch of the personal computer. The stackloader has a plug portion which is integral with a housing portion, the plug portion plugging into the slot and the housing portion housing a magazine which contains media, such as optical disk cartridges. The stackloader is provided with a device for moving the magazine vertically within the housing to align selected cartridges with an opening in one of the drives of the personal computer. After the cartridge is aligned, a device is employed for moving the cartridge horizontally into the drive for processing and, after processing, for withdrawing the cartridge from the drive back into the magazine. A device is provided for locking and unlocking the cartridges, the operator unlocking the cartridges when it is desired to remove from or add cartridges to the magazine.

Abstract: A system and method employing logic coupled to a groupware document server and a backup server for enabling back up and restore of a document stored in a document database on the groupware server. The logic is configured with means for restoring an existing document in the groupware document database and also for restoring a document in the database that is marked as being unopenable. The logic is further configured for either restoring a single existing document in the database or a plurality of documents.

Abstract: A lapping method and device for lapping magnetic heads to provide an air bearing surface with improved surface quality including increased smoothness, reduced rolloff, and reduced recession. The lapping machine includes a lapping plate having a grinding surface, a linear motion mechanism for moving the ABS over the grinding surface in a first, linear direction, and a micro-advance mechanism for controllably advancing the workpiece over the grinding surface in a second direction that is preferably perpendicular. The lapping method comprises affixing the unfinished magnetic head proximate to the lapping plate and depositing an abrasive slurry on the grinding surface. An initial rough lapping stage is performed, including moving the grinding surface so that the workpiece is lapped to a first predetermined target specification.

Abstract: A spin valve sensor structure for a magnetic read head is provided which employs first and second spin valve sensors separated by an insulative gap layer. Each spin valve sensor has a spacer layer sandwiched between a pinned layer and a laminated free layer. The magnetic orientations of the pinned layers are pinned in the same direction by first and second antiferromagnetic layers. The first laminated free layer includes a very thin ruthenium (Ru) layer sandwiched between first and second ferromagnetic free layers and the second laminated free layer includes a second very thin ruthenium (Ru) layer sandwiched between third and fourth ferromagnetic free layers. The second ferromagnetic free layer is thicker than the first ferromagnetic free layer and the third ferromagnetic free layer is thicker than the fourth ferromagnetic free layer.

Abstract: A significantly thinner boron carbide overcoat layer is provided for a magnetic disk which has the same durability as thicker prior art overcoat layers for protecting an underlying magnetic layer. By employing adhesion layers selected from the group consisting of Ge, Ru, WTiSi, WTi, Si, and Y between the magnetic layer and the overcoat layer, the durability of the overcoat layer is significantly increased over a single overcoat layer of B4C. Certain process steps in the making of the B4C overcoat layer still further enhance the durability of the B4C overcoat layer by maintaining the disk or substrate specimen at a floating potential in a plasma chamber and employing low levels of argon pressure and sputtering wattage.

Abstract: Images in an image database are searched in response to queries which include the visual characteristics of the images such as colors, textures, shapes, and sizes, as well as by textual tags appended to the images. Queries are constructed in an image query construction area in response to values of representations of the visual characteristics and to locations of the representations in the image query construction area.

Abstract: The invention provides approximation of the value of a function of three variables. The invention embraces three processes: function domain packing, polyhedron extraction, and volumetric interpolation. The processes are applied to a mathematical function to calculate an approximation for the function range output value at a point which has been arbitrarily selected from the input domain of the function. Function domain packing utilizes two interlocked domain subdivisions. A first subdivision and a second subdivision each divide the domain space into rectangular solids. Each subdivision is accomplished by means of a plurality of planes of constant value corresponding to each of the input dimensions. After a function domain has been so subdivided, a tetrahedral volume is extracted from the fraction domain space. This tetrahedral volume is defined by two points from the first subdivision and two points from the second subdivision.

Abstract: A real-time waveform analysis system utilizes neural networks to perform various stages of the analysis. The signal containing the waveform is first stored in a buffer and the buffer contents transmitted to a first and second neural network which have been previously trained to recognize the start point and the end point of the waveform respectively. A third neural network receives the signal occurring between the start and end points and classifies that waveform as comprising either an incomplete waveform, a normal waveform or one of a variety of predetermined characteristic classifications. Ambiguities in the output of the third neural network are arbitrated by a fourth neural network which may be given additional information which serves to resolve these ambiguities.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor design and fabrication process that provides improved microtrack profile linearity for servo elements while simultaneously providing stable and linear data sensing elements suitable for high density tape head applications. The stability and uniformity of both data and servo sensor elements is enhanced through the use of a grating profile under both the soft film biased magnetoresistive sensor layer and the hard bias stabilizing magnets. Processing steps are eliminated by replicating the grating pattern for the servo sensor elements through a thick layer of alumina or silicon dioxide. The outer read shield is removed from the servo elements using a stripping process that eliminates structural damage arising from alumina pinhole's. Both element types are free of significant Barkhausen noise and instability because of the grating-stabilized domains in both the active magnetoresistive regions and the passive hard-biasing regions of each sensor.

Abstract: A universal pipe hanger strap for hanging a pipe to a building structure comprises an elongated flexible strap for encircling a pipe, the strap having first and second ends and a plurality of ratchet teeth along at least the sides thereof, a ratchet buckle on the first end of the strap for receiving the second end of the strap, and having latching pawls latchingly engaging the teeth, and a universal attachment bracket spaced intermediate the first and second ends, the attachment bracket having a plurality of slots for receiving a hanger bar in multiple orientations, and a bore for receiving a hanger rod.