Abstract: Proper coverage of data tracks of a magnetic tape in a magnetic tape drive is ensured by providing a head assembly having a set of read heads configured such that at least one of the read heads reads a desired data track as the magnetic tape moves across the head assembly. At least one of the read heads reads the desired data track by creating lateral differential motion of the head assembly with respect to the longitudinally extending data tracks of the magnetic tape. The differential motion is either created by tracking irregularities between the head assembly and the magnetic tape or by dithering or wobbling the head assembly with respect to the magnetic tape. In operation, a controller selects one of the read data signals generated by the read heads to generate a read back signal. The read back signal is the read data signal from the at least one of the two read heads reading the desired data track.

Abstract: An ashtray assembly ashtray assembly adapted to be fixedly mounted to a wall of a building having a tube-like ashtray with a projection and an alignment fin, a locking nut, and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket has an elongated vertical slot through it sized to receive the ashtray projection and a coaxial elongated slot on its back surface sized to receive the locking nut. An alignment slot is located on the top surface of the mounting bracket. The projection is inserted through the first elongated vertical slot from the front surface of the mounting bracket and the locking nut is positioned over the projection from the rear surface of the mounting bracket and into the second elongated vertical slot. The assembly is then mounted to a wall or structure. In use, the alignment fin is in the alignment slot to prevent rotation of the assembly.

Abstract: Compression molded pigmented door skins fabricated by compression molding a pigmented, curable, unsaturated polyester sheet molding compound containing a co-curable unsaturated monomer, a low profile additive, and a microvoid-reducing thermoplastic polymer, exhibit uniform stainability while maintaining a low linear thermal coefficient of expansion. Such door skins are suitable for preparing wood grain textured exterior insulated doors which exhibit minimal thermal deflection when exposed to interior/exterior temperature differentials, even at eight foot door heights. The doors may be stained without first applying a seal coat.

Abstract: A read-write head positioning device and method of operation that provide coarse and fine positioning using only one actuator. The read-write head is mounted on a carriage. The carriage is resiliently mounted to a moving frame. The moving frame is slidably mounted to a fixed frame. A detent mechanism disposed between the fixed frame and moving frame provides coarse positioning of the moving frame in several discrete positions relative to the fixed frame. An actuator disposed between the fixed frame and carriage provides for fine positioning of the transducer. To change coarse positions, the actuator drives the carriage in the desired direction to engage a mechanical stop on the carriage with a stop abutment on the moving frame. The actuator then continues to drive the carriage and the moving frame in the desired direction causing the detent mechanism to release from its current coarse position.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting data among a plurality of cards in a crossbar interconnect network having a plurality of cards each having source paths and destination paths utilizes a plurality of source arbitrators and a plurality of destination arbitrators each associated with the cards. The source arbitrators generate connection request commands from the source paths requesting access to a desired destination path and broadcasts the request for receipt by all of the destination arbitrators. The destination arbitrator associated with the desired destination path captures the connection request command and processes the command based on whether or not the desired destination path is busy. If the desired destination path is not busy, the destination arbitrator generates a connection command requesting a connection be made between the source path and the desired destination path.

Abstract: Apparatus (20,120) for forming a heated glass sheet G is disclosed as including a vacuum mold (22,22a,122,122a) having a full surface (24,24a,124,124a) against which a peripheral mold (26,26a,126,126a) presses the glass sheet periphery and with which at least one vacuum reservoir (32,33) is communicated within the interior of the sealed glass sheet periphery to form the glass sheet to the shape of the vacuum mold surface. Valving (38) of a vacuum system (28) is preferably operable to provide the vacuum impulse in two stages with an initial limited extent of vacuum and a subsequent greater extent of vacuum by communication first with one vacuum reservoir (32) and subsequently with another vacuum reservoir (33). Different embodiments of the vacuum mold have the vacuum mold surface facing upwardly and downwardly with convex and concave shapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting an oven switch mounted in a retracted position that is engaged by a probe only when the oven door is closed. A post and a strap restrict access to the access entry, the strap forming a socket that receives an inserted projecting member and restricts its movement to a direction away from the direction of switch actuation. In the preferred embodiment, the strap is a resiliently five sheet metal strip mounted so that the unmounted end that is resiliently urged against the post restricting the access opening. Nevertheless, the access entry freely admits a probe, preferably carried by the door, that is resiliently biased to displacement in that direction and engages the retracted actuator arm of the retracted switch upon complete closure of the oven door.

Abstract: A method of providing bank transaction data for a merchant via the Internet includes displaying on a computer connected to a host a graphical user interface having a plurality of payment services categories. Each of the payment services categories is associated with a processing function performed by the host. One of the payment services categories is then selected. A graphical user interface having links associated with the selected one of the payment services categories is then displayed on the computer. One of the links is then selected. A graphical user interface having entry boxes associated with the selected one of the links is then displayed on the computer. Requested information is then entered into the entry boxes. The requested information entered into the entry boxes is then processed at the host. A graphical user interface having bank card transaction data associated with the processed requested information is then displayed on the computer.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods to control the resistance spotwelding process using an electric servomotor actuator to move the welding electrodes to the work and apply force to them. Measurements of actuator position, servomotor drive voltage, servomotor drive current, voltage across the welding electrodes, welding transformer primary current, welding transformer secondary current and power factor in the primary circuit of the welding transformer are used separately and in combination to determine various conditions such as identify defects in the welding machine, the electric cabling, the welding process and in the weld itself. Depending upon the defect found, the welding parameters are changed to overcome the defect, and/or the need for an additional weld is indicated and/or an error indication is generated.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for retrieving information through a browser connected to a network. A first file of information is received which includes a first mark-up language to identify contents of the information, which contents include site identifiers. The site identifiers corresponding for example to file locations on the Internet. The first file is displayed in a browser window. Responsive to receiving the first file of information by the browser, the first file of information is parsed by a jumper to generate a list of site identifiers. This list of site identifiers is then stored by the jumper and displayed in a jumper window. Responsive to an activation by the user, a computer is directed to perform the following steps. The jumper determines which of the stored site identifiers is currently selected and automatically selects the next. Next the jumper directs the browser to access the file at the site corresponding to automatically selected site identifier.

Abstract: A hammer drill has a motor which drives an axially displaceable intermediate gear mounted in an intermediate gear arrangement. An impact mechanism is formed by including interacting impact cams between either the intermediate gear and the housing, or the motor armature shaft and the housing to generate a reciprocating motion on an output spindle or shaft. A spindle locking mechanism is included which causes an intermediate gear to be disengageable with respect to the output shaft, while still permitting the impact mechanism to be engaged. Such an arrangement allows the hammer drill to operate in a hammer-only or chipping mode.

Abstract: Existing and new service provisioning capacity in an AIN is determined by calculating processor utilization. Existing service demand and component usage information is automatically acquired from the AIN. ISP service data and SCP configuration descriptions are updated as needed. For each new service modeled, a call processing record is developed. A time of day usage for each service is also entered. For each city in the region covered by the AIN, demand forecasts for each new service in the city is determined. Utilization is determined for SCPs, ISPs, and SPACE systems provisioning capacity.

Abstract: A system and method for decreasing the time required to complete a ratio change in an electronically enhanced powertrain system include independently controlling at least one engine-side retarding device and at least one transmission-side retarding device. The retarding devices are selectively actuated to increase the decay rate of the engine speed and/or transmission input shaft speed during an upshift. Engine-side retarding devices may include an engine brake or operation of various engine accessories to increase engine loading. Transmission-side retarding devices may include input shaft brake or driveline retarder.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a system for selectably oscillating at a first or a second oscillating frequency. The system comprises an oscillator for providing an oscillating output. Moreover, the system comprises a switching device for selecting a first or a second impedance in response to a select signal having a voltage. Each of the first and second impedances is fixed independently of the select signal voltage such that the oscillating output oscillates at the first oscillating frequency when the first impedance is provided and oscillates at the second oscillating frequency when the second impedance is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a seat back in a vehicle comprising an aluminum I-beam formed in a generally U-shaped configuration, and having opposing ends supported with respect to the vehicle for forming a seat back frame. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat back frame, comprising: a) extruding an aluminum I-beam; b) cutting the I-beam to a desired length; c) age-hardening the I-beam; and d) bending the I-beam into a substantially U-shaped configuration to form a vehicle seat back frame.

Abstract: A hand-held remote computer input peripheral is operable to be held by a human operator with one hand while both hands harmoniously manipulate a touch pad, function keys, and a click button provided with the input peripheral. The touch pad is positioned in a housing to be held by one hand while comfortably being addressed by the other hand, either with a finger or stylus, for controlling typical computer mouse functions and/or entering graphic images. The fingers of the hand holding the input peripheral rest naturally on the function keys and the click button such that keys and button can be activated simultaneously, or in conjunction with, activities of the hand manipulating the touch pad. The input peripheral is advantageously used in electronic meeting room applications having a computer and communication peripherals such as electronic white boards, presentation projectors, and video conferencing systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures containing pigments which comprise oriented three-dimensionally crosslinked substances having a liquid-crystalline structure with a chiral phase, and to the use of such mixtures. Pigment and matrix are matched to one another in such a way that on application of the mixture at different temperatures to a substrate, the lowest application temperature and highest application temperature differing by at least 10° C. and by not more than 150° C., there are no visually perceptible color differences of the pigmented paint on the substrate after drying.

Abstract: A system (10) for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location. The system (10) comprises a glove member (12) adaptable to be worn on a person's hand and an interface unit (20) in electrical communication with the glove member (12). The interface unit (20) is capable of transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location. The glove member (12) comprises a palm portion (1), a wrist portion (3) and five phalange portions (5-13). The glove member (12) further comprises an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse rate diagnostic device (54) and a temperature device (64). The glove member (12) may also further comprise a %02 diagnostic device (70) and an auscultation device (80).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for identifying an image feature of an object. The system preferably includes a machine vision system for capturing an original color image of the object in a first color space defined by a first set of color axes to obtain a first set of image data. The first set of image data is transformed within the machine vision system to a second set of image data in an optimal color space having an optimal set of color axes which define an optimal direction wherein the amount of inter axis correlation of the second set of image data is minimized. The machine vision system then manipulates the second set of image data to identify the image feature. Color differences existing in the original color image are amplified and separation between chromatically different regions of the original color image are maximized in the optimal color space. Preferably, the optimal set of color axes are three orthogonal axes. The first set of image data is rotated to match the optimal direction.