Abstract: Instant virtual copy operations are adapted for data objects that span storage boundaries such as logical and/or physical DASD subsystems. Initially, a data storage system receives a request to copy a data object contained in the system. The storage system includes multiple storage regions separated by storage boundaries. The regions may correspond to logical or physical DASD subsystems, for example. The storage system determines whether the data object resides in more than one of these regions. If so, the storage system divides the data object into multiple subparts, each subpart contained within a single storage region. Then, the storage system separately performs an instant virtual copy operation for each subpart. On the other hand, if the data object already resides in a single one of the regions, the storage system can perform one instant virtual copy operation for the data object as a whole.

Abstract: In a cache management system multiple cache lists are utilized, where each entry in a list names at least one corresponding data item in cache. A cache manager always demotes cache list entries from a “current removal list” (and demotes or destages the corresponding data items from cache) until that list is exhausted and another list rotates into the function of current removal list. A prescribed order is established for rotating the role of current removal list. In response to prescribed activities of data items in cache, new cache list entries are added nearer or farther from the current removal list according to the prescribed order and the data items' priorities.

Abstract: A thin film thermometer has multiple temperature sensors that individually appear within certain concealing features of the decal under different temperature ranges, otherwise blending into the concealing features and thereby disappearing into the design. Among other uses, this thermometer may be implemented as an adhesive bandage or refrigerator magnet, and may include special features such as a hologram, heat blocking backing, and ink-preserving adhesive tie coat. Also, enhanced visual effects are achieved through the coordinated multiple activation of temperature sensors.

Abstract: In a computing system with non-shareable resources, use-arbitrating processes are executed on behalf of each task seeking or having access to non-shareable resource. The processes compete according to prescribed rules and priority guidelines, the resolution of which determines access to the non-shareable resource. If application of the priority guidelines permits, a use-requesting task can institute takeaway of a resource from a task that is already using the resource.

Abstract: A method for finishing a pole tip trimmed read/write heat that includes a substrate with a pole tip structure having a shield, a shield/pole, and an outer pole. A gap region separates the pole and the shield/pole. First, pole tip trimming is performed to the read/write head to remove matter from the shield/pole, the pole, and the gap region. This defines a bridge composed of inward-facing extensions of the pole and shield/pole interconnected by an intervening region. This bridge separates recessed “trenches,” each formed by removing a contiguous mass from the shield/pole, the gap region, and the pole. Next, an overlayer is applied over the pole tip structure, filling the recessed trenches. The coated structure is then trimmed to remove all coating material overlying the shield/pole and pole. Trimming is continued to additionally remove a top layer of the protrusions of the pole and shield/pole to remove any rounded edges created by pole tip patterning, resulting in a more distinct write head.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus produces defined lengths of meat or other filling materials for taquitos, enchiladas, burritos, and other rolled, wrapped, or folded tortilla foods. This apparatus includes a small, upper, filling conveyor that operates in parallel with a large, lower, tortilla conveyor. Other components include an extruder, nozzle, cutter, and various sensors that produce output signals indicating tortilla and filling position. Encoders are also provided to represent position and/or movement of at least the upper conveyor. According to the sensor outputs, a controller regulates operation of the upper conveyor, extruder, and cutter to produce and then accurately deposit segments of filling material upon tortillas as they pass by upon the lower conveyor. As needed, the controller (1) advances, reversed, and/or stops the upper conveyor, (2) directs the pump to start/stop filling production, and (3) regulates the cutter to cut extruded filling material.

Abstract: A backup copy of a source data volume is created by first performing an instant virtual copy with source volume identifier (ID) suspended, then creating a physical tape backup copy from the instant virtual copy with the source volume ID being reintroduced. This creates an exact duplicate of the source volume with minimal impact on access to the source volume. Moreover, the resultant backup copy is less costly and error prone because it is created by a machine-automated process rather than various commands issued by a system administrator. In addition, by differentiating the volume IDs during intermediate copy steps, the invention is more fault tolerant since failure of the storage subsystem will not result in source and a temporary copy having confusingly indistinguishable volume IDs.

Abstract: A computer-driven file management technique is applied to a distributed file system with multiple storage “aggregates” to improve file distribution, user access, server workload, and the like. For a first aggregate, a recognition module analyzes file contents of all aggregates, plans a set of physical data movement operations to configure data stored upon a first one of the aggregates according to certain prescribed “goals,” and buffers the planned physical data movement operations. The planned set of physical data movement operations constitute a “virtual” data move. The reviewing, planning, and buffering operations are repeated for all remaining aggregates in the distributed file system. However, each repeated reviewing operation considers the file contents of the aggregates as if all previous virtual data moves had actually been performed. Asynchronously with the storage analysis and reconfiguration planning, the system processes the action buffer.

Abstract: A power saving method and apparatus while maintaining an operational or near-operational state for computer memory disk drives. A microprocessor implements microcode instructions to determine if a disk drive is inactive. This is done by checking a control unit through an interface to see if any files are currently opened or data is being transferred by the disk device. If no files are opened and/or no data transfers are occurring, the drive is considered inactive. If the inactive period continues for a period of time which is greater than a predetermined reference activity level, then actions are taken to reduce the rotational velocity of the drive spindle motor to its lowest operational level, or just below the lowest operational level without stopping the disk. The spindle motor is accessed by the microprocessor through a spindle motor control unit.

Abstract: A data storage system stores data with a corresponding encapsulated metadata token in cache and/or base storage to protect against recalling stale data from base storage in the event of a cache failure and subsequent cache miss. A controller is coupled to a cache, base storage, and token database. After receiving a data object and associated write request, the controller assigns a version code to the data object. If the data object already exists, the controller advances the data object's version code. A token, including the version code along with other items of metadata, is encapsulated for storage. Then, the controller stores the data object and encapsulated token in cache and/or base storage and updates the token database to cross-reference the data object with its version code.

Abstract: In an expeditious approach to transmitting updated data objects from one computing site to another, a transmitting site compares an updated data object with its previous version, and only includes the changed subparts in its transmission to the receiving site. The data object is therefore sent in a compacted state. The transmitting site also sends a map showing the changed subparts's relative positions within the entire data object. The receiving site retrieves a locally stored previous version of the data object, and combines the data object's unchanged subparts with the changed subparts recently sent by the transmitting site.

Abstract: When a primary data storage subsystem receives updates for local storage and mirroring at a counterpart secondary storage subsystem, the primary subsystem institutes device-specific, fairness-driven update blocking to avoid overrunning the primary subsystem's update buffer with updates destined for any one device. Broadly, the primary subsystem first receives update requests, then logs the updates in an update buffer, then stores the logged updates in primary storage, and finally copies the updates to the secondary storage subsystem. Each update request includes update data and also identifies a targeted logical device, physical device, or other subpart of primary storage. The primary subsystem maintains a counter or other update activity indicator that represents update activity for each storage subpart, such as the number of updates stored in the buffer. For each update request, the primary subsystem determines whether target subpart's update activity exceeds a prescribed level.

Abstract: A data storage library features multipurpose slots each configured to receive a media drive (operable to read/write data from/to media removably loaded into the media drive) a command relay port (operable to convey media transport signals from a host to a shared robotic media transport device), or various other modules. The robotic device is programmed to recognize whether each slot is empty or whether it is filled with a component such as a media drive or a command relay port, and to thereafter communicate with the occupant appropriately.

Abstract: An “active” calendar automatically analyzes a user's calendar entries and sends machine-readable messages to destinations appropriate to content of the calendar entry. A group of event categories is established, each category specifying one class of anticipated calendar entry. An action rule database pre-associates each event category with one or more message formats each having a content and a destination. The action rule database also contains data identifying sources containing the content and destination for each message format. These sources include records of the action rule database itself, subparts of calendar entries of the pre-associated event category, one or more other databases, or a combination of the foregoing. After the calendar receives a user-submitted computer calendar entry describing a planned event, it identifies one of the event categories of the established group that classifies the planned event.

Abstract: A location-centric library host manages cartridge movement according to functional storage addresses and functional I/O addresses. In reality, the library has multiple data storage cartridge receiving slots, which include physical I/O slots and physical storage slots. In contrast with the physical I/O slots and physical storage slots, functional I/O addresses and functional storage addresses are virtual locations used by the host in managing cartridge locations. Thus, host knowledge of cartridge locations is limited to their functional addresses. The library includes a library map that correlates functional addresses with physical addresses. The library automatically empties new cartridges from the physical I/O slots into physical storage slots, using various steps. First, the library hardware automatically recognizes external placement of cartridges into the physical I/O slots.

Abstract: A particularly efficient storage system makes redundant copies of data on tape by waiting until a rewind/unload command is received and then copying stored data objects en masse, thereby benefitting from any data compression used to store the objects along with the lower overhead for the copy operation. This copy operation is more efficient than the data objects' original storage, because there is less overhead in copying the data objects en masse; also, there is less data to copy if the data objects were stored with any data compression. Efficiency may be further increased by dividing the task of originally writing the data objects between paired tape drives, and then exchanging data objects between the tape drives upon issuance of the rewind/unload command.

Abstract: A track following servo system is disclosed for use with magnetic tape systems in which magnetic servo track patterns contain transitions recorded at more than on azimuthal orientation across the width of the servo track. The timing of a signal derived from reading at any point across the width of such a pattern varies continuously as the read head is moved across the servo track. The pattern is read by a servo read head whose width is small compared to the servo track pattern. The combination of a wide servo pattern and a narrow servo read head offers excellent position sensing linearity and dynamic range. In the preferred embodiment, the servo read head is also narrow with respect to the data tracks, which provides the additional advantages of superior immunity to position sensing errors caused by defects or temporal variations in the servo read head, defects in the servo pattern on the tape, wear of the head or tape, or debris collection on the head or tape.

Abstract: A disk drive storage enclosure includes one cooling path for storage media and a separate cooling path for non-drive storage support equipment such as controller hardware, power supplies, circuit memory, processors, etc. Within the enclosure, storage media are stored up front, with non-drive storage support equipment stored at rear. The storage media and non-drive equipment are separated by a central ventilating chamber. In one cooling path, intake air enters the storage media from the enclosure's front face, then passes into the central ventilating chamber before exhausting through the chamber's side wall. A separate cooling path serves the non-drive storage support equipment. In this path, intake air passes laterally through the non-drive storage support equipment. The cooling paths are driven by fan assemblies, which may include redundant fan units with shutoff gates that are automatically activated if a fan unit fails to prevent back flow.

Abstract: In a data storage system that employs multiple storage drives to access removable data storage media, idle data storage media are analyzed and than selectively demounted by automated equipment to increase storage drive availability and also minimize unnecessary mount/demount operations. Initially, the system establishes a maximum permitted number of concurrently mounted idle storage media, and also establishes a maximum permitted length of time for leaving idle storage media mounted. Next, storage media mounted to the media drives are analyzed for possible demounting. The system determines how many storage media are presently mounted, and each media's mount time. Then, the system identifies suitable demounting candidates (if any) to comply with the established maximums.

Abstract: A data management system responds to migration requests by automatically invoking a shortcut migration process for suitable candidates. Suitability of candidate data is efficiently evaluated using, among other considerations, the presence or absence of an expedited access indicator for the data which is previously set when the data is recalled from backup storage. In the shortcut migration process, the system automatically reconnects a previously migrated copy of the data object, if available.