Abstract: A reconfigurable, multi-function data controller for use in a data storage system is selectively adaptable for use as a data channel adapter or a storage device adapter. The controller includes a data channel interface having at least one independent, bi-directional channel interface, for transmitting and receiving commands, data and status with one or more host computers. At least one memory interface transmits and receives commands and data to and from at least one high speed semiconductor memory unit. Additionally, a data storage interface controls and transmits data to and from one or more data storage devices such as a disk drive. A multi-function controller director is coupled to the data channel interface, the at least one memory interface, and the data storage device interface, for directing the reconfigurable multi-function data controller to function as either a data channel adapter or as a storage device adapter in response to selected commands received by the director.

Abstract: An auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member is disclosed which includes a helically or auger shaped outer region disposed about a longitudinal axis which passes through a central region of the member. The auger shaped outer region establishes at least one auger or helically shaped fluid medium engaging surface, which intercepts the flow of a fluid medium such as air or water, for effecting rotational movement of the fluid medium engaging member about its longitudinal axis. The auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member may be coupled to an electrical generator, for generating electrical energy upon rotational movement.

Abstract: A combined pick and slide holder for a stringed musical instrument is disclosed which includes a pick and slide holder body formed by first and second parallel major planer surfaces separated a predetermined distance, and establishing first and second pairs of parallel sides. One of the parallel sides of the first pair of parallel edges includes a pick holder compartment disposed inwardly from the side and extending between the first and second major planer surfaces, and including first and second pick holder compartment walls. A resilient pick holder member is disposed in the pick holder compartment and frictionally engages a plurality of stringed musical instrument picks in the compartment until forcibly removed by a user. The pick and slide holder also includes a slide holder member proximate the other parallel side of said first pair of parallel edges.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable call pacing system computes the average time a call spends on hold. An Average Hold Time is computed and dynamically updated by monitoring the number of current calls on hold and the amount of time by which current calls on hold exceed the average time on hold. Before adjusting the line activation time which controls the frequency at which idle telephone lines are released to a call initiator, the call pacing system determines the sum of the adjustments which have been previously made to the line activation time, and uses this sum to minimize large fluctuations in Average Hold Times.

Abstract: A system for electronically managing calls in a hold queue wherein the hold queue is prioritized into a number of priority categories according to user selectable priority criteria. As an operator becomes available, the system selectively assigns the calls on hold to an available operator in a sequential manner according to the priority category of the calls and the type of hold queue utilized.

Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable data storage system includes a plurality of storage system controllers, each of which is selectively operable at any given time as one of a channel adapter and a storage device adapter as established by commands received by each of the controllers. At least one semiconductor memory is coupled to the storage system controllers. Additionally, a data storage system director issues commands to each of the storage system controllers for establishing a first quantity of the system controllers as channel adapters, for transmitting and receiving at least data and commands to and from one or more host computers over a plurality of data communication channels. The data storage system director also establishes a second quantity of the storage system controllers as storage device adapters, for cotrolling data transfer to and from a plurality of data storage devices.

Abstract: A modular tool and hardgoods organizer and storage unit converts the interior of a bucket into a number of tool and hardgoods storage units. A plurality of bucket interior divider segments divides the interior of the bucket into a number of storage areas. At least one organizer and storage assembly is disposed within each one of the storage areas. The storage and organizer assemblies are movable between a first retracted position within the interior of the bucket and a second extended position to the exterior of the bucket. Each of the organizer and storage assemblies includes storage elements such as a tool holder having tool storage receptacles and a hardgoods storage compartment. The storage elements may be permanently coupled to the organizer and storage assemblies or the bucket interior divider segments. Alternatively, the storage elements may be slidably coupled by means of grooves or slots.

Abstract: A method for assuring data write integrity on a data storage device includes storing data in a temporary memory storage medium after receipt of the data and prior to writing the data to a storage device. After the data is written to a storage device, the data itself, or an error checking and correction code is read and compared with the original data or with the data error checking and correction code. If no error occurs, new data is received written, read and compared. If an error has occurred, the method re-writes the data to the same or a re-assigned location on the data storage device prior to writing, reading and comparing the data again. Thus, data is written and compared prior to removing the data from a temporary memory storage medium to assure data write integrity.

Abstract: A combination solar and wind powered generator including a wind generator, responsive to the flow of air currents, for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The wind generator includes a plurality of air spirally shaped engaging vanes which are rotatably supported by the wind generator, and operative for intercepting the flow of air currents for producing mechanical energy. The wind generator also includes an electric generator apparatus coupled to the plurality of air engaging vanes, for transforming the mechanical energy into a first source of electrical energy. A plurality of light sensitive cells, disposed proximate the spirally formed air engaging vanes, are adapted for transforming light energy into a second source of electrical energy. The spirally shaped air engaging vanes may include a plurality of surface deviations for altering the flow of air currents intercepted by the vanes and for directing light energy onto the light sensitive cells.