Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing the storage of data in a cache memory by placing pending read requests for sequential data in a dedicated read ahead stream control (RASC) data structure, and further configured for dynamically switching both ways, in response to data stored in the RASC, between speculative non-requested read ahead data streaming to read behind stream locking on the read requests in the RASC.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting a reference pattern in a transmitted bit sequence. A duration of a search window used to detect the reference pattern is adaptively adjusted in relation to a previous detection of the pattern. This is preferably carried out by using a first search window to initially detect the pattern, and then adjusting the first search window to provide a second search window to subsequently detect the pattern. Preferably, the search window is an elapsed period of time during which a transducer is swept adjacent a storage medium to detect the reference pattern. Servo data are preferably written as a sequence of adjacent spiral servo patterns, and the reference pattern is preferably detected each time to determine the relative location of the most recently written spiral. Preferably, a larger search window is used for initial spirals and a smaller search window is used for subsequently written spirals.

Abstract: A standing seam roof assembly is formed by overlapping adjacent panels, the female sidelap portion of one panel forming a male insertion cavity to receive a male sidelap portion of a second panel. Restraining mechanisms prevent relative in-plane movement between the first and second sidelaps, including connecting selected male and female leg members to prevent in-plane movement there between. In a preferred embodiment, the female sidelap has a hook portion forming a female retaining groove and the male sidelap has a male tab member, and in the assembled mode, the male tab member is disposed in the female retaining groove, and the female and male sidelaps are folded so the hook portion of the female sidelap and the male tab member are tightly brought into pressing engagement to form the standing seam between the first and second panels.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a vehicle transport apparatus are provided. An exemplary method of making the vehicle transport apparatus includes at least the steps of providing a beam with a kingpin attached on each a proximal and distal end, linking a single and only axle in vertical and horizontal sliding support of the beam, wherein the beam adjusts vertically relative to the axle, and the axle adjusts horizontally relative to the beam, and wherein the beam is unsupported by the single and only axle during at least one operating mode of the beam, attaching a guide post to the axle, securing a vertical slide member to the beam and in sliding contact with the guide post, and interposing a vertical position control apparatus between the vertical slide member and the axle, the vertical position control apparatus controlling the vertical position of the beam relative to the axle.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for collecting debris from a tool, wherein programming instructions are stored in memory and executed by a machine tool controller, and wherein the controller is responsive to an intermittent debris collect signal in altering an operative path of the tool in order to engage the tool with a debris collecting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided with a virtualization engine connected to a remote device over a network for passing access commands between the remote device and a storage space. The data storage system also has a plurality of intelligent storage elements that are uniquely addressable by the virtualization engine for passing the access commands, wherein the intelligent storage elements are configured for migrating data from a first intelligent storage element to a second intelligent storage element independently of access commands being simultaneously passed between the virtualization engine and the first intelligent storage element.

Abstract: Preferably, a motorcycle valve spring removal tool includes a motorcycle engine operatively mounted and secured to a frame of a motorcycle, and a valve spring compression tool secured to the motorcycle engine for use in removing a valve spring of the motorcycle engine while the cylinder head remains torqued to the cylinder, and the motorcycle engine remains mounted and secured within the motorcycle frame. In a preferred embodiment, the valve spring compression tool includes a base plate supporting a stud reception member that provides a threaded stud attachment aperture, in which a corresponding threaded stud is secured. Also included in the preferred embodiment is a compression plate interacting with the threaded stud and a force transfer component, preferably a threaded nut, also interacting with the stud to impart a compression force on the valve spring to achieve a predetermined level of compression of the valve spring.

Abstract: Preferably, a tire inflation system includes a hub cap secured to a wheel attached to an axle of a vehicle, which provides a source of pressurized air. The tire inflation system preferably includes a rotary union assembly with a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion, the rotating portion attachable to the exterior of the hub cap for rotation with the hub cap. The non-rotating portion preferably includes a stationary shaft in fluid communication with the source of pressurized air, the stationary shaft defining an air passage therethrough which participates in conducting pressurized air to the tire. An end of the stationary shaft preferably provides a first bearing surface and a housing is rotatably mounted thereon for rotation with the hub cap. The rotating portion preferably includes a rotary member rotating with the housing, the rotary member defining a second bearing surface disposed in abutment with the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A lift member safety latch combination is disclosed. The lift member safety latch combination has a lift member that supports a drive mechanism and an actuator that is positioned adjacent to the drive mechanism. The lift member safety latch combination also has a confinement member that is in sliding communication with the lift member. The confinement member's position is responsive to the drive mechanism and has a state that is responsive to the actuator.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell with a programmable unipolar switching element, and a method of programming the memory element are disclosed. In some embodiments, the memory cell comprises a programmable bipolar resistive sense memory element connected in series with a programmable unipolar resistive sense switching element. The memory element is programmed to a selected resistance state by application of a selected write current in a selected direction through the cell, wherein a first resistance level is programmed by passage of a write current in a first direction and wherein a second resistance level is programmed by passage of a write current in an opposing second direction. The switching element is programmed to a selected resistance level to facilitate access to the selected resistance state of the memory element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for write current compensation in a non-volatile memory cell, such as but not limited to spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM) or resistive random access memory (RRAM). In accordance with some embodiments, a non-volatile memory cell has a resistive sense element (RSE) coupled to a switching device, the RSE having a hard programming direction and an easy programming direction opposite the hard programming direction. A voltage boosting circuit includes a capacitor which adds charge to a nominal non-zero voltage supplied by a voltage source to a node to generate a temporarily boosted voltage. The boosted voltage is applied to the switching device when the RSE is programmed in the hard programming direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for decoding addresses of control lines in a semiconductor device, such as a solid state memory (SSM). In accordance with some embodiments, a switching circuit includes an array of switching devices coupled to 2N output lines and M input lines, wherein M and N are respective non-zero integers and each output line has a unique N-bit address. A decoder circuit coupled to the switching circuit divides the N-bit address for a selected output line into a plurality of multi-bit subgroup addresses, and asserts the M input lines in relation to respective bit values of said subgroup addresses to apply a first voltage to the selected output line and to concurrently apply a second voltage to the remaining 2N-1 output lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing data, particularly in regard to non-volatile memory cells. In some embodiments, at least two actuating conductors are at least partially surrounded by a main ferromagnetic core and an adjacent hard magnet. When current is conducted through the actuating conductors, a flexible beam is induced to traverse a first air gap that defines a high resistance position and a low resistance position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading data from a non-volatile memory cell. In some embodiments, a cross-point array of non-volatile memory cells is arranged into rows and columns that are each controlled by a line driver. A read circuit is provided that is capable of reading a logical state of a predetermined memory cell by differentiating a non-integrated first reference value from a non-integrated second reference value. Further, each reference value is measured immediately after configuring the column corresponding to the predetermined memory cell to produce a first and second amount of current.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing overcurrent protection to a resistive random access memory (RRAM) cell during an RRAM formation process used to prepare the cell for normal read and write operations. In accordance with various embodiments, the RRAM cell is connected between a first control line and a second control line, and an active protection device (APD) is connected between the second control line and an electrical ground terminal. A formation current is applied through the RRAM cell, and an activation voltage is concurrently applied to the APD to maintain a maximum magnitude of the formation current below a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for constructing and operating an integrated circuit in an electronic device. In some embodiments, a generic service layer is integrated in a three dimensional integrated circuit and tested using a testing pattern stored in a non-volatile memory. The generic service layer is reconfigured to a permanent non-testing functional component of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap, and a lubrication trap axially aligned with the axle, supporting the rotary union and secured to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap for rotation with the hubcap. In another embodiment, a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap, and a bushing axially aligned with the axle and disposed between the rotary union and the hubcap.

Abstract: A compact lawn mower that includes at least a shroud positioned a fixed distance from a lawn, by a common rear axle extended between and supported by a pair of rear wheels, is provided. The exemplary embodiment further includes a motor adjustment member confined within and supported by the shroud. The motor adjustment member interacts with a motor, which includes a cutting member attached to a motor shaft of the motor. By manipulating the motor adjustment member, the height of the cutting member relative to the ground surface is set. That is, the motor adjustment member is rotated in a first direction to move the motor closer to the lawn, and in the opposite direction to move the motor further from the lawn, allowing the grass to be cut to a desired length, while the shroud remains a fixed distance from the lawn.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a printed structure of a flex circuit assembly includes a plurality of adjacent land portions formed on a heat conductive stiffener member and which support electrically conductive paths for connection to an integrated circuit. A corresponding plurality of separation channels are formed between the adjacent electrically conductive paths, and thermal energy generated by operation of the integrated circuit is transferred through the separation channels to the stiffener member. In some embodiments, the separation channels retain a fluid, such as air or a low density inert gas, which flows through the separation channels in response to rotation of a rotatable member adjacent the flex circuit assembly. In other embodiments, a dielectric, thermally conductive material fills the separation channels.