Abstract: A filler for an opening through a structure. The filler includes a panel, a base frame of a closed cell foam that is flexible and has a memory characteristic. The base frame carries the panel. A flexible cover overlies portions of the central panel whereby the base frame and cover capture the panel therebetween.

Abstract: A data processing network including a local system and a geographically remote system. Each of the local and remote systems includes a data storage facility. The remote data storage facility mirrors the local data storage facility. In a normal operating mode, the local and remote systems operate in near synchronism or in synchronism. In an alternate operating mode, writing operations at the local system immediately update the storage devices in the local data storage facility. Transfers of corresponding data to the remote data storage facility are made independently of and asynchronously with respect to the operation of the local system.

Abstract: A compound driver acoustic transducer. A frame supports a motion generator to one side of two diaphragms. An intermediate diaphragm is continuous and is driven by the motion generator. The intermediate diaphragm forms a closed volume with a solid portion of the frame that opens into a central opening through the other, open diaphragm. An axially rigid coupling connects the two diaphragms so they operate in unison.

Abstract: Load balancing of activities on physical disk storage devices is accomplished by monitoring reading and writing operations to blocks of contiguous storage locations on the physical disk storage devices. A list of exchangeable pairs of blocks is developed based on size and function. Statistics accumulated over an interval are then used to obtain access activity values for each block and each physical disk drive. These activities are represented as disk seek, latency and data transfer times. A statistical analysis leads to a selection of one block pair. After testing to determine any adverse effect of making that change, the exchange is made to more evenly distribute the loading on individual physical disk storage devices.

Abstract: A data network with data storage facilities for providing redundant data storage and for enabling concurrent access to the data for multiple purposes. A first data processing system with a first data facility stores a data base and processes transactions or other priority applications. A second data storage facility, that may be physically separated from the first data storage facility, mirrors the data in the first data storage facility. In a concurrent access operating mode, the second data storage facility makes the data available to an application concurrently with, but independently of, the operation of the other application. On completion of the concurrent operation, the second data storage facility can reconnect with and synchronizes with the first data storage facility thereby to reestablish the mirroring operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for performing a desired operation in a wellbore. The system contains a downhole tool which includes a mobility platform that is electrically operated to move the downhole tool in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool also includes an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment. The data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. Novel tactile sensors for use as imaging devices are also provided. In an alternative embodiment the downhole tool is composed of a base unit and a detachable work unit. The work unit includes the mobility platform, imaging device and the end work device. The tool is conveyed into the wellbore by a conveying member.

Abstract: A speaker system with a dual cone speaker having interconnected primary speaker and secondary speaker cones. An enclosure defines a first sub-chamber for interacting with the rear of the first speaker cone and a second sub-chamber for interacting with the rear of the second speaker cone. The sub-chambers may be sealed sub-chambers, ported sub-chambers or acoustic waveguides.

Abstract: Load balancing of activities on physical disk storage devices is accomplished by monitoring reading and writing operations to blocks of contiguous storage locations on the physical disk storage devices. Statistics accumulated over an interval are then used to obtain access activity values for each block and each physical disk drive. A method is disclosed for efficiently generating disk access time based upon these statistics.

Abstract: A data storage facility that allows data on a standard device to be replicated to other storage devices for independent and concurrent access. The standard device includes first and second tables for monitoring the operation of the standard device. The other storage device that receive the copies have tables that identify their status. The system utilizes these tables in various combinations to enable multiple copies to be altered and updated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately registering electronic chip bonding pads with substrate leads. Images are developed of different portions of the interface between the electronic chip and the substrate by reflecting collimated, parallel light from the bottom of the chip through transparent areas of the substrate. Image analysis of the composite, superimposed images from spaced positions containing the bonding pads and the leads provide a corrective positioning after which the electronic chip and substrate are brought into contact.

Abstract: An autonomous downhole oilfield tool having its own mobility and decision making capability so that it may be deployed in a downhole environment to monitor and control said environment by modifying operations of other devices and maintaining downhole structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a common data set to be utilized by multiple data processes. During a first operating mode, first and second data stores in a data storage facility with a common buffer attach to a first data process and act as mirrors. Data to be written transfers to the common buffer and then to the data stores. A second command produces a split whereby the first data store remains attached to the first data process and the second data store is available to the second data process. After the second command is executed, any data in the common buffer is transferred to the corresponding data stores in parallel with and transparently to the actions between the first and second data processes and the first and second data stores, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring relative hydration of a substrate. Measurements of the electrical characteristics of the substrate and the force applied to and the temperature of the substrate during the measurement provide inputs for determining such relative hydration of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for copying a data file from a source device to a destination device. In response to a copy command from a requesting host application identifying the source file and the storage locations in a destination, an extents track is formed to establish an environment in which the file will be copied. The calling system receives an immediate response that the copy operation is complete even though no data has been copied. Application programs may access the file in either the source or the destination. A copy program transfers the file on a track-by-track basis to the destination storage locations. Procedures assure that any data access to a particular track in either the source or destination by any application prior to the transfer of that track are accommodated to maintain data integrity.

Abstract: A system and method for providing on-line, real-time, transparent data migration from an existing storage device to a replacement storage device. The existing and replacement storage devices are connected as a composite storage device that is coupled to a host, network or other data processing system. The replacement storage device includes a table which identifies data elements that have migrated to the replacement storage device. When a host system makes a data transfer request for one or more data elements, the replacement storage device determines whether the data elements have been migrated. If the data elements have migrated, the replacement storage device responds to the data transfer request independently of any interaction with the existing storage device. If the data elements have not migrated, the replacement storage device migrates the requested data elements and then responds to the data request and updates the data element map or table.

Abstract: A dual-cone loudspeaker includes a primary speaker cone and an axially displaced secondary speaker cone mounted to the back of a magnet structure. A rigid link causes both cones to move in unison. The rigid link includes an open support structure with equiangularly extending spokes that form a central hub. A ring circumscribes the spokes and ataches to the first speaker cone. A rigid element connects to the spokes and the secondary speaker cone so the primary and secondary speaker cones move in unison and improve the bass response for the loudspeaker. The rigid coupling device is also adapted to support a high frequency radiator to extend the overall loudspeaker frequency response into higher frequencies.

Abstract: Load balancing of activities on physical disk storage devices is accomplished by monitoring reading and writing operations to blocks of contiguous storage locations, such as logical volumes on the physical disk storage devices to obtain disk utilization information. The disk utilization information provides a selection of one block pair. After testing to determine any adverse effect of making that change, an exchange is made to more evenly distribute the loading on individual physical disk storage devices. The exchange involves the use of a pair of specially configured logical volumes that receive copies of the data to be exchanged, allow a reconfiguration of the blocks in the block pair and the transfer of the data back to the other blocks in the block pair to effect the exchange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for emulating a magnetic tape storage device with a conventional, unmodified magnetic disk storage device. I/O output requests for the emulated magnetic tape storage device are intercepted to determine whether they involve a virtual tape resource that comprises a magnetic disk storage device. Tape requests to such a resource are converted into one or more conventional magnetic disk storage requests to effect an analogous operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a magnetic disk storage device that stores data according to a first data structure characterized by a fixed-length disk block size to respond to input/output requests from a host that define data according to a different data structure characterized by a different fixed-length host block size. A host adapter transfers requests and data between the host and a cache memory in the magnetic disk storage device as host blocks. A disk adapter transfers requests and data between the cache memory and magnetic disks as disk blocks. CRC data and a sector number are appended to each host block in a set of disk blocks.

Abstract: An immersible heater module for elevating the temperature of a liquid in a container. The heating module has a semispherical shape and is formed with an outer body that inhibits the adherence of residues during the boiling process, such as stainless steel or dielectric-coated stainless steel, and an aluminum inner body. Electrical heating coils are affixed to the aluminum body to heat the aluminum body and transfer heat through the outer body into the liquid. The composite of the inner and outer bodies provides efficient heat transfer for boiling liquid.