Abstract: A method, system, and machine-readable medium for controlling access to data of a tape data storage medium are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided which comprises conveying data access control metadata from a tape cartridge comprising a tape data storage medium to a host, receiving decrypted metadata from the host, comparing a checksum value determined utilizing the decrypted metadata with checksum data stored within the tape cartridge; and processing a request to access the tape data storage medium received from the host based upon a comparison of the checksum value and checksum data. In the described method embodiment, the data access control metadata comprises encrypted metadata corresponding to a data storage parameter, where data is stored within the tape data storage medium utilizing the data storage parameter and the decrypted metadata is generated by the host utilizing the encrypted metadata.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a chambered member, a cover substrate and an account identifier. The chambered member defines a rear surface, a front surface and a chamber extending from the front surface toward the rear surface. The front surface and the rear surface are sized similarly to each other. The cover substrate defines a first surface, which is securely coupled to the front surface to enclose the chamber, and a window aligned with the chamber. The window is one of translucent and transparent such that at least a portion of the chamber is viewable through the window. The account identifier is connected to the chambered member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Other embodiments, stored-value cards and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of molding a shopping cart component includes providing a first subcomponent and then overmolding the shopping cart component as a second subcomponent about the first subcomponent. The first subcomponent acts as an obstacle to a plastic injection stream and to a gas injection stream during the overmolding of the second component to assist in defining a first hollow section of the shopping cart component adjacent the first subcomponent.

Abstract: An enterprise network interface client application and a local, central electronic complex (CEC) in a dual CEC environment implement an alternative method of communication. Upon a send failure of a command to a first CEC in the environment, the command is sent to a second CEC using a CEC to CEC message mechanism. A method of communicating an asynchronous event is implemented between a microcode layer and an enterprise network interface client application in a dual central electronic complex (CEC) environment. A copy of the event is retained. Upon a send failure of the event to a first CEC in the environment, the copy of the event is sent to a second CEC in the environment.

Abstract: A handbasket includes a container and a handle. The container includes an upper rim, a pair of opposed side panels, and a pair of opposed end panels, with each side panel including a generally concave exterior surface. The handle extends between, and is pivotally mounted relative to, the respective opposed end panels of the container. The handle is movable between a first generally vertically upright position relative to the container and a second position. In the second position, a first portion of the handle rests against the upper rim of the container and a second portion of the handle is spaced from the upper rim adjacent the generally concave exterior surface of one of the respective side panels to define a grasping zone for grasping the handle for movement between the first position and the second position of the handle relative to the container.

Abstract: A method for storing data, consisting of distributing a first plurality of groups of logical addresses among one or more storage devices in a storage system, receiving a second plurality of data-sets containing the data to be stored, and assigning each data-set among the plurality of data-sets a random number chosen from a first plurality of different numbers. The method further consists of partitioning each data-set into multiple partitions, so that each partition among the multiple partitions receives a sequential partition number, assigning each partition within each data-set to be stored at a specific group of logical addresses in the storage system in accordance with the sequential partition number of the partition and the random number assigned to the data-set, and storing each partition in the storage system at the assigned specific group of logical addresses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for preparing a mirror batch within a data processing system. Upon determining that a first open batch is approaching or has reached a completion criteria, a controller may cause system elements contributing data to the first open batch to cease acknowledging transaction requests while not ceasing to execute the transaction requests.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, a method, and a computer program product to provide for the optimization of the output transfer load balance between the peer computers transferring data to one or more storage devices. The peer computers receive, organize and transfer the data to storage devices. The data set is composed of a plurality of data transfers. After an initial division of the data transfers between the two peers, each peer will have assigned responsibility for a number of data transfers. If the one of the peer computers completes offloading transactions earlier than the other peer, then the peer that is still transferring data will employ the other peer to execute a portion of the remaining data transfers. The operation of the system is symmetrical in that either peer may assist the other peer depending upon which peer has idle time.

Abstract: A method of providing a power failure warning in a storage system includes partitioning early power off warning (EPOW) control logic of a storage enclosure to be symmetric with a power distribution network power domain. A power failure warning system for a storage system having a plurality of storage enclosures includes a power system control module coupled to a power supply for control and management of input power to the storage system. An output stage of the power supply is dedicated to a first virtual storage enclosure within one of the plurality of storage enclosures.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing, an auxiliary member and an account identifier. The housing includes a base and a cover coupled to the base. The cover and the base each include a primary panel and a side wall extending therefrom. An edge is defined by the side wall of the cover and is positioned to abut an edge defined by the side wall of the base to define a chamber between the base and the cover. The auxiliary member is formed separately from the housing, is at least partially positioned within the chamber, is accessible from a position external to the housing, and is configured to move relative to the housing upon user interaction with the stored-value card. The account identifier is coupled to the housing and signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Other cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a base member, an auxiliary member and an account identifier. The base member defines a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and a slot extending therethrough. The auxiliary member includes a first section and a handle section and is coupled with the base member such that the first section is disposed on the first surface of the base member. The handle section extends from the first surface, through the slot and to the second surface of the base member such that movement of the handle section causes movement of the auxiliary member relative to the base member. The account identifier is included on one of the base member and the auxiliary member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record.

Abstract: A storage device implements a file profiling mechanism to minimize fragmentation. A plurality of files is organized according to a high or low read/write access frequency. A plurality of unchanging file types are placed in a first grouping. A plurality of oscillating file types are placed in a second grouping adjacent to the first grouping. A plurality of the high frequency read/write access files which are growing file types are placed in a third grouping adjacent to the second grouping. A remainder of the growing file types not placed in the third grouping is defragmented. The remainder of the growing file types is then placed in a fourth grouping adjacent to the third grouping.

Abstract: A financial transaction product includes a housing and an account identifier. The housing includes a bladder configured to be selectively inflated and deflated. The account identifier is on the housing and links the housing to at least one of a financial account or a financial record such that the housing can be used toward the purchase of one or more of goods and services. Methods of assembling a financial transaction product, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a financial transaction product, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having auto-ranging battery backup voltage capability is provided. At least one input is configured. A rectifier is connected to the at least one input. A common node is connected to the rectifier. At least one output is connected to the common node. A battery backup circuit is connected to the common node. The battery backup circuit includes first and second strings of batteries, a switch connected between a positive terminal of the first string of batteries and a negative terminal of the second string of batteries, and a plurality of steering diodes connected to the first and second strings of batteries and the switch to maintain current flow in a first direction. The switch is operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in series when closed, and operable to place the first and second strings of batteries in parallel when open.