Abstract: A burst magnitude comparator and an instruction sequencer are employed in a servo system controller to rapidly determine position correction information for moving a transducer head over the center line of a track recorded on a disk in a mass storage disk drive. The burst magnitude comparator selects at least two burst signals derived from bursts recorded at predetermined locations relative to the center line from which to derive a correction control signal, based on a predetermined relationship of the burst signals, and supplies the selected burst signals in a predetermined order to facilitate calculation of the correction signal by a data processor used with the servo system controller. An instruction sequencer controls a sequence of converting the analog burst signals from the head to digital burst signals without intervention or control from the data processor.

Abstract: The cache memory space in a computer system is controlled on a dynamic basis by adjusting the low threshold which triggers the release of more cache free space and by adjusting the high threshold which ceases the release of free space. The low and high thresholds are predicted based on the number of allocations which are accomplished in response to I/O requests, and based on the number of blockages which occur when an allocation can not be accomplished. The predictions may be based on weighted values of different historical time periods, and the high and low thresholds may be made equal to one another. In this manner the performance degradation resulting from variations in workload caused by prior art fixed or static high and low thresholds is avoided. Instead only a predicted amount of cache memory space is freed and that amount of free space is more likely to accommodate the predicted output requests without releasing so much cache space that an unacceptable number of blockages occur.

Abstract: A ring adapter assembly is releasably attachable to a thumbrest of a woodwind musical instrument, such as an oboe, clarinet, English horn or straight saxophone, to provide an attachment ring in those instances when the thumbrest of the instrument does not include a permanent attachment ring. The ring adapter assembly allows a support device to be attached to the musical instrument to relieve the weight on the thumb and hand of a musician playing the instrument. One embodiment of the ring adapter assembly is used with fixed position thumbrests and is adapted to be seated on a top surface of the thumbrest so that an attachment ring within the assembly faces away from the musical instrument. A top portion of the assembly may be moved up and down by an adjustment screw and includes a spring wire which extends around the thumbrest to connect the assembly to the thumbrest.

Abstract: An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe for laparoscopic surgery includes a rotatable handle assembly and a probe assembly having an electrosurgical electrode. The handle assembly has two valves, one for controlling the flow of irrigation fluid and one for controlling the flow of aspiration fluid. One of the valves can be locked at any selected setting with a locking lever. Fine adjustment of the valve is achieved in the locked position. The handle assembly further includes a valve body and valve members which are easily removable and disposable. The valve members in the valve body are made of an elastomeric material to provide effective sealing and inherent self return. The probe assembly can be rotated relative to the handle assembly as needed to reduce operator fatigue. The probe can be rotated in the probe assembly to position the electrode.

Abstract: Improved gain control is obtained in each receiver of a LAN interface or hub in a LAN of the type using amplitude critical signals for conveying information. An evaluation circuit compares a signal representing a calibration value to a predetermined limits and adjusts the gain by one of a plurality of amplification levels to maintain a high level signals which are more accurately decoded into digital information. Improved noise cancellation is also obtained by creating a primary copy and an inverted copy of the received amplitude critical signal, amplifying the primary and inverted copy signals by the same predetermined amount and adding the amplified signals. The addition reinforces the value of the received amplitude critical signal while effectively subtracting the noise effects.

Abstract: A process, preferably executed by software in a RAID mass storage system, involves seeking a transducer of an individual disk drive of the mass storage system to a predetermined write pre-seek location at which the next write operation is expected to be performed, and selecting the transducer of that individual disk drive by which to perform the next write operation. By pre-seeking to the write pre-seeking location and by selecting the transducer in advance of receiving the next write command, the time required for seeking to the write location and selecting the transducer becomes less of a restriction on system I/O throughput. Write pre-seeking is achieved by recognizing the execution of a predetermined write algorithm from at least one write operation. Recognition of the write algorithm allows the location for the next write operation to be predicted. Read pre-seeking is also used.

Abstract: A starter for a fluorescent lamp selectively conducts current from an AC power source through a ballast and cathodes of the lamp during one half cycle of conducted current from the AC power source. Thereafter and during the same on half cycle of current the starter ceases conducting current substantially instantaneously when the current is of a predetermined level. The resulting di/dt generates a starting voltage pulse from the ballast sufficient to ignite the plasma. The starting pulse occurs when the AC voltage across the cathodes exceeds an ignition voltage of the plasma. Preferably the starter employs a thyristor which has a predetermined holding current at least equal to the predetermined level to allow the inherent commutation of the thyristor to create the di/dt. The current conducted by the thyristor heats the cathodes prior to igniting the plasma.

Abstract: An irrigator/aspirator surgical probe for laparoscopic surgery includes a rotatable handle assembly and a probe assembly having an electrosurgical electrode. The handle assembly has two valves, one for controlling the flow of irrigation fluid and one for controlling the flow of aspiration fluid. One of the valves can be locked at any selected setting with a locking lever. Fine adjustment of the valve is achieved in the locked position. The handle assembly further includes a valve body and valve members which are easily removable and disposable. The valve members in the valve body are made of an elastomeric material to provide effective sealing and inherent self return. The probe assembly can be rotated relative to the handle assembly as needed to reduce operator fatigue. The probe can be rotated in the probe assembly to position the electrode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dyeing textile articles in which the articles are confined in bulk but in orderly fashion in a dyebath up to a level therein, the dyebath is loaded with dye liquor to cover the articles and the liquor is circulated through forceful sprays directed towards the articles from above said level.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp bulb which is driven by an electronic control module (ECM) and method of manufacture characterized in that an inductor comprising a magnetic spool and a winding thereon is disposed within a screw shell base of the lamp bulb and surrounds the lamp exhaust tube therein. One end of the winding on the magnetic spool is connected to a filament wire within the screw shell base and the other end of the inductive winding is connected to an output terminal of the ECM control module. In this manner, the inductor significantly reduces the di/dt rise time of voltage and current when a TRIAC within the ECM module is driven to conduction on each one half cycle of the applied AC line voltage. This operation in turn produces a substantial reduction in radio frequency interference, both of radiation transmitted into space from the lamp bulb and by direct DC coupling back into the AC line voltage source.

Abstract: A control module controls the illumination intensity of a fluorescent lamp. A controller controls a switch to conduct current through cathodes of the lamp, and the switch ceases conducting current when commutated into non-conduction. The switch is triggered into conduction at a predetermined extinguishing point within and prior to the end of each half-cycle of applied AC current. The switch is thereafter commutated into non-conduction at a predetermined ignition point when the applied AC current reaches a predetermined level near the zero crossing point of each half-cycle of applied AC current. The current level at commutation creates a sufficiently high di/dt effect to cause an ignition pulse of voltage from the ballast across the lamp cathodes sufficient to ignite the ionized medium into an illumination plasma. The switch extinguishes the plasma. The illumination intensity of the lamp is related to the time between the ignition point and the extinguishing point.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp bulb which is driven by an electronic control module (ECM) and method of manufacture characterized in that an inductor comprising a magnetic element and a winding thereon is disposed within a screw shell base of the lamp bulb and surrounds the lamp exhaust tube therein. One end of the winding on the magnetic element is connected to a filament wire within the screw shell base and the other end of the inductive winding is connected to an output terminal of the ECM control module. In this manner, the inductor significantly reduces the di/dt rise time of voltage and current when a triac within the ECM module is driven to conduction on each one half cycle of the applied AC line voltage. This operation in turn produces a substantial reduction in radio frequency interference, both of radiation transmitted into space from the lamp bulb and by direct DC coupling back into the AC line voltage source.

Abstract: An openable and closeable soft-sided luggage case having an external flexible panel, an internal frame structure surrounding an internal cavity, and a carrying handle or a carrying strap connected to the frame structure, includes a first packing compartment which is connected to the external panel. The first packing compartment extends into the interior cavity and consumes a portion of the interior cavity when the case is closed. The remaining portion of the interior cavity forms a second packing compartment. The first packing compartment includes a cover member which is selectively closeable for separating the first and second packing compartments when the case is closed and which is selectively openable for allowing access to the first packing compartment when the case is opened. The first and second packing compartments are equally accessible and available for packing. The first packing compartment may function as a garment bag. A packing and unpacking method is also used for the case.

Abstract: A reset circuit asserts, de-asserts and re-asserts a reset signal in response to a voltage applied between first and second nodes to which the reset circuit is connected. The reset signal includes a plurality of transistor switches connected together with positive feedback to achieve latching of the reset signal in either a high or a low state. The different inherent conductivity characteristics of the transistor switches causes the switches to begin closing when the applied voltage is at a first predetermined level and causes the transistor switches to begin opening when the applied voltage achieves a second predetermined lower level. The conductivity characteristics of the transistor switches cause the first and second predetermined levels to slightly vary over temperatures in the range of approximately -50.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., allowing reliable operation over a wide range of temperatures. The reset circuit may be integrated with the circuit which it resets.

Abstract: A servo system controller for a disk drive device which includes a rotating mass storage disk incorporates a timing error determining circuit for determining rotational speed variations in the disk from information contained in a servo field recorded in a track. A timing error signal is supplied when the speed variation exceeds a threshold, thus indicating an unacceptable level of speed variation. A digital synchronizer responds to asynchronous servo data signals from the disk to establish a cell clock signal occurring about a normal frequency, a cell during which only one servo data signal will occur, and a cell data signal which occurs during the cell. The cell clock signal clocks logical operations on a synchronous basis, and servo data signals are reliably captured.

Abstract: A method of transporting material includes forming a structural encasement from the material and applying a force to the encasement to transport the material to a desired destination. The structural encasement allows for the transmission of applied forces through the encasement. A core material may be encased within the structural encasement so that both materials are transported together. Confinement forces are transmitted throughout the structural encasement to maintain the core material encased within the encasement. A preferred apparatus for practicing the method includes an inner nozzle for projecting core material and an outer nozzle surrounding the inner nozzle for projecting a hollow column of encasement material around the core material so that the core material is encased within the column. The outer nozzle further applies force to the column to direct the column and the encased core material to the desired destination.

Abstract: A probe for use in minimally invasive surgery incorporates a nozzle and electrode assembly at the distal end of the probe for achieving gas assisted electro-fulguration. In addition, the probe accommodates the simultaneous use of other auxiliary surgical instruments, such as standard electrosurgical electrodes, laser fiber optic conduits and mechanical tools. Further still, the probe includes a passageway for achieving evacuation, irrigation or aspiration at the surgical site. The probe thus allows a surgeon to achieve multiple different surgical functions during a minimally invasive surgical procedure without removing one probe and inserting a different probe to achieve a different surgical function.

Abstract: A pusher mechanism of an IS transfers a plurality of glass bottles onto a conveyor belt by rotating the bottles through an arc to align the bottles with the conveyor belt while simultaneously linearly moving the bottles at a converging acute angle toward the conveyor belt. The combined rotational and linear movements effectively lengthen the radius of curvature of the path of the bottles and increases the speed of the bottles onto the conveyor belt. The centrifugal force applied to the bottles is limited or reduced to allow the bottles to be more quickly moved onto the conveyor belt without introducing instabilities in the bottles. Other horizontal and vertical movements may be applied. A nozzle may be positioned to deliver a flow of air against the bottles to counteract instabilities. A take-out mechanism used with the pusher mechanism rotates the bottles at an acute angle to the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method for forming substantially lateral boreholes from within an existing elongated shaft includes positioning a drilling unit within the existing shaft, bracing the drilling unit against a wall surrounding the existing shaft to transmit forces between the drilling unit and the medium surrounding the wall, and applying a drilling force from the drilling unit to cut through the wall of the existing shaft and form the substantially lateral borehole in the surrounding medium. A preferred apparatus for practicing the method includes an extendable insert ram within the drilling unit for extending a drill bit from the drilling unit and applying a drilling force to the drill bit to cut through the wall of the existing shaft. A supply of modular drill string elements are cyclically inserted between the insert ram and the drill bit so that repeated extensions of the insert ram further extends the drill bit into the surrounding medium to increase the length of the lateral borehole.

Abstract: A two-terminal, alternating current power control device connected in an electrical path between a load and a remote switch, comprising a current switching device, a controlling device and a direct current power supply device. The current switching device provides a low impedance electrical path in response to the application of triggering signals thereto, and provides a high impedance electrical path in the absence of the triggering signals. A control circuit is provided for applying triggering signals to the current switching device as the proper time in the AC cycle, and is responsive to a momentary interruption in the applied AC voltage so as to effect change in the power intensity or timed duration of power delivered to the load. A remote switch in the electrical path can be the source of a momentary power interruption.