Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide achieve an increase of storage capacity and thinning down of a disk drive by reducing effects from an error in an assembly position of a ramp. A data storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a head, a ramp, a load beam, and an actuator. The ramp includes a portion onto which the head is retracted from a surface of a medium. The load beam includes a head support portion that supports the head and a tab disposed more on the side of a leading end than the head support portion. The tab has a leading end that slides over, while being in contact with, a sliding surface of the ramp. The actuator includes the load beam and loads and unloads the head.

Abstract: Enhanced telepresence and telesurgery systems automatically update coordinate transformations so as to retain alignment between movement of an input device and movement of an end effector as displayed adjacent the input device. A processor maps a controller workspace with an end effector workspace, and effects movement of the end effector in response to the movement of the input device. This allows the use of kinematically dissimilar master and slave linkages. Gripping an input member near a gimbal point and appropriate input member to end effector mapping points enhance the operator's control. Dexterity is enhanced by accurately tracking orientational and/or angles of movement, even if linear movement distances of the end effector do not correspond to those of the input device.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods relating to robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: (1) providing a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system; (2) identifying the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure the programming; or (3) indicating tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. Also provided are improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides robotic surgical instruments and systems that include electrosurgical cutting/shearing tools and methods of performing a robotic surgical procedure. The surgical instruments can advantageously be used in robotically controlled minimally invasive surgical operations. A surgical instrument generally comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector, for performing a surgical operation such as cutting, shearing, grasping, engaging, or contacting tissue adjacent a surgical site, is coupleable to a distal end of the shaft. Preferably, the end effector comprises a pair of scissor-like blades for cooperatively shearing the tissue. A conductor electrically communicating with at least one blade delivers electrical energy to tissue engaged by the blades. An interface coupled to the proximal end of the shaft and removably connectable to the robotic surgical system is also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for depositing titanium films at rates up to 200 .ANG./minute on semiconductor substrates from a titanium tetrachloride source. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a ceramic heater assembly with an integrated RF plane for bottom powered RF capability allows PECVD deposition at a temperature of at least 400.degree. C. for more efficient plasma treatment. A thermal choke isolates the heater from its support shaft, reducing the thermal gradient across the heater to reduce the risk of breakage and improving temperature uniformity of the heater. A deposition system incorporates a flow restrictor ring and other features that allow a 15 liters/minute flow rate through the chamber with minimal backside deposition and minimized deposition on the bottom of the chamber, thereby reducing the frequency of chamber cleanings, and reducing clean time and seasoning. Deposition and clean processes are also further embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A SCADA communication and control system is used for controlling power distribution. The system includes a master controller, a master ratio and a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUs). A communication link between the master controller and the master radio has two channels. A first channel is for sending master controller messages to the master radio. The second channel is for the master radio to send the RTU response messages back to the master controller. A supplemental controller along with supplemental remote terminal units (SRTUs) also are included for expanding the range of the system. A switch is included in the second channel so as to selectively link either the supplemental controller or the master radio to the master controller for providing response messages. The supplemental controller monitors the first channel to identify messages having an SRTU address. When such a message is identified, the switch is set to select the supplemental controller.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A storage vault (2, 182) includes an inner tank (4,4',152,180) entombed within a concrete outer tank (8) by first erecting a pair of sidewall forms (51) on a base plate (44) to create an open-top enclosure (54). The inner tank (180) can include a plastic tank (152) enclosed within an external framework (154), the combination (150) housed within a steel tank (174). A layer of concrete (56) is poured onto the base plate, the inner tank is lowered onto the layer of concrete, and concrete is poured into the enclosure to entomb the inner tank while the bottom layer of concrete is still wet. Reinforced hold-down bars (86) extend over the top of the enclosure and have downwardly extending hold-down tubes (92) which engage the top of the inner tank and keep the inner tank positioned horizontally and vertically. The hold-down bars are fastened to the base plate to keep the inner tank properly positioned.

Abstract: A key and clip combination useful for securing a spare key in a wallet or purse and for key identification. The clip is low profile and prevents the wallet or purse from becoming bulky. The clip may also include apertures for exposing the hole within the key used for placing the key on a key chain or key peg.

Abstract: A keyboardless entry computer system includes a transparent input screen that generates positional information when contacted by a stylus, and a display screen mounted physically below the input screen such that a character that is displayed can be seen below the input screen. The system includes a computer that has been programmed to compile the positional information into Strokes, to calculate Stroke characteristics, and then compare the Stroke characteristics with those stored in a database in order to recognize the symbol drawn by the stylus. Key features of the system are: (1) transparent position sensing subsystem; (2) underlying display on which to mimic drawing of sensed positions and to show characters or symbols; (3) means to convert sensed positions first into plotted Points and then into recognized characters or symbols; and (4) means to "learn" to associate sensed input positions with a character or symbol.

Abstract: A microprocessor which, following a reset signal, permits execution beginning from an arbitrary address. The microprocessor is constituted in a manner such that arbitrary data is set in advance in a data register as an address. The address in the data register is given to a program counter by a register indirect jump instruction which does not originate in the instruction ROM. The microprocessor has a resetting function in addition to the normal resetting function. The normal resetting function includes re-executing a program from a predetermined address, such as a zero address. The normal resetting function occurs in the case where the logical level of a control signal input terminal is a predetermined level at a point of time when the reset signal to the reset terminal is cleared. When the control signal is at a different level, the arbitrary data set in the data register is transferred to the program counter by the register indirect jump instruction and is set in the program counter.

Abstract: A hydrostatic journal bearing system for a rotor or shaft includes bearing pads which are self-aligned and self-adjusting. The self-adjusting aspect includes providing for radial movement of the bearing pads. The self-aligning feature includes providing for pivoting of the bearing pads. In one embodiment a pressurizable piston area provides a radial load to establish a substantially constant clearance between the bearing pad and the rotor. Spring preload of the bearing pads, if provided, prevents relative motion between the bearing and shaft, e.g., during transportation and storage.

Abstract: Architecture for a memory device and a method for employing the architecture for testing of the memory device are provided. In a memory device such as a one-time programmable EPROM, an extra row and an extra column of memory cells are added to the regular array. The extra column is configured so that, during a first test configuration, a sense device connected to the column line of the extra column of cells will detect whether exactly one row line of the correct parity is selected in response to input of a row address. Similarly, the extra row is configured so that the sense amp connected to the column lines of the regular array, can determine whether exactly one column line of the correct parity from the regular array is selected in response to input of a column address. The row decoder and row address lines are tested separately from the testing of the column decoder and column address lines.

Abstract: A transpiration cooling system for avoiding overheating of an airfoil is provided. The airfoil is provided with a plurality of apertures and a source of pressurized fluid for providing a flow of fluid through the apertures to establish an aerodynamic radius. The aerodynamic radius of curvature of leading edge is sufficiently greater than the mechanical radius of curvature of the leading edge that peak heat flux is independent of the mechanical radius of curvature. The mechanical radius of curvature is preferably less than 50% of the aerodynamic radius of curvature during hypersonic operation. Preferably the mechanical radius of curvature is the smallest allowed by the fabrication method (i.e., a knife edge), such as being less than about 0.02 inches, preferably less than about 0.01 inches. The transpiration blowing rate can be adjusted so that the blowing rate and aerodynamic radius of curvature are relatively low except during periods of maximum heat flux, such as the shock-on-lip point.

Abstract: A bit searching circuit includes an offset value designating circuit, a bit position detecting circuit, a count circuit, and a search-end detecting circuit. The offset value designating circuit outputs an offset value indicating a search-start position. The bit position detecting circuit searches for the first bit position which has a first binary value, in a search field between the bit position designated by the offset value and a last bit position in a bit string. The count circuit counts the number of bits in the search field having the first binary value. The search-end detecting circuit detects the end of search processing by subtracting the bit counts detected by the bit position detecting circuit from the count value counted by the count circuit until the result is zero. A data processor using such a bit searching circuit includes a control unit and an instruction execution unit.

Abstract: The invention is a two-wheeled, battery powered, trailer dolly that may be coupled to a boat or other vehicle for facilitating the movement of such vehicles. A deep-discharge, marine battery powers a winches which operates the axle of the dolly. The axle has an inner collar at each end with abutment portions that interact with similar abutment portions on an outer collar in connection with the wheels. The use of the inner and outer collar arrangement provides for separate turning of each wheel through turns. The dolly utilizes a trailer ball in order to allow a rotatable coupling of the trailer at the ball and not on a trailer jack as shown in prior art.

Abstract: A Data transmission device controlled by a processor which has a transmission control apparatus (14) which re-transmits transmission data which was previously set by a microcomputer (10) and which was unable to be transmitted in a first transmission attempt. The transmission control apparatus (14) has a transmit data word number comparing circuit (28) which determines whether a value of a set transmit data word number is within the limits prescribed by a communication standard. In the event of a failed transmission attempt, the microcomputer sets a transmit data word number greater than the number prescribed by the communication standard.

Abstract: A screening process for ferroelectric memory devices that provides a greater degree of confidence in the mechanical and thermal stability of the ferroelectric material than prior art screening processes. A correspondingly higher degree of confidence in the reliability of the screened part results.

Abstract: A method for expressing proteins which are immunologically reactive with antibodies to lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), now known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is disclosed. The proteins are produced by bacterial host cells transformed with a recombinant plasmid which includes appropriate procaryotic transcriptional and translational signals for expression, followed in reading phase by a DNA sequence comprising a portion of the env region of the LAV genome. This portion codes for a protein which is immunologically reactive with antibodies to LAV, or antibodies to viruses defined to be the same as or equivalent to LAV. The proteins produced by the method disclosed may be used to screen for the presence of antibodies to LAV in a biological fluid, to determine the presence of LAV antigen in a biological fluid, or within a method for producing antibodies to LAV through the immunization of an animal with the protein.

Abstract: A computer memory system is provided. Received memory requests can be for addresses which are virtual or physical. The type of address is determined, and a virtual/physical bit is set and stored. At least row address bits are compared to one or more registers which contain either a virtual or a physical row address, corresponding to a row addressed by a row address latch. When there is a hit with respect to one of these registers, column address bits are used to select the requested memory element, without the necessity for a virtual-to-physical translation. When there is a miss on all registers, a physical address is obtained, either from the requested address when this is physical, or from a virtual-to-physical translation. The physical address is used to load a new row address into a row address latch. Some column address bits are changed only when there has been a miss.