Abstract: A flash memory system having a controller and a flash memory device for providing BIOS, operating system and user storage capabilities is provided. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, flash memory systems can be designed as integrated circuit packages which are pin compatible with conventional ROM BIOS chips so that existing systems can be readily upgraded without extensive modifications.

Abstract: A flash memory system having a controller and a flash memory device for providing BIOS, operating system and user storage capabilities is described. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, flash memory systems can be designed as integrated circuit packages which are pin compatible with conventional ROM BIOS chips so that existing systems can be readily upgraded without extensive modifications.

Abstract: A scale comprising a regular arrangement of optically or magnetically different response characteristics such as light reflection and light diffusion portions or light reflection and absorption portions is attached to a moving object either directly or by way of an intermediate member. The scale can be attached to a motor or the like even after assembling with associated mechanical components, thereby enabling easy measurement of the mode of operation of the motor or similar movable objects. The light beam from the light emitting device is directed to the label media and the reflected light beam is received by a light receiving device to identify the individual object or product based on the label.

Abstract: Characteristic parameters of a torque of a stepping motor and its associated driving current or voltage are measured in advance to providetorque vs. characteristic information data representative of the torque vs. driving current/voltage characterisitcs. Then, the above characteristic parameters are measured again when a real load is applied to a stepping motor as installed with associated mechanical coupling components. An actual load torque is determined by referencing the subsequently measured characteristic parameters to the previously obtained torque vs. characteristic information data. A load inertia moment can be determined by subtracting the motor's rotor inertia moment from a determined inertia moment of the entire system. Efficiency of the motor can be determined by multiplying the output of the measured load torque by the nuber of revolutions per second thereof and dividing this by the power supplied to the motor or driving circuit.

Abstract: The provision of a flash memory, virtual mapping system that allows data to be continuously written to unwritten physical address locations. The virtual memory map relates flash memory physical location addresses in order to track the location of data in the memory.

Abstract: Headstock and tailstock chucking apparatus for crankshaft machine tools, such as lathes and grinders, utilizing a centering hole defined in the crankshaft workpiece end for axially locating the workpiece relative to the machine, and the machining tools. The stock spindle chucks utilize a center engaging a previously located and dimensioned workpiece center to axially position the workpiece, which is biased into firm engagement with the center prior to chucking. The chuck center and workpiece is axially located and spindle motors reciprocate chuck actuating mechanism sequentially producing axial locking and radial chucking of the workpiece. Further, automatic limit switch positioning apparatus is employed to automatically position machine limit switch controls in accordance with workpiece dimensions and quill location.

Abstract: A sign display comprises a plurality of triangular display elements each having three display surfaces. The display elements are arranged along mutually perpendicular sets of axes to define a matrix display having a display plane. Rotary drive shafts extend through the display element parallel to the display surfaces, and each display element includes clutch structure comprising frustoconical clutch members received in frustoconical apertures formed in the display element and spring biased to normally coupled the display element for rotation with the drive shaft extending therethrough. Abutment surfaces corresponding to the display surfaces project from the lower end of each display element, and a stop arm is associated with each display element for selective actuation to terminate rotation of the display element with a predetermined display surface situated in the display plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring internal combustion engine crankshafts from a conveyor system to crankshaft machining apparatus capable of automatic functioning. The apparatus includes an overhead track having a translatable carriage mounted thereon and a crankshaft holder depends below the carriage having a pivoted jaw for gripping a crankshaft. A power driven drive shaft mounted on the carriage raises and lowers the holder through an eccentric connection therewith, and the eccentric pin includes a radially movable slide to which a jaw actuator mounted in the holder is connected. The slide includes a cam follower engaging a grooved cam track wherein rotation of the drive shaft produces relative displacement between the jaw actuator and the crankshaft holder during vertical displacement of the holder moving the jaw between holding and release positions during rotation of the drive shaft.