Abstract: A computing system having memory components, including first memory and second memory, wherein the first memory is available to a host system for read and write access over a memory bus during one or more of a first plurality of windows. The computing system further includes a processing device, operatively coupled with the memory components, to: receive, from a driver of the host system, a request regarding a page of data stored in the second memory; responsive to the request, transfer the page from the second memory to a buffer; and write the page from the buffer to the first memory, wherein the page is written to the first memory during at least one of a second plurality of windows corresponding to a refresh timing for the memory bus, and the refresh timing is controlled at the host system.

Abstract: A computing system having memory components, including first memory and second memory, wherein the first memory is available to a host system for read and write access over a memory bus during one or more of a first plurality of windows. The computing system further includes a processing device, operatively coupled with the memory components, to: receive, from a driver of the host system, a request regarding a page of data stored in the second memory; responsive to the request, transfer the page from the second memory to a buffer; and write the page from the buffer to the first memory, wherein the page is written to the first memory during at least one of a second plurality of windows corresponding to a refresh timing for the memory bus, and the refresh timing is controlled at the host system.

Abstract: Described herein are a system and method to provide energy to consumers using a prepaid usage model so as to protect the ability to recoup start-up and recurrent costs while simultaneously offering lower-income individuals the ability to access the energy on-demand. The system and method allow verification with an account server of a user's prepaid usage balance so an energy provider need not extend credit to the user or bill a user after energy usage. The system is portable and versatile in that it can be adapted to different energy sources including renewable energy sources such as wind, water, and/or solar sources. Anti-tampering features reduce the likelihood that the energy system will be disassembled with the components appropriated for repurposing.

Abstract: Real time disk activity data for a disk drive is displayed on a multi-element display in which each display element corresponds to a respective address range or “activity bin” of the disk drive. When an access to the disk drive occurs, the display element associated with the corresponding address is illuminated, with the color of the illuminated element preferably indicating the type of the access (e.g., read versus write). The display thus spatially indicates the type of disk activity occurring. For example, a user can readily determine that a disk drive is being accessed sequentially by identifying that the display elements are being illuminated in sequence over time. In addition, the user can, in many cases, evaluate the operation of an array of disk drives by viewing and comparing the illumination patterns of the associated multi-element displays. For example, a user can easily confirm that one drive in mirroring another drive by verifying that their illumination patterns are synchronized.

Abstract: A computer system with a pluggable drive carrier assembly comprises a cabinet and a circuit board disposed within the cabinet. The circuit board, such as a base board, has a number of connectors attached to a first surface. A drive unit such as a hard disk drive is secured within a carrier. A logic connector and a power connector are adapted to attach to the drive. A flexible circuit assembly connects the logic connector and the power connector to a blind plug. The blind plug is adapted to mate with any of the number of connectors. A cam surface and lever arrangement is used to urge into engagement the blind plug and the selected one of the number of connectors. The logic connector and the power connector both have a number of contacts that extend in a direction generally parallel to the first surface of the circuit board such that a backplane is not required and can be eliminated.

Abstract: A computer system with a pluggable drive carrier assembly comprises a cabinet and a circuit board disposed within the cabinet. The circuit board, such as a base board, has a number of connectors attached to a first surface. A drive unit such as a hard disk drive is secured within a carrier. A logic connector and a power connector are adapted to attach to the drive. A flexible circuit assembly connects the logic connector and the power connector to a blind plug. The blind plug is adapted to mate with any of the number of connectors. A cam surface and lever arrangement is used to urge into engagement the blind plug and the selected one of the number of connectors. The logic connector and the power connector both have a number of contacts that extend in a direction generally parallel to the first surface of the circuit board such that a backplane is not required and can be eliminated.

Abstract: A computer system with a pluggable drive carrier assembly comprises a cabinet and a circuit board disposed within the cabinet. The circuit board, such as a base board, has a number of connectors attached to a first surface. A drive unit such as a hard disk drive is secured within a carrier. A logic connector and a power connector are adapted to attach to the drive. A flexible circuit assembly connects the logic connector and the power connector to a blind plug. The blind plug is adapted to mate with any of the number of connectors. A cam surface and lever arrangement is used to urge into engagement the blind plug and the selected one of the number of connectors. The logic connector and the power connector both have a number of contacts that extend in a direction generally parallel to the first surface of the circuit board such that a backplane is not required and can be eliminated.

Abstract: A hard disk drive for a computer system including a head disk assembly with a disk platter of approximately one-and-eight-tenths-inch in diameter capable of storing more than forty megabytes. In an embodiment, data tracks on each data surface of the platter are spaced at approximately 2,558 tracks per inch and each data track has approximately 36,000 flux changes per inch. An actuator positions a pair of read/write heads on each platter surface using a voice coil motor to position the heads over a cylinder. A magnetic actuator latch attaches to another magnet on the actuator and locks the heads in a parked position at the innermost diameter of the platter. A spindle motor rotates the platter at approximately 5,400 revolutions per minute. A base plate, with a gasketed surface and a raised lip, hermetically seals with a cover to the base plate such that the platter, the actuator, the actuator latch, and the spindle motor are all contained within. The cover carries a breather filter and recirculating air filter.