Abstract: An omni-directional acoustic deflector includes an acoustically reflective body that has a truncated conical shape which includes a substantially conical outer surface that is configured to be disposed adjacent an acoustically radiating surface (e.g., a diaphragm) of an acoustic driver thereby to define an acoustic radiation path therebetween. The acoustically reflective body is profiled such that a cross-sectional area of the acoustic radiation path increases monotonically with respect to radial distance from a motion axis of the acoustic driver.

Abstract: An omni-directional acoustic deflector includes an acoustically reflective body that has a truncated conical shape which includes a substantially conical outer surface that is configured to be disposed adjacent an acoustically radiating surface (e.g., a diaphragm) of an acoustic driver thereby to define an acoustic radiation path therebetween. The acoustically reflective body is profiled such that a cross-sectional area of the acoustic radiation path increases monotonically with respect to radial distance from a motion axis of the acoustic driver.

Abstract: A disc clamp is provided for securing discs to a spindle motor. In particular, the clamp is useful in providing distributed forces to the discs. The clamp includes an annular body having an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner circumference and an outer circumference. A flange extends from the lower surface of the annular body and has an inner surface oriented towards the inner circumference of the annular body. A plurality of apertures are formed between the upper and lower surfaces of the annular body and are configured to receive fasteners. Further, a plurality of force distributing features are formed in the flange between the outer surface of the flange and the inner surface of the flange.

Abstract: A feed-forward flow controller is designed to calculate a target valve position from a target flow. Correction is made for liquid or gas pressure drop across the valve and for the valve flow modulating member geometry. This feed-forward action may also be used to linearize a feed-back flow control loop.

Abstract: A feed-forward flow controller is designed to calculate a target valve position from a target flow. Correction is made for liquid or gas pressure drop across the valve and for the valve flow modulating member geometry. This feed-forward action may also be used to linearize a feed-back flow control loop.

Abstract: A feed-forward flow controller is designed to calculate a target valve position from a target flow. Correction is made for liquid or gas pressure drop across the valve and for the valve flow modulating member geometry. This feed-forward action may also be used to linearize a feed-back flow control loop.

Abstract: A valve position controller tuning method avoids impact of friction in valve positioner tuning by building a dynamic model of a valve positioner from a monotonic open-loop response of a valve stem position to a change in valve position controller output. To this end, a model form is selected based on the type of pneumatic actuator and relay that controls valve flow modulating of member motion, and the valve position controller is operated in an open-loop mode. The method includes changing a valve position controller output signal to cause the valve positioner to move a valve flow modulating member, connected to valve positioner, monotonically from one stuck position to another stuck position immediately after a motion in that same direction. When a valve stem position reaches a position threshold, a first valve stem position change and a corresponding time change are measured. The method includes measuring valve stem position changes at times that depend on the first measured time change.