Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is performed by a middleware computing platform and includes maintaining an active user pool that includes a plurality of servicing users. The method also includes exposing an on-demand service-request interface to a plurality of user-to-user service platforms. The method further includes receiving, via the on-demand service-request interface, a service request from a particular platform of the plurality of user-to-user service platforms. In addition, the method includes automatically selecting a servicing user from the active user pool based, at least in part, on real-time availability of the plurality of servicing users and information included in the service request. Furthermore, the method includes assigning the servicing user to the service request. The method also includes transmitting, to the servicing user, a uniform resource locator to the particular platform.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is performed by a middleware computing platform and includes maintaining an active user pool that includes a plurality of servicing users. The method also includes exposing an on-demand service-request interface to a plurality of user-to-user service platforms. The method further includes receiving, via the on-demand service-request interface, a service request from a particular platform of the plurality of user-to-user service platforms. In addition, the method includes automatically selecting a servicing user from the active user pool based, at least in part, on real-time availability of the plurality of servicing users and information included in the service request. Furthermore, the method includes assigning the servicing user to the service request. The method also includes transmitting, to the servicing user, a uniform resource locator to the particular platform.

Abstract: A velocity-controlled actuator system and method are usable in low velocity, high load situations such as those encountered in dynamic head loading, and in normal situations. The velocity-controlled actuator system utilizes a self-tuning estimator that is calibrated during operation of said disk drive. Consequently, parameters, characteristics, and any other features of the disk drive that affect operation of the actuator system are compensated for in real time by the calibration process. The velocity-controlled actuator system dynamically adjusts the actuator resistance utilized in the reconstruction of the back EMF voltage by utilizing a self-tuning estimate of the actuator resistance that compensates for any changes in the actuator resistance over time.

Abstract: An enhanced method and system for unloading magnetic heads are disclosed. The system limits the maximum and minimum speed of the actuator while unloading the heads during a power failure. A BEMF control circuit monitors the velocity of the actuator using the BEMF of the actuator as a gauge of the velocity. The BEMF control circuit uses a sense resistor to remove the inherent resistive component of the actuator from its BEMF measurement. If the velocity of the actuator increases above a safe level the BEMF control circuit decreases actuator current to prevent further acceleration. If the velocity of the actuator decreases below a safe level the BEMF control circuit increases the actuator current to accelerate the actuator to a safe level.

Abstract: A velocity-controlled actuator system and method are usable in low velocity, high load situations such as those encountered in dynamic head loading, and in normal situations. The velocity-controlled actuator system utilizes a self-tuning estimator that is calibrated during operation of said disk drive. Consequently, parameters, characteristics, and any other features of the disk drive that affect operation of the actuator system are compensated for in real time by the calibration process. The velocity-controlled actuator system dynamically adjusts the actuator resistance utilized in the reconstruction of the back EMF voltage by utilizing a self-tuning estimate of the actuator resistance that compensates for any changes in the actuator resistance over time.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the storage capacity of miniature disk drives without affecting reliability or yields of the disk drives uses an iterative seek process to define track zero. Initially, a physical reference point is defined and a transducer is moved in coarse steps from the physical reference point until interference with a stationery loading ramp or other mechanical component, hereinafter, "ramp," is detected. Upon detection of interference, the transducer is moved one coarse step away from the ramp and then the transducer is moved in fine steps towards the ramp until interference is again detected. Upon detection of interference, the transducer is moved away from the ramp a predetermined distance. After the transducer is moved the predetermined distance, a check is made for interference. If interference is detected, the transducer is moved in fine step towards the center of the disk until interference is no longer detected.

Abstract: An early end of tape sensing subsystem for a data processing system, including a host computer, a cache buffer, and a magnetic tape drive subsystem utilizes outputs dependent upon the movement of a capstan wheel, swing arm, and file reel of the magnetic tape drive subsystem, determining the net movement of tape therein in order to measure the circumference of the file reel plus tape thereon. Whenever a series of valid readings from a conventional sensor are obtained indicating that the circumference of the file reel plus tape is approaching that of the circumference of the file reel itself (i.e., no tape on the file reel), a signal is sent to the microprocessor controlling the cache buffer, said signal indicating that the end of the tape is approaching.