Abstract: A system for providing access to a plurality of data media contained in a data storage system is provided. The data storage system comprises a plurality of media storage devices for storing the plurality of data media, a data exchange device for exchanging data stored on the plurality of data media, and a media handling system for transferring the plurality of data media between the plurality of media storage devices and the data exchange device. The system comprises a bulk access apparatus configured to cover a plurality of openings in the data storage system. Each of the plurality of openings in the data storage system provide access to one of the media storage devices.

Abstract: LCDs for use in high intensity applications such as digital projectors are susceptible to performance degradation resulting from unwanted photoconductive effects that result from scattered light. Furthermore, the constraints under which these devices operate require that their TFTs be made of polysilicon. The present inventions shows how these problems can be overcome by inserting an opaque optical shielding element between the TFT active layer and the lower transparent plate of the LCD. Materials suitable for use in the shielding layer include thermally deposited silicon nitride, layers of silicon oxide and silicon nitride, and a refractory metal encapsulated in a suitable barrier layer.

Abstract: Methods of forming a gate dielectric layer, and a composite gate dielectric layer, for a thin film transistor, has been developed. A first embodiment of this invention describes the procedure used to create the composite gate dielectric layer. A first, thin silicon oxide gate dielectric layer is thermally grown on an underlying active semiconductor layer, such as polysilicon. A first anneal procedure, is performed at a temperature greater than the temperature used for the thermal growth of this layer, resulting in improved parametric integrity. A thicker, second silicon oxide gate dielectric layer is then thermally deposited, followed by an anneal procedure used to provide a composite gate dielectric layer comprised of a densified, thermally deposited second silicon oxide gate dielectric layer, on an underlying, thermally grown first silicon oxide gate dielectric layer.

Abstract: A cartridge engaging assembly for a cartridge handing system is disclosed. The assembly may include a cartridge engaging device positioned within each of the cartridge storage locations in a cartridge storage array. An actuator device may be included which is adapted to engage the cartridge engaging device in order to push a cartridge out of a storage location during a push operating mode or pull a cartridge into a storage location during a pull operating mode. An actuator drive assembly may be operably connected to the actuator device in order to linearly translate the actuator to device in a lateral direction. A linear translation assembly may be provided in order to linearly translate the read/write drive, actuator drive assembly, and actuator device among the storage locations in the cartridge storage array. A method for transporting a cartridge between a storage location and a read/write drive utilizing the cartridge engaging assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reinforced pallet (10) includes an upper surface (11) and a pair of opposing support sides (14, 15). The pallet (10) also includes at least one reinforcing bar channel (50) and a reinforcing bar (40) received within reinforcing bar channel (50). A twin-sheet pallet (10) is formed vacuum-forming a first plastic sheet (33a) to a first mold section (30) and a second plastic sheet (33b) to a second mold sheet (31), wherein a preselected portion of the second mold section (31) is sealed such that the second plastic sheet (33b) is not vacuum-formed. The mold sections (30, 31) are then moved together and the sheets (33a, 33b) are compressed together at preselected locations. A thermoformed, plastic pallet (10) for bearing and positioning a load, also includes and a retaining wall assembly (90) carried by the upper surface (11); the retaining wall assembly (90) including a wall-receiving slot (91) in the upper surface (11) and a retaining wall (92) received and positioned within the slot (91).

Abstract: A reinforced pallet (10) includes an upper surface (11) and a pair of opposing support sides (14, 15). The pallet (10) also includes at least one reinforcing bar channel (50) and a reinforcing bar (40) received within reinforcing bar channel (50). A twin-sheet pallet (10) is formed vacuum-forming a first plastic sheet (33a) to a first mold section (30) and a second plastic sheet (33b) to a second mold sheet (31), wherein a preselected portion of the second mold section (31) is sealed such that the second plastic sheet (33b) is not vacuum-formed. The mold sections (30, 31) are then moved together and the sheets (33a, 33b) are compressed together at preselected locations. A thermoformed, plastic pallet (10) for bearing and positioning a load, also includes and a retaining wall assembly (90) carried by the upper surface (11); the retaining wall assembly (90) including a wall-receiving slot (91) in the upper surface (11) and a retaining wall means (92) received and positioned within the slot (91).