Abstract: The present invention is a stethoscope diaphragm including a disc and a rim. The rim includes a plurality of features extending from an inner circumference of the rim.

Abstract: The present invention is a stethoscope diaphragm including a disc and a rim. The rim includes a plurality of features extending from an inner circumference of the rim.

Abstract: A fluid flow coupling assembly includes an inlet housing defining an inlet channel communicating with a first bushing recess and an outlet housing defining an outlet channel communicating with a second bushing recess. The assembly includes a bushing defining a flow bore communicating between the inlet channel and the outlet channel and a first bushing section disposed in the first bushing recess and a second bushing section disposed in the second bushing recess. The inlet and outlet housings are coupled to the bushing such that the inlet housing rotates about the bushing independently from the outlet housing. The first bushing section is retained between opposing walls of the first bushing recess and the second bushing section is retained between opposing walls of the second bushing recess.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed. The data storage device includes a continuous band, and a memory device assembly disposes within the continuous band. The continuous band defines an internal housing recess formed by opposing sides extending between first and second major surfaces, and an access window formed in one of the first and second major surfaces and communicating with the internal housing recess. In this regard, the memory device assembly is disposed in the internal housing recess, and a flexing of the continuous band exposes a data/power port of the memory device assembly through the access window.

Abstract: A USB memory device includes a circuit board, a connector, and a one-piece housing. The circuit board includes opposed major faces having a plurality of electrical contacts and a memory chip disposed on one of the major faces. The USB connector is coupled to a first end of the circuit board. The one-piece housing is over-molded over the circuit board and a portion of the connector, such that an interior of the one-piece housing contacts an entirety of the opposed major faces including the plurality of electrical contacts and the memory chip.

Abstract: A suction coupling includes a first union coupled to a second union. The first union includes a first tubing joint extending from a side of the first union and a male flange extending from an end of the first union. The second union includes a second tubing joint extending from a side of the second union and defines a female receptacle formed in an open end of the second union. The male flange is rotatably coupled with the female receptacle such that when suction is applied to the second union, the first union forms a liquid seal relative to the second union.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for a tape drive system component, such as a data storage tape cartridge, is described that includes a hub. The hub defines an inner surface and a tape winding surface, and at least a portion of the hub is made of plastic. The tape winding surface has an effective radial modulus of greater than 0.3 million pounds-per-square-inch.

Abstract: An optical disk exhibiting no detrimental thickness increase (edge wedge effect) that arises at the outer diameter of an optical disk substrate during an injection molding manufacturing process, and an apparatus and method for making such a disk. The optical disk of the present invention is designed for use with an optical disk player, especially where the data on the optical disk is stored air incident. This optical disk includes a disk substrate made from a molded polymeric material. The disk substrate has a first major surface, a second major surface, and an outer edge. The first major surface of the optical disk includes a data region having an intermediate portion and an outer portion. The outer portion extends to the outer edge of the optical disk. The disk substrate has a thickness defined by the distance between the first major surface and the second major surface. The optical disk also includes an information layer covering the data region.

Abstract: A tape reel assembly for a data storage tape cartridge is described. The tape reel assembly has a hub. The hub includes a cylindrical core, an annular arm, and a web. The cylindrical core defines a drive side and a top side. The annular arm is co-axially disposed exterior to and separated from the cylindrical core. Additionally, the annular arm defines a tape winding surface bisected by a center line into a top half opposite the drive side and a bottom half adjacent the drive side. The web extends from the top side of the core, and a web center connects to the annular arm at a point in the top half.

Abstract: An optical disk exhibiting no detrimental thickness increase (edge wedge effect) that arises at the outer diameter of an optical disk substrate during an injection molding manufacturing process, and an apparatus and method for making such a disk. The optical disk of the present invention is designed for use with an optical disk player, especially where the data on the optical disk is stored air incident. This optical disk includes a disk substrate made from a molded polymeric material. The disk substrate has a first major surface, a second major surface, and an outer edge. The first major surface of the optical disk includes a data region having an intermediate portion and an outer portion. The outer portion extends to the outer edge of the optical disk. The disk substrate has a thickness defined by the distance between the first major surface and the second major surface. The optical disk also includes an information layer covering the data region.

Abstract: An optical disk exhibiting no detrimental thickness increase (edge wedge effect) that arises at the outer diameter of an optical disk substrate during an injection molding manufacturing process, and an apparatus and method for making such a disk. The optical disk of the present invention is designed for use with an optical disk player, especially where the data on the optical disk is stored air incident. This optical disk includes a disk substrate made from a molded polymeric material. The disk substrate has a first major surface, a second major surface, and an outer edge. The first major surface of the optical disk includes a data region having an intermediate portion and an outer portion. The outer portion extends to the outer edge of the optical disk. The disk substrate has a thickness defined by the distance between the first major surface and the second major surface. The optical disk also includes an information layer covering the data region.

Abstract: A mold and a process for use in producing data storage articles such as single substrate double-sided disks. In one configuration, a mold for manufacturing a substrate includes a stamper, at least one holder having an interface with the stamper, and a vacuum line for applying a retention force to maintain the interface between the holder and the stamper. In another configuration, the mold includes a demolding line for applying a demolding force to the substrate to aid in separating the substrate from the stamper. The various embodiments of the present invention provide, among other things, easier and faster stamper changeover, substrates and final data storage articles having improved process indicia such as thickness, flatness, inner and outer diameter, and concentricity, and facilitates production of single-substrate double-sided disks.

Abstract: A multiple cavity injection molding system having at least two single cavity injection molds for forming optical discs. The single cavity injection molds are physically and thermally separated from each other. Each single cavity injection mold has first and second mating portions which are movable between a closed position in which a mold cavity is formed and an open position in which the object is removed from the mold cavity. A resin delivery system is operatively coupled to the first mating portion of each of the single cavity injection molds for delivering resin into each of the two single cavity injection molds, and an ejector system is operatively coupled to the second mating portion of the single cavity injection mold for ejecting the molded disc from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A leader block assembly including a leader block, a tape clamp, and an elastomeric member. The leader block forms a channel defined by opposing sidewalls extending from a base, each sidewall forming a lip having an under surface. The tape clamp is nested within the channel and includes a bottom surface, opposing sides, and at least one cantilevered leg positioned at each of the opposing sides, respectively. Each leg extends upwardly relative to the bottom surface. The elastomeric member is disposed between the leader block and the tape clamp, and biases the tape clamp to a locked position in which the legs engage the under surface of the respect lips providing positive engagement between the tape clamp and the leader block.

Abstract: A mold and a process for use in producing data storage articles such as single substrate double-sided disks. In one configuration, a mold for manufacturing a substrate includes a stamper, at least one holder having an interface with the stamper, and a vacuum line for applying a retention force to maintain the interface between the holder and the stamper. In another configuration, the mold includes a demolding line for applying a demolding force to the substrate to aid in separating the substrate from the stamper. The various embodiments of the present invention provide, among other things, easier and faster stamper changeover, substrates and final data storage articles having improved process indicia such as thickness, flatness, inner and outer diameter, and concentricity, and facilitates production of single-substrate double-sided disks.

Abstract: A leader block assembly including a leader block, a tape clamp, and an elastomeric member. The leader block forms a channel defined by opposing sidewalls extending from a base, each sidewall forming a lip having an under surface. The tape clamp is nested within the channel and includes a bottom surface, opposing sides, and at least one cantilevered leg positioned at each of the opposing sides, respectively. Each leg extends upwardly relative to the bottom surface. The elastomeric member is disposed between the leader block and the tape clamp, and biases the tape clamp to a locked position in which the legs engage the under surface of the respect lips providing positive engagement between the tape clamp and the leader block.

Abstract: A multiple cavity injection molding system having at least two single cavity injection molds for forming optical discs. The single cavity injection molds are physically and thermally separated from each other. Each single cavity injection mold has first and second mating portions which are movable between a closed position in which a mold cavity is formed and an open position in which the object is removed from the mold cavity. A resin delivery system is operatively coupled to the first mating portion of each of the single cavity injection molds for delivering resin into each of the two single cavity injection molds, and an ejector system is operatively coupled to the second mating portion of the single cavity injection mold for ejecting the molded disc from the mold cavity.