Abstract: An Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) device is disclosed for communicating with a host. The ATA device receives a command from the host, and while the ATA device is busy processing the command, the ATA device receives intra-command data from the host in at least one bits 3, 4, 5, and 6 in a device control field. In one embodiment the ATA device is a parallel ATA device, and the device control field is part an ATA task file. In another embodiment, the ATA device is a serial ATA device, and the device control field is part of a host to device Frame Information Structure (FIS).

Abstract: A hybrid drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of data sectors. The hybrid drive further comprises a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) comprising a plurality of memory segments. A disk cache is defined comprising a first plurality of the data sectors, and a non-cache area of the disk is defined comprising a second plurality of the data sectors. When a write command is received from a host, data is written to the disk cache, and under certain conditions, the data is copied from the disk cache to the NVSM.

Abstract: A screw comprising a drive part, a threaded part, and a retaining ring is disclosed herein. Each of the drive part and the threaded part comprises a plurality of interface surfaces that transmit torque from the drive part to the threaded part and prevent the parts from disengaging from one another during use. Each plurality of interface surfaces forms one or more geometric shapes that create additional friction between the drive and threaded parts, and may further include mating pins and holes to prevent the parts from detaching from one another. The retaining ring, which removably connects the screw to a wrench during assembly of the screw with a receptacle, is disposed within a cavity formed when the drive part is assembled with the threaded part.

Abstract: A data storage apparatus includes a command processor that receives write commands and data blocks from a host, the write commands comprising block ID's (BID) corresponding to data blocks; storage resources including semiconductor memory and mass storage; a data manager that selects storage resources and allocates selected resources to block ID's; a translation table to map a storage resource to the allocated block ID, and storage resources that are selected after receipt of the write command. A method is further provided for increasing performance in a storage device comprising a plurality of storage resources, transferring data to a storage resource that is available to transfer the data.

Abstract: A screw comprising a drive part, a threaded part, and a retaining ring is disclosed herein. Each of the drive part and the threaded part comprises a plurality of interface surfaces that transmit torque from the drive part to the threaded part and prevent the parts from disengaging from one another during use. Each plurality of interface surfaces forms one or more geometric shapes that create additional friction between the drive and threaded parts, and may further include mating pins and holes to prevent the parts from detaching from one another. The retaining ring, which removably connects the screw to a wrench during assembly of the screw with a receptacle, is disposed within a cavity formed when the drive part is assembled with the threaded part.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions, methods and/or apparatus of central administration of various CNS-active agents. In particular embodiments, intrathecal administration is advantageous for decreasing the systemic concentrations of CNS agent, thereby decreasing side effect toxicity, while allowing more effective delivery of the agent to the site of action, simultaneously decreasing the dosage delivered to the subject. In particular embodiments, ICV delivery may be of use for patients who have previously proven to be refractory to systemic administration of CNS agents, in some cases due to systemic side effects, or for those patients whose symptoms are of sufficient severity to warrant more aggressive therapeutic intervention. ICV administration allows not only lower systemic concentration but also higher therapeutically effective concentration within the CNS.

Abstract: A screw comprising a drive part, a threaded part, and a retaining ring is disclosed herein. Each of the drive part and the threaded part comprises a plurality of interface surfaces that transmit torque from the drive part to the threaded part and prevent the parts from disengaging from one another during use. Each plurality of interface surfaces forms one or more geometric shapes that create additional friction between the drive and threaded parts, and may further include mating pins and holes to prevent the parts from detaching from one another. The retaining ring, which removably connects the screw to a wrench during assembly of the screw with a receptacle, is disposed within a cavity formed when the drive part is assembled with the threaded part.

Abstract: A method is provided for asynchronous notifications from a device to a host in systems without requiring hardware provision for asynchronous operations. In an embodiment of the invention, a system supports command queuing and a command is sent from a host to a device. The device receives the command and an associated tag, and accepts the command as valid. After accepting the command, the device begins monitoring for asynchronous events. If an asynchronous event is detected, the device provides notification of the event by sending a response and the associated tag to the host. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of asynchronous notification enables use of invalid tags. In a further embodiment of the invention, asynchronous notifications may be enabled by a host and operate without additional host commands.

Abstract: A data storage device (DSD) tester is disclosed for testing a DSD. The DSD tester comprises control circuitry operable to receive production line data through an interface, wherein the production line data is related to the DSD. The control circuitry executes a DSD test on the DSD, and transmits failure data generated by the DSD test and the production line data to a failure information database.

Abstract: A foldable conveyor having a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section pivotally connected to the first conveyor section. The pivotal connection allows the second conveyor section to articulate about the first conveyor section. The foldable conveyor also includes a pivoting mechanism operatively connected to the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section. The pivoting mechanism includes a first link having one end pivotally connected to the first section. The pivoting mechanism also includes a second link having one end pivotally connected to the second section. A second end of the second link is pivotally connected with a second end of the first link. The pivoting mechanism further includes an actuator configured to pivot the second conveyor section about the first conveyor section by allowing a relative movement between the first link and the second link.

Abstract: An image format and method are presented for storing a digital image in the image format. The image format includes image data and executable computer instructions. Displaying a digital image stored in this image format requires executing the stored executable instructions which generate the image data for the associated digital image.

Abstract: A hybrid drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of data sectors, and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM). A read frequency of a first logical block address (LBA) is maintained, and when the read frequency of the first LBA exceeds a threshold and a corresponding PBA is assigned to a data sector of the disk, first data stored in the data sector is copied to a memory segment of the NVSM. When the read frequency of the first LBA exceeds a threshold and the PBA is assigned to a memory segment of the NVSM, first data stored in the memory segment is copied to a data sector of the disk. When a read command is received to read the first LBA, a decision is made to read the first data from one of the NVSM and the disk.

Abstract: Graphite oxide can be converted to its reduced form (r-GO) using exposing radiation having a peak wavelength (?max) of less than 400 nm, and even less than 1 nm (X-rays). This conversion method is efficient and can be carried out with various forms of graphite oxide samples, with or without simultaneous application of heat, below atmospheric pressure, or in a reducing environment.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of manufacture that provide for an underwriting product portal such as, for example, an online portal that provides bond and/or other underwriting product pricing, sales, and/or management services.

Abstract: A data storage device (DSD) tester for testing a DSD is disclosed. The DSD tester comprises control circuitry operable to receive a DSD log from the DSD, wherein the DSD log comprises at least one entry identifying at least one error condition. A sequence of commands associated with the error condition is executed in order to determine whether the DSD is defective.

Abstract: An active fluid reservoir for transmission fluid of an automatic transmission, in a first embodiment, comprehends an elongate reservoir disposed adjacent and parallel to fluid lines leading from the automatic transmission to the transmission oil (fluid) cooler (TOC). Depending upon available space, the reservoir may be associated with either the supply or return line or two smaller reservoirs associated with both lines. Thermally actuated valves at each end of the reservoir(s) open to allow fluid flow through the reservoir as fluid temperature increases and a diverter valve in the cooler line(s) closes to divert flow into the reservoir. In a second embodiment, the fluid reservoir comprehends a container, tank or similar storage device in fluid communication with a transmission oil cooler (TOC) line.

Abstract: An actuator for selectively extending and retracting a probe in a measuring instrument comprises an actuator body, a carriage having a first aperture slidably attached to the body, and a second aperture receiving a probe holder having a probe. The first aperture of the carriage, which surrounds the actuator body, includes a first plurality of magnets disposed around an inner circumference of the aperture. The actuator body includes a lead screw, a round lead screw nut mated with the lead screw, and a second plurality of magnets arranged on a periphery of the lead screw nut, generally aligned with the first plurality of magnets. The magnets are arranged so that the carriage may be displaced with respect to the actuator body a sufficient amount that the magnets do not significantly restrain the further movement of the carriage.

Abstract: “A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk wherein a Native Command Queuing (NCQ) access command is received from a host. The NCQ access command comprises at least one logical block address (LBA) associated with a logical block, and a tag field for identifying the access command. The tag field is evaluated to determine a size of the logical block, and the logical block is transferred between the disk drive and the host. The logical block comprises user data and protection information for implementing end-to-end protection. The tag field comprises a tag number selected from a range of numbers, where the range of numbers comprise a first range of numbers for identifying a logical block comprising user data and protection information, and a second range of numbers for identifying a logical block comprising user data without protection information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixation device for spinal fixation. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through a first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into positioned within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebra. In other embodiments, the device is used to secure stabilization devices across two or more vertebra.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixation device for spinal fixation. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through a first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into positioned within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebra. In other embodiments, the device is used to secure stabilization devices across two or more vertebra.