Abstract: A handle module has a housing conforming to a disk drive form factor. The handle module has mounting features configured to securely install the housing in a slot conforming to the disk drive form factor. The handle module has a finger-friendly recess extending from a front of the handle module and into an interior of the housing.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a display stand. The display stand includes a base, a support arm, one or more display mounts, and a latching mechanism. A display may be attached to the one or more display mounts. The display may include a variety of devices such a monitor, workstation, or computer. The latching mechanism is configured to have a latched position that secures the support arm and one or more display mounts in a reclined position substantially parallel to the base. The latching mechanism is additionally configured to have an unlatched position that allows extension of the support arm and one or more display mounts.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a display stand. The display stand includes a base, a support arm, one or more display mounts, and a latching mechanism. A display may be attached to the one or more display mounts. The display may include a variety of devices such a monitor, workstation, or computer. The latching mechanism is configured to have a latched position that secures the support arm and one or more display mounts in a reclined position substantially parallel to the base. The latching mechanism is additionally configured to have an unlatched position that allows extension of the support arm and one or more display mounts.

Abstract: A handle module has a housing conforming to a disk drive form factor. The handle module has mounting features configured to securely install the housing in a slot conforming to the disk drive form factor. The handle module has a finger-friendly recess extending from a front of the handle module and into an interior of the housing.

Abstract: Two interfaces or operating modes are designed into the hardware and firmware. Selection between these two interfaces, or operating modes, is indicated by the position of a jumper on an IDE/ATAPI-style jumper block. A pull-up resistor and interface type detection signal are connected to a pin on the IDE/ATAPI-style jumper block associated with a jumper that is not monitored by the IDE/ATAPI master/slave selection detect (or other configuration) hardware or used to pull-down or pull-up another jumpered pin on the jumper block. When a jumper is placed between this pin, and a pin used to pull-up or pull-down another jumpered pin the interface type detection signal will be read as being at the pulled-up or pulled-down logic level, respectively. Otherwise, the IDE/ATAPI master/slave selection (or other configuration) detect hardware will function normally.

Abstract: An adapter and method for converting the data interface hardware of a computer peripheral device. A set of connectors is arranged to mate with the interface conductors of a computer peripheral device that contains the circuitry and firmware necessary to support the use of more than one computer peripheral data interface. Another set of connectors is provided to connect with the interfaces being used by a computer. An indication to the device of which of the supported data interfaces is to be used is provided.

Abstract: A CD transport tray can be driven by a powered wheel made of an elastomeric material, or by a wheel 42′ having an elastomeric material on its rim surface that engages (through a friction-based driving action) an elongated strip on the CD transport tray. In the alternative, the elongated strip 38′ can be provided with an elastomeric strip 110′ or both the wheel 42′ and the elongated strip 38′ may be provided with an elastomeric strip.

Abstract: A device for connection to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals connection and disconnection from the bus without physically removing or reinserting the USB cable. The devices system controller controls the signaling so that connection or disconnection may be signaled in a variety of situations to accomplish certain tasks. Connection signaling may be delayed until power-up reset procedures are complete to prevent the device from being polled by the host. A disconnect then a connect may be signaled to help recover from certain error conditions. The same data lines may also be used for interfaces other than the USB bus. A switched connection from a USB data line through a pull-up resistor to a positive supply voltage. The switched connection is controlled by a logic function so that it will not be connected when the power supply on the USB cable is not present. The switched connection is also controlled by a logic signal that may be supplied by the USB device's system controller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically clamping a compact optical disc, or the like. The invention comprises a first contact surface and a second contact surface. Loading a disc into a disc player brings the contact surfaces into contact, which actuates a clamp. Unloading the disc separates the contact surfaces, which releases the clamp. The contact may be caused by relative motion between the contact surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a door in a magnetic data tape cartridge. As a tape cartridge is inserted into a drive, a moveable plunger has a first surface that contacts an extension on the door, opening the door. As the tape cartridge is inserted further into the drive, the cartridge contacts a second surface on the plunger, moving the plunger rearward into the drive. Contacting the second surface for moving the plunger rearward reduces wear and prevents binding.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive having a motor with a magnetically shielded cavity or hole in one cover of the motor providing additional room for movement of a magnetic head. The cavity eliminates a mechanical interference problem, enabling direct drive of a roller (puck) combined with short overall drive height. In motors having an internal stator, some of the stator poles are eliminated and a magnetically shielded cavity is provided in the area where the stator poles are eliminated. In motors having an external stator, no stator modification is required and a shielded cavity provides access into an open area of the rotor. In addition, for motors having an external stator and sufficient magnetic shielding, a simple hole in one cover of the motor may be sufficient rather than a magnetically shielded cavity.

Abstract: A tape drive has a tape transport system for use with a tape cartridge of the type having an exposed edge of the internal cartridge capstan. A stationary drive capstan fixedly mounted with respect to the tape drive chassis directly drives a compliant frictional drive roller connected thereto via a drive shaft. A combination of the compliance and friction characteristics of the drive roller material and/or the drive roller form factor achieves a contact pressure sufficiently high to engage the exposed edge of the internal cartridge capstan in order to transport the tape past a read/write head and yet sufficiently low to avoid damage to the tape cartridge or the tape drive.

Abstract: A magnetic tape drive having a motor with a magnetically shielded cavity or hole in one cover of the motor providing additional room for movement of a magnetic head. The cavity eliminates a mechanical interference problem, enabling direct drive of a roller (puck) combined with short overall drive height. In motors having an internal stator, some of the stator poles are eliminated and a magnetically shielded cavity is provided in the area where the stator poles are eliminated. In motors having an external stator, no stator modification is required and a shielded cavity provides access into an open area of the rotor. In addition, for motors having an external stator and sufficient magnetic shielding, a simple hole in one cover of the motor may be sufficient rather than a magnetically shielded cavity.

Abstract: A drive chassis for magnetic tapes, the chassis having adjustable azimuth for a magnetic head. The magnetic head is mounted onto a plate. The plate has one end forming a hinge surface. The hinge surface is forced into contact with a stationary hinge surface on the chassis. A second end of the plate is moveable, permitting the plate to rotate around the hinge surfaces, thereby rotating the magnetic head. A spring in contact with the second end of the plate forces the hinge surface of the plate against the hinge surface on the chassis. In a preferred embodiment, the spring is integral with a side wall of the chassis.

Abstract: The data storage cartridge drive is designed to securely accommodate and align more than one size cartridge. Reference surfaces are provided for cartridge to drive alignment in a manner so as to enhance stability, particularly during periods when the drive may experience shock or vibration. An additional reference surface is provided to supply added resistance to shock and vibration.

Abstract: An alignment and latching apparatus for a drive mechanism for data tape mini-cartridges. The alignment and latching apparatus enables the drive to use a new mini-cartridge while retaining backward compatibility with older smaller mini-cartridges. The mini-cartridges have a plastic top cover and a rigid metal baseplate. For some embodiments, an alignment datum is defined by three reference points on the bottom of the mini-cartridge baseplate. In other embodiments, the alignment datum is split with two reference points on the top of the baseplate and one reference point on bottom of the baseplate. Alignment and latching forces are applied on both the plastic cover and onto the baseplate. In some embodiments, alignment force on the top cover is provided by flat springs. In alternative embodiments, alignment force on the top cover is provided by spring loaded rollers.