Abstract: A data storage system includes a plurality of Data Storage Devices (DSDs). A write command is sent to each DSD of the plurality of DSDs to each store one or more erasure coded shards of an overprovisioned number of shards. The overprovisioned number of shards is generated from an erasure coding on data to provide at least a predetermined level of data reliability. Write complete indications are received for a threshold number of shards less than the overprovisioned number of shards, with each write complete indication indicating that one or more shards of the overprovisioned number of shards has been stored in a DSD. It is determined that the data has been written with at least the predetermined level of data reliability after receiving write complete indications for the threshold number of shards, but before receiving write complete indications for all of the overprovisioned number of shards.

Abstract: A collective latency indicator is determined that is associated with a latency in retrieving multiple erasure coded shards generated from an erasure coding on initial data. The collective latency indicator is compared to a latency limit, and a number of erasure coded shards to retrieve is adjusted based on the comparison of the collective latency indicator to the latency limit.

Abstract: An individual latency indicator is determined for each Data Storage Device (DSD) or memory portion of a DSD storing one or more erasure coded shards generated from an erasure coding on initial data. Each individual latency indicator is associated with a latency in retrieving an erasure coded shard stored in a respective DSD or memory portion. At least one collective latency indicator is determined using determined individual latency indicators, with the at least one collective latency indicator being associated with a latency in retrieving multiple erasure coded shards. The at least one collective latency indicator is compared to a latency limit, and a subset of erasure coded shards is selected to retrieve based on the comparison of the at least one collective latency indicator to the latency limit.

Abstract: A collective latency indicator is determined that is associated with a latency in retrieving multiple erasure coded shards generated from an erasure coding on initial data. The collective latency indicator is compared to a latency limit, and a number of erasure coded shards to retrieve is adjusted based on the comparison of the collective latency indicator to the latency limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in controlling a hydraulically powered AC generator are provided. One control system includes a valve system. The valve system includes a fixed valve configured to provide a substantially constant flow rate of the fluid through the fixed valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The valve system further includes a variable valve configured to provide a variable flow rate of the fluid through the variable valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a sensor device configured to measure a speed of movement of a component of the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a control circuit configured to control the variable flow rate of the variable valve based on the speed of movement of the component measured by the sensor device.

Abstract: An individual latency indicator is determined for each Data Storage Device (DSD) or memory portion of a DSD storing one or more erasure coded shards generated from an erasure coding on initial data. Each individual latency indicator is associated with a latency in retrieving an erasure coded shard stored in a respective DSD or memory portion. At least one collective latency indicator is determined using determined individual latency indicators, with the at least one collective latency indicator being associated with a latency in retrieving multiple erasure coded shards. The at least one collective latency indicator is compared to a latency limit, and a subset of erasure coded shards is selected to retrieve based on the comparison of the at least one collective latency indicator to the latency limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in controlling a hydraulically powered AC generator are provided. One control system includes a valve system. The valve system includes a fixed valve configured to provide a substantially constant flow rate of the fluid through the fixed valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The valve system further includes a variable valve configured to provide a variable flow rate of the fluid through the variable valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a sensor device configured to measure a speed of movement of a component of the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a control circuit configured to control the variable flow rate of the variable valve based on the speed of movement of the component measured by the sensor device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in controlling a hydraulically powered AC generator are provided. One control system includes a valve system. The valve system includes a fixed valve configured to provide a substantially constant flow rate of the fluid through the fixed valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The valve system further includes a variable valve configured to provide a variable flow rate of the fluid through the variable valve to the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a sensor device configured to measure a speed of movement of a component of the hydraulically powered AC generator. The control system further includes a control circuit configured to control the variable flow rate of the variable valve based on the speed of movement of the component measured by the sensor device.

Abstract: Systems for identifying potentially erroneous and/or erased data are provided. Systems have a bit detector, an accumulator, and a data reconstruction processor. The bit detector assigns values to bits read in a data signal. The bit detector illustratively assigns multiple values to each of the bits. The accumulator accumulates a count of the multiple values assigned by the bit detector for each of the bits. The accumulator associates each bit with a particular value based at least in part on its accumulated count. The data reconstruction processor determines for each of the bits a confidence level of the particular value associated to it. The data reconstruction process sets flags for a portion of the bits. The flags identify the portion of the bits as possible erased or erroneous data. The flags are set based at least in part on the confidence levels of the portion of the bits.

Abstract: A method for detecting head-disc contact is disclosed. The method comprises locating a head including a head positioning microactuator and at least one of a read transducer and a write transducer adjacent to a disc such that the head is in communication with the disc, monitoring an output signal from the head positioning microactuator of the head, and evaluating the output signal to determine if the head contacts the disc.

Abstract: Systems for identifying potentially erroneous and/or erased data are provided. Systems have a bit detector, an accumulator, and a data reconstruction processor. The bit detector assigns values to bits read in a data signal. The bit detector illustratively assigns multiple values to each of the bits. The accumulator accumulates a count of the multiple values assigned by the bit detector for each of the bits. The accumulator associates each bit with a particular value based at least in part on its accumulated count. The data reconstruction processor determines for each of the bits a confidence level of the particular value associated to it. The data reconstruction process sets flags for a portion of the bits. The flags identify the portion of the bits as possible erased or erroneous data. The flags are set based at least in part on the confidence levels of the portion of the bits.

Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.

Abstract: A system for enhancing the error correction capability of an error correction code (“ECC”) during error recovery operations accumulates, for respective bits, counts of the number of times the bits are detected as 1s in multiple re-reads of a data signal. The system then determines, based on the associated count, if a reconstructed bit should be considered a 1 or 0, or neither, that is, if the reconstructed bit should be considered erroneous, by comparing the count to a majority detection threshold and then to either an upper or a lower predetermined threshold that corresponds to the confidence with which the bit is reconstructed as a either a 1 or a 0. If the confidence is sufficiently low, that is, if the count falls below the upper threshold or above the lower threshold, the reconstructed bit is flagged as erroneous.

Abstract: A method for detecting head-disc contact in a disc drive is disclosed. The method comprises monitoring an output signal from a head positioning microactuator on a read/write head in the disc drive and evaluating the output signal to determine if the read/write head contacts a disc of the disc drive.

Abstract: A dock leveler support frame includes an upper frame member and a substantially vertical frame member connected thereto. The substantially vertical frame member includes both a structural member and a height-adjusting leg assembly. The leg assembly is adjustable via a drive member proximate the upper frame member. Rotating the drive member raises or lowers the upper frame member by altering the distance between the upper frame member and a foot at the lower end of the leg assembly. Ramp attachment points are also provided proximate the upper frame member. The support frame is installed by placing it in a pit with the upper frame member adjacent the curb, and adjusting the leg assembly to level the upper frame member to the curb. Once level, the back frame is secured to the dock, and the drive member may be secured to the upper frame member to prevent counter-rotation.

Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.

Abstract: A loading dock apparatus remote control is provided. Some embodiments of the invention include a zone specific remote control for loading dock apparatus. Some optional embodiments include a selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating loading dock apparatus using a remote control is also provided.

Abstract: A loading dock apparatus remote control is provided. Some embodiments of the invention include a zone specific remote control for loading dock apparatus. Some optional embodiments include a selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating loading dock apparatus using a remote control is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg. The method includes maintaining the support leg in a support position and retracting the support leg under certain conditions.

Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading docket. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition. The docket leveler has a horizontally translatable ramp.