Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing a data storage system that utilizes heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). In some embodiments, the method includes recording data to a storage medium using the HAMR system, accumulating a usage statistic indicative of actual elapsed operation of the HAMR system, and setting an indication value in a memory indicative of an estimate of remaining available elapsed operation of the HAMR system. The estimate of remaining available elapsed operation is determined in relation to the usage statistic and an estimated total elapsed operation value.

Abstract: A storage device that supports Trusted Computer Group (TCG) security allows management of TCG security features by a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) using non-TCG security commands supported by the BIOS. In one implementation, a BIOS that does not support TCG security but does support ATA security can use ATA drive unlock to invoke TCG drive unlock on the storage device. Further, the storage device can be transitioned among multiple security operating modes (e.g., Undeclared, ATA security or TCG security).

Abstract: A storage device that supports Trusted Computer Group (TCG) security allows management of TCG security features by a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) using non-TCG security commands supported by the BIOS. In one implementation, a BIOS that does not support TCG security but does support ATA security can use ATA drive unlock to invoke TCG drive unlock on the storage device. Further, the storage device can be transitioned among multiple security operating modes (e.g., Undeclared, ATA security or TCG security).

Abstract: Aqueous acrylic polymer compositions comprising a copolymer of an alkyl acrylate, an alkyl methacrylate and one or more acrylate acids or salts thereof are disclosed. By introducing an alkoxylated surfactant having a surface tension of greater than about 32.2 dynes/cm and less than 48.2 dynes/cm, enhanced freeze-thaw stability can be obtained with the polymer compositions of the present invention. The polymer compositions are compatible in all-aqueous hairspray compositions, as well as those which contain up to about 80 weight percent volatile organic compounds, or more.

Abstract: Aqueous, anionic, acrylic polymer compositions comprising a copolymer of an alkyl acrylate, an alkyl methacrylate and one or more acrylate acids or salts thereof is disclosed. By controlling the particle size of the copolymer and introducing a surfactant, enhanced freeze-thaw stability can be obtained with the polymer compositions of the present invention. The polymer compositions are compatible in all-aqueous hairspray compositions, as well as those which contain up to about 80 weight percent volatile organic compounds, or more.

Abstract: Solid phase change materials, such as CARBOWAX.RTM. polyethylene glycol 8000, are encapsulated in a condensation polymeric shell to provide heat storage material for use in such things as solar heating devices. The phase change material is put into particulate form and then is coated with a reactive monomer, such as ethylene diamine. Then the monomer coated particulates of phase change material are reacted with prepolymers, such as isocyanate-terminated polybutadiene diol, to form elastomeric, condensation polymeric shells. The polymers have elastomeric (flexible) segments which are the prepolymeric portions. The encapsulated phase change material has little or no significant loss of its latent heat of fusion due to its encapsulation.

Abstract: A viscometer having the ability of automatically periodically determining the viscosity of liquids having periodic gassing and/or foaming phases comprises pressures taps located on the lower side of a nonvertical portion of a conduit through which the sample liquid is pumped. The viscometer further comprises a three-way valve attached to the pump and means for delaying the pumping of liquid into or out of the pump until the three-way valve has adopted its proper orientation.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved non-aqueous slurry suitable for use as a thickener or viscosifier in oil or gas drilling, fracturing, flow diversion, completion or workover fluids, which slurry comprises a water-soluble cellulose ether polymer, a water-insoluble liquid hydrocarbon, a non-ionic surfactant having an HLB of from about 7 to about 14, and an organo modified clay.