Abstract: A battery alignment system includes a housing having a groove along a side of the housing, a first set of surfaces that define a recess, and first electrical contacts positioned at least partially within the recess. The battery alignment system also includes a battery having a tab to slide within the groove of the housing to facilitate a first alignment, a second set of surfaces that protrude from an end of the battery to slide into the recess of the housing to facilitate a second alignment, and a third surface that extends from one of the second set of surfaces. The third surface engages one of the first set of surfaces to facilitate a third alignment. The battery also includes second electrical contacts that engage the first electrical contacts.

Abstract: A video recorder (100) is configured and assembled to provide improved ventilation for cooling and improved protection against liquid intrusion. The video recorder is formed of a main chassis housing, a top cover, and a bezel for coupling the top cover to the main chassis housing. Once assembled, channels are formed which provide paths for both liquid egress and airflow intake. The channels allow airflow into fan intake openings located within a top portion of the main chassis housing. The channels further provide for liquid to be diverted away from the fan intake openings.

Abstract: A video recorder (100) is configured and assembled to provide improved ventilation for cooling and improved protection against liquid intrusion. The video recorder is formed of a main chassis housing, a top cover, and a bezel for coupling the top cover to the main chassis housing. Once assembled, channels are formed which provide paths for both liquid egress and airflow intake. The channels allow airflow into fan intake openings located within a top portion of the main chassis housing. The channels further provide for liquid to be diverted away from the fan intake openings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a brushless dc motor, such as the type used in a data storage device to rotate data storage media. A sequence of drive pulses is applied to rotate the motor. The sequence is switched from first to second motor commutation states at a time determined in relation to changes in elapsed time between successive pulses in the sequence. Each drive pulse has a duration established in relation to an inductance of the motor, and is separated from adjacent pulses by an intermediate delay of predetermined value. A peak elapsed time interval between successive pulses is identified, and the next commutation state is switched in at a selected time after the peak time interval. The sequence preferably accelerates the motor from rest to an intermediate velocity, after which back electromotive force (bemf) commutation is used to accelerate the motor to a final operational velocity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accelerating a motor to an operational velocity using a continuous sequence of current limit values derived from a plurality of discrete current limit values. Each discrete current limit value establishes a maximum current magnitude for the motor over a plurality of intermediate velocities less than the operational velocity. Each current limit value in the continuous sequence of current limit values has a different magnitude for each different one of the plurality of intermediate velocities. The continuous sequence of current limit values are preferably derived by generating coefficients of a multi-order polynomial curve in relation to the discrete current limit values, and obtaining the continuous sequence of current limit values in relation to said coefficients. Faster acceleration, reduced current spiking and less acoustic noise during motor acceleration are thereby obtained.

Abstract: A universal mount for acoustically coupling a musical instrument tuner to an instrument has a link connected to the tuner at one end, the link adapted and arranged to have selectable loose and fixed states, with the link including complementary first and second clamping halves joined by a compression element, and a clamp connected to the other end of the link for acoustically coupling the tuner to the musical instrument.

Abstract: A fiber comprising at least about 80% by weight linear low density polyethylene and having a melting point >109.degree. C. is disclosed. Also disclosed are thermally consolidated fiber structures comprising (1) at least about 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of lower melting binder fibers comprising at least 80% by weight linear low density polyethylene, and (2) not more than 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the structure, of nonmelting fibers, or fibers having a melting point higher than the linear low density polyethylene fibers. The fiber structures can be in the form of multifilament yarns, woven or nonwoven textile fabrics, carpets, or laminates. The linear low density polyethylene binder fibers in the structures preferably have a melting point <109.degree. C.