Abstract: A Data Storage Device (DSD) includes a disk with a zone of tracks to be sequentially written. A sequential write pointer is maintained indicating a next physical location for writing data in the zone. When a write command is received to write data in a target region at a physical location behind the sequential write pointer, it is determined whether a write count for each of the target region and an adjacent region before the target region has reached a threshold number of writes. If it is determined that the write counts for both the target region and the adjacent region have not reached the threshold number of writes, the sequential write pointer for the zone is moved to the physical location and the data is written at the physical location to fulfill the write command.

Abstract: The application discloses systems that can include a monitoring module that is operative to provide an event indicator of an event occurring on a hard-disk drive. The systems can include a recording module that is operative to create an event record based on a logging instruction to log the event indicator. The systems can include an event linkage module that is operative to link the event record to a hard-disk drive activity indicator. The systems can include an error log formatting module that is operative to format the event record and a hard-disk drive activity indicator into a hard-disk drive error log. The systems can include a configuration module to set configuration flags and/or values. The error log can be stored on various areas of the hard-disk drive. The application also discloses related methods.

Abstract: A method of operating an audiovisual disk drive having a default audiovisual mode for more efficiently transferring audiovisual data from or to a host pursuant to audiovisual host commands. The innovative method includes the steps of receiving a new transfer command requiring the transfer of a data segment associated with the audiovisual data stream; determining an absence or presence of an urgent condition with regard to the new transfer command; according standard precedence to processing the audiovisual data stream associated with the new transfer command as specified by the default operating mode in the determined absence of the urgent condition; and according urgent precedence to processing the audiovisual data stream associated with the new transfer command over attending to the other drive operation in the determined presence of the urgent condition without regard to the default operating mode.

Abstract: A read-only memory is connectable to a microcontroller data bus and address bus and includes memory circuits for storing a sequential array of code words executable by the microcontroller; memory address decoding circuits for selecting one of the array of code words, and circuits for conveying the selected one to the data bus when a read signal is received from the microcontroller. Circuits are provided for storing an address transmitted by the microcontroller when an address latch signal is received from the microcontroller, the stored address being connected to the memory address decoding circuits. The stored address is incremented each time a read signal is asserted.

Abstract: Apparatus for making tapered four-sided sheet metal containers comprises a tapered four-sided mould 42 and a folding mechanism 26.1 for folding a sheet metal blank onto the mould. The folding mechanism comprises a carrier 28 and four folding elements 30, 32 pivotally mounted on the carrier. When the mould and the folding mechanism is displaced towards one another with the sheet metal blank 10 disposed between them, the folding elements pivot about their pivotal mountings and fold peripheral portions of the blank onto the sides of the mould.

Abstract: A power assistance steering system 10 for a vehicle comprises steering gear 12 having an internal hydraulic ram supplied with hydraulic fluid by a pump 14 from a reservoir 16 via a solenoid valve 18 controlled by a micro-processor 20 which also controls an electric motor 22 for driving pump 14. Steering input torque is sensed by a torque sensor 36 and steering direction is sensed by a direction switch 34. Output signals from these devices are fed to micro-processor 20 which controls solenoid valve 18 and pump motor 22 accordingly, varying the motor speed in accordance with the pressure requirements of the steering ram as sensed by the torque sensor. In a further embodiment the pump is driven at a constant speed and a proportional control valve 74 is controlled by a micro-processor 78 to vary the fluid pressure supply.

Abstract: A bin for transporting and storing agricultural produce and industrial products. The bin comprises a metal base frame, four metal posts, and a metal top frame. The top frame is constituted by components forming downwardly open channels which receive the upper ends of vertical slats. The top frame can be taken apart to release the top ends of the slats. The frame can have inwardly directed teeth onto which the slats are impaled, or the slats can have slots or holes into which the teeth fit. Crossed straps join the posts to prevent outward bulging of the slats when the bin is filled. The floor can also be constituted by slats.