Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, preferably employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples. An interactive auto-composition process preferably employs musical rules and a pseudo random number generator, which may also incorporate randomness introduced by timing of user input or the like.

Abstract: A method for testing head gimbal assemblies includes picking a first head gimbal assembly and holding the first head gimbal assembly with a first an end effector. The first end effector and the picked head gimbal assembly are positioned adjacent a nest using at least one actuator, and the first picked head gimbal assembly is released from the end effector to the nest. The first head gimbal assembly is tested on the nest by reading from and/or writing to a rotating disc. A second head gimbal assembly is held with a second end effector at the same time the first end effector holds the first head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A method of loading a head gimbal assembly on a disc includes attaching an unmounted head gimbal assembly to a four bar loader. The four bar loader includes a fixed plate, a pivot plate, and a four bar linkage connecting the fixed plate to the pivot plate. The four bar loader is then used to tilt the attached head gimbal assembly toward the surface of the disc.

Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A method for extending the operating life of a fuser used in an electrophotographic imaging apparatus is disclosed. A control algorithm monitors the number of substrates processed over the lifetime of the fuser and adjusts the fusing temperature of the fuser to compensate for changes occurring in the nip forming members of the fuser. The useful lifetime of the fuser is extended while fusing quality is maintained. A corresponding fuser assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making an electrical connection between a head gimbal assembly and a tester. The method includes providing a solderless connector including a housing with bores extending from a first side of the housing to a second opposed side of the housing, and conductors within the bores of the housing. The conductors have a first end protruding from the first side of the housing and a second end protruding from the second side of the housing. The solderless connector is positioned so the first end of the conductor engages the conductive pad of the tester, and a clamp is applied to the first side of the electrical contact on the head gimbal assembly to urge the second side of the electrical contact against the second end of the conductor on the solderless connector.

Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for removing or minimizing microphonic noise from a radiation detector signal, such as from a neutron detector, without creating excessive false counts in the electronics that count the radiation events. The system solves the microphonic noise problem using a 3-prong approach: (1) maintaining high dynamic range by avoiding large amplification and the possibility of saturation in the analog stages, (2) sampling the amplified analog signal using a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and (3) implementing a digital filtering algorithm that rejects the noise due to microphonics while passing the signal of interest from the neutron interactions.

Abstract: An embedded microcircuit for producing an improved cooling film over a surface of a part, comprising an inlet through which a coolant gas may enter, a circuit channel extending from the inlet through which the coolant gas may flow, and a slot film hole formed at a terminus of the circuit channel through which the coolant gas may exit a part.

Abstract: An embedded microcircuit for producing an improved cooling film over a surface of a part, comprising an inlet through which a coolant gas may enter, a circuit channel extending from the inlet through which the coolant gas may flow, and a slot film hole formed at a terminus of the circuit channel through which the coolant gas may exit a part.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus in a waste toner removal system of an image forming device includes a waste toner moving device that is movably mounted in a waste toner housing. The housing has an inlet where waste toner enters the housing. The toner moving device is movable between a first position and a second position to displace accumulated toner within the housing. The toner moving device is spring-biased toward the first position. A rotating actuator displaces the toner moving device from the first position to the second position to move the toner in the housing away from the inlet. The toner moving device is also self-cleaning via vibration and impact movements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of purifying feedwater to remove impurities including suspended solids therefrom, the method suitable for using in-line water pressure to permeate water through hollow fiber membranes and to backflush the membranes to remove solids collected or deposited thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of purifying feedwater to remove impurities including suspended solids therefrom, the method suitable for using in-line water pressure to permeate water through hollow fiber membranes and to backflush the membranes to remove solids collected or deposited thereon.

Abstract: A diverter to direct media within an image forming apparatus along one of three media paths. A first gate and a second gate are positioned in an overlapping arrangement and each is movable between up and down positions. Each of the gates includes a biasing member to bias the gates towards the down position. An actuator contacts the second gate to move it to the up position. The overlapping arrangement of the first and second gates causes the first gate to also be moved to the up position when the second gate moves to the up position. A second actuator contacts the first gate to move the gate from the down position to the up position independently of the second gate.

Abstract: A diverter to direct media within an image forming apparatus along one of three media paths. A first gate and a second gate are positioned in an overlapping arrangement and each is movable between up and down positions. Each of the gates includes a biasing member to bias the gates towards the down position. An actuator contacts the second gate to move it to the up position. The overlapping arrangement of the first and second gates causes the first gate to also be moved to the up position when the second gate moves to the up position. A second actuator contacts the first gate to move the gate from the down position to the up position independently of the second gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of purifying feedwater to remove impurities including suspended solids therefrom, the method suitable for using in-line water pressure to permeate water through hollow fiber membranes and to backflush the membranes to remove solids collected or deposited thereon.

Abstract: A dry, powder electrostatic toner having polyester resin as a binder, pigment as a colorant, charge control ingredients polyethylene wax as a release agent, and extra particulate elements to improve flow and to scrub the doctor blade, one extra particular element is hydrophilic rutile acicular titanium oxide with aluminum oxide surface treatment, two silicas are blended within the bulk of the toner, one of BET surface area of about 30 m2/g and one of BET surface area of about 380 m2/gn; and an organoboron complex negative exchange control agent is blended with a quaternary ammonium salt of an aluminosilicate compound negative charge control agent. Improved functioning as a toner is realized.

Abstract: Provided is a release agent composition useful in an electrophotographic process. The composition is comprised of certain heat-stable grafted silicone interpolymers. The interpolymers have a melting point such that it is in the form of a liquid on a hot fuser roll, but solidifies to a waxy solid at room temperature. The compositions of the invention were found to reduce transparency streaking in wiper pad systems and when used in felt roll applications, were found to be equal to silicone oil in transmission ratio and transparency streaking. Accordingly, the release agent compositions are especially efficacious in duplex and transparency printing. The release agent compositions of the present invention also exhibit superior release performance and facilitate clean release of toner from fuser rolls in an electrophotographic imaging process.

Abstract: Provided is a release agent composition useful in an electrophotographic process. The composition is comprised of certain heat-stable grafted silicone interpolymers. The interpolymers have a melting point such that it is in the form of a liquid on a hot fuser roll, but solidifies to a waxy solid at room temperature. The compositions of the invention were found to reduce transparency streaking in wiper pad systems, and when used in felt roll applications, were found to be equal to silicone oil in transmission ratio and transparency streaking. Accordingly, the release agent compositions are especially efficacious in duplex and transparency printing. The release agent compositions of the present invention also exhibit superior release performance and facilitate clean release of toner from fuser rolls in an electrophotographic imaging process.