Abstract: A lightweight needlebar drive is provided that vertically reciprocates a needlebar by driven feet mounted to the lower ends of pushrods, where the feet are laterally positionable by virtue of a plurality of stub shafts passing through and received in bearings on adjacent brackets connected to the needlebar.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving a desiccant chamber and related componentry, as may be utilized for controlling humidity in electrical enclosures. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an environmental control module (ECM) includes a desiccant chamber with a desiccant material therein, first and second membranes in a pathway extending from the desiccant chamber and through respective openings in the ECM, and a gasket and enclosure on the ECM which seal the pathway. A seal in the pathway seals the opening in ECM leading to the first membrane and desiccant chamber during evacuation and fill of an electrical enclosure in which the ECM may be employed, and can be broken to couple the desiccant to the electrical enclosure.

Abstract: A shiftable backing feed is utilized with a tufting machine having reciprocating needles and gauge parts for seizing yarns wherein needle plate fingers reciprocate in synchronization with the cycles of the needle bar to support the backing during penetration of the backing fabric yet allow backing shifts between stitches.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving filters and detection of operation thereof. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a fixture having mechanical components that hold a filter. Gas flow componentry operates with the fixture to eject particles from the filter by subjecting the filter to gas flow. A flow metering circuit meters the gas flow, and a particulate counter detects the ejected particles.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure are directed to methods, apparatuses and approaches involving the use of a moisture absorbing material (e.g., desiccant) to control moisture. As may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments, moisture is removed from an environmental control module that includes a desiccant material contained within a package. Liquid is deposited inside the package and sealed with the desiccant in the package.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving filters and detection of operation thereof. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a fixture having mechanical components that hold a filter. Gas flow componentry operates with the fixture to eject particles from the filter by subjecting the filter to gas flow. A flow metering circuit meters the gas flow, and a particulate counter detects the ejected particles.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure are directed to methods, apparatuses and approaches involving the use of a moisture absorbing material (e.g., desiccant) to control moisture. As may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments, moisture is removed from an environmental control module that includes a desiccant material contained within a package. Liquid is deposited inside the package and sealed with the desiccant in the package.

Abstract: A caster comprises a body including a stem cavity with a stem of the caster rotatably mounted in the stem cavity to permit rotation of the stem relative to the body about a stem access. The stem may comprise a spline shaft extending from the stem into the stem cavity. The stem and spline shaft are operatively connected. The stem cavity may have a spline bushing. The spline bushing and the body are operatively connected to each other. The spline shaft and the spline bushing are releasbeably interlockable. One of the spline bushing and the spline shaft may be movable in a direction along the stem axis between the swivel position wherein the spline shaft is not engaged with the spline bushing, and a fixed position wherein the spline shaft is engaged with the spline bushing.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure are directed to methods, apparatuses and approaches involving the use of a moisture absorbing material (e.g., desiccant) to control moisture. As may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments, moisture is removed from an environmental control module that includes a desiccant material contained within a package. Liquid is deposited inside the package and sealed with the desiccant in the package.

Abstract: A caster comprises a body including a stem cavity with a stem of the caster rotatably mounted in the stem cavity to permit rotation of the stem relative to the body about a stem access. The stem may comprise a spline shaft extending from the stem into the stem cavity. The stem and spline shaft are operatively connected. The stem cavity may have a spline bushing. The spline bushing and the body are operatively connected to each other. The spline shaft and the spline bushing are releasbeably interlockable. One of the spline bushing and the spline shaft may be movable in a direction along the stem axis between the swivel position wherein the spline shaft is not engaged with the spline bushing, and a fixed position wherein the spline shaft is engaged with the spline bushing.

Abstract: A humidity control method and apparatus that can be utilized to provide humidity control within an enclosed assembly such as a disc drive. The apparatus includes a container that is at least partially formed of a material through which water vapor can freely move. The apparatus also includes a humidity-controlling mixture that comprises at least one salt and a superabsorbent polymer. The humidity-controlling mixture is enclosed within the container.

Abstract: A humidity control method and apparatus that can be utilized to provide humidity control within an enclosed assembly such as a disc drive. The apparatus includes a container that is at least partially formed of a material through which water vapor can freely move. The apparatus also includes a humidity-controlling mixture that comprises at least one salt and a superabsorbent polymer. The humidity-controlling mixture is enclosed within the container.

Abstract: A humidity control method and apparatus that can be utilized to provide humidity control within an enclosed assembly such as a disc drive. The apparatus includes a container that is at least partially formed of a material through which water vapor can freely move. The apparatus also includes a humidity-controlling mixture that comprises at least one salt and a superabsorbent polymer. The humidity-controlling mixture is enclosed within the container.

Abstract: A humidity control method and apparatus that can be utilized to provide humidity control within an enclosed assembly such as a disc drive. The apparatus includes a container that is at least partially formed of a material through which water vapor can freely move. The apparatus also includes a humidity-controlling mixture that comprises at least one salt and a superabsorbent polymer. The humidity-controlling mixture is enclosed within the container.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, and programs for improved computer trading of financial and other interests, including improvements in the making, acceptance, and control of proposals for transactions in interests. Among improvements provided by the invention are the presentation of terms of proposed transactions to trading parties in terms selected or otherwise designated by the trading parties. For example, terms of proposed transactions may be displayed in present or future values, such as in straight or split amounts for forward swap agreements. Prices in currency exchanges may be expressed in terms of any of the involved currencies. Improvements further include improved means for changing terms of proposed transactions, and especially groups or sets of proposed transactions; restrictions on repeated acceptance of transaction proposals; trading by users on each other's behalf; and improved display of transaction information associated with fellow traders.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for establishing and using credit limits between counterparties and for managing risk in the trading of financial interests. The invention provides a trading party with the ability to control the amount of future financial exposure that the trading party will incur with any counterparty in one or more future time periods in trades by the trading party during a trading session. A trading party may establish and use credit limits with potential counterparties in the trading of financial interests having a future financial exposure such as foreign exchange (“FX”) forwards contracts, forwards contracts in commodities, e.g., precious metals, energy, etc., stock options, futures contracts, bonds, loan contracts, money market certificates, other fixed income securities, etc. Credit limits may be used to permit proposed trades to be completed or not depending upon available credit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for establishing and using credit limits between counterparties and for managing risk in the trading of financial interests. The invention provides credit filtered views of executable market information to trading parties. By setting credit limits used to provide credit-filtered views, the invention provides trading parties the ability to control the amount of future financial exposure that the trading party will incur with any counterparty in one or more present-and/or future time periods in trades by the trading party during a trading session. A trading party may establish and use credit limits with potential counterparties in the trading of financial interests having a current or future financial exposure such as foreign exchange (“FX”) forwards contracts, forwards contracts in commodities, e.g., precious metals, energy, etc., stock options, futures contracts, bonds, loan contracts, money market certificates, other fixed income securities, etc.

Abstract: Organic compounds containing selected functional groups, and which are grafted with fluorinated olefins, are excellent additives for lubricants which lower wear and/or friction. They are especially useful in metal lubricants.

Abstract: Organic compounds containing selected functional groups, and which are grafted with fluorinated olefins, are excellent additives for lubricants which lower wear and/or friction. They are especially useful in metal lubricants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing structural vibrations in a disc drive that incorporates a fusible alloy. A fusible alloy portion is constrained between a first and second structural alloy portion through conventional lamination techniques. A fusible alloy can be incorporated into any structural component of the disc drive, including a base plate and an information storage disc. Fusible alloys incorporated into the disc drive absorb energy transmitted by vibrations through anelastic deformation, i.e., through dislocation motion. Suitable fusible alloy materials may include but are not limited to: Lead-Tin, Indium-Tin and Indium-Bismuth.