Abstract: The present invention relates to a device testing interface that assists in the testing of fine pitched electronic assemblies. Three embodiments are defined. In the first embodiment, a flex probe comprises a flex circuit with probe tips. The probe tips are attached to the pads of the flex circuit and are coupled with elastomeric springs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective method and apparatus for controlling engine speed. One embodiment generally comprises a controller and a linear actuator. The controller generates a plurality of voltage pulses having a duration and frequency related to a difference between a desired engine speed and an actual engine speed. The linear actuator converts the plurality of voltage pulses into a throttle position.

Abstract: A circuit board mounted integrated circuit chip such as a processor is cooled by apparatus including a heat sink, a shroud and a fan. The heat sink includes a base placed on the top surface of the chip and fins extending up from the base. The shroud includes top and two opposed side walls closely enclosing the heat sink. The shroud is attached directly to the circuit board rather than to the heat sink or chip and can be used with chips and heat sinks that do not have special provision for attachment of the shroud. The fan moves cooling air through the shroud and between and around the heat sink fins. The fan is mounted to an end of the shroud and does not require clearance above the heat sink and shroud.

Abstract: The improved disk drive system has an improved actuator arm assembly where the arms are independently and individually insertable and removable from the actuator member. Furthermore, each arm is individually self-locked into the actuator member without the need for external retaining means such as screws, springs, and rings. Since the arms are individually insertable/removable, the arms can be made very thin thereby allowing easy attachment of the head suspension assembly to the arm without the need for swaging, bonding, welding or screw-in. Since the arms can be made very thin, that provides substantial reduction in disk to disk spacing and therefore, substantial reduction in the overall height of a disk drive system.

Abstract: The instability of a cage in a precision ball bearing at high speeds may be eliminated by controlling the position of the cage. The control of a position of a cage is accomplished by forming three ball pockets or holes in the cage for the balls of the ball bearing assembly to a dimension that will result in a tight running fit between the ball and the ball pocket. A tight running fit between the ball and the cage is found in three of the ball pockets in a ball bearing assembly while the diameter of the large ball pockets or other remaining ball pockets is enlarged to provide a clearance between the balls and the cage which is at least twice the clearance between the ball and the guide ball pocket having the tight running fit, and preferably three to five times that clearance. When properly lubricated, the tight running fit will insure stabilization and control of the cage so that the cage remains stable at high rotational speeds.

Abstract: A secondary data storage system for a host computer system includes a disk drive system having a device controller, at least a first magnetic disk and a read/write magnetic transducer positionable with respect to a recording surface of each magnetic disk. A write operation exposes data on adjacent tracks to potential damage if an off track condition occurs to the transducer during a write. A method for controlling write operations through the device controller provides backup of data in tracks adjacent to a target track for the write operation prior to the write operation occurring. The method detects occurrence of events resulting in an off track condition of the magnetic transducer relative to a target track. Occurrence of such an event triggers a determination of damage to the contents of tracks adjacent to the target track and restoration of those tracks. Write operations to the target track are blocked until shock events discontinue.

Abstract: A bearing using magnetic fluid for lubrication is provided with a magnetic seal circuit to retain the magnetic fluid in the baring. The magnetic seal circuit comprises two annular ring magnets surrounding a shaft and placed on opposite sides of the bearing. The two ring magnets are magnetically joined by a shunt. The shunt controls stray flux and permits the disposition of the magnet at a small distance from the shaft, thus concentrating the flux in the magnetic seal gap.