Abstract: An adapter for converting an interface of a data storage device is provided. The adapter includes a first interface for connection to the interface of the data storage device and a second interface for connection to a plurality of host systems. The first interface may be an ATA or SCSI interface and the second interface may be a SSA or FC-AL interface suitable for attachment to multiple host systems. Conversion means are provided by the adapter for converting commands and data between the first and second interfaces. The adapter also has means for sorting commands and data to and from the plurality of host systems. The adapter acts as a single host system for the data storage device and includes means for retrieving error information from the data storage device in the event of a command terminating in an error.

Abstract: An adapter for converting an interface of a data storage device is provided. The adapter includes a first interface for connection to the interface of the data storage device and a second interface for connection to a plurality of host systems. The first interface may be an ATA or SCSI interface and the second interface may be a SSA or FC-AL interface suitable for attachment to multiple host systems. Conversion means are provided by the adapter for converting commands and data between the first and second interfaces. The adapter also has means for sorting commands and data to and from the plurality of host systems. The adapter acts as a single host system for the data storage device and includes means for retrieving error information from the data storage device in the event of a command terminating in an error.

Abstract: A method and means for performing logical-combining functions such as XOR operations in a RAID 3 or 5 array or a combinational configuration of disk drives. The logical combining occurs below the device attachment interface and is used in generating new parity for write update operations and data rebuilding. Each disk drive is modified to use a segmented and address synchronized buffer in the write and read paths, and a logical circuit that combines the data in the write path before buffering with the data in the read buffer as it is read out from the buffer. The logically combined result is presented at the device read path interface. The combined data from a first disk drive interface is introduced into the write path of a second path through the second device interface and the logical combining repeated ad seriatim, the device interfaces being connectable in a daisy-chain manner and configurable by array controller commands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling communications on a small computer system interface (SCSI). A cache memory is arranged for storing an input queue, a status queue and a cache operation queue. An input engine detects unsolicited data from the SCSI and transfers the detected unsolicited data to the input queue. A status engine transfers status information between the SCSI and the status queue. A cache engine transfers data between the SCSI and the cache operation queue. Each of the input engine, the status engine, and the cache engine is independent to enable full duplex operation. A connection arbitrator is shared between the input engine, the status engine, and the cache engine enabling a connection to be shared by the input engine, the status engine, and the cache engine.

Abstract: Optical fiber support members (30 and 31) are formed by making an array of V-grooves (25) in a monocrystalline material (26), depositing metal (27) on the array, and removing the metal member to provide an insert. The insert is used to form the support members by injection molding.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for applying optical fiber support members (17, 18) to a pair of fixtures such as vacuum chucks (24, 25) such that the fixtures can thereafter be used to clamp the support members to opposite sides of an array of optical fibers (14). The improvement comprises arranging the optical fiber support members in a magazine (29, 30) and bringing the two fixtures into proximity with a magazine. Automatic apparatus (33, 34) is used for urging a pair of optical fiber support members from the magazine onto the two fixtures such that the support members adhere to the fixtures. After placement of the support members on the fibers, the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: A first portion of an optical fiber encapsulant is selectively removed by softening it; i.e., converting the first portion from a solid state to a partly fluid state, as by exposure to an appropriate chemical. The first portion (12) is then penetrated with at least first and second knife edges (14, 15), the penetration being on opposite sides of the optical fiber (10). The first portion of the encapsulant is removed from the optical fiber by providing relative movement between the knife edges and the optical fiber, the movement being in the direction of the central axis of the fiber, thereby to gather at least part of the first portion of the encapsulant on the knife edges. In a preferred embodiment, third and fourth knife edges (16, 17) the also included on opposite sides of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A first optical fiber support member (30) is held in a first fixture (35) having a first alignment pin (40) extending therefrom perpendicularly to an optical fiber array (32) and also having a first alignment aperture (43). A second support member (31) is held in a second fixture (37) having a second alignment aperture (41) and a second alignment pin (42) extending therefrom perpendicularly to the optical fiber array. When the two support members are clamped on opposite sides of the optical fiber array, they are aligned by engaging the first alignment pin (40) with the second alignment aperture (41) and engaging the second alignment pin (42) with the first alignment aperture (43). With the support members clamped, fluid adhesive is applied through an aperture (61) to bond the support members (30, 31) and optical fiber array (32) together. The first and second support members (30, 31) are made of plastic and are made by plastic molding.