Abstract: A RAID system is provided which can be implemented as a hardware RAID system while avoiding certain shortcomings of previous RAID systems. The RAID system makes it possible to avoid or reduce the number of buffers or processors and can take advantage of drive logic to achieve RAID functions or enhancements. RAID functionality can be provided in a manner to accommodate one or more ATA drive interfaces. To avoid drive replacement problems, host requests for drive serial numbers are responded to with a mirror serial number. In one embodiment, the read address is used to select which drive will perform a read operation.

Abstract: An indexing conveyor apparatus is driven with respect to a press having a reciprocal ram and bolster plate. An elongated conveyor is connectible to the press for moving material with respect to the press. The conveyor includes an endless conveyor belt disposed about a drive pulley at one end and an idler roller at an opposite end. A flexible member is connectible between the conveyor and the reciprocal ram for converting reciprocating movement of the ram into indexing movement of the endless conveyor belt through the drive pulley. The flexible member preferably includes a webbing material wound about a spool. The spool is spring biased to rewind the webbing on the spool while the ram is driven toward the bolster plate. As the ram is moved away from the bolster plate, the spool acting through a clutch drives the drive pulley to index the endless conveyor belt.