Abstract: A data storage library comprising a plurality of library modules (13, 15) for storing a plurality of data storage media (35) and writing data to and reading data from said media (35), at least two of said library modules (13, 15) being in adjacent vertical arrays, and transfer means (33) for transferring said media (35) from one array to an adjacent array, the transfer means (33) effecting translation of the data storage media (35) from one array to the adjacent array in a substantially horizontal direction whilst substantially maintaining the orientation of the transferred media (35) relative to respective arrays.

Abstract: A data storage library comprising a plurality of library modules (13, 15) for storing a plurality of data storage media (35) and writing data to and reading data from said media (35), at least two of said library modules (13, 15) being in adjacent vertical arrays, and transfer means (33) for transferring said media (35) from one array to an adjacent array, the transfer means (33) effecting translation of the data storage media (35) from one array to the adjacent array in a substantially horizontal direction whilst substantially maintaining the orientation of the transferred media (35) relative to respective arrays.

Abstract: Clumping cellulosic animal litter comprising a cellulosic substrate coated with a first layer of xanthan gum and a second layer of guar gum and a unique method of making such particles by applying water coatings between application of the two gum layers.

Abstract: A swing-check valve for controlling fluid flow includes a valve housing and a valve assembly connected to a removable cover of the valve housing for rigid positioning of the valve assembly within the interior of the valve housing. Moreover, the valve assembly includes as a modular unit a valve seat subassembly in addition to a clapper subassembly and a spring subassembly. The valve seat subassembly includes a valve seat that is frictionally disposed within a port of the valve housing for controlling fluid flow therethrough when the cover is fastened to the valve housing. The clapper subassembly includes a clapper pivotal between a first position in engagement with the valve seat for blocking fluid flow through the port and a second position for permitting fluid flow through the port. The spring subassembly includes a spring and a spring base engageable with the clapper subassembly for urging the clapper into the first position.

Abstract: An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)/field programmable gate array (FPGA) which is a component of a wireless LAN controller including a local processor and a memory enables the controller to interface with both PCMCIA.TM. and AT.TM. host computer systems. The ASIC/FPGA enables communication between a radio frequency communication module, a local processor, and the host computer. The ASIC/FPGA also includes a throttle feature that decreases the access of the host computer in comparison to access of the local processor in order to enable the local processor to rapidly generate an acknowledge signal as required by various RF LAN specifications. During operation of the controller, data to be transmitted by the host computer onto the network is written by the host to an SRAM via the ASIC/FPGA, and the host commands the local processor via the ASIC/FPGA to forward the transmitted data to the RF communication module.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a ceramic matrix composite, comprising a ceramic fiber, a multi-layer coating on the fiber comprising plural alternating layers of an easily-cleaved material and an oxidation resistant material, and a ceramic matrix contacting the coating, the fiber and coating being embedded in the matrix.

Abstract: A swing-check valve for controlling fluid flow includes a valve housing and a valve assembly that engages a removable cover of the valve housing for rigid positioning of the valve assembly within the interior of the valve housing when the cover is mounted to the housing. Moreover, the valve assembly includes a valve seat subassembly in addition to a clapper subassembly and a spring subassembly. The valve seat subassembly includes a valve seat that is frictionally disposed within a port of the valve housing for controlling fluid flow therethrough when the cover is fastened to the valve housing. The clapper subassembly includes a clapper pivotal between a first position in engagement with the valve seat for blocking fluid flow through the port and a second position for permitting fluid flow through the port. The spring subassembly includes a spring and a spring base engageable with the clapper subassembly for urging the clapper into the first position.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for loading and unloading cartridges comprises a cartridge rack for storing an array of cartridges arranged adjacent to one another. A carriage having two compartments is provided for receiving cartridges from the rack, the compartments being offset relative to one another in the direction of the array. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving cartridges from the rack into the compartments of the carriage, and the carriage is mounted for movement along the array whereby each of the cartridges can be brought into alignment with at least one of the compartments for reception thereby. In another aspect, the cartridge rack stores cartridges arranged side-by-side with respective edge faces of the cartridges supported by a floor of the rack, the floor having a plurality of openings aligned with respective edge faces of the cartridges, and the conveyor is mounted for movement beneath the floor of the rack into alignment with the openings.