Abstract: One or more snapshots of data stored over a period of time are maintained in a hybrid storage device comprising a magnetic disk and a solid state disk, wherein a selected snapshot stores information that allows recovery of data that is stored in the hybrid storage device at a selected point in time of the period of time. The hybrid storage device receives an input/output (I/O) command from a computational device. A category of a plurality of categories to which the I/O command belongs is determined, wherein the plurality of categories comprise writing to an unused block, writing to a used block, reading from an unused block, and reading from a used block. In response to determining the category to which the I/O command belongs, the I/O command is handled by one of the magnetic disk and the solid state disk based on the determined category.

Abstract: One or more snapshots of data stored over a period of time are maintained in a hybrid storage device comprising a magnetic disk and a solid state disk, wherein a selected snapshot stores information that allows recovery of data that is stored in the hybrid storage device at a selected point in time of the period of time. The hybrid storage device receives an input/output (I/O) command from a computational device. A category of a plurality of categories to which the I/O command belongs is determined, wherein the plurality of categories comprise writing to an unused block, writing to a used block, reading from an unused block, and reading from a used block. In response to determining the category to which the I/O command belongs, the I/O command is handled by one of the magnetic disk and the solid state disk based on the determined category.

Abstract: The invention relates to an suspension apparatus for mounting a string on a stringed instrument. The apparatus has a base plate secured to the instrument, a shuttle slidably attached to the base plate, a saddle base attached to the shuttle and positionably adjustable relative to the shuttle, and a saddle. A string passes through the saddle wherein the saddle is height adjustable relative to the base plate, whereby the suspension apparatus is operable to adjust a string in three different directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an suspension apparatus for mounting a string on a stringed instrument. The apparatus has a base plate secured to the instrument, a shuttle slidably attached to the base plate, a saddle base attached to the shuttle and positionably adjustable relative to the shuttle, and a saddle. A string passes through the saddle wherein the saddle is height adjustable relative to the base plate, whereby the suspension apparatus is operable to adjust a string in three different directions.

Abstract: A snare drum assembly is provided which enables the snare drum element to be positioned internally of a drum. In the preferred embodiment, the snare mechanism acts against the top drum head of a drum, and permits the drum manufacturer to eliminate the lower drum head and related structure, greatly simplifying drum construction and cost.

Abstract: A valve actuator is described which employs a hollow housing fabricated from a stamped metal. Located within the housing is a rotatable spindle which spindle is associated with a traveling nut which nut travels along the spindle as the spindle is rotated. The traveling nut has pivotally secured thereto a pivot nut which pivot nut rides in a slot formed in the top portion of a pivot arm. The pivot arm is associated with an aperture to accommodate a valve shaft and pivotally moves when the spindle is rotated due to the movement of the traveling nut along the spindle. The rotation of the pivot arm rotates the valve shaft to thereby open or close an associated valve in a given number of turns as required by the particular system characteristics. Associated with the pivot arm is a switch activator which activator will operate an electrical switch for a given movement of the pivot arm during valve operation.