Abstract: A multi-actuator disk storage device has at least two actuators respectively mounting plural product heads. Servo writing is performed using the product heads themselves. A first servo write operation is performed that includes operating a product head of the first actuator as a first clock head to generate first clock reference information for the product heads of the second actuator, which are operated as servo write heads to perform servo writing of disk areas associated with the second actuator using the first clock reference information. To servo write disk areas associated with the first actuator, a second servo write operation is performed. This operation includes operating a product head of the second actuator as a second clock head to generate second clock reference information for the product heads of the first actuator, which are operated as a servo write heads to perform servo writing using the second clock reference information.

Abstract: A magneto-resistive (M-R) head has a read element with a servo sensing width as wide as a data track width and a data sensing width of less than one data track width. The two read sensing widths are achieved by using a single read element having a center electrical contact from the M-R read element that effectively reduces the sensing width of the read element. In a first embodiment, the servo sensing width comprises a first portion of the read element and the data sensing width comprises a second, smaller portion of the read element. In a second embodiment, the servo sensing width comprises the entire read element width and the data sensing width comprises a portion thereof. In yet another embodiment, abutting read elements are constructed to enable separate optimization of each sensing width. The wide servo sensing width permits use of a wide servo pattern having servo bursts as wide as a data track width.

Abstract: A latch, lock and hinge system having components that are well suited for use with closures such as tonneau covers that close the upwardly opening rear cargo compartments of pickup trucks and the like, includes rotary latch assemblies that are mounted on hinges for releasably engaging latch strikers to provide cover mounting connections that permit the cover both to pivot between open and closed positions, and to be removed when desired. The hinges have pivotally connected arms that are biased to hold the hinge-carried latches adjacent the cover when the cover is removed. Also included are other rotary latch assemblies that are connected by flexible cables to a latch operator assembly having an elongate housing that defines near its opposite ends a pair of recesses wherein latch operators are nested that can be concurrently moved toward each other by the fingers of one hand to unlatch and pivot open the cover. The latch operator assembly is lockable to prevent the cover from being opened and/or removed.

Abstract: A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which the striker is mounted in a closed position relative to a second structure (such as a cabinet) on which the locking system is mounted. The push button operator assembly has a button that, when unlocked, can be depressed to move the associated link to unlatch the latch mechanism from the striker, and that, when locked, is inoperable when depressed to move the link.

Abstract: Window drain comprises, in general, a base having a horizontally extending lower surface and a sloping downwardly and outwardly upper surface. To the base are connected: a front flange, an upstanding rear rib, an end flange at each end, window supports and spacers attached on the front flange. In one embodiment, the window drain is made for a window of a specific width. In another embodiment, the window drain, is versatile so it can be used for windows of different widths. In a third embodiment, the window drain can be made, in situ, for different window widths.

Abstract: A hard cover assembly for the open bed of a pickup truck is provided comprising a rigid cover and a rail kit. A rigid cover, with a crowned central body portion, constructed out of thermoplastic having a relatively high coefficient of linear thermal movement is used for operation within an outdoor environment having a wide range of temperature variation. A rail kit comprising molded thermoplastic members configured to closely conform to and protect the truck bed rails is combined with the rigid cover to provide a complete hard cover assembly. The molded thermoplastic members of the rail kit include a channel receiving a depending perimeter lip of the rigid cover. The channel is developed to accommodate the linear thermal movement of the rigid cover and may be further adapted to limit the full linear thermal expansion of the rigid cover thereby causing the crowned central body portion to deflect upwards.

Abstract: Articles constructed of a plurality of scuffed sheets have improved sheet-to-sheet bond strength and surfaces with high coefficients of friction. Articles constructed out of three scuffed sheets include exterior intumescent polymeric surfaces resisting the spread of combustion flames and insulating the interior surfaces from the high temperature of fire. Articles include electronic apparatus sending an emergency 911 call to a remote monitoring station. Articles are advantageously reinforced with optional rigidifying structures without article modification. Members are joined with snap together features providing an assembled article. Articles include handles for ergonomic manipulation by workers. Articles include elements amenably receiving unitization accessories. The article improvements are demonstrated in the form of industrial platforms, particularly material handling pallets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved lithographic imaging process for use in the manufacture of integrated circuits. The process provides protection to the photoresist film from airborne chemical contaminants.

Abstract: A system and method for forming circuit connections within a telecommunications switching platform that uses tables of logical identifiers for resources and information channels being handled by the platform to allow dynamic addressing of components and provide significant flexibility over prior-art systems.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for transcoding and rate-adapting between information channels having a first rate and signal-encoding scheme and information channels having a second rate and second signal-encoding scheme. Further described is a system and method for determining when a signal-processing module has failed or been removed or inserted into an operating telecommunications switching platform. Also described is a system and method for efficient power-up, to allow for more efficient system power-up, the signal-processing modules of the present invention preferably have their operating systems stored in a nonvolatile memory that can be reprogrammed without removing it from the system. A switching module is further capable of responding to heartbeat messages and identifying itself as operational over one bus or both buses of a redundant-pair control bus. The module also has a reprogrammable, nonvolatile memory associated with it from which the module can run its operating system.