Abstract: A technique for updating elements in a data storage facility, including a single server or a multi-server system, such as by providing updated internal code packages to the elements. The update is performed using a fixed state machine, where the elements are updated in a coordinated manner within the constraints of the state machine. In a multi-server device, code packages are distributed to elements associated with the different servers in one traversal of the state machine, during distribute states of the state machine. The distributed code packages are activated in activate states of the state machine in multiple traversals of the state machine, so there is a serial activation. The code packages can be grouped in a flexible way by configuring an external update bundle used by the state machine. The distributing of the code is based on the grouping.

Abstract: A technique for updating elements in a data storage facility, including a single server or a multi-server system, such as by providing updated internal code packages to the elements. The update is performed using a fixed state machine, where the elements are updated in a coordinated manner within the constraints of the state machine. In a multi-server device, code packages are distributed to elements associated with the different servers in one traversal of the state machine, during distribute states of the state machine. The distributed code packages are activated in activate states of the state machine in multiple traversals of the state machine, so there is a serial activation. The code packages can be grouped in a flexible way by configuring an external update bundle used by the state machine. The distributing of the code is based on the grouping.

Abstract: A method for coloring powders is provided that includes mixing a base powder and non-incorporated pigments. A colored powder composition having a base powder particle and at least a partial shell of non-incorporated pigments about the base powder particle is also provided. Articles having a coating of the colored powder composition are also provided.

Abstract: A method to update code in an information storage and retrieval system comprising one or more processors, and existing code, where that existing code includes a Concurrent Code Load having (N) phases, where that Concurrent Code Load invokes an as yet unwritten Temporal Coupling File. The method provides a code update image comprising that Temporal Coupling File. If the (i)th phase of the Concurrent Code Load invokes the Temporal Coupling File, then the method reads instructions for that (i)th phase of the Concurrent Code Load from the Temporal Coupling File, and executes those instructions. The method completes each phase of the Concurrent Code Load, and then operates the system using the code update.

Abstract: A method to update code in an information storage and retrieval system comprising one or more processors, and existing code, where that existing code includes a Concurrent Code Load having (N) phases, where that Concurrent Code Load invokes an as yet unwritten Temporal Coupling File. The method provides a code update image comprising that Temporal Coupling File. If the (i)th phase of the Concurrent Code Load invokes the Temporal Coupling File, then the method reads instructions for that (i)th phase of the Concurrent Code Load from the Temporal Coupling File, and executes those instructions. The method completes each phase of the Concurrent Code Load, and then operates the system using the code update.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately locating targeted append points in a tape drive. The effects of interlayer slip (ILS) are eliminated and smaller IBGs are possible thus providing increased data capacity for a given tape cartridge. A coarse tachometer count is used in combination with the read dataflow to accurately locate the proper append point even with a small IBG size. The appended data are assured to be written using the proper tape velocity which virtually eliminates improper write appends and read temporary errors previously caused by ILS effects. The solution also guarantees that customer data previously written to the tape are not accidentally overwritten.

Abstract: An insulating composition comprising in combination a liquid binder, a heat expanded polystyrene material in bead or granular form and a reinforcing pigment, said liquid binder comprising a 95.5 to 50:50 mixture, by weight of an acrylic or vinyl polymer emulsion and an alkali metal silicate, said expanded polystyrene being present in an amount ranging from 5 to 25 percent by weight of said composition.

Abstract: A self-curing single package zinc rich coating composition utilizing a novel copolymer binder composed of a mixture of alkyl silicate and alkyl titanate that cures upon exposure to atmospheric moisture in accordance with the equation:xSi(OR).sub.4 +yTi(OR').sub.4 +2(x+y) H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.(SiO.sub.2).sub.x (TiO.sub.2).sub.y +4xROH+4yR'OHwherein R and R' are alkyl groups selected from a group of alkyls consisting of ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and 2-ethyl hexyl.Coating compositions utilizing the novel copolymer binder are formulated from a non-catalyzed silicate ester and an alkyl titanate ester having about 10% to 60% by weight titanate as TiO.sub.2 of the total weight of TiO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2.