Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for targeting using storage magazines. Some embodiments operate in context of a data storage environment, in which the magazines are used to hold data cartridges, and the data cartridges are installed in, removed from, and ferried between the magazines by a robotic mechanism. Magazine implementations include integrated targeting features in the magazine base structure. For example, some side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for optical targeting, while other side walls of the magazine slots are shaped for lead-in (i.e., to minimize undesirable collisions or interference between the cartridges and the magazine slot walls). Some embodiments describe novel locating functionality in context of magazines with integrated targeting features. Other embodiments include other geometric magazine features.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing selective biasing of a platform in context of one or more modules. While moving in the Z-direction with respect to the modules, the platform travels in an unbiased manner. For example, one or more alignment features on the platform are engaged with one or more alignment features on the modules to allow the platform to substantially float within an X-Y region defined by the alignment features. When the platform reaches its desired Z-location, magnetic features bias the platform into a substantially locked and repeatable X-Y position (e.g., using permanent magnets and/or electromagnets). In some embodiments, the platform is locked into an accurate position to allow a robotic mechanism of a storage library to move around efficiently within the modules while still being able to perform operations that involve accurate positioning (e.g., pick and place operations on media cartridges).

Abstract: Improved inductive electronic apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inductive device module comprising N inductors and N+1 core elements. The core elements comprise ferrite core pieces that are optionally identical to one another. These core elements are stacked (e.g., in a longitudinal coaxial arrangement) such that the back of one core element associated with a first inductor provides a magnetic flux path for a second inductor. Form-less (bonded) windings are also optionally used to simplify the manufacture of the device, reduce its cost, and allow it to be made more compact (or alternatively additional functionality to be disposed therein). One variant utilizes a termination header for mating to a PCB or other assembly, while another totally avoids the use of the header by directly mating to the PCB.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling implements having a first connecting pin and a second connecting pin, to a vehicle, for example, to the arm of an excavator. The coupler has a body component that is connectable to the vehicle, and which includes a forward recess for receiving the first connecting pin. The coupler also includes a movable component which is supported by the body component and which has an aft jaw or recess for receiving the second connecting pin and is movable through a range of travel relative to the body component. The movable component includes a rear locking member which is movable between an extended position in which the rear locking member can prevent the second connecting pin from exiting the aft recess and a retracted position in which the rear locking member can allow the second connecting pin to exit the aft recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles includes: a rotor rotatable at a speed about an axis, the rotor having an outer periphery and front and rear opposite sides; at least one chamber (50) mounted on the rotor, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet; an umbilical assembly rotatable about the axis; and a drive mechanism configured to rotate the umbilical assembly at about one-half the speed of the rotor. The umbilical assembly includes: a curvilinear guide tube (125) connecting to a drum at the rear side of the rotor; a flexible conduit (130) residing in the guide tube; and first and second elongate passageways (135) for each chamber extending through the conduit, wherein the first passageway is in fluid communication with the inlet of a respective chamber and the second passageway is in fluid communication with the outlet of the respective chamber. The passageways are held in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another.

Abstract: A coupler assembly to interpose between the arm of the vehicle and a parallel pinned implement having two docks, one on each of the two members able to be caused to slide relative to each other, each dock engagable outwardly to its pin with at least one pin being captive in its dock by a pivoted retention member.

Abstract: Improved over-voltage protection apparatus and associated methods useful in e.g., telecommunications applications. In one embodiment, the over voltage protection apparatus comprises a gas discharge tube, common mode inductor, coupled inductor, secondary over-voltage protection device, filter circuitry, coupled inductor and common mode inductor. In one embodiment the over voltage protection apparatus comprises a gas discharge tube, common mode inductor, coupled inductor, secondary over-voltage protection device and filter circuitry. The arrangement of said inductive components being optimally connected in such a manner as to provide a high impedance circuit for all surge events to the gas discharge tube, so as to protect the filtering circuitry. Methods for the manufacture of the filter protection apparatus so as to be maximally independent of component tolerances are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupler assembly to interpose between the arm of the vehicle and a parallel pinned implement having two docks, one on each of the two members able to be caused to slide relative to each other, each dock engagable outwardly to its pin with at least one pin being captive in its dock by a pivoted retention member.

Abstract: Improved inductive electronic apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inductive device module comprising N inductors and N+1 core elements. The core elements comprise ferrite core pieces that are optionally identical to one another. These core elements are stacked (e.g., in a longitudinal coaxial arrangement) such that the back of one core element associated with a first inductor provides a magnetic flux path for a second inductor. Form-less (bonded) windings are also optionally used to simplify the manufacture of the device, reduce its cost, and allow it to be made more compact (or alternatively additional functionality to be disposed therein). One variant utilizes a termination header for mating to a PCB or other assembly, while another totally avoids the use of the header by directly mating to the PCB.

Abstract: Improved inductive electronic apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inductive device module comprising N inductors and N+1 core elements. The core elements comprise ferrite core pieces that are optionally identical to one another. These core elements are stacked (e.g., in a longitudinal coaxial arrangement) such that the back of one core element associated with a first inductor provides a magnetic flux path for a second inductor. Form-less (bonded) windings are also optionally used to simplify the manufacture of the device, reduce its cost, and allow it to be made more compact (or alternatively additional functionality to be disposed therein). One variant utilizes a termination header for mating to a PCB or other assembly, while another totally avoids the use of the header by directly mating to the PCB.

Abstract: A coupler assembly to interpose between the arm of the vehicle and a parallel pinned implement having two docks, one on each of the two members able to be caused to slide relative to each other, each dock engagable outwardly to its pin with at least one pin being captive in its dock by a pivoted retention member.

Abstract: A flexible duct including: a first, inner layer that includes multiple helical windings of a strip of thin flexible material; a second layer overlying and adhered to the first, inner layer and including multiple helical windings of a tube containing insulating material; and a helically wound reinforcing element.

Abstract: Improved inductive electronic apparatus and methods for manufacturing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inductive device module comprising N inductors and N+1 core elements. The core elements comprise ferrite core pieces that are optionally identical to one another. These core elements are stacked (e.g., in a longitudinal coaxial arrangement) such that the back of one core element associated with a first inductor provides a magnetic flux path for a second inductor. Form-less (bonded) windings are also optionally used to simplify the manufacture of the device, reduce its cost, and allow it to be made more compact (or alternatively additional functionality to be disposed therein). One variant utilizes a termination header for mating to a PCB or other assembly, while another totally avoids the use of the header by directly mating to the PCB.

Abstract: A back hoe bucket assembly of a kind having a bucket defining cavity bounded by spaced end plates, a cutting edge plate, one or more other plates spanning between the end plates, and a hitch assembly on the bucket for attachment to a complementary boom attachment. An angle plate extends above the bucket to span to each of the end plates, to define, together with the or a spanning plate(s), a hollow rigidifying form, and the hitch assembly is fixably attached directly in part, or indirectly in part, to said angle plate.

Abstract: One embodiment of a multi-use, adjustable fit cement washout waste containment apparatus having the capability to be easily and quickly affixed to different types of common cement transport equipment and tools specific to the cement trade. The amply wide adjustable circular opening (10), fitted with a locking drawstring assembly, or toggle, can be sized to readily be affixed to the discharging ends of common cement transport equipment, namely; cement transport truck chutes, cement pump assembly chutes, power buggies, wheelbarrows, etc. Once properly affixed, the containment apparatus acts to contain solid components of the water/uncured cement slurry which results from the washout processes of such equipment and allows partially filtered water to pass through the body (14) of the apparatus. Subsequently, the apparatus, containing the filtered cement waste, can be easily removed from the cleaned equipment and transported to a municipal disposal or reclamation site. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: Methods for controlling performance enhancement systems by a media display system include displaying performance information on the media display system, determining a state of the media display system, and controlling one or more performance enhancement systems based on the state of the media display system.