Abstract: Provided are a storage device, system, and method for throttling host writes in a host buffer to a storage device. The storage device is coupled to a host system having a host buffer that includes reads and writes to pages of the storage device. Garbage collection consolidates valid data from pages in the storage device to fewer pages. A determination is made as to whether a processing measurement at the storage device satisfies a threshold. A timer value is set to a positive value in response to determining that the processing measurement satisfies the threshold. The timer is started to run for the timer value. Writes from the host buffer are blocked while the timer is running. Writes remain in the host buffer while the timer is running. A write is accepted from the host buffer to process in response to expiration of the timer.

Abstract: A stand-alone apparatus for cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units for use downstream of a printer. The apparatus may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material in both back and forth directions. The apparatus comprises a housing, a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The apparatus may be powered by and or in hardline or wireless communication with a printer, or may further comprise a computer microprocessor, memory and user interface to function wholly independent from a printer.

Abstract: A combination printer and cutting device for printing upon and cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units. The device may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material as it moves through the printer in both back and forth directions. The device comprises a printer and a cutting apparatus that is further comprised of a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The cutting apparatus is adaptable for use with both new and existing printers.

Abstract: A stand-alone apparatus for cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units for use downstream of a printer. The apparatus may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material in both back and forth directions. The apparatus comprises a housing, a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The apparatus may be powered by and or in hardline or wireless communication with a printer, or may further comprise a computer microprocessor, memory and user interface to function wholly independent from a printer.

Abstract: A combination printer and cutting device for printing upon and cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units. The device may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material as it moves through the printer in both back and forth directions. The device comprises a printer and a cutting apparatus that is further comprised of a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The cutting apparatus is adaptable for use with both new and existing printers.

Abstract: A portable hybrid hand labeler is disclosed that relies on mechanical motion, which eliminates the need for motors and the corresponding energy required to power the motors. The portable hybrid hand labeler also houses an ink jet head and a digital print mechanism, which offers the user infinite print flexibility. The portable hybrid hand labeler is preferably battery driven, and comprises a mechanism to harvest the kinetic energy from the trigger pull and a display panel with a solar panel to collect solar energy to trickle charge the battery pack, thereby increasing usage time between charges.

Abstract: A portable hybrid hand labeler is disclosed that relies on mechanical motion, which eliminates the need for motors and the corresponding energy required to run the motors. The portable hybrid hand labeler also houses an ink jet head and a digital print mechanism, which offers the user infinite print flexibility via downloadable print bands. The portable hybrid hand labeler is preferably battery driven, and comprises a unique drive system and mechanism to harvest the kinetic energy from the trigger pull and a display panel with a solar panel to collect solar energy to trickle charge the battery pack, thereby increasing usage time between charges.

Abstract: A combination printer and cutting device for printing upon and cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units. The device may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material as it moves through the printer in both back and forth directions. The device comprises a printer and a cutting apparatus that is further comprised of a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The cutting apparatus is adaptable for use with both new and existing printers.

Abstract: A stand-alone apparatus for cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units for use downstream of a printer. The apparatus may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material in both back and forth directions. The apparatus comprises a housing, a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The apparatus may be powered by and or in hardline or wireless communication with a printer, or may further comprise a computer microprocessor, memory and user interface to function wholly independent from a printer.

Abstract: A combination printer and cutting device for printing upon and cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units. The device may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material as it moves through the printer in both back and forth directions. The device comprises a printer and a cutting apparatus that is further comprised of a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The cutting apparatus is adaptable for use with both new and existing printers.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved printer provides a user with a simple, intuitive user-friendly touchscreen interface, is easy to assemble, and has a low cost to repair. The printer comprises a platen roller that can be changed without tools via the use of a bayonet connector, and an easy change print head that mechanically guides the print head into the carrier via mechanical guiding pins. Further, the printer comprises a universal supply holder to accommodate different sizes of inner diameter cores for tag and laminated supplies. The printer also discloses a ribbon spindle that accommodates both a cardboard core and a plastic core on the same printer device. Additionally, the printer discloses a media low sensor for providing a low supply indicator, and a gap sensor that comprises an LED array and a resistor array for gap sensing across the supply web.

Abstract: A media stiffness sensor assembly for an imaging device. The assembly comprises a translation mechanism coupled to a contact member, a drive mechanism coupled to the translation mechanism and a position sensor for providing a signal indicative of the position of the contact member. The assembly is mounted within an imaging device so that the contact member is moved into bending contact with a cantilevered portion of a media sheet in the media path. The energy used to translate the contact member from a home position into the cantilevered portion of a media sheet in the media path to deflect the cantilevered portion is used to determine a weight of the media sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved printer provides a user with a simple, intuitive user-friendly touchscreen interface, is easy to assemble, and has a low cost to repair. The printer comprises a platen roller that can be changed without tools via the use of a bayonet connector, and an easy change print head that mechanically guides the print head into the carrier via mechanical guiding pins. Further, the printer comprises a universal supply holder to accommodate different sizes of inner diameter cores for tag and laminated supplies. The printer also discloses a ribbon spindle that accommodates both a cardboard core and a plastic core on the same printer device. Additionally, the printer discloses a media low sensor for providing a low supply indicator, and a gap sensor that comprises an LED array and a resistor array for gap sensing across the supply web.

Abstract: A media stiffness sensor assembly for an imaging device. The assembly comprises a translation mechanism coupled to a contact member, a drive mechanism coupled to the translation mechanism and a position sensor for providing a signal indicative of the position of the contact member. The assembly is mounted within an imaging device so that the contact member is moved into bending contact with a cantilevered portion of a media sheet in the media path. The energy used to translate the contact member from a home position into the cantilevered portion of a media sheet in the media path to deflect the cantilevered portion is used to determine a weight of the media sheet.

Abstract: A method of determining a media weight using a media stiffness sensor in an imaging device. A media sheet is staged having a cantilevered portion which is deflected by a contact member translated into the cantilevered portion. Based on the energy used to move the contact member through a travel distance, a media weight can be determined. An operating parameter of the imaging device may be adjusted based on the media weight that was determined.

Abstract: A method of determining a media weight using a media stiffness sensor in an imaging device. A media sheet is staged having a cantilevered portion which is deflected by a contact member translated into the cantilevered portion. Based on the energy used to move the contact member through a travel distance, a media weight can be determined. An operating parameter of the imaging device may be adjusted based on the media weight that was determined.

Abstract: A coolant nozzle is used in a machine tool having a rotating bit. The nozzle includes a through-aperture for accommodating the bit. The nozzle has a coolant inlet and a number of coolant outlets at more than one angular position about the through-aperture. Internal surface portions define one or more passageways between the inlet and the outlets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting the density of oxygen-induced stacking faults (OSF) on a surface of a wafer by measuring the surface roughness before and after a surface damaging process is presented. Such damage can be produced by, but not limited to, a wet sand blast (WSB) process, a dry sand blast (DSB) process, lapping with an abrasive material, surface grinding, and by laser irradiation. The surface roughness resulting from the surface damage is quantified and compared with the pre-damaged surface roughness. The difference between the pre- and post-damaged surface roughness is determined and correlated with oxygen-induced stacking fault density to surface roughness correlation data to obtain the predicted oxygen-induced stacking fault density.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting the density of oxygen-induced stacking faults (OSF) on a surface of a wafer by measuring the surface roughness before and after a surface damaging process is presented. Such damage can be produced by, but not limited to, a wet sand blast (WSB) process, a dry sand blast (DSB) process, lapping with an abrasive material, surface grinding, and by laser irradiation. The surface roughness resulting from the surface damage is quantified and compared with the pre-damaged surface roughness. The difference between the pre- and post-damaged surface roughness is determined and correlated with oxygen-induced stacking fault density to surface roughness correlation data to obtain the predicted oxygen-induced stacking fault density.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer manufacturing process is disclosed wherein a double side polished wafer having oxygen induced stacking faults to provide extrinsic gettering on the back surface of the wafer. The process includes polishing the back surface of the wafer, and depositing a thin polysilicon film on the polished back surface. The wafer is then subjected to a thermal oxidation step, wherein the polysilicon film is consumed by the thermal oxidation step. The oxide layer is then stripped from the back surface, leaving oxygen induced stacking faults on the back surface of the wafer. The front surface of the wafer is then polished, thereby producing a double side polished wafer containing extrinsic gettering sites on the polished back surface.