Abstract: A system and method for preparing and optimizing a project plan is described. The system includes various modules including a database, a user interface, a cost analyzer, a resource conflict analyzer, a critical path analyzer, a calendar calculator, and a plan editor. The various analyzers and plan editor perform automatic calculations and analyses when preparing a project plan to optimize the project plan in terms of start and end dates, resource use and costs, and to reduce or eliminate errors in the project plan in terms of time conflicts and incorrect task dependencies.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for implementing a space-efficient internal energy storage apparatus in a data storage device or other electronic device have a metallic or otherwise electrically-conductive housing or case structure. A first carbon layer is applied to an inner surface of the metallic housing, and a dielectric spacer is applied upon the first carbon layer. Next, a conductive layer having a second carbon layer is applied over the dielectric spacer, and the metallic housing and the conductive layer is electrically connected to a circuitry of the electronic device.

Abstract: A self-routing capacitor for an integrated circuit having: a first electrode comprising a first base region and a first finger, the first finger extending from a wall of the first base region in a first direction; a second electrode comprising a second base region and a second finger; the second finger extending from a wall of the second base region in a second direction substantially parallel to and opposing the first direction, the second finger coupled to the first finger; a third electrode comprising a third base region and a third finger, the third finger extending from a first wall of the third base in the second direction; and a fourth electrode comprising a fourth finger, the fourth finger extending from a second wall of the third base region in the first direction. The capacitor being coupled to other metal layers through a base region of an electrode.

Abstract: A self-routing capacitor for an integrated circuit having: a first electrode comprising a first base region and a first finger, the first finger extending from a wall of the first base region in a first direction; a second electrode comprising a second base region and a second finger, the second finger extending from a wall of the second base region in a second direction substantially parallel to and opposing the first direction, the second finger coupled to the first finger; a third electrode comprising a third base region and a third finger, the third finger extending from a first wall of the third base in the second direction; and a fourth electrode comprising a fourth finger, the fourth finger extending from a second wall of the third base region in the first direction. The capacitor being coupled to other metal layers through a base region of an electrode.

Abstract: A mass data storage system includes a number of communicatively coupled storage drives powered and controlled by shared control electronics. The shared control electronics are configured to transmit analog read/write signals through an interconnect to each of the multiple individually selectable storage drives. The interconnect bi-directionally couples the control electronics to each of the multiple selectable storage drives.

Abstract: A charge leveler coupled between an external power supply and a data storage device includes a current limiter to receive an input current from the external power supply and to provide a limited input current at no more than a pre-determined level. A charge reservoir couplable in parallel with an output of the current limiter supplements the limited input current when the pre-determined level is exceeded. The charge reservoir is replenished with surplus limited current when the data storage device draws less than the pre-determined level. A boost assist regulator monitors a requested current from the data storage device, and initiates operation of the charge reservoir to supplement the limited input current when the requested current exceeds the limited input current.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communication interface, a controller, and a power section. The communication interface is configured to receive power from an external host to the apparatus. The controller is configured to limit a current drawn by the communication interface to a predetermined value when the apparatus is powered through the external host. The power section is configured to generate a first voltage from a portion of the limited current drawn by the communication interface. The first voltage powers a data storage circuitry. The power section is further configured to store electrical charges received from another portion of the limited current drawn by the communication interface. The power section is further configured to generate a second voltage from the stored electrical charges in response to a signal from the controller. The second voltage supplements the first voltage during high power events by the data storage circuitry.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for implementing a space-efficient internal energy storage apparatus in a data storage device or other electronic device have a metallic or otherwise electrically-conductive housing or case structure. A first carbon layer is applied to an inner surface of the metallic housing, and a dielectric spacer is applied upon the first carbon layer. Next, a conductive layer having a second carbon layer is applied over the dielectric spacer, and the metallic housing and the conductive layer is electrically connected to a circuitry of the electronic device.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for implementing a space-efficient internal energy storage apparatus in a data storage device or other electronic device have a metallic or otherwise electrically-conductive housing or case structure. The energy storage apparatus comprises an interior surface of the metallic housing, a conductive layer disposed parallel to the interior surface of the metallic housing, and a separator disposed between the interior surface and the conductive layer. The metallic housing is configured to act as a first electrode of the energy storage apparatus and the conductive layer is configured to act as an opposing electrode to the first electrode.

Abstract: A charge leveler coupled between an external power supply and a data storage device includes a current limiter to receive an input current from the external power supply and to provide a limited input current at no more than a pre-determined level. A charge reservoir couplable in parallel with an output of the current limiter supplements the limited input current when the pre-determined level is exceeded. The charge reservoir is replenished with surplus limited current when the data storage device draws less than the pre-determined level. A boost assist regulator monitors a requested current from the data storage device, and initiates operation of the charge reservoir to supplement the limited input current when the requested current exceeds the limited input current.

Abstract: A mass data storage system includes a number of communicatively coupled storage drives powered and controlled by shared control electronics. The shared control electronics are configured to transmit analog read/write signals through an interconnect to each of the multiple individually selectable storage drives. The interconnect bi-directionally couples the control electronics to each of the multiple selectable storage drives.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communication interface, a controller, and a power section. The communication interface is configured to receive power from an external host to the apparatus. The controller is configured to limit a current drawn by the communication interface to a predetermined value when the apparatus is powered through the external host. The power section is configured to generate a first voltage from a portion of the limited current drawn by the communication interface. The first voltage powers a data storage circuitry. The power section is further configured to store electrical charges received from another portion of the limited current drawn by the communication interface. The power section is further configured to generate a second voltage from the stored electrical charges in response to a signal from the controller. The second voltage supplements the first voltage during high power events by the data storage circuitry.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for implementing a space-efficient internal energy storage apparatus in a data storage device or other electronic device have a metallic or otherwise electrically-conductive housing or case structure. The energy storage apparatus comprises an interior surface of the metallic housing, a conductive layer disposed parallel to the interior surface of the metallic housing, and a separator disposed between the interior surface and the conductive layer. The metallic housing is configured to act as a first electrode of the energy storage apparatus and the conductive layer is configured to act as an opposing electrode to the first electrode.

Abstract: A rigid multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) has an embedded elongated conductor between opposing first and second reference planes. The first and second reference planes are formed of conductive material and are electrically isolated from the conductor by intervening insulative material. Each of the first and second reference planes have a plurality of spaced apart windows extending therethrough, the windows aligned with the elongated conductor.

Abstract: A rigid multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) has an embedded elongated conductor between opposing first and second reference planes. The first and second reference planes are formed of conductive material and are electrically isolated from the conductor by intervening insulative material. Each of the first and second reference planes have a plurality of spaced apart windows extending therethrough, the windows aligned with the elongated conductor.

Abstract: A walker apparatus includes a framework having upstanding front and rear support members connecting upper and lower sections. The upper section is mounted atop upper ends of respective front and rear support members. The upper section includes a pair of side members each having opposed front and rear ends coupled to respective front and rear support member upper ends. The upper section includes a rear support member extending between rear ends of respective upper section side members. The upper section includes a front support member pivotally coupled at a proximal end to a front support member upper end and releasably coupled to another so as to be movable between open and closed configurations. The apparatus includes a lower section having first and second supports bars each having an outwardly arcuate configuration and positioned so as not to create a trip hazard when the front support member is open.

Abstract: An automated system for selecting the cutting height and orientation of a mower deck attached to a power vehicle. An actuator and a system of links and slotted members are configured to operatively couple to a mower deck carriage and a front portion of the mower deck. Operation of the actuator by extending or retracting an actuator length, working in concert with the system of links and members, causes the mower deck to lower or raise in relation to a surface underlying the mower deck. Operation of the actuator further permits the mower deck to be rotated about an axis to and from an operation orientation and a service and or storage orientation. The actuator maintains the position of the mower deck without assistance of additional locking mechanisms or load bearing members. The system is controllable through a single interface convenient to the operator.

Abstract: Reinforced fiber insulation is formed by depositing a mixture of textile fiber segments and rotary and/or flame attenuated segments on a surface, mixing a binder with the fibers, and heating the binder to join the fibers together. The low cost process provides a mixed fiber insulation product with improved strength after compression.

Abstract: An automated system for selecting the cutting height and orientation of a mower deck attached to a power vehicle. An actuator and a system of links and slotted members are configured to operatively couple to a mower deck carriage and a front portion of the mower deck. Operation of the actuator by extending or retracting an actuator length, working in concert with the system of links and members, causes the mower deck to lower or raise in relation to a surface underlying the mower deck. Operation of the actuator further permits the mower deck to be rotated about an axis to and from an operation orientation and a service and or storage orientation. The actuator maintains the position of the mower deck without assistance of additional locking mechanisms or load bearing members. The system is controllable through a single interface convenient to the operator.