Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
  • Patent number: 8665546
    Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head for writing data to the disk, and control circuitry coupled to the head. The control circuitry is operable to determine a first set of fly height values and determine a threshold based on the first set of fly height values. The control circuitry determines a second set of fly height values, adjusts the threshold based on the second set of fly height values, and detects a head characteristic based on the adjusted threshold. The head characteristic is detected by detecting a head touchdown event and/or detecting contamination related to the head based on the adjusted threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongchao Tim Zhao, Jiangang Liang, Yilin Cai, Don Brunnett
  • Patent number: 8665547
    Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk comprising a plurality of servo tracks defined by servo sectors, and a head actuated over the disk, wherein the head comprises a read element operable to generate a read signal. The disk drive further comprises a fly height sensor operable to generate a fly height signal for the head, and control circuitry comprising a multiplexer operable to multiplex the read signal and the fly height signal to a transmission line. The multiplexer is configured to select the read signal when reading the servo sectors of a servo track, and configured to select the fly height signal when reading a segment of the servo track between consecutive servo sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Teik Ee Yeo, Piero Giaccone, Khoa Xuan Bui
  • Patent number: 8665548
    Abstract: A magnetic disk device includes: a recording medium provided with a plurality of write tracks; a magnetic write head including a magnetic pole, side shields, and a leading shield, a distance from the magnetic pole to each of the side shields being maintained to be uniform with a gap layer therebetween, and a distance from the magnetic pole to the leading shield being maintained to be uniform with a gap layer therebetween; and a control section rotating the recording medium, and allowing magnetic information to be recorded on the recording medium while allowing the magnetic write head to travel in a direction from an inner write track toward an outer write track or in a direction from the outer write track toward the inner write track, across write tracks in the recording medium. With such a configuration, format efficiency may be improved, and a width of an erase band on a magnetic disk may be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Hirata, Hiroshi Kiyono, Osamu Nakada, Kenkichi Anagawa
  • Patent number: 8665549
    Abstract: A magnetic data storage system having a magnetic disk having burst patterns for providing a position error signal (PES) wherein each magnetic burst pattern is offset from an adjacent burst pattern by ΒΌ track pitch. All of the magnetic bits of the burst patterns can be unipolar magnetized, and the bits of each burst pattern can be aligned with one another in radial and circumferential direction. The magnetic media can be a bit patterned media wherein the magnetic bits of the burst patterns are magnetically isolated portions separated by non-magnetic spaces or non-magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Albrecht, Toshiki Hirano, Tetsuo Semba, Xiaotian Sun
  • Patent number: 8665550
    Abstract: A method for reducing a disturbance associated with repeatable runout associated with a removable disc loaded into a storage system. The method includes, at the storage system: logically partitioning the removable disc into sectors; for each of the sectors, obtaining a corresponding profile of repeatable runout contained in the sector; and applying a runout control algorithm to each of the sectors to generate a repeatable runout control (RROC) waveform that is usable to suppress the repeatable runout in the sector as indicated by the profile corresponding to the sector. The method also includes, at the storage system: assembling each RROC waveform to generate a single RROC waveform that is useable to suppress repeatable runout as contained in an entire revolution of the removable disc; and storing, in a memory, the single RROC waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Pantas Sutardja, Yunn Zheng, Yong Huang, Qiuliang Fu
  • Patent number: 8665551
    Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head, and a voice coil motor (VCM) operable to actuate the head over the disk, wherein the VCM generates a back electromotive force (BEMF) voltage. At least one reference track is written on the disk, and the head is positioned near a first diameter of the disk. While moving the head from the first diameter toward a second diameter of the disk, the reference track is read and a first estimated state error is measured. While moving the head from the second diameter of the disk toward the first diameter of the disk, the reference track is read and a second estimated state error is measured. A gain and an offset of a velocity sensor are adjusted in response to the first and second estimated state errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Rigney, Edgar D. Sheh, Siri S. Weerasooriya, Brandon P. Smith
  • Patent number: 8665552
    Abstract: Controlling positions of storage media heads is disclosed. An example storage media head position controller includes a position error filter to filter a media head position error based on a target position for a storage media head relative to a storage medium and a present media head position to generate a position signal, and a media speed monitor to modify an integration factor in the position error filter based on a media speed to adjust a phase margin of the position control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Donald J. Fasen
  • Patent number: 8665553
    Abstract: The present invention provides a magazine-based data cartridge library that, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of shelves that are capable of holding a plurality of data cartridge magazines, one or more drives, a magazine transport for moving magazines within the cabinet, and a cartridge transport for moving data cartridges between a magazine and a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Spectra Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Anthony Pollard, Lee A. Southerland
  • Patent number: 8665554
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for selective gripping and/or releasing of media cartridges using a robotic ratcheting gripper mechanism. Embodiments operate in context of a data storage library having a number of media cartridges physically located within slots of one or more magazines. A robot with a hand assembly uses a gripper mechanism to retrieve and ferry the cartridges between the magazines and one or more media drives. A novel gripper mechanism is provided that toggles between open and closed states according to movement of the gripper. In some embodiments, movement of a carriage from a retracted to an extended position extends the gripper mechanism and toggles its state, while movement of the carriage from the extended to the retracted position retracts the gripper mechanism while maintaining its state. Certain embodiments implement this functionality with simple mechanical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Manes, David Christopher Black
  • Patent number: 8665555
    Abstract: A disk drive includes an enclosure that has a breather port therethrough. A first labyrinth path may be disposed inside the disk drive enclosure, in fluid connection with the breather port. A second labyrinth path may be temporarily disposed outside the disk drive enclosure, in fluid connection with the breather port. An alternative gas such as helium may be allowed to bleed out through the second labyrinth path during a period of servo track writing. The second labyrinth path may be removed after servo track writing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lionel Young, John R. Gustafson, Scott E. Watson, Dana C. Fisher, Brian L. Rappel, Andrew A. Lucas
  • Patent number: 8665556
    Abstract: A sleeve supports a shaft. A housing member is arranged so as to surround the sleeve and make the end of the sleeve protrude. A base member holds the housing member and fixes a stator core so as to surround the housing member. A hub drives a recording disk by being rotated integrally with the shaft, with a magnet being fixed to an annular portion concentric with the shaft so as to face the stator core fixed to the base member. A thrust member is rotated integrally with the hub, and a descender portion and a ring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Japan Advanced Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuji Yamada, Yuji Omura, Mitsuo Kodama
  • Patent number: 8665557
    Abstract: A base member includes a base groove portion, at least one base through-hole, and a first insulating sheet portion. The base groove portion is positioned on a lower surface of the base member. The base through-hole extends through the base member. The first insulating sheet portion is arranged on a bottom surface of the base groove portion. A lead wire extending from a coil is led out into the base groove portion through the base through-hole. The base through-hole includes a major axis extending in a radial direction and a minor axis extending in a circumferential direction. The base through-hole has a radial length larger than a circumferential width thereof. A portion of an edge of the first insulating sheet portion is arranged on the lower surface of the base member to intersect the major axis of the base through-hole and to cover a portion of the base through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nidec Corporation
    Inventors: Takuro Matsumoto, Atsushi Yawata, Toshihiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8665558
    Abstract: A disk drive device includes: a base member; a hub on which a recording disk is placed; a bearing unit arranged on the base member for rotatably supporting the hub; and a spindle drive unit for rotationally driving the hub, wherein the spindle drive unit includes a stator core having salient poles, a coil wound around each of the salient poles, and a magnet having a plurality of magnetic poles arranged in a circumferential direction opposed to the salient poles, the hub includes an outer cylindrical portion formed of a magnetic material and engaged with an inner periphery of the recording disk, and an inner cylindrical portion fixing an outer periphery of the magnet, the number of magnetic poles is an even number in a range of 10 to 16, and the number of salient poles is a multiple of 3 in a range of 12 to 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Japan Advanced Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Watanabe, Mitsuo Kodama, Hiroshi Iwai, Akira Nishio
  • Patent number: 8665559
    Abstract: A magnetic storage and retrieval system and a manufacturing technique thereof are disclosed herein. A chemical reaction is triggered upon a surface of each metallic layer of a plurality of metallic layers disposed on a substrate. It is also determined whether a metallic material of the surface has transformed to a new metallic material that is more chemically resistant than the metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Darin D Lindig
  • Patent number: 8665560
    Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes at least one first module configured for writing and/or reading data to and from a tape in a first format and/or first generation and writing data to the tape in a second format and/or second generation that is different than the first format and first generation; and a supplemental module coupled to the first module, the supplemental module being configured for reading a tape having data written in the second format and/or the second generation, wherein the data readers on the first module are wider in a cross-track direction than data readers on the supplemental module. Additional products and processes are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Jason Liang
  • Patent number: 8665561
    Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic read and/or write transducer for use in disk drive. A read transducer has an air-bearing surface (ABS) and includes a read sensor, a nonmagnetic gap, a heater, and an expander. The nonmagnetic gap is adjacent to a portion of the read sensor and has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The heater heats a portion of the magnetic read transducer. The expander is adjacent to a portion of the nonmagnetic gap and has a second CTE greater than the first CTE. The write transducer includes a pole, a coil, an insulator adjacent to and for insulating the coil, a heater and an expander. The expander has a CTE greater than the insulator's CTE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Neil D. Knutson, Yu Lo
  • Patent number: 8665562
    Abstract: A method of dynamic fly-height control in a disk drive, comprising measuring current environmental parameters, determining an operation heater power based on the current environmental parameters, and applying the operation heater power to adjust the fly-height of a head. Using the current environmental parameters to interpolate an estimated current touch down heater power from the predetermined set of environmental parameters and plurality of corresponding touch down heater powers. A system of dynamic fly-height control includes a touch down power module to generate a plurality of environmental parameters and corresponding touch down heater powers, an environment module to receive the plurality of environmental parameters and corresponding touch down heater powers and generate an estimated touch down heater power based on measured current environmental parameters, and a heater module to receive the estimated touch down heater power and generate an operation heater power to control a fly-height of a head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yiping Ma, William Dredge Hansen
  • Patent number: 8665563
    Abstract: A partitioning format for magnetic tape media that includes at least a first portion (e.g., a file directory) having a plurality of dynamically updateable (e.g., non-shingled) partitions and a second portion (e.g., a data portion) having a plurality of linearly or sequentially written shingled partitions. Use of both shingled and non-shingled partitions on the same length of magnetic tape allows for an increase in capacity over those applications that perform linear recording of non-shingled partitions while allowing for the dynamic updating of a local file directory free of disturbing the linearly written data of the shingled partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Hostetter
  • Patent number: 8665564
    Abstract: A suspension comprises a flexure and a plurality of electrical traces. The flexure has a leading portion and a tailing portion, and has a laminated structure comprising a substrate layer, a dielectric layer, and a grounding layer sandwiched therebetween. The electrical traces comprise at least one pair of write traces, each write trace has a bonding pad positioned on the leading portion, a terminal pad positioned on the tailing portion, and a write wire connecting the bonding pad and the terminal pad, the write wire has at least one portion being furcated into at least two sub wires. The present invention can lower the impedance and decrease the signal transmission loss, and widen the frequency bandwidth simultaneously. The invention also discloses a HGA and a disk drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Haiming Zhou, Xianwen Feng, Tamotsu Tani, Fuquan Pang, Jinbo Qiu
  • Patent number: 8665565
    Abstract: Jumper constructions for an integrated lead flexure for a disk drive head suspension include a conductive base layer, an insulating layer over the base layer, a plurality of traces arranged on the insulating layer, and an isolated conductor layer arranged under the insulating layer. The plurality of traces include a first trace and a second trace and the isolated conductor layer is electrically isolated from the conductive base layer and electrically connects the first and second traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: John D. Pro, Mark A. Miller, Michael E. Roen, Reed T. Hentges, Gregory J. VanHecke
  • Patent number: 8665566
    Abstract: A method of assembling a head stack assembly of a magnetic storage drive is provided. The method includes attaching a flexible printed circuit (FPC) with a suspension tail of a head gimbal assembly, wherein the suspension tail includes a plurality of discrete segments positioned within a bonding area and other portions of a structural layer outside of the bonding area, and pressing tail bond pads of the suspension tail against corresponding ones of FPC bond pads of the FPC by bringing a single flat surface of a thermode in contact with each of the discrete segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzong-Shii Pan, Yih-Jen D. Chen
  • Patent number: 8665567
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension assembly for a disk drive that includes: a mounting plate having a through-hole extending from a top-side of the mounting plate to a bottom-side of the mounting plate; a microactuator mounting structure formed in the mounting plate; a microactuator mounted in the microactuator mounting structure; and a flexure attached to the bottom-side of the of mounting plate. The flexure includes: a metal layer; an insulator layer; a trace layer that includes a ground trace; and an opening, wherein the opening extends through the metal layer and the insulator layer to a gold-plated ground trace. A conductive epoxy is bonded to the microactuator and extends through the through-hole to bond to the flexure, wherein the epoxy extends through the opening of the flexure to the gold-plated ground trace of the flexure such that the microactuator is grounded to the flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wing C. Shum, Yanning Liu, John E. Scura
  • Patent number: 8665568
    Abstract: A magnetic sensor comprises a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a free magnetization layer disposed on a first part of the nonmagnetic conductive layer, a fixed magnetization layer disposed on a second part of the nonmagnetic conductive layer different from the first part, upper and lower first magnetic shield layers opposing each other through the nonmagnetic conductive layer and free magnetization layer interposed therebetween, upper and lower second magnetic shield layers opposing each other through the nonmagnetic conductive layer and fixed magnetization layer interposed therebetween, a first electrically insulating layer disposed between the lower second magnetic shield layer and nonmagnetic conductive layer, and a first electrode layer for electrically connecting the lower second magnetic shield layer and nonmagnetic conductive layer to each other, while the fixed magnetization layer and first electrode layer oppose each other through the nonmagnetic conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8665569
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an arc extinguishing switch, including a mechanical switch and a first electric branch connected in parallel with a first contact branch of the mechanical switch, the first electric branch includes a first controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch and a second controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch, the first controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch and the second controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch are respectively controlled by two thyristors to be turned on in AC positive and negative periods correspondingly and share a first capacitor connected in series with the two thyristors. The invention further discloses a switching method using the arc extinguishing switch. In the invention, the high power requirement for the thyristor in the arc extinguishing switch and the product cost are lowered, and it is avoided that the mechanical switch is bypassed when the short-circuit failure occurs on the thyristor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ASCO Power Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: Frank Heerdt, Zhixian Wu
  • Patent number: 8665570
    Abstract: Diodes, including gated diodes and shallow trench isolation (STI) diodes, manufacturing methods, and related circuits are provided without at least one halo or pocket implant thereby reducing capacitance of the diode. In this manner, the diode may be used in circuits and other devices having performance sensitive to load capacitance while still obtaining the performance characteristics of the diode. Such characteristics for a gated diode include fast turn-on times and high conductance, making the gated diodes well-suited for electro-static discharge (ESD) protection circuits as one example. Diodes include a semiconductor substrate having a well region and insulating layer thereupon. A gate electrode is formed over the insulating layer. Anode and cathode regions are provided in the well region. A P-N junction is formed. At least one pocket implant is blocked in the diode to reduce capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Reza Jalilizeinali, Eugene R. Worley, Evan Siansuri, Sreeker Dundigal
  • Patent number: 8665571
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrated circuit protection are provided. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a first pad, a second pad, a third pad, a first protection subcircuit coupled between the first pad and a common node, a second protection subcircuit coupled between the second pad and the common node, and a third protection subcircuit coupled between the third pad and the common node. The first, second, and third protection subcircuits each include one or more building blocks for maintaining the voltage of each of the pads within a predefined safe range, as well as to maintain the voltage between each of the pads within acceptable limits. A portion of the building blocks used to provide transient signal protection can be shared between pads, thereby reducing the area of the pad protection circuit relative to a scheme using a separate stack of building blocks for each pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier A Salcedo, Paul Cheung
  • Patent number: 8665572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery charge/discharge protection circuit that protects an associated battery from charge/discharge damage. The charge/discharge protection circuit includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a charge over-current detection circuit, a discharge over-current detection circuit, a short circuit detection circuit, and a PMOS transistor. A drain electrode and a gate electrode of the PMOS transistor are connected to the first terminal and the second terminal respectively. A source electrode of the PMOS transistor is connected to the charge over-current detection circuit, the discharge over-current detection circuit and the short circuit detection circuit, such that when a voltage above an overvoltage threshold is supported by the charger, the voltage of the source electrode of the PMOS transistor is maintained above a negative threshold voltage and the elements in these circuits do not receive such a voltage output by the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shanghai SIM-BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zutao Liu
  • Patent number: 8665573
    Abstract: An overvoltage protector for an electrical consumer in a motor vehicle, includes an input for connection to the electrical system of a motor vehicle, an output for connection to the electrical consumer to be protected, and a ground terminal which is connected via a line to a branch point between the input and the output, wherein at least one component that blocks below a threshold voltage and conducts above the threshold voltage, and a switch connected in series with the component are located in the line, wherein the switch is controlled by a control circuit that closes the switch when a voltage spike occurs and subsequently reopens it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Blanc, Josef Mueller, Keith Wilson
  • Patent number: 8665574
    Abstract: A circuit breaker system for providing thermal protection to a conductor conducting current from a power source to a load. While the power source is connected to the load, a microcontroller is powered by the current passing through the conductor to thermally model the temperature of the conductor. If the microcontroller determines that the temperature of the conductor has risen to an undesirable or unsafe level, the circuit breaker disconnects the power source from the load and the current no longer passes through the conductor. With no current passing through the conductor, the microcontroller no longer receives power from the conductor. Instead, the microcontroller continues to model the temperature of the conductor as the conductor cools to an ambient temperature by receiving power from an energy storage device. Accordingly, the microcontroller continuously models the temperature of the conductor until the temperature of the conductor cools to the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Allen Studer, II, Ryan James Moffitt, Steve M. Meehleder
  • Patent number: 8665575
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module (10) with a plurality of solar cells (20) interconnected in serial and/or parallel arrangement within the module (10) is equipped with an overheat protection system (30) for suppressing damages of the photovoltaic module (10) due to defects of the solar cells (20). The overheat protection system (30) comprises a heat sensor (32) which is thermally coupled to a solar cell (20). The heat sensor (32) is physically integrated into an electrical switch (34, 36, 38) which is electrically connected to said solar cell (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Clevenger, Harold J. Hovel, Rainer Krause, Zhengwen Li, Kevin S. Petrarca, Gerd Pfeiffer, Kevin Prettyman, Carl J. Radens, Brian C. Sapp
  • Patent number: 8665576
    Abstract: A power supply circuit has parallel supply and control branches each with fuses, the power supply branch comprising at least one replaceable fuse. The supply branch is connected to one or more electrical components of an electrical device, such as the actuator and sensors of a printer, and the supply branch is connected to control or monitoring components. A circuit comprising lights indicates correct or faulty operation of the various parts of the supply circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Marc Bautista Palacios, Lorena FernΓ‘ndez Llorens, Jordi Hernandez Creus, Juan Luis LΓ³pez RodrΓ­guez
  • Patent number: 8665577
    Abstract: A safe area voltage regulator is provided that includes a loss element, a distributed shunt regulator and an output terminal. The loss element component is directly connected to the distributed shunt regulator and includes a plurality of loss elements connected in series. The distributed shunt regulator is made up of a plurality of shunt regulators connected in parallel and is configured to regulate a peak voltage of a voltage signal to below a maximum voltage threshold. The output terminal is directly connected to the distributed shunt regulator and configured to output the voltage signal with the regulated peak voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David O. Levan, Munroe C. Clayton
  • Patent number: 8665578
    Abstract: Described herein is electroadhesion technology that permits controllable adherence between two objects. Electroadhesion uses electrostatic forces of attraction produced by an electrostatic adhesion voltage, which is applied using electrodes in an electroadhesive device. The electrostatic adhesion voltage produces an electric field and electrostatic adherence forces. When the electroadhesive device and electrodes are positioned near a surface of an object such as a vertical wall, the electrostatic adherence forces hold the electroadhesive device in position relative to the surface and object. This can be used to increase traction or maintain the position of the electroadhesive device relative to a surface. Electric control of the electrostatic adhesion voltage permits the adhesion to be controllably and readily turned on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Harsha Prahlad, Joseph S. Eckerle, Roy D. Kornbluh, Scott E. Stanford
  • Patent number: 8665579
    Abstract: There is proved a variable capacitor that includes a substrate, a signal line disposed on a surface of the substrate for feeding a signal, a ground electrode disposed on the surface, and a movable electrode opposed the signal line and the ground electrode, the movable electrode operable to move toward and away from the signal line and the ground electrode. The movable electrode can be displaced by an electrostatic attraction between the movable electrode and the signal line and between the movable electrode and the signal line. An amount of displacement of the movable electrode varies according to an amount of the voltage which generates the electrostatic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takeaki Shimanouchi, Masahiko Imai, Xiaoyu Mi, Satoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 8665580
    Abstract: Disclosed are an embedded capacitor and a method of fabricating the same. The capacitor includes a metallic substrate, a metallic oxide layer on the metallic substrate, a first electrode layer on a first surface of the metallic oxide layer, and a second electrode layer on a second surface of the metallic oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Bong Choi, Sang Hyeok Nam
  • Patent number: 8665581
    Abstract: Electrical devices having electrodes containing carbon nanotubes infused to a substrate are described herein. The electrical devices contain at least a first electrode material containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a first substrate and a second electrode material containing a second plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a second substrate. The first electrode material and the second electrode material are wound in a spiral configuration about a central axis. The electrical devices can be supercapacitors, which also contain at least an electrolyte in contact with the first electrode material and the second electrode material, and a first separator material disposed between the first electrode material and the second electrode material. Methods and apparatuses for making the electrical devices are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Nanostructured Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Corey Adam Fleischer, Tushar K. Shah, Lawrence P. Hetzel, Harry C. Malecki
  • Patent number: 8665582
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a mounting bracket for a modular panel. More particularly, the invention encompasses a quick roll mounting bracket for modular panels. The quick roll mounting bracket for a modular panel provides an easier/improved means for an installer to install a modular panel and to electrically and mechanically couple the modular panels together. The inventive roller bracket helps guide the modular panel during the coupling process by providing at least one wheel or a rolling interface to an otherwise metallic or metal-to-metal interface. The wheel or a rolling interface could be secured to the modular panel via at least one mounting bracket or via at least one spacer or at least one emboss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Scott Robinson, Jeffrey K. Hudgins, Jr., Fan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8665583
    Abstract: A modular shelving system includes: a rail including a plurality of mounting holes; a plurality of shelves, each shelf including a pair of pivot pins; a plurality of pivots removably secured to the rail, wherein each pivot receives at least one pivot pin such that each of the shelves are rotatably supported on the rail between a corresponding pair of pivots; and a plurality of covers covering the rail and spanning the distance between each corresponding pair of pivots. The shelves each include a portion of a piece of visual art, such that when each of the shelves is positioned approximately vertically, the portion of the visual art is displayed and further such that when all of the plurality of shelves are positioned in the approximately vertical position, the entirety of the visual art is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Kinsley, Robert Kinsley
  • Patent number: 8665584
    Abstract: A tablet holder including a frame configured to hold a tablet. A barrel is defined in the frame and opens through one side of the frame. A mounting post is pivotally and retractably received within the barrel, and a locking mechanism is provided for locking the mounting post against relative movement. A tablet stowage system includes a tablet holder, a container for stowing a plurality of tablet holders, and a galley cart for stowing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracy N. Pence
  • Patent number: 8665585
    Abstract: A cover mechanism of covering a hole on a casing is disclosed in the present invention. The cover mechanism includes a base, a first holder, a second holder, a cover and a resilient component. The first holder and the second holder are respectively disposed on the base. The cover is pivotably disposed on the first holder. The resilient component includes a shaft and a curved portion. The shaft pivots to the second holder. A first end of the curved portion is connected to the shaft, and a second end of the curved portion pivots to a connecting hole on the cover. The cover drives the curved portion to generate resilient deformation when rotating from a first position to a second position, and a resilient recovering force of the curved portion can be for stopping the cover at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Ping-Yu Ko
  • Patent number: 8665586
    Abstract: A display device is provided, including a front case, a rear case fixed to the front case, a frame disposed between the front and rear cases, a display panel disposed on the frame, and a cushion. The cushion is disposed on the frame and contacts the front and rear cases, so as to space the frame apart from the front and rear cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chun-feng Lai
  • Patent number: 8665587
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus having two latching members for fixing an expansion card to an expansion slot mounted on a motherboard. Two latching members are mounted to two ends of the expansion slot, for fixing the expansion card. Two latching members are pivotably sandwiched between the ends of the expansion slot and the motherboard, respectively. A latching block protrudes from each of the latching members, for abutting against a bottom of the corresponding locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Tang Peng, Guang-Yi Zhang, Xiao-Zheng Li
  • Patent number: 8665588
    Abstract: A fastening device for a hard disk drive (HDD) includes two fastening members and a bottom plate. Each fastening member includes a sidewall, and a top wall and a bottom wall perpendicularly extending from opposite sides of the sidewall. The top walls are fastened to a bottom of the HDD. An engaging hole is defined in each bottom wall. The engaging hole includes a first hole and a second hole. A positioning tab extends from one of the fastening members. A block is formed on the positioning tab. Two protrusions protrude from the bottom plate. A positioning portion is formed on the bottom plate. The HDD is operable to slide to allow the protrusions to engage in the first holes. The positioning tab extends through a through hole bounded by the positioning portion and bottom plate, to allow the block to be blocked by the positioning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Patent number: 8665589
    Abstract: A peripheral input device capable of carrying a tabular electronic device is disclosed. The peripheral input device includes a base, an inputting module, a supporting mechanism, and a retaining structure. The inputting module, the supporting mechanism, and the retaining structure are disposed on the base. The retaining structure is disposed between the inputting module and the supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism can provide a plurality of supporting angles for supporting the tabular electronic device stably with the retaining structure. Therefore, the peripheral input device according to the invention can provide functions of supporting and inputting simultaneously, provide a plurality of supporting angles for satisfying view demand of a user to the tabular electronic device during operation, and further can be regarded as a protection cover for the tabular electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Chi-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 8665590
    Abstract: A server rack includes a rack body and fan modules. The rack body has front and back surfaces. Server units are disposed in the rack body. The fan modules are arranged on the back side along a vertical direction. Each fan module corresponds to several server units and includes a fan case and fan units. The fan case assembled to the back side is independently electrically connected to the rack body and suitable for being independently detached from the rack body. The fan units are detachably assembled to the fan case and arranged on the fan case along a horizontal direction. Each fan unit is independently electrically connected to the fan case and suitable for being independently detached from the fan case along a first direction perpendicular to the back surface or independently assembled to the fan case along a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Shi-Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 8665591
    Abstract: A system for an electronic device includes a housing having one or more walls that define an internal region. An outlet port is fluidically coupled to the internal region of the housing, which allows emission of a fluid from the internal region of the housing as a first flow at a first temperature. A merging element, fluidically coupled to the outlet port, merges the first flow with a second flow, which has a second temperature that is less than the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Bourgeois, Kristopher Frutschy, Mohamed Sakami, William Waters, Mao Leng
  • Patent number: 8665592
    Abstract: A multi-core microprocessor provides an indication of the power management state of each of the cores on output terminals. Cooling of the cores is adjusted responsive to the indication of the power management state of the respective cores with additional cooling being provided to those cores in a more active state and less cooling provided to those cores in a less active state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. Mowry, David G. Farber, Michael J. Austin, John E. Moore
  • Patent number: 8665593
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a support tray that may be used in a notebook computer charging system includes a body adapted to support a power adapter, and a platform extending out from the body, the platform being adapted to support a notebook computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Lev, Paul J Doczy, Dustin L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8665594
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a portable electronic device including a first portion having a first surface, a second portion having a second surface, and a slide portion slidably coupled to the first and second portions. The first portion, second portion and slide portion are adapted so that the first portion can slide along a first direction between a closed position wherein the first portion at least partially covers the second surface, and an extended position wherein the second surface is at least partially exposed, and when the first portion is in the extended position, the first portion and slide portion can slide relative to the second portion along a second direction into an open position in which the first surface and the second surface are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Albert Murray Pegg
  • Patent number: 8665595
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermally conductive section with a side facing approximately parallel to an axis and adapted to be thermally coupled to a circuit component, and includes a fluid supply section which directs a fluid flow along the axis toward an opposite side of the thermally conductive section. The thermally conductive section splits the fluid flow into a plurality of flow portions which each flow through the thermally conductive section in a direction approximately parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis, the flow portions exiting the thermally conductive section at a plurality of respective locations disposed along a substantial portion of the periphery of the thermally conductive section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: OL Security Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: William Gerald Wyatt, Gary J. Schwartz