Abstract:
An apparatus for Position Error Signal (PES) measurement in a disk drive servo system includes a variable-gain amplifier that receives an analog servo signal; a multiplier coupled to the variable-gain amplifier; a low-pass filter coupled to the multiplier; a digital-to-analog converter; an analog summer that is coupled to the low-pass filter and to the digital-to-analog converter; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the analog summer; a digital summer coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, and a phase-locked loop that provides timing signals to the multiplier, the digital-to-analog converter and the analog-to digital converter. The invention enables an output of the variable-gain amplifier to be multiplied with the clocking signal of the phase-locked loop. The multiplication output signal is then filtered by the low-pass filter. The output of the low-pass filter is summed with voltage ramp signals that are generated by the digital-to-analog converter and the resulting signals are converted to a series of 6-bit words by the digital-to-analog converter. Thereafter, the series of the 6-bit words are summed by the digital summer to generate a 10-bit PES.
Abstract:
In order to optimize the utilization of resources (e.g., technicians) in performing a number of jobs, each job is assigned a cost time-dependent function and each resource is assessed for the time at which it will be available. For each combination of jobs with resources, an actual can be determined. The combination giving the lowest overall cost is then determined. Additional features are disclosed to ensure incompatible job/resource combinations are not allocated, and to reduce the complexity of the calculation by prioritizing the jobs and resources.
Abstract:
A mounting assembly includes a first plate which is welded to the underside of a trough which channels fluid around the trunk opening of an automotive vehicle. The first plate includes two pockets and two extensions. A second plate, having two blades, is securable to the first plate by inserting the blades into the pockets and screwing the second plate to the first plate at the extensions thereof. Because the extensions extend out beyond the trough, the second plate is secured to the trough without altering the trough. An electrical unit depends from the second plate using two L-shaped brackets which lock to the second plate. The first plate takes up little space when the electrical unit and the second plate are removed therefrom.
Abstract:
A turbine engine component (10) with a non-aluminide protective coating (14) containing silicon and chromium and a process for forming such non-aluminide protective coatings (14). The non-aluminide protective coating (14) is formed by applying a silicon-containing fluid composition to the turbine engine component (10) as a silicon-containing layer (20) and heating the silicon-containing layer (20) to a temperature effective to form the non-aluminide protective coating (14).
Abstract:
Printed circuit boards have circuit layers with one or more copper filled through-holes and methods of manufacturing the same. An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention enhances thermal characteristics of filled through-holes of printed circuit boards to provide extra reliability to the printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, a printed circuit broad has a plurality of through-holes to connect copper patterns on different layers of the printed circuits broad. Here, at least one of the through-holes is copper plated closed at both ends with at least 70% volume of the through-hole plated with copper to, e.g., enhance thermal characteristics of the through-hole, thereby providing extra reliability to the printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a surface conductor (or cap) that is directly plated over the copper filled barrel plated through-hole.
Abstract:
After-loader devices, kits, and methods for using the same are provided. Such after-loader devices are useful for loading implants into hollow needles, especially after the needles are inserted into patient tissue. The after-loader devices can be pre-loaded with implants, before the after-loaders are connected to hubs of hollow needles, or loaded thereafter.
Abstract:
One exemplary docking station has a surface for receiving a portable computer, with a wall and a latch projecting from the receiving surface. The latch is movable towards and away from the wall, is resiliently biased towards the wall, and has an overhang that can engage a striker plate of a portable computer when the latch is moved towards the wall, so that the overhang restrains the striker plate against movement away from the receiving surface. The overhang can release the striker plate when the latch is moved away from the wall. A release actuator operable by a user engages the latch so that operation of the release actuator causes the latch to move away from the wall.
Abstract:
An apparatus for treating objects with a treatment gas comprises a treatment chamber, a chamber input through which objects enter the treatment chamber, and a chamber output (which may be the same as the chamber input) through which the objects leave the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber encloses the treatment gas, which can be steam. The chamber output and/or the chamber input include an intermediate medium, such as a liquid, through which the objects pass. The intermediate medium prevents escape of the treatment gas from the treatment chamber and the ingress of external gases into the treatment chamber, while facilitating input of the objects to the chamber, and output of the objects from the chamber.
Abstract:
A method for preparing a polyurethane foam carpet pad utilizing a water blown chemistry results in an economical and improved product. The polyurethane is evenly distributed on a spun bond film material, steamed, calendared to a uniform height and cured without the use of a curing oven.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for optimizing bandwidth pricing for a data transmission system electronically connected to a source of bandwidth spot prices, where the data transmission system transmits data as packets to a predetermined destination, are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: determining whether data can be transmitted at a later time to the predetermined destination; providing acceptable price and a maximum acceptable time delay for transmitting the data that can be transmitted at a later time; providing the acceptable price and the maximum acceptable time delay in each packet formed from dividing the data; determining whether a data packet should be stored in a storage device by looking for presence of the acceptable price in the data packet; if the acceptable price is not found in the data packet, sending the data packet to the predetermined destination, and if the acceptable price is found in the data packet, storing the data packet in the storage device; comparing the acceptable price in the data packet with a spot bandwidth price from the source; and transmitting the data packet to the predetermined destination if the spot bandwidth price is at or below the acceptable price or if the maximum acceptable time delay of the packet has been reached.