Abstract:
Handheld dust removal devices that selectively utilize vacuum pressure are disclosed. Preferably each device includes a small lightweight handle that houses a vacuum assembly having an electric motor and a battery. The device further includes a duster assembly for removably holding a dusting cloth or cover, whereby it can be used similarly to a conventional duster. The vacuum source can be fluidly connected to and draw a vacuum airflow through the duster assembly, for example, through and/or around the dusting cloth. In some implementations, this is done by drawing the vacuum airflow toward opposing lateral portions of the duster assembly. Some implementations further include an auxiliary vacuum inlet that is adapted and configured for drawing large particles such as crumbs, hair, and others thereinto. The auxiliary vacuum port can be displaced from the duster assembly, e.g., mounted to the handle or elsewhere, as desired.
Abstract:
A modular exterior threshold and door sill assembly is provided for an entryway. The threshold and sill assembly includes an elongated sill assembly having at least one elongated channel. An elongated rail assembly is provided that extends at least a portion of the length of the elongated sill assembly. A portion of the elongated rail assembly is received within the elongated channel. The threshold and sill assembly includes at least one sill component connected to one of the elongated rail assembly and the elongated channel, wherein the at least one sill component includes at least one of a cover assembly, an astragal bolt receiver assembly, a mullion boot assembly, a side panel spacer assembly and an outswing rail assembly. The elongated rail assembly may be fixed or adjustable. The adjustable rail assembly may be adjusted using adjustors that are fixedly secured to the sill assembly.
Abstract:
A sill assembly includes an integral sill assembly having a sill base and an inclined threshold. The sill base is overmolded in an injection molding process onto the inclined threshold. A rail assembly is adjustably secured to the sill base.
Abstract:
A control system for an actuator arm assembly of a hard disk drive reduces the Non-Repeatable Run-out (NRRO) caused from external sources exciting higher-frequency actuator arm assembly modes. The actuator arm assembly includes a primary actuator and a secondary actuator. The control system includes a primary control loop controlling the primary actuator and a secondary control loop controlling the secondary actuator. The secondary control loop includes at least one peak filter at a frequency corresponding to at least one frequency that is greater in frequency than the primary mode of the actuator arm assembly. The primary actuator can be any type of primary actuator. Similarly, the secondary actuator can be any type of actuator that is located between the primary actuator and a read/write head.
Abstract:
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to providing an interactive video viewing experience. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes receiving an interactive video program that comprises a first video segment and one or more branch video segments that each corresponds to a branch along a decision path. The method includes pre-buffering a transition portion of a corresponding branch video segment for each possible user input of one or more possible user inputs along the decision path. The method includes sending the first video segment to a display device and, based upon an actual user input, branching from the first video segment to a transition portion of a branch video segment that corresponds to the actual user input.
Abstract:
The vehicle hybrid apparatus provides a combined electrical unit that provides three functions that are starter motor, generator, and auxiliary drive motor. The apparatus attaches to a vehicle in typical starter motor location, with starter motor mounts being used. The pinion gear of the combined electrical unit is continuously engaged with the existing flywheel of the existing fuel engine. Electrical components of the apparatus are connected to existing automobile components and, together, these decide which function, whether starter motor, generator, or drive motor is employed.
Abstract:
A ground stake for deterring driven vehicles consists of an integral, unitary body with an upper section, a lower section, and an elongated intermediate section. The lower section consists of a ground piercing rod member with an anchoring element adapted to be compelled into the ground to maintain the stake in an immobile position within the ground on real property. The upper section provides the appearance of a decorative stake with a pointed upstanding tip, giving the observer the impression that the stake is solid metal which will cause damage to any vehicle driven onto the property. In actuality, both the upper section and intermediate section, which interconnects the upper and lower sections, are made of a bendable, pliable material which, upon impact with the tires of a vehicle, will give way and bend. Thus, the ground stake, by appearing to extend up as a solid metal stake, will deter drivers. Nevertheless, it is actually safe for cars and individuals.
Abstract:
A data recording disk drive has one or more capacitive sensors for sensing out-of-plane vibration of the disk or disks. The sensors are attached to a support structure that is attached to the disk drive housing. Each sensor is associated with a disk and faces a surface of the disk near the outer perimeter of the disk and close to the recording head. The support structure can be made of a metal or a high-strength plastic and can be a separate structure mounted to the housing, or integrated as part of the single-piece housing casting. If it is metallic, as would be the case if it were integrated with the housing, then layers of insulating material separate the sensors from the support structure. A support structure that serves other functions in the disk drive, such as support for disk damping plates, can also function as the support structure for the capacitive sensors.
Abstract:
A pre-formatted optical data storage tape (10) including an elongated linear polymer layer having at least one pattern of optically readable embossments (114) on at least one surface of the polymer layer, and an optical recording layer covering the pattern of optically readable embossments (114) of the elongated linear polymer layer, wherein the optical recording layer is adapted such that recorded marks (120) may be made in the recording layer by directing a focused source of energy into the recording layer.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a system for generating optimal feedforward signal for the seek control to suppress the RTV (Random Transient Vibrations) and the seek acoustic noise. One aspect is directed to a method of providing a revised feedforward signal using an adaptive filter in a feedforward control system for controlling an actuator to move a head to seek a track and settle on the track of a disk in a disk drive apparatus. The method comprises performing a seek operation of the head using an initial feedforward signal; obtaining an error signal at settling after performing the seek operation; determining filter characteristics of the adaptive filter to minimize the error signal; and implementing the adaptive filter having the determined filter characteristics in the feedforward control system to produce a revised feedforward signal for controlling the actuator for moving the head in the disk drive apparatus.