y Intelligent Ignition System of Water Heater By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:00:00 EDT The ignition system includes a mini hydroelectric generator module connecting an inlet pipe for generating electricity by water flow passing through the inlet pipe and it; a power quality monitoring module electrically connecting the mini hydroelectric generator module for monitoring output electricity quality of the mini hydroelectric generator module and switching on/off the electricity; an ignitor electrically connecting the power quality monitoring module for receiving electricity from the power quality monitoring module to ignite; and an electronic valve electrically connecting the power quality monitoring module for receiving electricity from the power quality monitoring module to switch on/off a gas pipe. Full Article
y PROCESSES FOR REDUCING THE ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF A CATALYTIC CRACKING PROCESS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Processes and apparatuses for co-processing pyrolysis effluent and a hydrocarbon stream in which a char produced by the catalytic cracking of the pyrolysis effluent is recovered and utilized to provide energy, such as heat to the catalytic cracking zone. The char can be burned in various combustion zones associated with the catalytic cracking zone. The char is produced from a renewable resource. Full Article
y ENERGY SAVING COMBUSTION DEVICE FOR BURNING REFRACTORY HAZARDOUS GAS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a combustion device 100 for burning refractory hazardous gases and a burning method for the combustion device. More particularly, the combustion device 110 for burning refractory hazardous gases, which is provided in a scrubber system 1 for burning waste gases, the combustion device 110 includes: a first porous body 141; a second porous body 142; and an igniter for forming a flame surface 143 at the interior of the combustion device 110, wherein the flame surface 143 formed by the igniter is located between the first porous body 141 and the second porous body 142, and so as to form the flame surface 143, at least one of the first porous body 141 and the second porous body 142 is moved to conduct excess enthalpy combustion. Full Article
y CATALYST FOR HYDROGEN COMBUSTION, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING SAME, AND METHOD FOR HYDROGEN COMBUSTION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 20 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT The hydrogen combustion catalyst includes a catalyst metal supported on a carrier made of an inorganic oxide, wherein: a functional group having at least one alkyl group with three or less carbon atoms is bonded to a terminal of a hydroxyl group on the carrier surface by substitution; platinum and palladium are supported as the catalyst metal; and a chlorine content is 300 ppm to 2,000 ppm per 1 mass % of the total supported amount of a supported amount of platinum and a supported amount of palladium. The total supported amount of platinum and palladium is preferably 0.1 to 5.0 mass % based on mass of a whole catalyst. In the hydrogen combustion catalyst according to the present invention, when treating a gas that contains iodine and hydrogen, catalyst poisoning by iodine is suppressed. Full Article
y BURNER FOR A REHEATING FURNACE OR HEAT TREATMENT FURNACE FOR STEEL INDUSTRY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Burner for an oven for reheating siderurlogical products such as billets, blooms or slabs, or for heat treatment oven, which is equipped with a fuel injection device and with an oxidant feed body feeding feed orifices with oxidant, the burner having an axial direction; the injection device is designed to provide a central injection of fuel via an orifice in, or parallel to, the axial direction of the burner; the oxidant feed body includes two sets of four oxidant feed orifices, each set including two orifices situated above a horizontal plane passing through the axial direction of the burner, and two orifices situated below this plane, the orifices of a second set being further away from the horizontal plane than those of the first set, the geometric axes of the orifices of the two sets making angles of inclination with respect to the axial direction of the burner. Full Article
y SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING WASTE MATERIALS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for a pyrolytic oven for processing waste include multiple zones associated with multiple independently-controlled heating sources. The pyrolytic oven may have multiple sensors also associated with each zone. The pyrolytic oven may also include a fuel management system which adjusts a power level of each heating source for each zone independently based on a reading of the corresponding sensor. Full Article
y METHOD AND BURNER USING THE CURIE EFFECT FOR CONTROLLING REACTANT VELOCITY FOR OPERATION IN PRE-HEATED AND NON-PRE-HEATED MODES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods, burner, apparatuses, and systems are provided for controlling a velocity of a jet of gas exiting a burner when the gas is heated or not and at a corresponding second higher temperature or lower first temperature. Through the use of a temperature-sensitive magnetic valve, the flow of a gas can be redirected to maintain velocity of the gas as delivered to a combustion chamber based on the temperature of the gas. The temperature-sensitive magnetic valve can redirect flow of the gas based on the magnetic state of a ferromagnetic material. The state of the temperature-sensitive magnetic valve changes based on the temperature of the gas to maintain the velocity of the gas delivered through an outlet of the burner to the combustion chamber. Thus, heated gases and standard temperature gases can be delivered at approximately equal velocities thus maintaining flame size and shape. Full Article
y METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STARTING AN INTERMITTENT FLAME-POWERED PILOT COMBUSTION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power. Full Article
y METHOD OF ENSURING SAFETY OF EXHAUST OF WATER HEATER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of ensuring the safety of exhaust of a water heater includes the following steps: A. start the blower and detect a rotational speed of a motor thereof; B. determine a first range based on the detected rotational speed; C. start the blower and detect the rotational speed of the motor when the water heater is restarted again; D. keep supplying gas to the burner for combustion when the rotational speed detected in step C is within the first range. During operation, a second range is determined by detecting the rotational speed of the motor after an outlet water temperature reaches a corresponding constant temperature range; the rotational speed is continuously detected, and the gas supply is stopped if the detected rotational speed is out of the second range. Thereby, the result of the method would be more accurate regardless of the actual installed status of the exhaust pipe. Full Article
y Performing Integrity Checks on Climate Control System Components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a climate control system that includes an igniter and a controller having an igniter relay. The controller senses a current level through the igniter and senses voltage between terminals of a second relay of the controller. In a given one of a plurality of operational phases of the system, the controller is configured to compare the sensed current level and sensed voltage to a current level and voltage associated with a specific condition of the igniter, igniter relay, or second relay in the given phase. Based on a result of the comparing, the controller is configured to distinguish between a failure of one of the relays and a failure of the igniter. Full Article
y ELECTRODYNAMIC COMBUSTION CONTROL WITH CURRENT LIMITING ELECTRICAL ELEMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element. Full Article
y THERMALLY-PROTECTIVE MATERIAL AND COOL-TOUCH CANDLE ASSEMBLIES PREPARED THEREWITH By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to materials and systems useful for increasing the safety profile of a candle. In particular, the present invention provides a thermally-protective material that is useful to prepare labels or wraps to encircle or surround a candle. The present invention further provides a cool-touch thermally-protected candle assembly. Full Article
y BURNER SYSTEM INCLUDING A MOVEABLE PERFORATED FLAME HOLDER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A burner includes a perforated flame holder configured to be disposed at a plurality of locations relative to a fuel and air source. Full Article
y LOW INERTIA POWER SUPPLY FOR APPLYING VOLTAGE TO AN ELECTRODE COUPLED TO A FLAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for electrically charging a combustion flame with a power supply. Full Article
y ASYMMETRICAL UNIPOLAR FLAME IONIZER USING A STEP-UP TRANSFORMER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system and method for electrically charging a combustion flame with a power supply. Full Article
y Control System and Method for a Solid Fuel Combustion Appliance By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Techniques for controlling a solid fuel combustion appliance, e.g., a wood burning stove, are disclosed. A control system measures an exhaust gas temperature of airflow through an outlet of the solid fuel combustion appliance. The control system determines a derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time. The derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time is compared to a predetermined threshold. The control system modulates the inlet damper in response to determining that the derivative of the exhaust gas temperature with respect to time reaches the predetermined threshold. Full Article
y Rotary Flame Heater By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT This invention relates to a rotary flame heater, comprising a burner, a first wind wheel, a second wind wheel and a glass tube set in sequence from bottom to top; one side of the burner is set with an ignition device, the first wind wheel and second wind wheel are annular, a plurality of first air inlet passages are aslant set on a side wall of the first wind wheel, a plurality of second air inlet passages are aslant set a side wall of the second wind wheel, the inclined direction of the plurality of first air inlet passages is the same with that of the second air inlet passages. The advantage of this invention is to make full use of the combustion space, increase the contacting area with the glass tube and increase the calorific value when burns the same gas, which achieves a better heating effect. Full Article
y CANDLE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MAKING PERSONALIZED CANDLES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A candle assembly for making a personalized scented candle including a candle body comprises a coring device that is configured to remove a core from the candle body, the coring device including (i) a leading edge that selectively extends into the candle body; and (ii) a plurality of measurement markers that measure a depth of the leading edge within the candle body. The coring device can be configured to remove the core from the candle body to form a cavity in the candle body. Additionally, the measurement markers can be utilized to determine a depth of the cavity formed in the candle body by the coring device. Full Article
y HEAT-RECOVERING TEMPERATURE-GRADIENT BASED OVEN SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A heat-recovering oven system based on temperature gradient comprises: multiple chambers arranged in a sequence, the chambers configured for operating at various temperatures according to a temperature gradient arrangement that spans the sequence; a conveyor configured for transporting product through the multiple chambers in the sequence for heat treatment according to the temperature gradient arrangement; and multiple temperature-segregated heat exchanger systems, each heat exchanger system including a heat exchanger, a conduit to at least one of the chambers based on its temperature in the temperature gradient arrangement, and a return conduit from the at least one chamber to the heat exchanger. Full Article
y Stabilizing system for a saddle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EDT The invention also a stabilizing system to stabilize a rider in the saddle comprising a saddle stabilizer block which can be used alone or in combination with a complementary boot stabilizer block to restrict movement of the rider in the saddle. Full Article
y Saddle for riding or carrying a load By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a saddle for riding or carrying other load. The saddle includes at least two segments forming a frame, wherein, between the segments and between the right and left hand sides of each segment, flexible segment links allowing for relative movement thereof are provided, with the size, shape, flexibility, and stiffness of each segment being adapted to achieve an optimal weight distribution and freedom of movement, the segments and segment links or hinge elements are configured to allow for a relative independent movement thereof. Full Article
y Equine exercise boot assembly and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EDT A boot assembly and method that simulates, in a static equine animal (stalled or hauled), the natural mechanical action of walking or other gaited exercise. The assembly has a boot, containing a shock absorbing pad that is fitted with a separate pulsing bladder disposed on, under or inside the shock absorbing pad. Pressuring and relaxing the pulsing bladder in the bottom of the boot rhythmically pushes against the sole and frog of the equine hoof in much the same way that the hoof is exercised when the animal is moving. The pulsing action helps stimulate blood flow through the hoof and is beneficial to shod, injured, and transported horses. The assembly may be fitted on one or more hooves, and may be automated to provide timing and sequencing to simulate different gaits of the animal. Full Article
y Fly blankets for horses By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST A fly blanket for laying atop a horse's rump behind a saddle comprising a mesh sheet having a generally rounded trapezoidal shape; two attachment components both for attaching the mesh sheet to a saddle ring disposed on the saddle; and stitched binding disposed along edges of the mesh sheet, wherein a weighted rope is disposed in all of or a portion of the stitched binding, wherein the weighted rope functions to help keep the fly blanket from flopping around while the horse is moving. Full Article
y Printhead cartridge cradle having control circuitry By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST A printhead cartridge cradle is provided having a frame, a printed circuit board pivotally supported by the frame, a cover pivotally supported by the frame to pivot between a closed position at which a printhead cartridge is secured within the frame and the printed circuit board is pivoted to connect control circuitry on the printed circuit board with a controller of the secured cartridge and an open position at which access for the cartridge with the frame is provided and the printed circuit board is pivoted to disconnect the control circuitry and controller, and a motor operatively connected to a maintenance gear and actuator arrangement and a wiper gear and actuator arrangement for maintaining and wiping a printhead of the secured cartridge under control of the connected control circuitry. Full Article
y Dally post with removable cap and sleeveless dally device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EDT A saddle horn assembly attached to the tree of a saddle in lieu of a conventional saddle horn consisting of a post of rectangular prismatic configuration with a receiving chamber for insertion of a quick release locking pin, a cap with a quick release locking pin attached to and protruding from the bottom thereof that allows the cap to be detached and reattached to the post within seconds, and a dally traction device with a central void of complimentary dimensions to the post, having a hyperboloid external configuration and being symmetrical in both the horizontal and vertical planes such that the device may be rotated and/or inverted about the post so that it may be quickly and easily manipulated to numerous positions to generate even wear about the exterior, thus increasing the longevity of the device and improving the safety and effectiveness of dallying. Full Article
y Boot accessory for limiting foot movement in stirrups By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EDT A boot accessory for limiting how far a user can push his/her boot into a stirrup comprises an arch for hugging a front edge of the boot; a first hook disposed on the first end of the arch and a second hook disposed on the second end of the arch. The first hook curves outwardly from the first end of the arch and further a first end of the first hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. The second hook curves outwardly from the second end of the arch and further a first end of the second hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. A gap exists between the first end of the first hook and the arch and between the first end of the second hook and the arch, wherein the gaps are for engaging sides of the stirrup. Full Article
y Daily horn wrap By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is a wrap designed to protect the saddle horn when a lariat rope is dallied around it and pressure applied, as when roping cattle in the sports of team and calf roping. The horn wrap consists of a strap having desired elasticity and durability, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction. The horn wrap can have one or two apertures at the tips which can be pulled over the saddle horn and act to attach the horn wrap to the saddle horn. Generally anticipated to be in a generally bell shape, the attachment pieces act to protect the saddle pommel near the base of the saddle horn. The horn wrap may be beveled near its edges so as to allow for smooth layers on the saddle horn which can increase the contact of the rope to the saddle horn to increase the friction resisting the dally sliding when weight is applied to the rope. Full Article
y Saddle pad assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 08:00:00 EDT A saddle pad assembly provides padding under a saddle while facilitating customization to inhibit undesirable pressure points from developing. The assembly includes a cover having a closed end and a perimeter wall extending from the closed end. An edge of the perimeter wall defines an open end opposite the closed end. A plurality of holes extends through the perimeter wall of the cover. The holes are arranged into a pair of opposed rows extending between the closed end and the open end. A pad is insertable into the cover through the open end. The pad has a row of apertures alignable with the rows of holes. A line may be laced through the rows and the apertures to couple the pad to the cover. Full Article
y Method for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy and auto-massage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EDT Method and devices for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy, comprising a boot to be fitted over the horse's hoof, having a wedge shaped sole that is angled by 20° toward the front; The purpose is accomplished by the boot in conjunction with three opportunely shaped removable soles, and a cryotherapy reservoir of flexible material, that is inserted into the boot and connected to an external device for refrigeration by circulation of a fluid. Full Article
y Adjustable saddle and adjusting assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 08:00:00 EDT An adjustable equestrian saddle and adjusting and reinforcing system for adjusting an equestrian saddle to permit the saddle fit several sizes of the back and withers of one or more horses, wherein the adjusting system comprises a plurality of reinforcing members having different angular dimensions with the saddle having a headplate for interchangeably receiving the reinforcing members. Full Article
y Western safety stirrup By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 08:00:00 EDT A western safety stirrup is disclosed having an elastic band forming the outer side of the portion of the stirrup wherein a boot is to be placed, held at top and bottom by studs. The upper stud is recessed below the outer side of the stirrup so as not to catch on clothing or brush. The lower stud has a flattened head and protrudes at an angle downwardly, and is attached to the elastic band by means of a leather wrap having holes in each end to place over the lower stud. When outward pressure is placed on the elastic band, it pops off and the boot is released from the stirrup. A leather keeper flap over the band attached at its upper end allows for the elastic to break away while protecting against snagging and provides a more western aesthetic appearance to the stirrup. Full Article
y Horse boot assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A horse boot assembly includes: a boot body shaped to accommodate a hoof of a horse, a fastening device associated with the boot body for fastening the boot assembly onto the hoof, and an adapter. The adapter is compressed against a rear part of the hoof upon fastening of the fastening device. Full Article
y METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL DATA STORAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 26 Jan 2017 08:00:00 EST Methods and apparatus for recording and retrieval of optically readable data employ a recording medium (100) which comprises an optically active material (108) able to induce a change in properties of the medium in the presence of optical radiation having a first characteristic, such as a first optical frequency, and wherein the change in properties can be inhibited by optical radiation having a second characteristic, such as a second optical frequency. During recording, a region of the recording medium (100) is irradiated with a first beam (506) of optical radiation having the first characteristic, the beam having a sufficient intensity within a central portion of the irradiated region and being of sufficient duration to cause an optically induced change in properties of the recording medium. Simultaneously, the region of the recording medium (100) is irradiated with a second beam (508) of optical radiation having the second characteristic, the second beam having a local intensity minimum within the central portion of the irradiated region, and a local intensity maximum in at least one portion of the irradiated region adjacent to the central portion which is sufficient to inhibit the optically induced change in properties of the recording medium. A similar method is employed for retrieval, however the intensity of the first beam (506) is reduced to prevent changes in material properties within the recording medium (100). Full Article
y PHASE ERROR RECOVERY CIRCUITRY AND METHOD FOR A MAGNETIC RECORDING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 26 Jan 2017 08:00:00 EST A recording head is configured to write and read data sectors to and from a recording medium, such as a heat-assisted recording medium. A read channel is coupled to the recording head. Phase-locked loop (PLL) circuitry of the read channel is configured to detect a change in a phase error at a location of the data sector. The phase error change may be indicative of a mode-hop that occurred while writing the data sector to the medium. The PLL circuitry is configured to determine a phase offset using the phase error. A controller is configured to effect re-reading of the data sector location using the phase offset to recover the data sector location. Full Article
y BOND PAD SHARING FOR POWERING A MULTIPLICITY OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF A RECORDING HEAD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST An apparatus includes a slider of a recording head comprising a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources and a ground pad. Each of a plurality of electrical components of the slider is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads. At least one of the electrical bond pads is a shared electrical bond pad coupled to at least two of the electrical components. At least one diode is coupled to at least one of the electrical bond pads and at least one of the electrical components. Full Article
y METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING OF LIBRARY COMPONENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 09 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for monitoring components in a library by tracking the movement of library components. By tracking the movement of library components, the degradation of library components can be monitored and the reliability of library components determined, allowing unreliable components to be bypassed or replaced, enhancing the reliability of the library and preventing data loss. Full Article
y FAILURE PROGNOSIS DEVICE, METHOD, AND STORAGE SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST According to one embodiment, a failure prognosis device includes circuitry configured to determine whether a sign of failure exists in a head, based on a signal quality value and a floating quantity of the head, the signal quality value being based on an error between a reproducing signal acquired from the head when reading data stored on a storage surface of a disk and a predetermined target signal, and output a determination result. Full Article
y THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD INCLUDING A MAIN POLE AND A PLASMON GENERATOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST A main pole has a front end face including a first end face portion and a second end face portion. A plasmon generator has a near-field light generating surface. A surrounding layer has a first surrounding layer end face and a second surrounding layer end face located on opposite sides of the first end face portion in the track width direction. A gap film has a first gap film end face and a second gap film end face located on opposite sides of the near-field light generating surface in the track width direction. Each of the first and second gap film end faces includes a portion located between the first and second surrounding layer end faces, but does not include any portion interposed between the first surrounding layer end face and the first end face portion or between the second surrounding layer end face and the first end face portion. Full Article
y TUNABLE CONTACT DETECTION SENSITIVITY TO DIRECTLY MEASURE CLEARANCE OF PROTRUSIONS IN MAGNETIC RECORDING HEADS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to contact at the disk by the recording head in a hard disk drive. In one embodiment, a direct current is applied to an element in a HAMR head. An alternating current is then applied to the element over top of the direct current to cause the HAMR head to dither. By monitoring the head signal at the dither frequency, a touchdown or contact of a NFT on a disk may be detected based upon variations in the produced signal. Full Article
y METHOD OF PERFORMING READ/WRITE PROCESS ON RECORDING MEDIUM, PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT METHOD, STORAGE DEVICE, COMPUTER SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM EMPLOYING THE METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST Methods, apparatuses and systems for detecting defective sectors on a recording medium, the method including calculating a servo gain for each servo sector of a track of a recording medium of a storage device; determining whether the servo gain of each servo sector exceeds a threshold value; and upon determining that the servo gain of a servo sector exceeds the threshold value, determining data sectors included in the servo sector to be defective sectors. Full Article
y FREE-STANDING REFLECTOR USABLE IN HEAT ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING TECHNOLOGY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:00:00 EDT A heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write apparatus is described. The HAMR write apparatus is coupled with a laser that provides energy. The HAMR writer has a media-facing surface (MFS) and a laser-facing surface. The HAMR write apparatus includes a free-standing reflector and at least one waveguide. The free-standing reflector resides on the laser-facing surface and has a concave reflective surface oriented to receive the energy from the laser. The waveguide(s) are optically coupled with the free-standing reflector and direct energy from the laser toward the MFS. Full Article
y METHOD FOR DISPLAYING STATUS ASSOCIATED WITH A STORAGE DEVICE, COMPUTER SYSTEM AND STATUS-MONITORING DEVICE THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method implemented by a status-monitoring device connected between a storage device and a corresponding output unit includes: a) determining presence of a storage device according to a first packet from the storage device; b) when it is determined that the storage device is present, generating a pulse signal according to a second packet from the storage device; c) generating a driving signal indicating a status associated with the storage device according to at least a logic level of the pulse signal; and d) sending the driving signal to the output unit for driving the output unit to output an output signal indicating the status. Full Article
y DISK DRIVE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY HAVING A PARTIALLY FLANGELESS LOAD POINT DIMPLE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments concern a suspension assembly of a disk drive. The suspension assembly includes a load beam comprising a major planar area formed from a substrate. The load beam further comprises a window in the substrate, a dimple formed from the substrate, and a flange. The flange is a region of the major planar area that extends partially around the dimple but does not extend along an edge of the dimple. The edge of the dimple is adjacent to the window. The dimple is in contact with the flexure. A HAMR block or other element can extend through the window. The lack of a full flange can minimize the necessary clearance between the dimple and the HAMR block or other element and thereby allow the window to be enlarged to accommodate the HAMR block or other element. Full Article
y PORTABLE TURNTABLE DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT A turntable device, comprising: a spindle and two arms. The two arms may comprise: a housing; one or more buttons; a spindle engagement portion; a stylus cartridge; a power supply; one or more wireless communication devices; a linear actuator; a motor; and a vertical solenoid. The spindle may receive a phonographic record, and the spindle engagement portion may engage with the spindle, such that the arms are entirely supported via said spindle and only the spindle. Full Article
y DEVICES INCLUDING A MULTILAYER GAS BARRIER LAYER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT); a multilayer gas barrier layer positioned on at least a portion of the NFT, the multilayer gas barrier layer including at least a first and a second sublayer, where the second gas barrier sublayer is positioned on the first gas barrier sublayer, the first gas barrier sublayer is positioned adjacent the NFT and the second gas barrier sublayer is positioned adjacent the wear resistant layer, the first and second sublayers independently have thicknesses from 0.01 nm to 5 nm; and a wear resistance layer positioned on at least a portion of the gas barrier layer. Full Article
y TRACK QUALITY CLASSIFIER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus includes a storage medium operable to store a number of data tracks, a read channel circuit operable to process the data tracks read from the storage medium, and a track quality classifier circuit operable to determine a track quality metric for the data tracks read from the storage medium. The track quality metric indicates whether a corresponding one of the data tracks that has failed to successfully process in the read channel circuit can be reprocessed within a track gap period. Full Article
y NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCER HAVING AN ADHESION LAYER COUPLED THERETO By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus, according to one embodiment, comprises a near field transducer; an adhesion layer on a media facing side of the near field transducer, the adhesion layer comprising Ni and Cr; and a protective layer on a media facing side of the adhesion layer. Other apparatuses, systems and methods are described in additional embodiments. Full Article
y Panel attachment system and a method of using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A panel attachment system comprises a panel and a casing. The panel has a fixed mount bracket, and a sliding mount bracket. The casing has a first fixed mount boss, and a sliding mount boss. When the panel attachment system is in use, the fixed mount bracket is fixedly secured to the first fixed mount boss, and the sliding mount bracket is slidingly engaged with the sliding mount boss. This enables the panel to be detachably connected to the casing, such that any relative in-plane thermal expansion between the panel and the casing is accommodated by corresponding relative movement between the sliding mount bracket and the sliding mount bosses. Full Article
y Adjustment device and system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention includes an alignment device and system having a guide member, a support member and a connector which engages the guide member and the support member. The guide member may be a relatively flat piece attachable to and edge of a frame. In one aspect the guide member includes a perimeter slot. The support member may have a first portion generally perpendicular with a second portion and the first portion may be attached to an object (or integral with an object such as a window or door casing) which is to be aligned with a frame. The second portion may have a connector portion or threaded hole for receiving a connector. The connector may also engage the slot of the guide member. The device allows for desired alignment of an object within a frame by transferring rotational movement to linear movement. Full Article
y Method and apparatus for controlling a movable barrier system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, a method conducted by a movable barrier gateway device is disclosed for controlling a movable barrier, comprising receiving, by a communication interface, a remote command from a remote control device to move the movable barrier, the remote command sent over a network, delaying transmission of a signal to a movable barrier controller to move the movable barrier, by a processor, for a predetermined time period after the remote command is received, detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period by a barrier movement detector, and ignoring the remote command by the processor in response to detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period. Full Article