Hewlett-packard Company

Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Erth Technologies, Inc.

Paul V Begley

Gregory A Standiford

Kevin L Miller

Kenneth G Richardson

Charles Robert Weirauch

Paul J Cornay

Louis R Gervasi

A centrifuge having a housing having a body and an arm extending from the body, the arm attached to the body at a first end; a chamber defined in the arm; a first tube positioned within the chamber and comprising a porous sidewall; a second tube positioned within the chamber; a first flow path defined by the first tube and second tube; a second flow path defined by the second tube; a first exit in communication with the first flow path for evacuating a first material from the arm; and a second exit in communication with the second flow path for evacuating a second material from the arm. An input mixture enters the arm through an inlet. As the sludge flows along an outer flow region defined by the first tube and interior sidewall of the arm, at least a portion of a liquid passes through the porous sidewall of the first tube and into a middle flow region, analogous to the first flow path. The liquid may drain from the middle flow region through the first exit. Solids exit through the second exit.

Centrifuge

An adapter and method for converting the data interface hardware of a computer peripheral device. A set of connectors is arranged to mate with the interface conductors of a computer peripheral device that contains the circuitry and firmware necessary to support the use of more than one computer peripheral data interface. Another set of connectors is provided to connect with the interfaces being used by a computer. An indication to the device of which of the supported data interfaces is to be used is provided.

Adapter and method for converting data interface hardware on a computer peripheral device

A CD transport tray can be driven by a powered wheel made of an elastomeric material, or by a wheel &prime; having an elastomeric material on its rim surface that engages (through a friction-based driving action) an elongated strip on the CD transport tray. In the alternative, the elongated strip &prime; can be provided with an elastomeric strip &prime; or both the wheel &prime; and the elongated strip &prime; may be provided with an elastomeric strip.

CD transport tray drive having elastomeric drive wheel surface

An optical disc drive is disclosed wherein the optical disc drive has a cover member to protect an optical pickup unit located within the optical disc drive. The cover member is movably associated with the optical disc drive and has a first operating position and a second operating position. The position of the cover member dictates whether the optical disc drive is in a non-operative condition or an operative condition. The non-operative condition is a condition in which the cover member is positioned at the first operating position, adjacent the optical pickup unit. The operative condition is a condition in which the cover member is positioned at the second operating position, spaced from the first position.

Cover member and method for an optical disc drive

An optical disc drive having a cover member attached thereto is disclosed. The cover member serves to protect optical components located in the optical disc drive from shock, vibration, and contamination. The cover member is affixed to the optical disc drive in the proximity of the optical components. The optical disc drive moves the optical components under the cover member when the optical components are not required for the operation of the optical disc drive. The optical components are, thus, held in a secure position by the cover member, which protects the optical components from shock and vibration. The cover member provides additional protection for the optical components by removing the optical components from the reach of a user. In addition, the cover member blocks any harmful light emissions by the optical components from contacting the user.

Securing mechanism and method for an optical disc drive

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically clamping a compact optical disc, or the like. The invention comprises a first contact surface and a second contact surface. Loading a disc into a disc player brings the contact surfaces into contact, which actuates a clamp. Unloading the disc separates the contact surfaces, which releases the clamp. The contact may be caused by relative motion between the contact surfaces.

Automatic clamping of compact discs

A tape guide for a digital tape mini-cartridge providing decreased tape wander in a direction transverse to the intended path. The guide provides an increased area of tape having increased transverse stiffness without interfering with an adjacent drive wheel. In one embodiment, the guide is cylindrical and has a cylindrical cut-out to provide clearance for an adjacent cylindrical drive wheel. Preferably, the guide has top and bottom flanges. If a top flange of the guide is present, the cut-out continues through the top flange of the guide. The top flange of the guide may be relatively thin to fit below a top flange of the adjacent drive wheel. Alternatively, the top flange of the guide may have a larger cut-out to avoid interference with the top flange.

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Loveland, CO, United States of America

Paul V Begley