Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Hewlett-packard Company

Richard G Sevier

James L Dowdy

Guenter Schkrohowsky

Steven E Heidenreich

Eugene Cohen

Dale Haddon Wolin

Robert A Rust

Eric L Andersen

Barry J Oldfield

Thomas Wayne Ives

Wayne E Foote

Herbert J Tanzer

Peter Gysling

David Johannes Pommerenke

Frank Paul Carau, Sr

Mike T Strickler

James Phillip Slupe

Brian S Tsuyuki

Jon Anson

Mohammad M Bari

Patrick F Donnelly, Iii

Selecting a digital image. A method embodiment includes obtaining a first digital image of the first side of a physical object and obtaining a second digital image of a second side of the physical object. The first digital image is examined to determine if it is substantially blank. If the first digital image is determined to be blank, the second digital image is sent for processing. Otherwise, the first digital image is sent for processing.

Obtaining a digital image of a physical object

A method and apparatus for controlling the charge and discharge currents in a battery () as a function of temperature. When a battery () is charged or discharged in an environment that approaches its design operating temperature extreme, the currents are reduced to limit self-heating of the battery and thus extend the useful operating environment temperature range. A temperature sensor () is coupled to a controller () to sense the battery () temperature. The temperature information is used to set a suitable charging or discharging current (). In the illustrative embodiment, the charging current is set to a maximum value when said temperature is lower than a first predetermined threshold value, the maximum value being the battery's maximum specified charging current, and the first predetermined threshold value being the battery's maximum charging temperature.

Apparatus and method for charging and discharging a battery

Methods, systems, apparatuses, and arrangements enable an identifier module of a storage system to be rendered unusable upon removal from the storage system. In an exemplary identifier module implementation, the identifier module includes an identifier data space that is capable of receiving an identifier and a breakable apparatus that is adapted to break and render the identifier module unusable upon removal of the identifier module from a storage system. The identifier module may be adapted for removable attachment to the storage system. In an exemplary storage system implementation, the storage system includes one or more memory units that are capable of storing information and at least one interface that is adapted to receive an identifier module. The at least one interface includes a disrupter apparatus that is adapted to break and render unusable an identifier module upon removal of such an identifier module from the at least one interface.

Identifier module integrity

Apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the chassis when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.

Methods and apparatus for securing electrical connectors

Systems and methods for protecting electronic devices from electrostatic discharge are provided. A preferred system includes a module configured to be received by an enclosure. The module incorporates an electronic component, such as a memory device, processor, and/or circuit assembly, for example, that is configured to electrically communicate with at least a portion of the enclosure when the module is received by the enclosure. The module also includes a first contact portion that is arranged to contact the enclosure as the module is received by the enclosure. Preferably, the first contact portion is formed, at least partially, of a dissipative material. So configured, when the first contact portion engages the enclosure, an electrostatic charge of the module may be discharged in a controlled manner. Methods also are provided.

Systems with enhanced electrostatic discharge protection

A method and apparatus for controlling the charge and discharge currents in a battery ( ) as a function of temperature. When a battery ( ) is charged or discharged in an environment that approaches its design operating temperature extreme, the currents are reduced to limit self-heating of the battery and thus extend the useful operating environment temperature range. A temperature sensor ( ) is coupled to a controller ( ) to sense the battery ( ) temperature. The temperature information is used to set a suitable charging or discharging current ( ).

Battery charging and discharging system optimized for high temperature environments

A switch integral to an insert/extract latch assembly. The switch is positioned between a latch and a retainer and may be compressed between the latch and the retainer. The switch is connected to a warning circuit and may function to de-energize the electronic assembly upon disengagement of the latch from the retainer. The retainer is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the retainer is disengaged from the latch, the switch contacts are open and the latch is free to operate. In the second position, the retainer is engaged with the latch, the switch is compressed between the latch and the retainer and the switch contacts are closed.

Switch integral to a latch assembly

Method and apparatus for securing electrical connectors

The invention includes a latch assembly movably mounted on a module. The module is removably supportably on a chassis, and movement of the latch assembly with respect to the module aids in removal and installation thereof. The invention also includes a sensor mounted on the module and configured to detect the movement of the latch assembly through a first range. The latch assembly must be moved through a second range in order to move the module relative to the chassis. However, the latch assembly is moved through the first range prior to moving through the second range. Thus, the sensor can detect imminent movement of the module relative to the chassis by detecting movement of the latch assembly through the first range. The latch assembly can be configured to be secured in a given position so as to prevent inadvertent movement of the latch assembly. The invention also includes a method for removal of a module which is supported on a chassis. The method includes moving a portion of the latch assembly through a first range and detecting that movement. The method also includes moving another portion of the latch assembly through a second range which results in movement of the module. The method can also include generating a signal in response to the detection of the movement of the latch through the first range.

Module removal system

An isolation mounting system for disk drive and other storage modules in which the operating unit (e.g., a disk drive) is locked more firmly into its operating position. During shipping and installation the lock is disengaged to allow full use of the elastomeric or other shock mounting system. Thus, the storage module of the present invention simulates a hard mount system during operation and a soft mount system during shipping and handling. A data storage module constructed according to one embodiment of the invention includes a data storage device, typically a disk drive, shock mounted in a housing and a lock selectively engagable between the data storage device and the housing. The lock is operable between a first disengaged position in which the lock does not restrict movement of the data storage device within the housing and a second engaged position in which the lock restricts substantially all movement of the data storage device within the housing. In one preferred version of this embodiment, the lock consists of wedges inserted at each shock mount to effectively remove the bulk of the characteristic compliance.

Locking isolation mounting system for data storage modules

A method and apparatus for determining the extent of skew present in a document being scanned using only the primary vision transducer. The primary vision transducer is wider than the width of the media to be scanned and logically divided into a central image gathering portion and marginal skew detection and image gathering portions.

Method and apparatus for detecting paper skew in image and document

A print apparatus includes a photoconductor and a mechanical system for moving the photoconductor past a scan line exposure station. The print apparatus includes a test signal generator for providing outputs indicative of the movement of the photoconductor. A first comparator produces a first position error signal that is derived from a difference between a reference signal and a position error signal output, such position error signal indicating that the position of the photoconductor differs from a predetermined print position that is determinable with respect to the reference signal. The print apparatus further includes a laser beam scanner and a beam detector for producing a scan position signal. A second comparator is responsive to the scan position signal and the position error signal from the first comparator to produce a beam deflection control signal that is applied to a beam deflector. The beam deflector moves the laser beam in a direction which reduces the beam deflection control signal and position the laser scan at a position closer to a predetermined print position.

Laser printer with apparatus to reduce banding by servo adjustment of a

A mirror and lens assembly which selectively places a mirror or other reflective surface into or out of the light path of an optical transducer in an optical data port to redirect incoming and/or outgoing optical signals and thereby permit data transfer from more than one general direction or position.

Growing community of inventors

Boise, ID, United States of America

Richard G Sevier