Title:  Method and apparatus for dynamic performance evaluation of data storage systems

Patent application publication number:   20070028135

Publication date: February 1, 2007

Filing date:  October 2, 2006 (priority to November 22, 2002)

Link to PDF:

AIPW Summary:  A method for dynamic performance evaluation of data storage systems (either a single disk drive or a RAID) using data throughput as a diagnostic criteria. The performance of the drive is compared to predetermined minimum performance criteria. The drive is considered to be “acceptable” if the measured performance meets the minimum performance criteria. To measure drive performance, a predetermined number of blocks are transferred. The transfer time is measured, and this process is repeated several times to obtain an average transfer time. If the average transfer time is less than a predefined time limit, then the drive is “accepted” (assuming that there have been no hard errors, in which case the drive is rejected).

Title: Method and apparatus for selectively increasing the operating speed of an electronic circuit

Type: issued patent

Patent number: 7,171,570

Issue date: January 30, 2007

Filing date: May 3, 2004 (priority to November 16, 2001)

Link to PDF:

AIPW Summary:  A circuit begins operating in a low power state. If more performance is needed, the circuit enters a first intermediate power state (a slightly higher power level). Higher power levels, such as a maximum sustainable power level and a boosted power level, are possible. This arrangement permits power conservation and minimizes the requirements for heat dissipation. The time spent in the each power level can be limited. Increases to higher power levels may be limited based on the amount of heat currently being generated; if a heat threshold is exceeded, the circuit may not go to a higher power level.

Title: Method and apparatus for “just-in-time” dynamic loading and unloading of computer software libraries

Type: issued patent

Patent number: 7,171,674

Issue date: January 30, 2007

Filing date: August 30, 2001 (priority to September 29, 1998)

Link to PDF:

AIPW Summary: This patent relates to loading a code segment (e.g., a shared code library) just prior to execution and unloading the code segment after execution. Multiple calls to the same code library can be located to avoid unnecessarily loading and unloading the same library multiple times in succession. The goal is to efficiently use memory by only having code libraries that are currently being used loaded into memory. A code library is split into a library loader and a library implementation module. The loader stays in memory while the program is running and dynamically loads and unloads the library implementation module.

Since I never really had enough time to do this blog on a regular basis, adding a second blog might seem like a really bad idea. But, it’s important in a work-related sense in that I hope to use it to be able to get some attention for my work. Oh, it’s called Apple IP Watch and it’s about Apple Computer-related intellectual property (IP) issues, mostly patents. And wouldn’t you know, there have been a flurry of Apple patents and publications that have been put out in the past two weeks, and I’ve fallen woefully behind. Which is not hard to do, since I actually review the stuff before writing about it. So it takes time. Maybe I’ll be able to catch up this weekend while I’m cooking chili – write for 20 minutes, run upstairs, stir the pot, run back downstairs, repeat.

Title:   Access system for a portable device; Disk drive media access system

Patent application publication number:  20070019375; 20070019374

Publication date:  January 25, 2007 (for both)

Filing date:  July 20, 2005 (for both)

Link to PDF:  ’375 -  ; ’374 –

AIPW Summary:  An access panel and system for the bottom side of a laptop computer (375) and a more specific implementation of that concept in locating a CD or DVD drive (referred to generally as optical disk drives, or ODDs) on the bottom of the computer (374). As laptops are being made thinner, available space for ODDs is becoming scarce. So the ODD is placed on the bottom of the laptop to save space.

A mobile motion module (MMM; i.e., the Sudden Motion Sensor in MacBooks) is coupled to the ODD door, so that the ODD door can only be opened if a force of -1G is detected (’375 – paragraph 0051) . An open button can be used to open the ODD, and can be disabled by the MMM unless the laptop is inverted (’375 – paragraph 0053).

The ’375 application has claims directed to the general concept of locating something usable on the bottom surface. Some claims get more narrow and specifically address an ODD.

The ’374 application describes the construction of an ODD to be mounted in the bottom of a laptop and the latching mechanisms that could be used to keep the door shut. Also disclosed are various mechanisms for holding the disk in place in the ODD. The claims are directed the disk drive and means for retaining the disk in position when the ODD door is opened.