Slider including one or more fluid pathways, and related apparatuses and methods

The present invention is directed to a slider that includes at least one fluid pathway that is in fluid communication with an air bearing face and/or the trailing edge face of the slider. The at least one fluid pathway is configured to propel/transport a fluid such as a lubricant toward at least one side face via capillary action. The present invention is also directed to related apparatuses and methods.

Bond pad sharing for powering multiple writers of a recording head

A slider of a magnetic recording head comprises a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources. A first writer on the slider is coupled between first and second bond pads. A second writer on the slider is coupled between third and fourth bond pads. At least one heater is coupled between two of the first, second, third, and fourth bond pads. The first writer can have a center-tap coupled to first and second bond pads. The second writer can have a center-tap coupled to third and fourth bond pads. A first writer heater can be coupled between the center-tap of the second writer and the ground pad. A second writer heater can be coupled between the center-tap of the first writer and the ground pad.

Wavelets-based detection of proximity between a sensor and an object

A circuit includes a proximity detection component that applies wavelet analysis to a sensed signal from a sensor and responsively provides an output indicative of whether proximity exists between the sensor and an object that causes the sensor to produce the sensed signal.

SLIDER TRAILING EDGE CONTAMINATION SENSOR

A slider of a magnetic recording head has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an air bearing surface between the leading and trailing edges. A sensor is situated at the trailing edge of the slider and configured to sense presence of a lube droplet or other contaminant at the trailing edge. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a slider of a magnetic recording head, the slider having a leading edge, a trailing edge having an outside edge, and an air bearing surface between the leading and trailing edges; anda sensor situated at the outside edge of the trailing edge of the slider, the sensor configured to sense presence of a lube droplet or other contaminant at the outside edge of the trailing edge.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of sensing elements.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises:a first sensor situated at an active location of the outside edge of the trailing edge where a lube droplet forms or other contaminant accumulates; anda reference sensor situated away from the active location.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein adjacent sensing elements are separated by a gap having a size related to a size of the lube droplet.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a thermal sensor.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an array of thermal sensors arranged in one or more Wheatstone bridge circuits.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an open circuit claim 1 , wherein presence of the lube droplet closes the open circuit.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an RC or RLC oscillator circuit configured to change an oscillation frequency in response to sensing presence of the lube droplet or other contaminant.9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a capacitance sensor.10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an array of capacitance sensors arranged in one or more Wheatstone bridge circuits.11. An ...

BOND PAD SHARING FOR POWERING A MULTIPLICITY OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF A RECORDING HEAD

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. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a slider of a recording head comprising a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources and a ground pad;a plurality of electrical components of the slider each 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;a first electrical component is coupled between first and second electrical bond pads;a second electrical component is coupled between the second electrical bond pad and a ground pad of the slider;at least one diode is coupled to the second electrical bond pad and the second electrical component; andthe first and second components are energized alternately depending on the polarity of the first and second electrical bond pads.23-. (canceled)4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:the first electrical component is a thermal sensor; andthe second electrical component is a heater situated proximate a reader.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:the first electrical component is a thermal sensor; andthe second electrical component is a heater situated proximate a writer.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:the first electrical component is a reader of the slider; andthe second electrical component is a heater situated proximate a writer.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:a reader is coupled between first and second electrical bond pads;a heater situated proximate a writer is coupled between the second ...

Data storage loadbeam stiffening feature

A data storage device can have a suspension with a loadbeam. The loadbeam can be configured with one or more a stiffening features. The loadbeam and stiffening feature may be constructed as products of a single piece of material. The stiffening feature can be defined by a varying thickness of the loadbeam.

Bond pad sharing for powering multiple components of a recording head

A slider of a magnetic recording head includes a ground pad and a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources. The plurality of electrical bond pads includes a plurality of shared bond pads. A first component of the slider is coupled to a first bond pad and one of the shared bond pads. The slider includes one or more additional components each coupled to a respective pair of the shared bond pads. A first ground-coupled component of the slider is coupled between one of the shared bond pads and the ground pad. A first diode is disposed on the slider and coupled in series with the first ground-coupled component. A first Zener diode can be disposed on the slider and coupled between the first diode and the ground pad for enhanced ground noise immunity of the powered devices.

Bond pad sharing for powering a multiplicity of electrical components of a recording head

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.

Sliders having at least two regions on the trailing edge surface

A slider that includes a leading edge surface; a trailing edge surface; and an air bearing surface (ABS) positioned between the leading edge surface and the trailing edge surface, wherein the trailing edge surface includes a read-write element, at least one low surface energy region and at least one high surface energy region.

Slider trailing edge contamination sensor

A slider of a magnetic recording head has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an air bearing surface between the leading and trailing edges. A sensor is situated at the trailing edge of the slider and configured to sense presence of a lube droplet or other contaminant at the trailing edge.

WAVELETS-BASED DETECTION OF PROXIMITY BETWEEN A SENSOR AND AN OBJECT

A circuit includes a proximity detection component that applies wavelet analysis to a sensed signal from a sensor and responsively provides an output indicative of whether proximity exists between the sensor and an object that causes the sensor to produce the sensed signal.

Bond pad sharing for powering multiple heaters of a magnetic recording head

A slider of a magnetic recording head comprises a ground pad and a plurality of electrical bond pads coupled to bias sources. A component of the slider is coupled between first and second bond pads. A first heater of the slider is coupled between the first bond pad and the ground pad. A second heater of the slider is coupled between the second bond pad and the ground pad. A first diode is disposed on the slider and coupled in series with the first heater. A second diode is disposed on the slider and coupled in series with the second heater.

BIMODAL MODULATION

An apparatus and associated method contemplating a head gimbal assembly (HGA) and a bridge circuit including first and second microactuators attached to the HGA. Computation logic is connected to the bridge circuit and configured to independently measure an electrical output of each microactuator and to sum the electrical outputs to derive a value related to a vertically dominant modulation mode of the HGA. 1a head gimbal assembly (HGA);a bridge circuit including first and second microactuators attached to the HGA; anda computation module connected to the bridge circuit and configured to independently measure an electrical output of each microactuator and to sum the electrical outputs to derive a value related to a vertically dominant modulation mode of the HGA.. An apparatus comprising: This is a continuation application claiming benefits of the earlier filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/607,671 entitled BIMODAL MODULATIONVarious embodiments of the present technology are generally directed to the construction and use of microactuator circuitry to detect motion of an object.Some embodiments of this disclosure contemplate a head gimbal assembly (HGA) and a bridge circuit including first and second microactuators attached to the HGA. Computation logic is connected to the bridge circuit and configured to independently measure an electrical output of each microactuator and to sum the electrical outputs to derive a value related to a vertically dominant modulation mode of the HGA.A wide variety of machines employ microactuators for precise control of moving parts. A “microactuator” for purposes of this description includes a device that mechanically deforms when subjected to an external excitation, such as a driving voltage, and that develops a sense voltage in proportion to deformation. Because of this dual functionality these devices are commonly referred to as a self-sensing actuator. For purposes of this illustrative description the microactuator can ...

SLIDERS HAVING AT LEAST TWO REGIONS ON THE TRAILING EDGE SURFACE

A slider that includes a leading edge surface; a trailing edge surface; and an air bearing surface (ABS) positioned between the leading edge surface and the trailing edge surface, wherein the trailing edge surface includes a read-write element, at least one low surface energy region and at least one high surface energy region. 1. A slider comprising:a leading edge surface;a trailing edge surface; andan air bearing surface (ABS) positioned between the leading edge surface and the trailing edge surface,wherein the trailing edge surface comprises a read-write element, at least one low surface energy region and at least one high surface energy region.2. The slider according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one region of low surface energy and the at least one region of high surface energy form a pattern.3. The slider according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one low surface energy region and the at least one high surface energy region comprises coatings of materials.4. The slider according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the low surface energy region or the high surface energy region comprises self assembled monolayers (SAMs).5. The slider according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one low surface energy region comprises a coating of a hydrophobic material.6. The slider according to claim 5 , wherein the hydrophobic material comprises fluorine.7. The slider according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one low surface energy region comprises a coating of an oleophobic material.8. The slider according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one low surface energy region and the at least one high surface energy region are configured to drive droplets of lubricant/contaminants away from the ABS.9. The slider according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one low surface energy region and the at least one high surface energy region are configured to drive droplets of lubricant/contaminants along the trailing edge surface towards the outer edges thereof.10. The slider ...

Bimodal modulation

An apparatus and associated method contemplating a head gimbal assembly (HGA) and a bridge circuit including first and second microactuators attached to the HGA. Computation logic is connected to the bridge circuit and configured to independently measure an electrical output of each microactuator and to sum the electrical outputs to derive a value related to a vertically dominant modulation mode of the HGA.

Bond pad sharing for powering a multiplicity of electrical components of a recording head

A slider of a magnetic recording head comprises 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 one or more of the electrical bond pads, wherein at least one of the electrical bond pads is a shared electrical bond pad coupled to at least a first electrical component and a second electrical component. A switching transistor is coupled to the first and second components and the ground pad. The switching transistor is arranged to control powering of the second component in response to biasing of the first component.

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR EXTRACTING OFF-TRACK MOTION USING MICROACTUATORS

In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a first piezoelectric (PZT) element poled in the same direction as a second PZT element. The first and second PZT elements are configured to be driven while simultaneously sensing motion. The apparatus further includes a circuit configured to add outputs of the first and second PZT elements, extract the sensed motion, and detect off-track motion from the extracted sensed motion. 1. An apparatus comprising:a first piezoelectric (PZT) element poled in the same direction as a second PZT element, the first and second PZT elements configured to be driven while simultaneously sensing motion;a circuit configured to add outputs of the first and second PZT elements, extract the sensed motion, and detect off-track motion from the extracted sensed motion.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a sensing signal is responsive to the sensing motion of the first and second PZT elements claim 1 , and wherein the first and second PZT elements are responsive to a drive signal.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the circuit further comprises:a filter configured to filter the drive and sensing signals of the first and second PZT elements into separate frequencies to allow the sensing signal to be isolated from the drive signal.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the filter is configured to filter the drive signal into a low frequency band and a high frequency band.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first and second PZT elements are located near a distal end of a suspension in a hard disk drive.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first and second PZT elements are located between a first distal end of the suspension and an opposite claim 1 , second distal end of the suspension.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first and second PZT elements are driven asymmetrically.8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first PZT element is configured to sense motion while the second PZT element is configured to be driven claim 7 , ...

Devices and methods for reducing lubricant accumulation on sliders

In certain embodiments, a slider includes an air bearing surface having a cavity. The cavity includes transition features at an upstream side of the cavity to mitigate air flow expansion along the cavity. Turbulence-inducing features are positioned on the transition features.

SLIDERS HAVING AT LEAST TWO REGIONS ON THE TRAILING EDGE SURFACE

A slider that includes a leading edge surface; a trailing edge surface; and an air bearing surface (ABS) positioned between the leading edge surface and the trailing edge surface, wherein the trailing edge surface includes a read-write element, at least one low surface energy region and at least one high surface energy region.

SLIDER WITH SHOCK DAMPING FEATURES

An apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a slider body defining longitudinal extents at a leading end and a trailing end. A fluid bearing surface is formed in part by a side rail extending substantially longitudinally along the slider body and joined to a cross rail extending substantially laterally along the slider body. The side rail and the cross rail define at least a portion of a positive pressure recess. A vent is defined in the fluid bearing surface that is in fluid communication with ambient pressure fluid on one side of the side rail but is not in fluid communication with the positive pressure recess on the other side of the side rail. 1. An apparatus comprising:a slider body defining longitudinal extents at a leading end and a trailing end;a side rail having a first surface extending substantially longitudinally along the slider body and joined to a cross rail having a second surface extending substantially laterally along the slider body, the first and second surfaces defining at least a portion of a positive pressure recess; anda cavity in the side rail that does not intersect the first surface but does intersect another longitudinal surface of the side rail opposing the first surface.2. The apparatus of wherein the cavity is in the rail between the leading edge and a midpoint between the leading edge and the trailing edge.3. The apparatus of wherein the side rail is characterized as a first side rail and the cross rail is characterized as a first cross rail claim 1 , the apparatus comprising:a second side rail having a third surface extending substantially longitudinally along the slider body and joined to a second cross rail having a fourth surface extending substantially laterally along the slider body, the third and fourth surfaces defining at least a portion of a negative pressure recess; anda second cavity in the second side rail that does not intersect the third surface but does intersect another longitudinal surface of the second ...

Bimodal modulation

Apparatus and method contemplating an in-situ test method for a head gimbal assembly (HGA). The method includes individually exciting a pair of opposing-effect microactuators supporting the read/write head adjacent a data storage media; summing the outputs from the microactuators to derive a spectral frequency response of the HGA; determining a resonant frequency from the spectral frequency response; driving the microactuators at the resonant frequency; and varying the read/write fly height apart from the data storage media to correlate contact with a maximum response of the microactuators.

Slider including one or more fluid pathways, and related apparatuses and methods

The present invention is directed to a slider that includes at least one fluid pathway that is in fluid communication with an air bearing face and/or the trailing edge face of the slider. The at least one fluid pathway is configured to propel/transport a fluid such as a lubricant toward at least one side face via capillary action. The present invention is also directed to related apparatuses and methods.

Surface acoustic wave-based sensing and actuation of contamination

A method includes producing a first surface acoustic wave (SAW) on a magnetic head slider using a first interdigitated transducer (IDT), wherein the SAW has a first set of wave characteristics. The method also includes receiving the first SAW at a second IDT on the magnetic head slider. The method also includes analyzing the SAW for a second set of wave characteristics. The method also includes determining, based on the analyzing, that a substance having at least one characteristic is located in a path of the SAW on the magnetic head slider.

Real-time sample aspiration fault detection and control

Methods of early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults in an automated diagnostic analysis system include an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to use either cluster analysis or probabilistic graphical modeling based on an aspiration pressure measurement signal waveform. Aspiration faults may include short-volume aspiration and unwanted gel pick-up. These methods may allow for timely termination of an aspiration process so as to avoid or minimize possible detrimental downstream consequences such as faulty sample test results and/or instrument downtime for servicing and cleanup. Apparatus for early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults are provided as are other aspects.

Real-time short-sample aspiration fault detection

Methods of real-time detection of short-sample aspiration faults in an automated diagnostic analysis system include spectral analysis of a pressure slope waveform based on aspiration pressure measurement signals. The spectral analysis may include using a moving average filter or a wavelet transform, such as, e.g., a continuous wavelet transform (CWT) or a discrete wavelet transform (DWT), to identify distinct transient behavior in the pressure slope waveform. These methods accurately identify short-sample aspiration faults such that an automated diagnostic analysis system can timely terminate an analysis of a detected short sample to avoid a possibly erroneous sample test result. Apparatus for real-time detection of short-sample aspiration faults is also provided, as are other aspects.

Hybridized control architecture for vessel mover movement control

A system and method for a hybridized control architecture for a liquid handler system. The hybridized control system can control the movement of the vessel movers of the liquid handler system using a hybridized movement control approach that incorporates both position, velocity and current-based control outputs. The control system can further dynamically control the relative degree to which velocity or position-based control is applied to the vessel movers based on the vessel movers' relative positions along the track system.

Automation track configurations for mitigating spills and contamination

Systems and methods for passively redirecting liquid contaminants from the active region of riding surfaces of track systems for liquid handler systems, including surface energy gradient, channels, and roughness gradients. The described techniques redirect liquids in a passive manner, without requiring any additional electromechanical components or active control systems that would draw additional power and require additional layers of control architecture to manage.

State estimation using sparse hall sensor-based sensing

A system and method of tracking vessel movers within a liquid handler system using sparse sensor assemblies. The method includes mapping received sensor signals to pre-characterized functions and determining the positions of the vessel movers with respect to a single sensor from the sensor assembly accordingly. The sensors in the sparse sensor assembly can be positioned to have no or minimal overlap between their sensing ranges.

Fluid bearing slider with shock damping features

An apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a slider body defining longitudinal extents at a leading end and a trailing end. A fluid bearing surface is formed in part by a side rail extending substantially longitudinally along the slider body and joined to a cross rail extending substantially laterally along the slider body. The side rail and the cross rail define at least a portion of a positive pressure recess. A vent is defined in the fluid bearing surface that is in fluid communication with ambient pressure fluid on one side of the side rail but is not in fluid communication with the positive pressure recess on the other side of the side rail.

Real-time sample aspiration fault detection and control

Methods of early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults in an automated diagnostic analysis system include an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to use either cluster analysis or probabilistic graphical modeling based on an aspiration pressure measurement signal waveform. Aspiration faults may include short-volume aspiration and unwanted gel pick-up. These methods may allow for timely termination of an aspiration process so as to avoid or minimize possible detrimental downstream consequences such as faulty sample test results and/or instrument downtime for servicing and cleanup. Apparatus for early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults are provided as are other aspects.

Real-time sample aspiration fault detection and control

Methods of early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults in an automated diagnostic analysis system include an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to use either cluster analysis or probabilistic graphical modeling based on an aspiration pressure measurement signal waveform. Aspiration faults may include short-volume aspiration and unwanted gel pick-up. These methods may allow for timely termination of an aspiration process so as to avoid or minimize possible detrimental downstream consequences such as faulty sample test results and/or instrument downtime for servicing and cleanup. Apparatus for early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults are provided as are other aspects.

Detection of abnormal heat exchanger operating condition

A method for detecting an abnormal operating condition of a heat exchanger is provided. The method includes determining the actual current through a heat exchanger, using the actual current to indicate an abnormal operating condition, and declaring a fault state. A step of comparing the baseline current to the actual current includes normalizing the actual current, calculating a difference between the normalized actual current and the baseline current, and determining that difference is less than zero.

Real-time short-sample aspiration fault detection

Methods of real-time detection of short-sample aspiration faults in an automated diagnostic analysis system include spectral analysis of a pressure slope waveform based on aspiration pressure measurement signals. The spectral analysis may include using a moving average filter or a wavelet transform, such as, e.g., a continuous wavelet transform (CWT) or a discrete wavelet transform (DWT), to identify distinct transient behavior in the pressure slope waveform. These methods accurately identify short-sample aspiration faults such that an automated diagnostic analysis system can timely terminate an analysis of a detected short sample to avoid a possibly erroneous sample test result. Apparatus for real-time detection of short-sample aspiration faults is also provided, as are other aspects.

State estimation using sparse hall sensor-based sensing

A system and method of tracking vessel movers within a liquid handler system using sparse sensor assemblies. The method includes mapping received sensor signals to pre-characterized functions and determining the positions of the vessel movers with respect to a single sensor from the sensor assembly accordingly. The sensors in the sparse sensor assembly can be positioned to have no or minimal overlap between their sensing ranges.

スライダ本体を備える装置および方法

【課題】装置および関連する方法は、前縁および後縁で長手方向の範囲を規定するスライダ本体を企図する。 【解決手段】流体軸受面は、スライダ本体に沿って実質的に長手方向に延在し、かつスライダ本体に沿って実質的に横方向に延在するクロスレールに繋がるサイドレールによって部分的に形成される。サイドレールおよびクロスレールは、正圧凹所の少なくとも一部を規定する。ベントが流体軸受面に規定され、サイドレールの一方側で周囲圧流体と流体連通するが、サイドレールの反対側では正圧凹所とは流体連通しない。 【選択図】図２

Fluid bearing slider with shock damping features

Backlash compensation in motion control systems

A method for backlash compensation in motion control systems includes homing a payload of a motion control system, and performing a tooth-pitch non-uniformity procedure on the motion control system to identify a non-uniformity correction. A backlash lookup table is generated for use in backlash correction during normal operation of the motion control system. The backlash lookup table is generated using a training process that includes selecting a move sequence for operating the motion control system, and executing the move sequence with the non-uniformity correction. The training process further includes computing a backlash measurement describing backlash of one or more components of the motion control system during the move sequence, and storing the backlash measurement in the backlash lookup table.

スライダ上の潤滑剤の蓄積を減少するための装置および方法

【課題】スライダ上の気流停滞を減少するための装置および方法を提供する。 【解決手段】一実施形態において、スライダは、空洞を有する空気ベアリング面を含む。空洞は、当該空洞に沿った気流の膨張を和らげるために当該空洞の上流側に移行構造を含む。乱流誘発構造が、移行構造上に位置決めされる。 【選択図】図３

Devices and methods for reducing lubricant accumulation on sliders

Preload Modulation to Reduce Head Motion Hysteresis

An apparatus includes a data storage media and a plurality of heads, the data storage media and heads being structured and arranged for relative movement between the heads and storage media causing the heads to move along a scan path, and an actuator for changing a magnitude of head to media force as the heads move along the scan path. A method for reducing head motion hysteresis is also provided.

Electromagnetic radiation sensor

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation sensor (10), comprising a dielectric element (11) sandwiched between two electrodes (12, 13). An ohmic contact (14, 15) is formed on each electrode (12, 13) for connecting the sensor (10) to an external circuit.

Real-time sample aspiration fault detection and control

Methods of early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults in an automated diagnostic analysis system include an artificial intelligence algorithm configured to use either cluster analysis or probabilistic graphical modeling based on an aspiration pressure measurement signal waveform. Aspiration faults may include short-volume aspiration and unwanted gel pick-up. These methods may allow for timely termination of an aspiration process so as to avoid or minimize possible detrimental downstream consequences such as faulty sample test results and/or instrument downtime for servicing and cleanup. Apparatus for early real-time detection or prediction of aspiration faults are provided as are other aspects.

Detection of abnormal heat exchanger operating condition

A method for detecting an abnormal operating condition of a heat exchanger is provided. The method includes determining the actual current through a heat exchanger, using the actual current to indicate an abnormal operating condition, and declaring a fault state. A step of comparing the baseline current to the actual current includes normalizing the actual current, calculating a difference between the normalized actual current and the baseline current, and determining that difference is less than zero.

Real-time short-sample aspiration fault detection

Methods of real-time detection of short-sample aspiration faults in an automated diagnostic analysis system include spectral analysis of a pressure slope waveform based on aspiration pressure measurement signals. The spectral analysis may include using a moving average filter or a wavelet transform, such as, e.g., a continuous wavelet transform (CWT) or a discrete wavelet transform (DWT), to identify distinct transient behavior in the pressure slope waveform. These methods accurately identify short-sample aspiration faults such that an automated diagnostic analysis system can timely terminate an analysis of a detected short sample to avoid a possibly erroneous sample test result. Apparatus for real-time detection of short-sample aspiration faults is also provided, as are other aspects.

Detection of abnormal heat exchanger operating condition