Abstract: A magnetic storage and retrieval system and a manufacturing technique thereof are disclosed herein. A chemical reaction is triggered upon a surface of each metallic layer of a plurality of metallic layers disposed on a substrate. It is also determined whether a metallic material of the surface has transformed to a new metallic material that is more chemically resistant than the metallic material.

Abstract: A method of forming a hardened layer on a tape drive head assembly comprising building a tape drive head assembly, in which a number of layers of amorphous material are applied along read and write components of the tape drive head assembly as the tape drive head assembly is built and selectively heating portions of the amorphous material. A drive head assembly comprising a write component, a magnetic resistive element, and a number of layers of amorphous material, in which a portion of the amorphous material is hardened.

Abstract: A magnetic storage and retrieval system and a manufacturing technique thereof are disclosed herein. A chemical reaction is triggered upon a surface of each Metallic layer of a plurality of metallic layers disposed on a substrate. It is also determined whether a metallic material of the surface has transformed to a new metallic material that is more chemically resistant than the metallic material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a printing device comprises a printer configured to print upon paper, a surface-engaging member associated with the printer and configured to physically engage a paper surface, the surface-engaging member comprising a flexure material body that is supported in a cantilevered disposition proximate a piece of paper to be printed upon by the printer, a reflective member joined with the surface-engaging member, one or more light sources in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to project light energy toward the reflective member, and a position detector mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member, the surface-engaging member being configured for displacement by the paper's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a me

Abstract: An atomic force microscope for examining a sample is described. The atomic force microscope includes a probe assembly that includes a first tip and a second tip each directed towards a surface of a sample. The AFM further includes a source for applying a potential across the first tip and the second tip; at least one mechanism operable to cause relative motion between the surface and the probe; and at least one sensor operable to sense current flowing between the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a printing device comprises a printer configured to print upon paper, a surface-engaging member associated with the printer and configured to physically engage a paper surface, the surface-engaging member comprising a flexure material body that is supported in a cantilevered disposition proximate a piece of paper to be printed upon by the printer, a reflective member joined with the surface-engaging member, one or more light sources in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to project light energy toward the reflective member, and a position detector mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member, the surface-engaging member being configured for displacement by the paper's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a me

Abstract: A tape guide in which the corner geometry between the flanges and the hub prevents the tape from abruptly bumping the flange and in which the corner is coated with a very hard wear resistant material such as zirconium nitride, tungsten carbide, silicon nitride, chromium nitride or diamond like carbon.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope for examining a sample is described. The atomic force microscope includes a probe assembly that includes a first tip and a second tip each directed towards a surface of a sample. The AFM further includes a source for applying a potential across the first tip and the second tip; at least one mechanism operable to cause relative motion between the surface and the probe; and at least one sensor operable to sense current flowing between the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ascertaining the roughness of a print media surface are described. In one embodiment, a print media roughness detection mechanism comprises a surface-engaging member that is configured to physically engage a print media surface. A reflective member is provided and is joined with the surface-engaging member. One or more light sources are provided in operable proximity to the reflective member and are configured to project light energy toward the reflective member. A position detector is mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and is configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member. The surface-engaging member is configured for displacement by the print media's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a measure of the print media's roughness.

Abstract: A tape guide in which the corner geometry between the flanges and the hub prevents the tape from abruptly bumping the flange and in which the corner is coated with a very hard wear resistant material such as titanium aluminum nitride, tungsten carbide, silicon nitride, chromium nitride or diamond like carbon.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ascertaining the roughness of a print media surface are described. In one embodiment, a print media roughness detection mechanism comprises a surface-engaging member that is configured to physically engage a print media surface. A reflective member is provided and is joined with the surface-engaging member. One or more light sources are provided in operable proximity to the reflective member and are configured to project light energy toward the reflective member. A position detector is mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and is configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member. The surface-engaging member is configured for displacement by the print media's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a measure of the print media's roughness.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ascertaining the roughness of a print media surface are described. In one embodiment, a print media roughness detection mechanism comprises a surface-engaging member that is configured to physically engage a print media surface. A reflective member is provided and is joined with the surface-engaging member. One or more light sources are provided in operable proximity to the reflective member and are configured to project light energy toward the reflective member. A position detector is mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and is configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member. The surface-engaging member is configured for displacement by the print media's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a measure of the print media's roughness.