Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning a transducer head in a tape drive. The method includes the steps of: providing a tape drive with a head cleaning device, a data tape cartridge having data tape, and a cleaning tape cartridge having cleaning tape; detecting error rate for the transducer head with the data tape; determining when the detected error rate exceeds a specified level; and when the detected error rate exceeds a specified level, loading the cleaning tape cartridge into the tape drive and running cleaning media on the cleaning tape over the transducer head to clean the transducer head. Another method includes using a head cleaning device to clean the transducer head when there is an identified need, or as a preventative measure.

Abstract: This invention is a tape drive which includes a transducer head, a tape carrier, and a tape displacement structure. The tape carrier is provided in association with the transducer head, and is configured to support and move a tape along a tape travel path within the tape drive. The tape carrier moves the tape in contact with the transducer head along the tape travel path during at least one of a read operation and a write operation. The tape displacement structure is provided in association with the transducer head, and is configured to engage and bias a received tape from the tape travel path to a retracted tape travel path. The retracted tape travel path is spaced apart from the transducer head. The tape carrier is operative to move the retracted tape across the tape displacement structure, spaced apart from the transducer head. The tape carrier prevents at least one of transducer wear and transducer contamination caused by contact of the tape moving against the transducer head. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A stiffener attached to the magnetic head or heads in a tape drive to support the flexible circuit and provide a flat surface against which the flexible circuit rolls when the head moves up and down. The stiffener is, preferably, fastened to a head carrier that is attached directly to the magnetic head. This head sub-assembly is mounted to the movable carriage that carries the head up and down at the urging of the head positioning actuator.

Abstract: A tape drive includes a transducer head, a tape carrier, a tape displacement structure and a cleaning device. The transducer head is configured to read information from a data tape that is received by the tape drive. The tape carrier is configured to deliver a data tape in association with the transducer head along a travel path. The tape displacement structure is configured to bias a received tape away from the transducer head. Finally, the cleaning device is configured to engage the transducer head for cleaning when the data tape is biased from the transducer head. The cleaning device and the transducer head cooperate to enable cleaning of the transducer head without removal of the data tape. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit probing method and apparatus therefor. The apparatus includes a main system controller coupled to a network interface, graphic user interface, and equipment interface. A high speed bus connects the main system controller to a group of subsystems. The subsystems includes subsystems such as input cassettes, input frame handing, frame to align, die align, die probing, die bin and die output, output cassettes subsystem, among others. The integrated circuit probing apparatus allows for probing of each individual die through the die probing subsystem, typically a high speed subsystem.

Abstract: A hearing aid or audio communication system includes an earpiece (10) that can be hidden in the ear canal, and which communicates wirelessly with a remote processor unit, or RPU (16), that enhances audio signals and can be concealed under clothing. Sounds from the environment are picked up by a microphone (12) in the earpiece and sent with other information over a two-way wireless link (17) to the RPU (16). The wireless link (17) uses microwaves for component miniaturization. Furthermore, use of radar technology to implement the wireless link (17), with an RPU (16) interrogator and earpiece (10) transponder, reduces earpiece size and power, as no microwave oscillator is needed in the earpiece (10). Optional secondary wireless link circuitry (19) can be used between the RPU (16) and a cellular telephone system or other sources of information. Electronic voice recognition and response can control system operation.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided with an area on the surface of the baseplate adjacent a thrust bearing surface of at least one rotating component of the device is modified to control interface friction between the component and the baseplate. The surface quality is enhanced by altering the roughness of the surface by embossing or machining the baseplate, preferably in areas beneath the rotating component.

Abstract: An integrated circuit probing method and apparatus therefor. The apparatus includes a main system controller coupled to a network interface, graphic user interface, and equipment interface. A high speed bus connects the main system controller to a group of subsystems. The subsystems includes subsystems such as input cassettes, input frame handing, frame to align, die align, die probing, die bin and die output, output cassettes subsystem, among others. The integrated circuit probing apparatus allows for probing of each individual die through the die probing subsystem, typically a high speed subsystem.

Abstract: A process for contouring a via formed in a dielectrics whereby a layer of a refractory metal is formed on the dielectric and in the via. The refractory metal layer is removed until a surface of the refractory metal within the via is below the upper surface of the dielectric. An etching process removes a portion of the dielectric and a tapered shape is formed at the intersection of the via and the upper surface of the dielectric. A second layer of metal is formed over the dielectric, with the second layer of metal extending into the vias and contacting the refractory metal with the tapered shape providing improved step coverage of the second layer of metal at the via.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer probe test interface system (2) and method of operating the system. The wafer probe system includes a plurality of cassettes (302) adapted to hold wafer probe test cards (304). The cassettes are loaded into position for testing of semiconductor wafers with a transport assembly system (6). A memory device (316) on the cassette is used to store data regarding usage of the card such as number of wafer touchdowns. A smart controller (220) has the capability to "talk" to the prober and tester.

Abstract: A rotary actuator disk drive in which the rotary actuator is driven by a motor comprising a movable coil and a stationary permanent magnet structure producing a magnetic field which links the coil. The rotary actuator comprises a load beam arm stack and a voice coil arm of electrical insulating material such as a light weight plastic, all of which are axially stacked and swaged to a rotary actuator bearing hub which is rotatably mounted in the disk drive. The coil arm of electrical insulating material has a bobbin section on which the coil is directly wound. The coil arm is molded together with the coil arm mounting bushing, a latch pin of magnetic material and an actuator arm balance weight insert molded therein. The latch pin is linked by the permanent magnet field of the motor permanent magnet structure and functions with that structure to define mechanical limits of angular actuator movement and to magnetically latch the actuator in one angular limit when the disk drive is not in use.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer probe test interface system (2) and method of operating the system. The wafer probe system includes a plurality of cassettes (302) adapted to hold wafer probe test cards (304). The cassettes are loaded into position for testing of semiconductor wafers with a transport assembly system (6). A memory device (316) on the cassette is used to store data regarding usage of the card such as number of wafer touchdowns. A smart controller (220) has the capability to "talk" to the prober and tester.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal assembly comprises a pair of collapsible backboard support mechanisms mounted in back-to-back relationship on opposite ends of a base. The support mechanisms fold inwardly on the base when collapsed and are offset so they overlap and lay side-by-side, thus providing a compact collapsed structure that can easily be transported on a struck. A brace mechanism connects and reinforces the support mechanisms when erected. Stacking support columns permit collapsed goal assemblies to be stacked together for shipping.

Abstract: An improved rotary-type read-write head actuator assembly for use in a rotating disc data storage device is provided. The head actuator assembly includes an elongated actuator arm pivotally mounted at one end and having flexible read-write head support arms at the other end. The elongated actuator arm includes a coil internally mounted within an open cavity at the center of percussion of the actuator arm. The portion of the actuator arm supporting the coil moves within a magnetic field to form a voice coil motor to drive the actuator arm.

Abstract: A precision hydrodynamic bearing which has a rotatable shaft disposed in the bore of a housing to form an annular gap. The annular includes a journal zone for containing and pressurizing lubricant to facilitate low friction rotation of the shaft and to maintain the annular gap as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention the audio signal is bandwidth limited before being differentiated to provide either a positive or negative signal (depending on the slope of the audio signal) to a comparator which provides a corresponding logical one or zero at its output. A digital logic circuit connected to the comparator output is clocked to provide a digital output signal transition from a logical one to a zero or vice versa if its input has changed from a logical one to a zero or vice versa at least once during the clock period. The clocked digital output of the logic circuit is provided as an input to a computer where it is stored. The digital data is subsequently read out of the computer and provided to a filter and integrator to provide an audio signal replica of the filtered input audio signal.

Abstract: A caged nut for mounting a threaded nut on a surface comprises a housing of box-like structure enclosing an internally threaded nut. The housing is formed of a single blank of sheet metal and comprises a square central section with a clearance hole therethrough and two end walls and two side walls extending at right angles from the respective opposed edges of the central section. Mounting flanges extend outwardly at right angles from the ends of the end walls, and locking flanges extend inwardly from the ends of the side walls. Locking tabs extend outwardly from the sides of the locking flanges and engage openings in the mounting flanges. The engagement of the locking tabs in the openings in the mounting flanges prevents the side walls from spreading outwardly due to a rotational force being placed on the nut.