Abstract: In an approach for providing simulation results of an interaction between a transducer head and a magnetic medium, a computer identifies a first raster scan of a sample via a scanning probe microscope. The computer generates a topography image based on the first raster scan of the sample. The computer identifies one or more reference features within the created topography image. The computer calculates an average height based on the one or more reference features. The computer determines a lift distance associated with a probe of the scanning probe microscope. The computer defines a uniform plane based on the calculated average height and the determined lift distance. The computer performs a second raster scan of the sample based on the defined uniform plane. The computer generates a fly-height image based on the second raster scan. The computer provides simulation results based at least in part on the second raster scan.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a substrate and a closure above the substrate. A gap is positioned between the closure and the substrate, the gap having an array of magnetic transducers extending therealong and unpatterned films. The gap further includes a first layer of a first material having a bulk modulus of elasticity lower than the unpatterned films in the gap. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a plurality of magnetic transducers arranged in a linear array, and a layer of an expansion material between each adjacent pair of magnetic transducers in the array. An encapsulant is positioned between each layer of the expansion material and the adjacent magnetic transducers. The expansion material has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the encapsulant.

Abstract: An environment includes one or more clients, a game mediator server, and a game server connected by a network. The clients include a game mediator and a game. The game server executes game playing sessions of the games. The game mediator server and the game mediators form a game mediation infrastructure to mediate game playing sessions. For example, the game mediation infrastructure creates “lobbies” for game playing sessions and enables clients connected to lobbies to communicate with one another. The games receive interactions at the client and communicate with the game server to impact execution of game playing sessions. The game mediator server sends deep links to clients, e.g., to initiate game installation, or to start the game at a particular portion of the game. The game mediation infrastructure may also enrich gameplay by customizing gameplay and/or the lobby, e.g. based on events that occur during execution of the game playing session, or locations of the clients.

Abstract: A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a processor, and logic that is integrated with the processor, executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor. Moreover, the logic is configured to: detect, by the processor, a change in a resistance value of at least one of a plurality of detector structures, for identifying a defect on a magnetic medium. Each of the detector structures includes a pair of conductive layers separated by an insulating material. However, none of the detector structures include an operable reader for reading data from a magnetic medium. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

Abstract: In one general approach, an apparatus includes a sensor having an active tunnel magnetoresistive region, magnetic shields flanking the active tunnel magnetoresistive region, and gaps between the active tunnel magnetoresistive region and the magnetic shields. The active tunnel magnetoresistive region includes a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer and a reference layer. At least one of the gaps includes a seed layer of a chromium alloy and an electrically conductive layer having a refractory material formed on the seed layer. The seed layer in this configuration is more resistant to corrosion than elemental chromium when used in a magnetic recording head and/or in a structure exposed to even trace amounts of fluorine.

Abstract: A method includes determining whether a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor is corroded using resistance, amplitude and signal to noise ratio (SNR) measurements of the sensor. A method to determine whether a TMR sensor is corroded includes determining an expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and measuring a resistance value, RTMR, of the sensor. The method includes calculating a ratio of the RTMR value and the expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and determining whether the ratio is in a predefined range for the TMR sensor. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is within the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is corroded. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is outside the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is not corroded.

Abstract: An electronic game subscribes to events—such as a physical gesture or appearance of the user, certain spoken user commands, or the like—identified by a game mediation infrastructure. The game mediation infrastructure receives user input data received from the user's client device, analyzes the data, and determines whether one of the events subscribed to by the electronic game has occurred. If so, the game mediation infrastructure notifies the electronic game of the occurrence of the event, and the electronic game alters the state of the game accordingly. The electronic game may additionally and/or alternatively use an API of the game mediation infrastructure to cause alteration of a user interface of a game mediator component in which the electronic game is displayed, based on actions taking place within the game.

Abstract: A method includes determining whether a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor is corroded using resistance, amplitude and signal to noise ratio (SNR) measurements of the sensor. A method to determine whether a TMR sensor is corroded includes determining an expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and measuring a resistance value, RTMR, of the sensor. The method includes calculating a ratio of the RTMR value and the expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and determining whether the ratio is in a predefined range for the TMR sensor. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is within the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is corroded. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is outside the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is not corroded.

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance between features of a sample, according to one embodiment, includes moving a precision stage having the sample thereon for positioning a first feature of the sample in a field of view of an imaging device. The imaging device is instructed to generate a first image of the first feature of the sample. The sample is moved a defined distance using the precision stage. The imaging device is instructed to generate a second image of a second feature of the sample at the defined distance. The first image and the second image are used to determine an actual distance between the first feature and the second feature. A product, according to one embodiment, includes a thin film structure having a plurality of elements, and at least two features dedicated for enabling measurement therebetween. Each feature is positioned at a known position relative to a respective one of the elements.

Abstract: An emulsification module for a food processor enables the careful and methodical introduction of ingredients (e.g., oil) into the main container, thus allowing the same to emulsify the ingredients. The emulsification module includes a container configured to be removably connected to, and rotate with, the rotating blade assembly, and one or more oil dispensers positioned on a side surface thereof. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blade assembly causes the oil in the container to be propelled up the inside walls of the same and come out of the oil dispensers and drizzle down the side walls of the main container. Whisk members positioned on the bottom of the module (between the blades of the blade assembly) assist in mixing of the drizzled oil with the ingredients to achieve the desired emulsification.

Abstract: An apparatus for burnishing media, according to one embodiment, includes a first block with a media bearing surface having a plurality of channels and lands. The channels and lands alternate in a direction of media travel. Each of the lands has at least one skiving edge along a width thereof. The width of each land extends orthogonally to the direction of media travel. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for inducing a wrap angle of the media relative to media bearing surfaces of at least some of the lands. Each induced wrap angle is greater than zero degrees. An apparatus for burnishing media according to another embodiment includes channels having widths that are less than a width of the media.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and logic integrated with the processor, executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor, the logic being configured to gather usage data of a tape drive during usage thereof and create and/or update a usage model based on the usage data. The logic is configured to determine that the usage model has reached a predefined confidence level and perform an action for extending a life of the tape drive in response to determining that the usage model has reached the predefined confidence level.

Abstract: Within a multiplayer gaming environment, a game mediation infrastructure facilitates the creation and use of multiplayer gaming sessions. The game mediation infrastructure allows leveraging the context of an existing gameplay session within a game (e.g., the game being played, the identities of the participants) to begin a corresponding session in a game mediator application. The session in the game mediator application provides functionality—such as game-related communication capabilities—that is superior to that provided by the game itself. These actions by the game mediation infrastructure reduce or eliminate steps that would otherwise have to be performed by users, thereby greatly simplifying user coordination for multiplayer gaming.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head having at least two tunneling magnetoresistance sensors, where a resistance of a tunnel barrier of each of the tunneling magnetoresistance sensors of the magnetic head is about 25 ohms or less, a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head, and a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head. In addition, the controller includes a biasing circuit, where the biasing circuit restricts a maximum voltage drop across the tunnel barrier.

Abstract: A magnetic head, according to one embodiment, includes a rowbar substrate having a tape support surface and a gap surface at a substrate edge. A closure is positioned opposite the gap surface of the rowbar substrate, the closure forming a portion of the tape support surface. A recessed gap region is interposed between the gap surface of the rowbar substrate and the closure, the recessed gap region having a recessed gap profile that extends between the gap surface of the rowbar substrate and the closure, the recessed gap region having a transducer row with at least one magnetic sensor on the gap surface of the rowbar substrate. An insulation layer is positioned over the recessed gap profile of the recessed gap region.

Abstract: In one general approach, an apparatus includes a sensor having an active tunnel magnetoresistive region, magnetic shields flanking the active tunnel magnetoresistive region, and gaps between the active tunnel magnetoresistive region and the magnetic shields. The active tunnel magnetoresistive region includes a free layer, a tunnel barrier layer and a reference layer. At least one of the gaps includes a seed layer of a chromium alloy and an electrically conductive layer having a refractory material formed on the seed layer. The seed layer in this configuration is more resistant to corrosion than elemental chromium when used in a magnetic recording head and/or in a structure exposed to even trace amounts of fluorine.

Abstract: A tape drive, according to one embodiment, includes: a processor, and logic which is integrated with the processor, executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor. The logic is configured to: determine whether a difference between information and corresponding design values is in a range. The information corresponds to how an array of writers write and/or are expected to write to a magnetic medium during shingled recording. Moreover, the logic is configured to: compute, using the information, data describing a lateral writing position to use during writing such that shingled track edges are aligned according to a format in response to determining that the difference between the information and corresponding design values is not in the range.

Abstract: Users play electronic games on their client devices, such as smartphones, laptop computers, game consoles, or the like. A game mediation component supplements the electronic games by providing additional functionality for group gameplay, such as communication among the players participating in the gameplay group, emphasizing key moments in the gameplay, saving and sharing of portions of the group gameplay, etc. Events related to gameplay, such as environmental events or in-game events, cause the game mediation component to take an action to supplement the gameplay, such as modifying an overlay user interface to provide additional gameplay data while efficiently using screen real estate, sending messages to other players in the group gameplay, and saving and sharing portions of gameplay session.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and logic integrated with the processor, executable by the processor, or integrated with and executable by the processor, the logic being configured to gather usage data of a tape drive during usage thereof and create and/or update a usage model based on the usage data. The logic is configured to determine that the usage model has reached a predefined confidence level and perform an action for extending a life of the tape drive in response to determining that the usage model has reached the predefined confidence level.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes a substrate and a closure above the substrate. A gap is positioned between the closure and the substrate, the gap having an array of magnetic transducers extending therealong and unpatterned films. The gap further includes a first layer of a first material having a bulk modulus of elasticity lower than the unpatterned films in the gap. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a plurality of magnetic transducers arranged in a linear array, and a layer of an expansion material between each adjacent pair of magnetic transducers in the array. An encapsulant is positioned between each layer of the expansion material and the adjacent magnetic transducers. The expansion material has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the encapsulant.