Abstract: Thermal imaging protection is provided by, in response to detecting input of an access code on an input device: identifying a sequence comprising the access code; generating a bait code based on the sequence; and outputting a heat signature corresponding to the bait code using heating elements, such as resistor arrays, included in the input device. In some embodiments protection includes measuring temperatures of contact surfaces of the input device where the access code has been input; and adjusting a heat level of the heating elements based on the temperatures measured. Protection is further provided by storing the bait code; and in response to receiving entry of the bait code, activating unauthorized access countermeasures. In some embodiments protection includes, in response to detecting subsequent input of the access code: generating a second, different, bait code based on the sequence; and activating the heating elements based on the second bait code.

Abstract: Thermal imaging protection is provided by, in response to detecting input of an access code on an input device: identifying a sequence comprising the access code; generating a bait code based on the sequence; and outputting a heat signature corresponding to the bait code using heating elements, such as resistor arrays, included in the input device. In some embodiments protection includes measuring temperatures of contact surfaces of the input device where the access code has been input; and adjusting a heat level of the heating elements based on the temperatures measured. Protection is further provided by storing the bait code; and in response to receiving entry of the bait code, activating unauthorized access countermeasures. In some embodiments protection includes, in response to detecting subsequent input of the access code: generating a second, different, bait code based on the sequence; and activating the heating elements based on the second bait code.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a GMR, TMR or CPP GMR sensor having a smooth interface between magnetic and non-magnetic layers to improve sensor performance by exposing a layer to a low energy ion beam prior to depositing a subsequent layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radio frequency (“RF”) activation system with improved operating capability and ease of installation. Improved responsiveness is provided by the receiver which determines the frame timing of incoming signals and calculates the estimated time of arrival for ensuing frames thus minimizing loss of frame synchronization problems. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by determining the time span of the frame start sequence and using this to determine the frame timing of an incoming RF signal. The receiver also makes corrections for timing errors between the receiver and transmitter by re-synchronizing the receiver with the incoming RF signal.

Abstract: An apparatus having improved hard bias properties of layers of a magnetoresistance sensor is disclosed. Properties of the hard bias layer are improved using a seedlayer structure that includes at least a layer of silicon and a layer comprising chromium or chromium molybdenum. Further, benefits are achieved when the seedlayer structure includes a layer of tantalum.

Abstract: A method for improving hard bias properties of layers of a magnetoresistance sensor is disclosed. Properties of the hard bias layer are improved using a seedlayer structure that includes at least a first layer of silicon and a second layer comprising chromium or chromium molybdenum. Further, benefits are achieved when the seedlayer structure includes a layer of tantalum.

Abstract: A top spin valve sensor includes an iridium manganese (IrMn) pinning layer which has been formed by ion beam sputter deposition. The magnetoresistive coefficient of the spin valve sensor is increased by employing an iridium manganese oxide (IrMnO) seed layer between a free layer of the spin valve sensor and a first read gap layer of the read head. The free layer is preferably a nickel iron free film located between first and second cobalt iron (CoFe) free films.