Abstract: A topography sensor and method include a probe configured to traverse a surface to determine a topography. A stray magnetic field is disposed in proximity to the probe. A magneto-resistive sensor is configured so that the stray magnetic field passing through it changes in accordance with positional changes of the probe as the probe tip traverses the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame; first and second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever pivotable about a first fulcrum secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass and the other end connected to the second mass, and the fulcrum being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.

Abstract: A data storage device comprises a storage medium, at least one probe designed for creating indentation marks in the storage medium, a control unit designed for creating a control parameter (CTRL) acting on the probe resulting in the creation of one indentation mark. The control unit is further designed for modifying the control parameter (CTRL), if at least a given number of consecutive indentation marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created. According to the method the control parameter (CTRL) is modified if at least a given number of consecutive marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created.

Abstract: A device for guiding a magnetic tape in a data storage drive including a cylindrical body rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body having opposing ends and defining a surface area for mating with a magnetic tape. A curved section at opposite ends of the cylindrical body is contiguous with the surface area of the cylindrical body. A plurality of vents in the cylindrical body allow air flow therethrough between the surface area and the tape. The amount of air flow between the cylindrical body and the tape produces varying frictional forces on the tape such that the tape is biased to a nominal position on the cylindrical body by air pressure on the tape resulting from the air flow interaction with the curved sections.

Abstract: A tape mounting apparatus for a magnetic tape data storage device which includes a movable structure movably attached to a base. The movable structure moves partially within the base and is powered by a motor unit. The moveable structure has at least a load position and a transport position. A tape guide device is positioned within the movable structure such that a tape passes over the tape guide device and between a tape reading head and the tape guide device. The base is attached to a body of a magnetic tape data storage drive.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: A topography sensor and method include a probe configured to traverse a surface to determine a topography. A stray magnetic field is disposed in proximity to the probe. A magneto-resistive sensor is configured so that the stray magnetic field passing through it changes in accordance with positional changes of the probe as the probe tip traverses the surface.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: Provides surface treatment devices, surface scanning devices, methods of operating a surface treatment device and methods of operating a surface scanning device. An area within a medium comprises at least one sharpening location for sharpening a tip of a probe mechanically. The tip is conically shaped with a radius of an apex smaller than 100 nm. In the case of the surface treatment device the probe is designed for altering the surface of the medium. In the case of the surface scanning device the probe is designed for scanning the medium. The sharpening location is suited for sharpening the tip mechanically. For that purpose the probe and the medium are being moved relative to each other such that the tip is located in the sharpening location. Then the probe and/or the medium are moved relative to each other such, that the tip is mechanically sharpened.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame; first and second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever pivotable about a first fulcrum secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass and the other end connected to the second mass, and the fulcrum being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.

Abstract: A data storage medium is introduced. The data storage medium from which information is reproduced by scanning a surface of the medium with a tip positioned in contact therewith comprises a recording layer within which data values are determined by the topographical state at the data item location. The material of said recording layer comprises a component that is generating an etchant. The etchant removes the naturally occurring surface oxide layer of the tip which keeps the tip sharp and works against tip wear.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame; first and second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever pivotable about a first fulcrum secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass and the other end connected to the second mass, and the fulcrum being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.

Abstract: A cantilever device for scanning a surface comprises a support, a tip platform and a flexible arm arrangement. The tip platform has a plurality of tips. These comprise at least two contact tips providing points of contact with a surface to be scanned, and a scanning tip for scanning the surface, where the scanning tip may be one of the two or more contact tips provided on the platform. The flexible arm arrangement connects the tip platform to the support and allows orientation of the platform, via flexing of the arm arrangement, to bring the contact tips into contact with a surface to be scanned. The platform is then at a well-defined orientation relative to the scan surface, and the scanning tip is appropriately positioned for the scanning operation. Scanning probe microscopes and data storage devices incorporating such cantilever devices are also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a tape having an information layer on which information is storable in the form of perturbations, an array of probes that in function faces the tape such that the probes scan the surface of the tape, means for selectively forming the perturbations via the probes, means for detecting the presence of the perturbations via the probes, and drive means for moving the tape relative to the array of probes. The apparatus allows to store high data capacities at a small form factor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving a first object relative to a second object is provided. One of the first and second objects is moved and thereby guided by a tracking device. The tracking device uses a pattern on the first object and/or second object and a releasable clamping device for holding the first and second object in contact. The first and second object can then be releasably clamped such that the patterns match and the clamping device holds the first and second object in a position defined by the pattern. This invention is particularly well suited for nanomechanical or micromechanical applications.

Abstract: A cantilever device for scanning a surface comprises a support, a tip platform and a flexible arm arrangement. The tip platform has a plurality of tips. These comprise at least two contact tips providing points of contact with a surface to be scanned, and a scanning tip for scanning the surface, where the scanning tip may be one of the two or more contact tips provided on the platform. The flexible arm arrangement connects the tip platform to the support and allows orientation of the platform, via flexing of the arm arrangement, to bring the contact tips into contact with a surface to be scanned. The platform is then at a well-defined orientation relative to the scan surface, and the scanning tip is appropriately positioned for the scanning operation. Scanning probe microscopes and data storage devices incorporating such cantilever devices are also provided.

Abstract: Provides surface treatment devices, surface scanning devices, methods of operating a surface treatment device and methods of operating a surface scanning device. An area within a medium comprises at least one sharpening location for sharpening a tip of a probe mechanically. The tip is conically shaped with a radius of an apex smaller than 100 nm. In the case of the surface treatment device the probe is designed for altering the surface of the medium. In the case of the surface scanning device the probe is designed for scanning the medium. The sharpening location is suited for sharpening the tip mechanically. For that purpose the probe and the medium are being moved relative to each other such that the tip is located in the sharpening location. Then the probe and/or the medium are moved relative to each other such, that the tip is mechanically sharpened.