Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and apparatus for polishing and planarization of workpieces, such as fiber optics connectors, metallographic samples, semiconductor wafers, microelectronic substrate, optical devices and the like. The polishing pattern is a hypotrochoid generated by a spur gear rotating inside of an internal gear. The hypotrochoid is a superior polishing pattern because it not only provides a pattern similar to a figure eight pattern for producing optimal polishing conditions, but it also appears to precess around the center of the polishing space and maximize the utilization of the polishing pad or film.

Abstract: A hard disk drive assembly which includes a limiter plate that is attached to an actuator arm. The limiter plate limits a movement of a flexure arm that is attached to a head. The head is coupled to a disk. The limiter plate limits the distance that the head can move away from the disk. Limiting the movement of the head may reduce the impact force associated with the head slapping the disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining arterial blood pressures using a photoplethysmograph is provided. In the inventive method the photoplethysmograph output is calibrated to the patient using an auxiliary blood pressure determining instrument, a constant k particular to the patient's arterial blood pressure-volume relationship is determined and is stored for later use; at the time of measurement information is obtained from the photoplethysmograph output; and a computer determines the patient's systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining arterial blood pressures using a photoplethysmograph is provided. In the inventive method the photoplethysmograph output is calibrated to the patient using an auxiliary blood pressure determining instrument, a constant k particular to the patient's arterial blood pressure-volume relationship is determined and is stored for later use; at the time of measurement information is obtained from the photoplethysmograph output; and a computer determines the patient's systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for initializing and calibrating a fiber optic pressure transducer so that a measured intensity of light which varies as a function of pressure can be accurately translated to the value of pressure which produces that value of light intensity. The transducer includes an enclosed sensor tip having a diaphragm which is exposed to atmospheric pressure on the inside and the pressure to be determined on the outside as measurements are taken, the resulting pressure differential producing a related attenuation in light intensity. Calibration according to the present invention is performed by exposing the diaphragm to atmospheric pressure on the outside and sub-atmospheric pressure on the inside while transmitting light through the fiber in the usual manner. The sub-atmospheric pressure is changed gradually as simultaneous measurements are made of the intensity of light returned through the fiber and the actual value of the sub-atmospheric pressure at a number of discrete times.