Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating waveforms, spectra, and profiles derived therefrom for effects of drift is disclosed. The present invention removes the effects of drift from a sequential series of waveforms obtained from a waveform-source device, or spectra, from a spectrometer, to produce for output a sequential series of drift-compensated waveforms, or spectra, respectively. In addition, the present invention performs a factor analysis, or alternatively a linear-least-squares analysis, on an array of the drift-compensated waveforms, or spectra to provide a set of drift-compensated principal factors; and, generates drift-compensated scaled target-factor profiles from a profile trajectory lying within a space of the set of drift-compensated principal factors. In addition, in the case of spectra, the invention provides for conversion of the drift-compensated scaled target-factor profiles to drift-compensated compositional profiles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing generalized write pre-compensation is disclosed. The present invention provides multiple phase signals to choose from for provide a shift to received write data to achieve a desired pre-compensation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a spin valve transistor with differential detection is disclosed. The present invention provides a structure including spin valves that are (100)-oriented on a (100) substrate to take advantages of the high MR sensitivity of spin valve transistor read heads without the need for shields. This allows the distance between the free layers in the differential sensor to be minimized thereby allowing an increase in the areal density.

Abstract: A data structure, document data stream, method and apparatus for identifying resources prior to printing. A print data stream structure is provided that can be specified at the beginning of a document or job, or on any page boundary in a document or job, and that identifies complex resources that are required by the pages that follow. This structure is processed by a print server, which uses the resource references to download any missing resources before printing of the following pages is started. Accordingly, print underruns are avoided by ensuring that complex resources are downloaded to the printer before the first page is initiated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of downloading data in the form of a device type generic “download entity” (or data object) for use by an electronic device. The device type of the electronic device is determined and any data in the download entity which is not associated with the determined device type is discarded such that only the data which is associated with the determined device type is retained by the electronic device. Installation code is also incorporated into the download entity such that, once downloaded, the installation code is executed by the electronic device to “unpack” and store the data associated with the device type from the download entity.

Abstract: The present invention is a side-by-side inductive head structure having a considerably reduced separation between the read and write elements of the head structure. The present invention also provides a thin film inductive head design to minimize rework during a fabrication process.

Abstract: A bridged controller for reducing the overhead of cache coherency processing on each of a plurality of primary controllers and increasing the overall throughput of the system. The bridged controller interfaces with dual-active pair of host-side controllers and the backend disk drive buses. The third controller allows a doubling of the number of backend busses, reduces the overhead of cache coherency processing on each primary host-side controller and doubles the overall throughput.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic thresholding of grayscale images to delineate image attributes is disclosed. The system includes a picker assembly, an imager disposed on picker assembly, illumination sources disposed at the picker assembly and a processor, coupled to the imager and illumination sources, for processing image data obtained from the imager and for controlling the illumination sources, wherein the processor applies dynamic image thresholding to the image to select an optimum gray scale level of the image, the image expected to include a desired physical feature.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio structure using topographical features to increase conformal coverage area provides high conductance. An insulation layer is disposed over a magnetic material. At least one trench is formed in the insulation layer to form a coil, where the at least one trench forms the coil with multiple coil windings. A plurality of topographical features is formed in at least one nonconfined area of the coil to increase conformal coverage area. A metal, such as copper, is deposited into the at least one trench and topographical features to form an inductive structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing precise control of magnetic coupling field in NiMn top spin valve heads and amplitude enhancement is disclosed. The magnetic coupling between free and pinned layers in NiMn top spin valve heads is precisely controlled by employing the surface oxidation of Cu seed layer or/and Cu spacer layer that improve both the interfacial quality and the crystalline texture. According to the present invention the magnitude of coupling field can be precisely controlled without affecting resistance, and the amplitude of giant magneto-resistive(GMR) heads is improved by 15% at the same coupling field without affecting asymmetry performance. Thus, the present invention improves not only the interfacial roughness, but also improves the magnetic layer texture. The oxidation of Cu seed layer in the NiMn top spin valve structure provides more robust process with good control in coupling field that affects asymmetry of a GMR head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing extended disk sector formatting to assist in backup and hierarchical storage management is disclosed. A part of the extended sector format is used to include a field for indicating whether data was written since the last backup. This backup field may be a single bit or could be larger to indicate age since last backup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the servo position error signal non-linearity during self-servo writing irrespective of the head width is disclosed. Write current of each head is modified based upon the head width. The write width for all heads is measured and a write current for each head in a disk drive is adjusted toward a predetermined level. A mean track propagation width for the disk drive is determined, wherein the predetermined level establishes the determined mean track propagation. A mean head width is determined and the write current for each head is adjusted by applying a higher write current to heads smaller than the mean head width and a lower write current to heads wider than the mean head width. Optimal performance is achieved using the adjusted write currents. The measuring of the head width is repeated and the write current is adjusted until a track propagation for the disk drive meets a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Fast transforms that use early aborts and precision refinements are disclosed. When to perform a corrective action is detected based upon testing the incremental calculations of transform coefficients. Corrective action is then performed. The corrective action includes refining the incremental calculations to obtain additional precision and/or aborting the incremental calculations when the resulting numbers are sufficient.

Abstract: A self-administered and self-scoring test kit and method for early self-screening of neurological disease, by detection of diminished olfactory function. The test kit is comprised of a plurality of pages; attached to each page (28) via adhesive is a microencapsulated strip (36) that, when scratched, releases a different, distinct odor. The test kit has instructions that provide for self-administration (33) and self-scoring (46) of the test, and identification of a threshold score (48) as a self-screening method for possible neurological disease and need to consult a physician.

Abstract: A container for use in transporting particulate materials includes a plurality of product compartments, with each such compartment having a material outlet in communication therewith through which particulate material in the compartment may be discharged. The container also includes a gas-tight bulkhead separating a pair of adjacent product compartments, and an unloading system that is adapted for removal of particulate materials from the product compartments. The unloading system includes a source for supplying a pressurizing gas, and one or more top air conduits connecting the pressurizing gas source to the product compartments for conveying pressurizing gas to the product compartments. The unloading system also includes a material conveying conduit that is in fluid communication with one or more of the material outlets and which includes a discharge end through which particulate material may be unloaded.

Abstract: A device for enlarging a bore includes an elongate body having a forward end, a rear end and an axis of rotation. The body of the device is adapted to be moved through the bore while being rotated about its axis. The device also includes a cutting blade which is attached to the body at or near its forward end, and a plurality of mixing wings. Each of the mixing wings has a unique shape, and each is attached to the body behind the cutting blade so that the axis of rotation of the body is within the plane spanned by the mixing wing.