Abstract: A thin film inductive write head for magnetic recording has a write gap formed as a lamination of alternating layers of a nonmagnetic gap layer and a ferromagnetic spacer layer. There are N gap layers and N−1 spacer layers, with each pole tip of the write head being located adjacent to a gap layer. The spacer layers in the gap structure are formed of a ferromagnetic material with a high saturation moment density (BS) that is close to the BS of the spacer material from which the pole tips are formed. Unlike the pole tips, the spacer layers are not part of a magnetic circuit and are magnetically isolated, i.e., completely surrounded by nonmagnetic gap material. The effect of the spacer layers is to effectively divide the gap into a plurality of smaller gaps. The write head with the laminated gap creates a write bubble that is narrower in the off-track direction and wider in the in-track direction.

Abstract: A user-centered push system monitors user activity to build a dynamic model representing probable user interests. The model is used to drive a search for information relevant to these interests. Such information, when located, is pushed to the user. In a specific embodiment, the information is scrolled across a ticker-tape display along the bottom of the user's monitor. Typically, headline and stock quote type information in abbreviated form is scrolled. By clicking on a ticker-displayed abbreviated item, the user initiates a display of a more complete version of the information. In one embodiment, the invention defines a method using a dynamic user model to locate and push information to a client for display. Alternatively a client reformats the information and archives it for later use. In another embodiment, changes in the dynamic model trigger the information pushing.

Abstract: Described is a modulation encoder having a finite state machine for converting input bits into output bits in which the number of alternating output bits is limited to j+1 where j is a predefined maximum number of transitions in the output bits, and in which the number of like output bits is limited to k+1 where k is a predefined maximum number of non-transitions in the output bits. The modulation encoder may be employed in encoding apparatus for converting an input bit stream into an output bit stream. Such apparatus may comprise partitioning logic for partitioning the input bit stream into a first group of bits and a second group of bits. A plurality of the aforementioned modulation encoders may be connected to the partitioning logic for converting the first group of bits into coded output bits. Combining logic may be connected to the or each modulation encoder and the partitioning logic for combining the coded output bits and the second group of bits to generate the output bit stream.

Abstract: An optical beam transformation system includes a first and a second optical element, each of which has a non-reentrant surface. The system transforms a substantially non-uniform optical input beam (such as a Gaussian) to a substantially uniform output beam. The first and second optical elements are arranged in either a Keplerian or Galilean configuration. The aspheric surface of the second optical element is related to the aspheric surface of the first optical element by a ray-tracing function that maps substantially all of an input light beam that is incident on the first optical element to a collimated output light beam that is output from the second optical element. Preferably, the output light beam has a Fermi-Dirac intensity distribution, and the ray-tracing function maps the input light beam to the output beam out to the (1/e)6 intensity radius of the input light beam.

Abstract: A current-in-the-plane (CIP) giant magnetoresistive (GMR) spin valve sensor has its free layer magnetization stabilized by longitudinal biasing through the use of free layer end-region antiferromagnetic exchange coupling. An antiparallel coupling (APC) layer, such as Ru, is formed on the free layer and a ferromagnetic bias layer is formed on the APC layer. The bias layer is a continuous layer that extends across the entire width of the free layer. The central region of the bias layer is formed of nonmagnetic oxides of one or more of the elements making up the bias layer, with the bias layer end regions remaining ferromagnetic. The oxidized central region of the bias layer defines the central active trackwidth region of the underlying free layer. The ferromagnetic end regions of the bias layer are antiferromagnetically coupled across the APC layer to the corresponding underlying free layer end regions to provide the longitudinal biasing.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the sequence are located in the same row. The first key selected is that key on which the desired letter is displayed, and the second key is given by the spatial position of the desired letter within its group of letters on the key. The letters and keys may be color-coded to aid the user when inputting the two-key sequences. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: The invention is a non-contact optical tape tension sensor for a tape drive. A light source directs an incident beam to the tape in a region of the tape path near where the tape bends. The amount of divergence of the reflected light is related to the curvature of the tape, and thus to the tape tension. The reflected light is passed through an aperture to a photodetector that detects the amount of the divergent beam passing through the aperture. The photodetector output is input to the tape drive controller that controls the currents to the supply and take-up motors to thereby maintain the tape tension within the desired range.

Abstract: A method and system for representing database and query information for multiple windows, includes defining an interval hash tree as a two-way interval tree, constructing a first interval hash tree for database windows, constructing a second interval hash tree for query windows, and matching the second and first interval hash trees node by node.

Abstract: A low resistance magnetic tunnel junction device, such as a memory cell in a nonvolatile magnetic random access memory (MRAM) array or a magnetoresistive read head in a magnetic recording disk drive, has a titanium oxynitride (TiOxNy) layer as the single-layer tunnel barrier or as one of the layers in a bilayer tunnel barrier. In a bilayer barrier the other barrier layer is an oxide or nitride of Al, Si, Mg, Ta, [[Si]] and Y, such as Al2O3, AlN, Si3N4, MgO, Ta2O5, TiO2, or Y2O3. The Ti barrier material can be alloyed with other known metals, such as Al and Mg, to produce barriers with TiAlOxNy and TiMgOxNy compositions.

Abstract: A process for forming a portion of an integrated circuit includes placing a layer of material on a substrate, in which the material includes a polymeric composition or a precursor to a dielectric composition. The material is contacted with a stamping surface having relief structures that define a pattern, so that a patterned layer is formed as a result of the contact, which may include heating the material to mold it. A metal film or layer is then deposited onto the patterned layer. The metal can then be planarized to form a layer of an integrated circuit. A decomposable or sacrificial polymer is preferably included in the material, so that porous dielectric material is formed, thereby leading to a lower dielectric constant of the end product.

Abstract: A reflective color electrophoretic display intended to be viewed while illuminated from the front window by ambient light and to operate without the need of a backlight has a plurality of laterally adjacent picture elements or pixels. Each pixel is comprised of two or more subpixels, or cells, which are vertically stacked, one directly above the other on the horizontal surface of a reflective panel located at the rear or bottom of the stacks. The cells contain a light-transmissive fluid and charged pigment particles that can absorb a portion of the visible spectrum, with each cell in a stack containing particles having a color different from the colors of the particles in the other cells in the stack.

Abstract: A method of correcting errors arising from interpixel cross talk in the detection of a reconstructed holographic data image includes determining any misregistration between the pixels and the bit images. The measured output signals are then corrected to compensate for signal strength lost to or gained by nearby pixels through interference effects resulting from the misregistration, thereby producing a calculated data image that is substantially corrected for interpixel crosstalk. The relevant algorithms are provided and experimental verification is presented.

Abstract: An array of discrete, microscopic particles in a substantially fixed spatial relationship with respect to each other is constructed by using an STM to position CO molecules on the (111) surface of a copper crystal. The particles of the array are arranged so that the array performs a logic operation (such as AND and OR) when input to the array is provided. This input takes the form of moving one or more of the particles, thereby triggering a cascade of motion through the array, which leads to output from the array. More generally, the array may be used to propagate motion by sequentially inducing movement of particles in the array.

Abstract: A transmissive color electrophoretic display incorporated with a backlight, has a plurality of laterally adjacent picture elements or pixels. Each pixel is comprised of two or more subpixels, or cells, which are vertically stacked, one directly above the other on the horizontal surface of a reflective panel located at the rear or bottom of the stacks. The cells contain a light-transmissive fluid and charged pigment particles that can absorb a portion of the visible spectrum, with each cell in a stack containing particles having a color different from the colors of the particles in the other cells in the stack.

Abstract: A current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) magnetoresistive sensor or read head has a magnetic shield geometry that covers the side walls of the sensor structure to prevent side reading caused by magnetic flux entering from adjacent data tracks. The shield geometry includes a bottom shield with a substantially planar surface and a specially shaped top shield. The top shield has substantially vertical portions generally parallel to the side walls of the sensor structure, a horizontal top portion over the trackwidth region of the sensor, and horizontal side portions formed over the portions of the bottom shield on either side of the sensor structure. The insulating gap material that separates the bottom and top shields is in contact with the horizontal portions of the bottom shield and the side walls of the sensor structure.

Abstract: A scaleable and high-yielding method of preparing copolymers that is useful as a component of a radiation sensitive resin composition is provided. The method includes the step of reacting at least one monomer A which is an unsaturated alicyclic monomer and forms a polymer main chain by dissociation of the unsaturated bond, and at least one unsaturated monomer B, which also forms a polymer chain by dissociation of an unsaturated bond, wherein less than two electron-withdrawing groups are directly appended to said unsaturation, and where said monomer B is other than the unsaturated alicyclic monomer and forms a polymer main chain, in the presence of a free radical initiator. The reacting step is carried out in a stoichiometric excess of monomer A as compared to monomer B. By carrying out the reacting step in an excess of monomer A as compared to monomer B, the resultant copolymer will have a greater molar concentration of monomer A than is obtainable using other methods.

Abstract: A thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) write head simultaneously generates heat and a magnetic write field to the recording layer on a magnetic recording disk. The write head is located on the trailing face of a head carrier in a TAMR disk drive and comprises a single turn coil, part of which is a current strip having an edge located at the disk-facing surface of the head carrier. When write current is passed through the current strip heat is generated at the edge of the strip and a magnetic write field is induced at the disk surface. The strip edge has a predetermined width that substantially corresponds to the desired track width of the data bits. Because both heat and the magnetic write field are generated by the same element, the heat gradient and the magnetic write field gradient are co-located on the spot where the data bit is written.

Abstract: An optical beam transformation system includes a first and a second optical element, each of which has a non-reentrant surface. The system transforms a substantially non-uniform optical input beam (such as a Gaussian) to a substantially uniform output beam. The first and second optical elements are arranged in either a Keplerian or Galilean configuration. The aspheric surface of the second optical element is related to the aspheric surface of the first optical element by a ray-tracing function that maps substantially all of an input light beam that is incident on the first optical element to a collimated output light beam that is output from the second optical element. Preferably, the output light beam has a Fermi-Dirac intensity distribution, and the ray-tracing function maps the input light beam to the output beam out to the (1/e)6 intensity radius of the input light beam.

Abstract: The invention is a magnetic device that includes a ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (F/AF) structure wherein the ferromagnetic layer is perpendicularly exchange biased by the antiferromagnetic layer. The invention has application to perpendicular magnetic recording disks and magnetic tunnel junction devices used as read heads for disk drives and memory cells in magnetic memory arrays.

Abstract: A computer input device including a keyboard with built in pointing device, and left- and right-pointer control buttons operable by the thumbs includes additional left- and right-pointer control buttons located to each side for easy operation by the outer edge of the hands.