Abstract: A read/write head is structurally significantly less complicated than optical reading devices, requires minimal or no optical alignment, capable of writing at higher track densities, and has better control of the data and servo tracks than conventional magnetic heads. The head is also capable of using an available heat source and a relatively weak magnetic field, such as 300 Oersteds, to write data on a data storage medium. The combination of a magnetic read sensor with a near field magneto-optical (MO) write element creates a hybrid read/write head capable of high density recording with a high signal to noise ratio. The integration of the MO write element can be accomplished by various alternative or complementary methods. One method is to mount a heat source, such as a laser or light source on a slider with minimal or no additional optical components.

Abstract: An optical data storage system utilize a fully or partially transmissive data storage medium or disk. The optical system includes a platform capable of moving either radially or pivotally relative to the disk. A head has a first and a second optical arms secured to the platform. One optical arm is positioned below the storage medium, and the other optical arm is positioned above the storage medium. One of the two optical arms includes a light source connected to the platform for generating a collimated light beam, and a first reflective mirror distally connected to the platform for reflecting the collimated light beam toward the storage medium. The other optical arm includes a photo-detector connected to the platform, and a second reflective mirror distally connected to the platform for reflecting the light beam impinging upon it to the photo-detector. In one embodiment the light source is disposed below the disk while in another embodiment the light source is disposed above the disk.

Abstract: A low noise inductive magnetic head used for writing and reading magnetic signals onto and from a magnetic recording medium includes two magnetic poles P1, P2 that are formed on a substrate which define a transducing gap therebetween. Each of the poles P1, P2 includes an outer magnetic layer formed remotely from the gap and an inner magnetic layer formed adjacent to the gap. The inner and outer magnetic layers have magnetostrictions (.lambda..sub.s) of approximately equal but opposite values, such that each of the magnetic poles P1, P2 exhibits a net magnetostriction of zero or is biased within a predefined range, regardless of the individual magnetostriction values of its layers.

Abstract: A planar micro-coil is provided for use with an optical head. The optical head is preferably a flying magneto-optical head. The micro-coil cooperates with a yoke assembly so to as to permit an optimal magnetic flux density to be formed at a surface of a magneto-optical storage location.

Abstract: The present acoustic system produces sounds over a broad range of frequencies, and includes an enclosure, a speaker acoustically connected to the enclosure, for generating, almost simultaneously, two sounds, a forward sound, and a rearward sound. It further includes a waveguide enclosed at least partly within the enclosure, and acoustically connected to the speaker, for defining an acoustic path along which the rearward sound travels. The waveguide includes a plurality of inner panels that are positioned inside the enclosure for optimizing the length of the travel path. The inner panels and the enclosure define a plurality of inner passageways having generally similar cross-sectional surface areas, and a plurality of inner openings, for causing a selective cancellation of sounds at predetermined frequencies, while preserving sounds at other frequencies.

Abstract: A low noise inductive magnetic head used for writing and reading magnetic signals onto and from a magnetic recording medium includes two magnetic poles P1, P2 that are formed on a substrate which define a transducing gap therebetween. Each of the poles P1, P2 includes an outer magnetic layer formed remotely from the gap and an inner magnetic layer formed adjacent to the gap. The inner and outer magnetic layers have magnetostrictions (.lambda..sub.s) of approximately equal but opposite values, such that each of the magnetic poles P1, P2 exhibits a net magnetostriction of zero or is biased within a predefined range, regardless of the individual magnetostriction values of its layers.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium transmissive to a laser beam and formed of a light transmissive substrate that provides mechanical support, and a light transmissive data substrate formed on the substrate. The data substrate is patterned to form block regions that block the laser beam from passing through, and pass regions that allow the laser beam to pass through, such that the blockage or passage of light through the optical storage medium reflects the type of data bits to be stored on the optical medium. In another embodiment a magneto-optical data storage medium which is also transmissive (or partly transmissive) to a laser beam includes a data magneto-optical data substrate formed on a substrate. The data substrate is recordable by patterning a magnetic domain with magnetic fields of opposite directions, such that each magnetic direction reflects the type of data bits to be stored on the optical medium.

Abstract: Video receiving method and apparatus, are responsive to requests from a selector unit (240), for identifying channels (1 through n), in a transmitter system (204), containing video signals to be sent from the transmitter system (204) to one or more receiver systems (202). The receiving method includes steps of having the receiver system (202) select (94) one or more channels. The receiver system generates (90) signals identificative of the selected channels, and sends (29) the channel identifying signals to the transmitter system (204). The transmitter system uses the channel identifying signals to selectively identify the channels to be transmitted to the receiver system (202). The transmitter system compresses (17, 19, 21) and multiplexes (25) the signals of the channels selected by the receiver system (202). The receiver system (202) receives (75) the compressed and multiplexed signals, and stores (35, 37, 39) the received signals.