Abstract: A hybrid battery power source for implantable medical use provides a generally constant low internal resistance during discharge and avoids voltage delays of the type that develop as a result of run down-induced resistance increase in Li/SVO cells. The hybrid battery power source utilizes two batteries or cells, one being a primary cell of relatively high energy density and the other being a secondary cell of relatively low internal resistance that is rechargeable. The primary and secondary cells are connected in a parallel arrangement via a voltage boost/charge control circuit that is powered by the primary cell and adapted to charge the secondary cell while limiting charge/discharge excursions thereof in a manner that optimizes its output for high energy medical device use. The energy storage capacitors of the medical device in which the hybrid battery power source is situated are driven by the secondary cell. The primary cell is used to as an energy source for recharging the secondary cell.

Abstract: A glass grinding bit includes a monolithic plastic body having a first end, a second end and a central longitudinal axis. A central bore formed as part of the body in alignment with the longitudinal axis for receiving a drive shaft. An outer surface is formed as part of the body in alignment with the longitudinal axis and in concentric relationship with the central bore. A grinding sleeve has an inner surface in permanent interfacial contact with the body outer surface and an abrasive outer grinding surface. A threaded bore in the body extends transversely from the body outer surface to the central bore. A set screw in the transverse bore allows the grinding bit to be secured to a drive shaft.

Abstract: A spark gap for protecting an electrical circuit from voltage surges includes a first electrical circuit trace element having a first end face of defined thickness and length, and a second electrical circuit trace element having a second end face of defined thickness and length. The first and second end faces are spaced from each other along their respective lengths to provide an air gap having a defined gap width. The gap width is of a size to provide a required spark gap breakover voltage under design conditions of temperature, humidity and air pressure. The air gap also has a defined gap length corresponding to the length of the first and second end faces. The gap length is of a size that maximizes spark gap life over repeated discharge cycles without introducing undesirable amounts of capacitance.

Abstract: A lapping system for eliminating crowning in a surface to be lapped includes a first lapping carrier adapted to carry a first workpiece and a second lapping carrier adapted to carry a second workpiece. A stabilizer assembly interconnects the first and second lapping carriers in a mutually stabilizing arrangement that stabilizes the first and second workpieces against rotation. The stabilizer assembly includes first and second stabilizer arms extending between the first lapping carrier and the second lapping carrier. Each lapping carrier and an associated stabilizer arm collectively defines a fixture having a carrier portion and a stabilizer portion, and which may be generally T-shaped. One end of each stabilizer arm is cantilevered from its associated lapping carrier, while the free end of each stabilizer arm is pivotally mounted to the opposite lapping carrier. Downward lapping forces are applied independently to each lapping carrier.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adhesive purge dam for retaining purge gas around a weld zone includes a base configured to substantially obstruct an air passage leading to the weld zone and an adhesive skirt extending from the base and configured to engage portions of the air passage. An adhesive on the adhesive skirt allows the skirt to be adhered to the air passage. An optional removable backing covers the adhesive prior to installation. The purge dam is installed by peeling the removable backing (if present) and exposing the adhesive for adhesion.

Abstract: A flexible, inline filter/dryer for installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The filter/dryer includes a first end connector, a second end connector, and a flexible main body extending between the first and second end connectors. A drying composition, such as desiccant beads, substantially fills the main body and is retained therein by a retaining system that can include one or more filter elements and a plenum-defining spacer element.

Abstract: A hybrid battery power source for implantable medical use provides a generally constant low internal resistance during discharge and avoids voltage delays of the type that develop as a result of run down-induced resistance increase in Li/SVO cells. The hybrid battery power source utilizes two batteries or cells, one being a primary cell of relatively high energy density and the other being a secondary cell of relatively low internal resistance that is rechargeable. The primary and secondary cells are connected in a parallel arrangement via a voltage boost/charge control circuit that is powered by the primary cell and adapted to charge the secondary cell while limiting charge/discharge excursions thereof in a manner that optimizes its output for high energy medical device use. The energy storage capacitors of the medical device in which the hybrid battery power source is situated are driven by the secondary cell. The primary cell is used to as an energy source for recharging the secondary cell.

Abstract: A key for operating a security fastener having a lock pattern includes a retractable key pattern. The key pattern has an operational extension position in which the key pattern is enabled for substantial engagement with a security fastener having a matching lock pattern, thereby allowing operation of the matching security fastener. The key pattern is also capable of retreating a non-operational retraction position in which the key pattern is not capable of substantial engagement with a security fastener having a non-matching lock pattern, thereby preventing operation of the non-matching security fastener.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor for use in a data storage device has a recessed sensing element (magnetic tunnel junction, CPP spin valve, etc.) with an exchange biased sensing ferromagnetic (free) layer, and a flux guide that magnetically connects the sensing element to a sensing surface of the sensor. The free layer is selectively exchange biased by a layer of exchange bias material placed under non-active regions of the free layer that lie outside the sensing element and flux guide track widths. The flux guide is provided by extending the free layer from a forward edge of the sensing element to the sensor surface. Advantageously, the sensing element and the flux guide have equal track width so that magnetic flux directed from the flux guide into the sensing element is not diluted with consequent loss of sensitivity.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously planarizing to relatively equal smoothness a thin film magnetic head hardbaked resist structure having relatively low surface energy and one or more additional thin film magnetic head structures containing other materials having comparatively higher surface energy, such as copper, hardbaked resist, alumina and NiFe. The method begins with preparation of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry targeted at equaling the removal rate of the materials to be planarized. The CMP slurry includes a liquid vehicle, an abrasive, and a surfactant. The CMP slurry is applied to the surface of the structures to be planarized and the structures are simultaneously planarized using a CMP planarization technique.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the cover of a thin-walled box to the box frame. The locking mechanism includes a two-piece clip bracket having a stationary bracket member and a movable bracket member pivotally mounted to the stationary bracket member. The stationary bracket member is adapted to engage outside and inside surfaces of a wall of the box frame and remain stationary with respect thereto when the stationary bracket member is in an installation position. The movable bracket member is pivotable relative to the stationary bracket member into and out of engagement with the outside surface of the wall when the stationary bracket member is in the installation position. A lock body is adapted to latch to the movable bracket member and engage the cover. A spacer is mounted to the stationary bracket member and adapted to block movement of the movable bracket relative to the stationary bracket member when the movable bracket member is in engagement with the exterior surface of the wall.

Abstract: A novel magnetic imaging microscope test system with high spatial (1–10 nm) and temporal (˜1 ns) resolution of the magnetic field is disclosed, as well as the system application for characterization of read and write heads for magnetic recording. The test system includes a scanner assembly and a work piece holder for holding a work piece to be tested. The scanner assembly and the work piece holder are positionable relative to each other at very fine resolution during scanning. A probe arm is cantilevered from the scanner assembly to bring a probe head into close proximity to the work piece holder. The probe head is configured scan a work piece in contacting engagement therewith so that a magnetic device on the probe head magnetically interacts with a magnetic field generating or magnetic field sensing device on the work piece. A probe head for use in the test system and a related test method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension for a disk drive includes a mount plate adapted to mount to a primary actuator, a functional end portion adapted to carry a slider, and a hinge disposed between the mount plate and the functional end portion. A mounting configuration is provided on the mount plate for mounting the suspension to the primary actuator. A pair of secondary actuators are mounted in longitudinally overlapping relationship with the mounting configuration so as to minimize the impact of the secondary actuators on suspension length. The secondary actuators are operatively connected to the hinge for producing sway displacement of the slider.

Abstract: A hybrid battery power source for implantable medical use provides a generally constant low internal resistance during discharge and avoids voltage delays of the type that develop as a result of run down-induced resistance increase in Li/SVO cells. The hybrid battery power source utilizes two batteries or cells, one being a primary cell of relatively high energy density and the other being a secondary cell of relatively low internal resistance that is rechargeable. The primary and secondary cells are connected in a parallel arrangement via a voltage boost/charge control circuit that is powered by the primary cell and adapted to charge the secondary cell while limiting charge/discharge excursions thereof in a manner that optimizes its output for high energy medical device use. The energy storage capacitors of the medical device in which the hybrid battery power source is situated are driven by the secondary cell. The primary cell is used to as an energy source for recharging the secondary cell.

Abstract: A disposable single-use applicator assembly includes a package that sealably contains a fluid to be dispensed in and around an applicator for dispensing the fluid. The applicator has a handle and a fluid holding element at a first end portion of the handle. Prior to use, the fluid holding element is disposed in the package that contains the dispensable fluid. A hermetic closure is provided between a first end portion of the package and an intermediate portion of the handle. A second end portion of the handle extends clear of the package. A breakable portion of the package proximate to the hermetic closure allows the fluid holding element to be withdrawn from the package and thereby uncovered for use.

Abstract: A method for making an enhanced spin valve sensor with engineered overlayer for sensing magnetically recorded information on a data storage medium. The method includes forming a ferromagnetic free layer and a ferromagnetic pinned layer sandwiching an electrically conductive spacer layer. An overlayer is formed on the free layer and adapted to decrease free layer magnetic thickness without reducing physical thickness.

Abstract: A glass grinding apparatus includes a base, a support grid mounted on the base to carry a work piece for grinding, a fluid holder disposed below the support grid, a drive shaft for rotating a grinding bit above the support grid, a power source for rotating the drive shaft, a fluid applicator for applying irrigation fluid to a grinding bit mounted on the drive shaft, and a splash protector adapted for connection to the grinding apparatus adjacent to the drive shaft to trap irrigation fluid and grinding debris sludge that are spun off from the grinding bit as it is rotated during grinding operations. The fluid applicator is formed as a fluid transfer brush that wicks irrigation fluid from the fluid holder to the grinding bit.