Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling an ink supply system includes operating a pump of the ink supply system in a forward direction to supply ink from an ink reservoir to an ink tank, and subsequent to operating the pump in the forward direction, reversing the pump and operating the pump in a reverse direction to prevent or reduce formation of clogs within the ink supply system.

Abstract: A circuit for use with a memory storage device including a magnetic storage medium and a write head operative to subject the magnetic storage medium to a magnetic field in response to an application of current to the write head, includes a write circuit operative to generate a write current supplied to the write head. The write current is characterized by a current waveform that reverses polarity in accordance with data to be stored on the magnetic medium. The circuit for use with the memory storage device further includes a degauss circuit operative to generate a degaussing current supplied to the write head. The degaussing current is characterized by a current waveform that oscillates between opposite polarities with an amplitude and a frequency that change over time.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for magnetic recording are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first portion of a first magnetic medium having a first cross-sectional area, and a second portion of a second magnetic medium having a second cross-sectional area. The first and second portions are joined by way of a junction that allows for at least some ferromagnetic coupling therebetween. Additionally, the first and second cross-sectional areas are of differing extent in a first dimension so that a first ledge portion of one of the first and second portions extends past a first edge of the other of the first and second portions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for controlling an ink supply system includes operating a pump of the ink supply system in a forward direction to supply ink from an ink reservoir to an ink tank, and subsequent to operating the pump in the forward direction, reversing the pump and operating the pump in a reverse direction to prevent or reduce formation of clogs within the ink supply system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for magnetic recording are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first portion of a first magnetic medium having a first cross-sectional area, and a second portion of a second magnetic medium having a second cross-sectional area. The first and second portions are joined by way of a junction that allows for at least some ferromagnetic coupling therebetween. Additionally, the first and second cross-sectional areas are of differing extent in a first dimension so that a first ledge portion of one of the first and second portions extends past a first edge of the other of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate. An explosive medium is introduced into a vicinity of the substrate, and a beam of electromagnetic energy is directed toward the substrate. Absorption of the electromagnetic energy causes the explosive medium both to generate a blast wave and to form reactive species, the blast wave and the reactive species cooperating to remove the contaminants from the surface substantially without damage to the surface itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate. An explosive medium is introduced into a vicinity of the substrate, and a beam of electromagnetic energy is directed toward the substrate. Absorption of the electromagnetic energy causes the explosive medium both to generate a blast wave and to form reactive species, the blast wave and the reactive species cooperating to remove the contaminants from the surface substantially without damage to the surface itself.