Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromodulation therapy is delivered via at least one electrode implanted subcutaneously and superficially to a fascia layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. In one example, an implantable medical device is deployed along a superficial surface of a deep fascia tissue layer superficial to a nerve of a patient. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to the nerve through the deep fascia tissue layer via implantable medical device electrodes.

Abstract: A multimedia direct access storage device and a method for transferring source program signals representative of a compressed digital multimedia program to and from the direct access storage device are disclosed. A multimedia program is transmitted from a multimedia server as a custom ordered series of discrete program segments and received by the multimedia direct access storage device, which buffers the compressed program segments for subsequent presentation on a local display monitor. The multimedia direct access storage device is preferably incorporated as a component of a local set-top control system for buffering a predetermined number of compressed program segments received from the multimedia server, some of which may be non-sequentially ordered and others of which may be sequentially ordered. A novel formatting methodology provides for the sequential presentation of the program segments asynchronously distributed on one or more data storage disks disposed in the direct access storage device.

Abstract: In storing data on a storage device, for example, a disk drive, it is determined what type of data is to be stored, distinguishing between normal data and slow data, such as audio data or text messages. Slow data is data which can be used effectively when retrieved at a relatively low storage medium speed. Slow data is further assigned to be stored at a predetermined location on the storage medium selected to avoid reliability problems due to the slower medium speed. Storing and retrieving such data at a slower medium speed from the assigned location increases drive efficiency by conserving power without compromising storage device reliability.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce a thermal response in the MR head. A controller controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the thermal response induced in the MR head.

Abstract: A multimedia direct access storage device and a method for transferring source program signals representative of a compressed digital multimedia program to and from the direct access storage device are disclosed. A multimedia program is transmitted from a multimedia server as a custom ordered series of discrete program segments and received by the multimedia direct access storage device, which buffers the compressed program segments for subsequent presentation on a local display monitor. The multimedia direct access storage device is preferably incorporated as a component of a local set-top control system for buffering a predetermined number of compressed program segments received from the multimedia server, some of which may be non-sequentially ordered and others of which may be sequentially ordered. A novel formatting methodology provides for the sequential presentation of the program segments asynchronously distributed on one or more data storage disks disposed in the direct access storage device.

Abstract: A multimedia direct access storage device and a method for transferring source program signals representative of a compressed digital multimedia program to and from the direct access storage device are disclosed. A multimedia program is transmitted from a multimedia server as a custom ordered series of discrete program segments and received by the multimedia direct access storage device, which buffers the compressed program segments for subsequent presentation on a local display monitor. The multimedia direct access storage device is preferably incorporated as a component of a local set-top control system for buffering a predetermined number of compressed program segments received from the multimedia server, some of which may be non-sequentially ordered and others of which may be sequentially ordered. A novel formatting methodology provides for the sequential presentation of the program segments asynchronously distributed on one or more data storage disks disposed in the direct access storage device.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a dual element magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The MR head has first and second MR elements. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce first and second thermal responses in the MR elements. A controller is coupled to the MR head and controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the first and second thermal responses in the MR elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading an information signal from a magnetic storage medium using a magnetoresistive (MR) head, and separating a thermal signal component and, if present, a magnetic signal component from the information signal. A signal separation/restoration module eliminates distortion in the magnetic signal component of a readback signal induced by a thermal signal component of the readback signal. A finite impulse response (FIR) filter may be employed in the signal separation/restoration module to eliminate the distortion in the magnetic signal. The signal separation/restoration module may be employed to extract the thermal signal component from the readback signal. In one configuration, an MR head is coupled to an arm electronics (AE) module, having a highpass filtering behavior, and a signal separation/restoration module that includes an inverse filter having a transfer function inverse to that of the effective highpass filter of the AE module.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce a thermal response in the MR head. A controller controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the thermal response induced in the MR head.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method and system for correcting for offset in a position error signal. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the readback signals dependent upon a read sensitivity profile of a read head are generated by moving the read head over a correction track. Using the readback signals, a characteristic value of the read sensitivity profile is determined. The characteristic value of the read sensitivity profile is used to adjust raw position error signals generated using the read head. The characteristic value may, for example, be determined from one or more data points from a cumulative sum data set. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a storage device is provided. The storage device includes a read head and a storage medium which includes a correction track and which is mounted to allow relative movement between the read head and the storage medium. The storage device further includes a servo control system.

Abstract: A disk storage device in which two or more discrete disk velocities are used is disclosed. The disk velocity is selected using operating environmental conditions. Various types of sensors may be used to detect the environmental conditions or the environmental conditions may be input by a user. The allocation of track locations on a disk into zones reduces the number of zone bit frequencies the storage device must handle when multiple frequency zones are used in connection with the various spindle speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a dual element magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The MR head has first and second MR elements. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce first and second thermal responses in the MR elements. A controller is coupled to the MR head and controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the first and second thermal responses in the MR elements.

Abstract: A multimedia server system and a method for communicating multimedia programming to distantly situated media control systems are disclosed. The multimedia server system includes a mass storage library for storing a plurality of multimedia programs. A multimedia program is coded in accordance with a predetermined compression standard and stored in a compressed digital format as sequentially ordered discrete program segments in the mass storage library, with each of program segments being representative of a unique portion of the multimedia program. A video parser organizes the sequentially ordered program segments of a multimedia program into a custom ordered series of program segments preferably including non-sequentially and sequentially ordered program segments in accordance with configuration parameters associated with the configuration and presentation control features of a media control system requesting the multimedia program.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce a thermal response in the MR head. A controller controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the thermal response induced in the MR head.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for positioning a dual element magnetoresistive (MR) head relative to a storage medium in a storage device. The MR head has first and second MR elements. The storage medium is mounted in the storage device to allow relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium. The storage medium includes servo information provided to induce first and second thermal responses in the MR elements. A controller is coupled to the MR head and controls the relative movement between the MR head and the storage medium using the first and second thermal responses in the MR elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a thermal response of an MR element spaced apart from a surface of a data storage disk is disclosed. A calibration feature, such as a depression, is provided on a surface of the disk. Signals are read from the calibration depression and a location on the disk surface other than the calibration depression using the MR element. Magnetic and thermal spacing signals are produced using the readback signals. A calibrated thermal spacing signal is produced using the magnetic spacing signals and the thermal spacing signals, such that the calibrated thermal spacing signal varies proportionally or, alternatively, linearly with respect to variations in spacing between the MR element and the disk surface. The calibration methodology is preferably performed in-situ a data storage system.

Abstract: The invention increases the reliability of a data storage device. The data storage devices contain a memory element disk, containing data, the memory element disk being rotatably mounted about an axis, a transducer head, an actuator for moving the transducer head relative to the disk, and a counter for counting the number of seek operations performed by the transducer head. The invention may include setting a threshold seek value T.sub.seek and comparing this value to the actual seek performed by the head, V.sub.seek, to determine the need for a stop/start operation. Alternatively, the invention includes defining threshold seek operation count T.sub.seek, counting the number of seek operations to determine M.sub.seek since the last stop/start operation, recalling the total number of seek operations completed by the data storage device to define N.sub.seek, defining D.sub.seek by determining the difference between N.sub.seek and M.sub.seek, and determining whether D.sub.seek is equal to or greater than T.sub.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an air bearing slider for a data storage system including a deflection apparatus disposed on the air bearing surface of the slider. The air bearing surface of the slider is fabricated to include a transducer element mounting location biased toward a trailing edge of the slider, and a deflection apparatus disposed proximate the transducer element mounting location and biased toward a leading edge of the slider. Contact between the deflection apparatus and an asperity or disk obstruction prevents damage to a transducer element mounted at the transducer element mounting location. In accordance with one embodiment, the deflection protrusion is fabricated to include a sloping leading edge or, alternatively, comprises a plurality of deflection ridges that generally define a sloping leading edge.

Abstract: A multiple frequency zoned disk storage device in which data is read from and/or written to the disk at two or more discrete disk velocities is disclosed. The disk storage device includes a low power mode where information is read/written from/to the disk while the disk velocity is reduced to conserve power. The allocation track locations into zones on the drive reduces the number of zone bit frequencies the storage device must handle.