Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the presence or absence and/or one or more characteristics of analytes are disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosed devices include an actuator having a staging reservoir which can be operably connected with an electrophoresis assembly. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include operating the subject devices, for example, by actuating the actuator to operably connect, e.g., fluidically connect, components of the devices, and electrophoresing or otherwise propelling a sample through portions of the devices. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include detecting an analyte and/or analyzing properties of a sample, such as one or more characteristics of an analyte in a sample. The analyte of interest can be a charged molecule or can be modified to be charged using, for example, one or more ionic moieties.

Abstract: An optical laser-activated TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) slider, when normally mounted on a flexure, has an optical laser as well as other elements of its optical system exposed and subject to damage by mechanical shocks. The stand-off protective device disclosed herein, formed separately and attached to the flexure, or formed as part of the flexure itself, can protect the optical elements of such a slider from these shocks, particularly from inadvertent contacts with adjacent sliders or mechanical limiters.

Abstract: An optical laser-activated TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) slider, when normally mounted on a flexure, has an optical laser as well as other elements of its optical system exposed and subject to damage by mechanical shocks. The stand-off protective device disclosed herein, formed separately and attached to the flexure, or formed as part of the flexure itself, can protect the optical elements of such a slider from these shocks, particularly from inadvertent contacts with adjacent sliders or mechanical limiters.

Abstract: A flexible data storage card and shutter lock is disclosed. The flexible data storage card includes a housing, a media disc, a shutter, and a shutter lock. The housing includes a card top coupled to a base to define an enclosed region, and an access window defined by the base and communicating with the enclosed region. The media disc is rotatably disposed within the enclosed region. The shutter is slidably disposed within the enclosed region and defines a shutter window selectively alignable with the access window. The shutter lock is disposed within the enclosed region and is selectively couplable with the shutter.