Abstract: The current invention provides for magnetic sensor devices with reduced gap thickness and improved thermal conductivity. Gap structures of the current invention are integrated in laminated Magneto-Resistive and Spin-Valve sensors used in magnetic data storage systems. The gap structures are produced by depositing metal layers and oxidizing portions of or all of the metal layers to form thin high quality oxidized metal dielectric separator layers. The oxidized metal layer provides for excellent electrical insulation of the sensor element and any remaining metallic portions of the metal layers provide a thermally conducting pathway to assist the dissipation of heat generated by the sensor element. Because of the combined qualities of electrical insulation and thermal conductivity, magnetic sensor devices of this invention can be made with thinner gap structures and operated at higher drive currents.

Abstract: A CPP magnetoresistive sensor with a spacer layer made of a heterogeneous material, which is composed of conductive grains within a highly resistive matrix, has a high resistance. The conductive grains are typically made of a conductive element or alloy that can operate as a GMR spacer material. The highly resistive matrix is typically made of a highly resistive or insulating element, alloy or compound that will hinder the flow of electrons. The sensing electrical current is passed through the conductive grains, which are typically made of the same material as GMR spacers, so the GMR is maintained even though the overall resistance is increased.

Abstract: A method for process control which uses discrete lots in which each lot is uniquely identified. The process is modeled with a precedence rule which allows concurrent processing of each discrete lot. Lots are processed simultaneously within different processing steps in such a way as to maintain the unity of the lot while tracking the lot at all times during processing.

Abstract: A method for controlling production lots which deals with production lots comprising a plurality of discrete units distributed among a plurality of locations. A first event is triggered when a first unit from a first production lot enters a processing step. A second event is triggered when a last unit from the first production lot leaves the processing step.

Abstract: A computer displays nested windows representing the structure of logical and arithmetic related objects. The objects have a logical description that defines relationships between the objects including a combination of significance and precedence. The description is parsed to identify the significance and precedence of each object. Delimiters are extracted which define the significance and precedence. The relationships are displayed with nested windows on the computer display as defined by the delimiters where the relationships having a higher order of precedence are arranged in windows on top of other windows that represent lower order or precedence.

Abstract: The steady state condition of a subject product is projected using transient data developed through actual or simulated tests or operations. The transient data represent the monotonic or cyclic property states of the product while subjected to environmental or operational conditions. A first and second property state value corresponding to the transient data for selected times within the test period are identified. A first and second rate-of-change value corresponding to the change in the property states at the selected times are then computed. A time constant value is next computed by applying the time interval and the first and the second rate-of-change values to a time constant function. A projected steady state condition value is next computed by applying the second rate-of-change value, the second state value and the time constant value to a projected steady state conditions function. The projected steady state condition value is compared with a previously computed projected steady state condition value.

Abstract: A mold for forming a synthetic resin tray to be used in molding chocolate bars comprises a female mold portion defining a mold cavity and a male mold portion including a skirt projecting into the cavity. A plate is disposed in the male mold portion and engages an inwardly extending lip at the free end of the skirt. The plate is provided on a side facing the mold cavity with an inscription and is pressed against the lip by a pressure block disposed in the male mold portion. The pressure block is shiftable to enable a substitution of another inscription plate. The inscription plate may be provided with a projection on the inscription side for forming an opening or a recess in the injection molded tray.

Abstract: A conformal organic layer is used to define spacers on the sidewalls of an organic mandrel. The organic layer (e.g., parylene) can be deposited at low temperatures, and as such is compatible with temperature-sensitive mandrel materials that reflow at high deposition temperatures. The conformal organic material can be dry etched as the same rate as the organic mandrels, while being resistant to wet strip solvents that remove the organic mandrels. This series of etch characteristics make the organic mandrel-organic spacer combination compatible with a host of masking applications.

Abstract: Spacers are formed having widths that vary as a function of the spacing between the mandrels upon which the conformal material that defines the spacers is deposited and etched. As the spacing between adjacent mandrels decreases, the width of the resulting spacers decreases. The correlation between mandrel spacing and sidewall structure width is independent of the thickness of the conformal material as-deposited. As the spacing between the mandrels decreases, the decrease in width becomes more pronounced, particularly at mandrel spacings of five microns or less. Thus, by making adjacent mandrels closer together or further apart and adjusting mandrel height, active/passive components having differing widths/lengths may be formed from the same conformal layer.