Abstract: The present invention provides improved magnetic recording media comprising a substrate, a non-magnetic underlayer, and a cobalt alloy based magnetic layer in a hexagonal closely-packed structure. An optional thin magnetic or non-magnetic intermediate layer is disposed between the magnetic layer and the substrate. The multilayer thin films of this invention are subjected to heat treatment after deposition. The multilayer films of this invention provide significant improvement in magnetic properties for longitudinal magnetic recording.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sputtering device for depositing multi-layer films on a substrate, the sputtering device comprising at least one planar-magnetron-sputtering-cathode and at least one facing-targets-sputtering-cathode housed in a single vacuum chamber, and adapted such that each planar-magnetron-sputtering-cathode and facing-targets-sputtering-cathode can be selectively positioned for sputtering deposition onto a substrate

Abstract: A method of producing a thin film magnetic device comprising forming a thin film of magnetic material over a surface of a substrate having a controlled surface topography, wherein the surface of the substrate is first subject to isotropic etching so as to increase the capacity of the substrate surface to induce a high orientation ratio in a thin film of magnetic material formed over the substrate surface without a reduction in the smoothness of the substrate; and a method of modifying a thin film magnetic device comprising a thin film of a magnetic material, the method comprising the step of subjecting a surface of the thin film magnetic device having a controlled surface topology to isotropic etching so as to increase the orientation ratio of the thin film magnetic device without reducing the smoothness of the surface of the thin film magnetic device.

Abstract: A security access method and/or apparatus is disclosed in the present invention. The present invention discloses a security method that verifies both the user's fingerprints and the fingerprint entering sequence to determine whether an access can be authorized. By using both the fingerprints and the entering sequence as the access criteria, a highly secured device can be created using low cost commercial available components.

Abstract: An optical interconnect transfers data between a plurality of processors. An input-ring array receivers a plurality of data modulated light beams. Each data modulated light beam has a plurality of light wavelengths and is associated with one of the processors. An output-ring array outputs a light beam to each processor. A plurality of prisms and optical element reflectors transfer light from the input-ring array to the output-ring array and uniquely rotates each wavelength of the transferred light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in situ, low dose and noninvasive method and device for estimating bone mineral content of trabecular bones, particularly the calcaneus. The method of estimating bone mineral content involves measuring the intensity of X-rays backscattered from the calcaneus and estimating the calcium content from this intensity. In one embodiment the X-ray source is a small x-ray tube that provides a continuous energy spectrum of X-rays. The intensity of backscattered X-rays from the soft tissue covering the trabecular bone, preferably the calcaneus, is compensated for by directly measuring the thickness of the soft tissue. Alternatively the soft tissue thickness can be measured directly along with the bone mineral content from the backscattered X-rays by measuring intensity over an energy range and correlating these results with a model of backscattering from a trabecular bone covered with a layer of soft tissue.

Abstract: A process for drying antioxidant-rich berries (such as blueberries) to preserve their antioxidant action and their antioxidant compounds is disclosed. The process may conventionally dry the antioxidant-rich berries to remove 0 to 90% of the initial mass of water associated with them, but the important step is subjecting the antioxidant-rich berries to vacuum microwave drying (VMD) at an absolute pressure of 0 to 200 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) (preferably 30 to 60 mm Hg) and 0.1 to 2 watts of microwave power/gram of berries (preferably 0.

Abstract: An optical interconnect for use with SIMD processors, including holographic-optical elements, dove prisms, beamsplitters and a processor. Laser diodes, with each operating at a different wavelength, generate coherent-light beams at different wavelengths. A fiber combiner, an optical fiber and a fiber splitter are connected to divide output light from the laser diodes into equal path lengths. The output light is modulated by data from a respective SIMD processor. The output light forms an input ring at an input plane. Each holographic-optical element reflects only one wavelength of the output light. Dove prisms perform certain fixed interconnections. Beamsplitters reflect the light from the selected optical channel to an output-ring array.

Abstract: A method of analyzing defects in a magnetic thin film is provided. A magnetic field is applied to the magnetic thin film. The magnetization of the magnetic thin film is measured over a range of different field strengths. A value representative of a magnetic hardness coefficient is calculated for the magnetic thin film from the magnetizations measured. The calculated value is compared with a reference value. Defect information is determined in dependence upon the comparison made.

Abstract: An optical interconnect for use with SIMD processors, including holographic-optical elements, dove prisms, beamsplitters and a processor. Laser diodes, with each operating at a different wavelength, generate coherent-light beams at different wavelengths. A fiber combiner, an optical fiber and a fiber splitter are connected to divide output light from the laser diodes into equal path lengths. The output light is modulated by data from a respective SIMD processor. The output light forms an input ring at an input plane. Each holographic-optical element reflects only one wavelength of the output light. Dove prisms perform certain fixed interconnections. Beamsplitters reflect the light from the selected optical channel to an output-ring array.

Abstract: A vacuum microwave dehydration process for drying fresh mango and pineapple fruit pieces at low temperatures which results in a product with a "fresh", uncooked flavor and a unique crunchy texture with little or no shrinkage which can not be achieved through conventional air drying.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic spindle motor of the present invention may include a shaft having a thrust bearing plate, an insert surrounding the shaft above the thrust bearing plate, and a sleeve surrounding the shaft below the thrust bearing plate. In one embodiment the thrust bearing plate is substantially centrally positioned along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably either the shaft has annular skewed herringbone shaft grooves or, alternatively, the insert has annular skewed herringbone insert grooves and the sleeve has annular skewed herringbone sleeve grooves. A set of circulation channels above the thrust bearing plate and a set of circulation channels below the thrust bearing plate preferably cross a shaft bore to allow for flow of lubricating fluid. A face seal may be formed between the lower radial cap surface of an end cap and an upper radial insert surface of the insert.

Abstract: An optical interconnect for use with SIMD processors, including holographic-optical elements, dove prisms, beamsplitters and a processor. Laser diodes, with each operating at a different wavelength, generate coherent-light beams at different wavelengths. A fiber combiner, an optical fiber and a fiber splitter are connected to divide output light from the laser diodes into equal path lengths. The output light is modulated by data from a respective SIMD processor. The output light forms an input ring at an input plane. Each holographic-optical element reflects only one wavelength of the output light. Dove prisms perform certain fixed interconnections. Beamsplitters reflect the light from the selected optical channel to an output-ring array.

Abstract: Combinatorial libraries comprising compounds of the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are each independently groups of the formula --C(O)R, whereR is an organic radical;x, y, and z are each independently 1, 2, 3, or 4;R.sub.4 is alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, acyl, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, arylalkoxy, heterocyclyl, or H, or is a solid support; andR.sub.5 is alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, acyl, amino, hydroxy, alkoxy, aryloxy, arylalkoxy, heterocyclyl, or H are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical interconnect for use with SIMD processors, including holographic-optical elements, dove prisms, beamsplitters and a processor. Laser diodes, with each operating at a different wavelength, generate coherent-light beams at different wavelengths. A fiber combiner, an optical fiber and a fiber splitter are connected to divide output light from the laser diodes into equal path lengths. The output light is modulated by data from a respective SIMD processor. The output light forms an input ring at an input plane. Each holographic-optical element reflects only one wavelength of the output light. Dove prisms perform certain fixed interconnections. Beamsplitters reflect the light from the selected optical channel to an output-ring array.

Abstract: Moisture content measurements are accomplished as a function of temperature by measuring the temperature-difference versus natural-logarithm-of-heating-time response of a sample of a predetermined material during a predetermined interval of application of a predetermined quantity of heat, determining the slope of that response at a portion thereof of substantially maximum slope, determining the mean sample temperature through the duration of that response portion, and calculating the moisture content of the sample as a function of that slope and that mean temperature. A thermal probe is used for both applying controlled heat to a material sample and sensing resulting temperature changes within the sample. The probe includes a line heat source and either a thermocouple sensing element or a thermistor sensing element. Sample holders are employed which limit diversion of heat from the heater via paths other than through the sample material.