Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a magnetic media comprising a plurality of data tracks, wherein each data track comprises a plurality of data sectors. A plurality of access commands are stored in a command queue, and an access command is selected from the command queue. When the selected access command is a write command to a target data track and at least part of a first data track proximate the target data track needs to be refreshed, a refresh read command is executed to read data from at least part of the first data track prior to executing the write command to the target data track.

Abstract: A method of setting up a medium current ribbon beam for ion implantation is provided. It includes providing an ion source fed with a process gas and a support gas. The process ion beam is separated from the support gas beam with a mass analyzing magnet, and the intensity of the process ion beam is controlled by varying the ratio of process gas to support gas in the ion source gas feed. Process beam intensity may also be controlled with one or more mechanical current limiting devices located downstream of the ion source. An ion beam system is also provided. This method may control the total ribbon beam intensity at the target between approximately 3 uA to about 3 mA.

Abstract: A method of setting up a medium current ribbon beam for ion implantation is provided. It includes providing an ion source fed with a process gas and a support gas. The process ion beam is separated from the support gas beam with a mass analyzing magnet, and the intensity of the process ion beam is controlled by varying the ratio of process gas to support gas in the ion source gas feed. Process beam intensity may also be controlled with one or more mechanical current limiting devices located downstream of the ion source. An ion beam system is also provided. This method may control the total ribbon beam intensity at the target between approximately 3 uA to about 3 mA.

Abstract: Acoustic sensors, preferably surface acoustic wave sensors, and more preferably shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensors that include soluble mixed with oligomers and/or polymers formed from such monomers), or multifunctional compounds, for example, that can function as either waveguide materials, immobilization materials for secondary capture agents (e.g., antibodies), or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of detecting staphylococcus.

Abstract: A spindle motor shaft having variable geometrical features for adjusting the torsion mode frequency of the shaft/stator assembly. The variable geometric features allow the torsion mode frequency to be tuned away from the driving force frequency of the motor. Variable geometrical features for the shaft may include circumferential grooves, radial slots cut through the shaft, or transverse holes disposed along the axis of the shaft. The radial slots have a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the axis of the shaft. Where circumferential grooves are used, the circumferential grooves may be designed to form a locator region along the shaft axis to promote axial alignment of the shaft and stator. Thermal track-misregistration (TMR) or screw torque problems are not introduced in the process of reducing or eliminating the acoustic problem thereby establishing a torsion mode frequency which is not subject to change due to temperature or time.

Abstract: Some disk drives produce a relatively large amount of acoustical noise. This noise is generated by vibrations of the disk drive cover caused by movement of the spindle motor and/or actuator head. A disk drive assembly is provided that significantly reduces the amount of acoustic noise emanating from a disk drive. An enclosure for a disk stack assembly, comprising at least one disk, mounted on a spindle attached to a motor and an actuator assembly, comprising at least one head attached to an actuator, is provided. The enclosure has an inner chamber with a post extending outwardly from a surface of the inner chamber. A compressible material is disposed at one end of the post abutting in a compressed state an opposing surface of the inner chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the post is integrally formed with the inner chamber and is unattached from the opposing surface. The damping post is preferably positioned in a position of maximum deflection for the vibration mode of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for treating jet engine components with high pressure water. The apparatus of the present invention broadly consists of a generally enclosed room-size chamber, a water delivery means, including a nozzle body having multiple water emitting orifices, a support frame and gantry for supporting the water delivery means whereby the water delivery means is movable along multiple axes, a workpiece supporting turntable and a computer or microprocessor for controlling the operational parameters of the apparatus. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for using the apparatus to blast jet engine components with high pressure water without added chemical or particulate abrasives, the operational parameters of the apparatus being selected from a range of such parameters. The water is directed against the component under very high pressure to remove coatings or deposits or to machine the component.

Abstract: A laser scanning device is employed in conjunction with a unique blade mounting assembly to provide for the noncontact inspection of turbojet engine blades. The laser scanner provides a stationary laser scanning beam. The blade mounting assembly includes an elevation control assembly and a rotatable table for shifting a turbojet engine blade through the laser beam along both axial and rotational axes. A universal adaptor assembly is provided to allow for the attachment of a variety of turbojet engine blade types and sizes to the blade mounting assembly. The method of inspecting turbojet engine blades includes the steps of providing an energy beam, shifting the blade to be inspected through the beam along both axial and angular axes, determining the blade chord width and twist from the measured beam blockage, and visually marking the substandard portions of the blade.

Abstract: An optic fibre is wound around a drum and a strip of flexible adhesive is plied across the width of the winding to maintain the relative positions of individual turns of the winding. The fibre turns and adhesive are then cut across the width of the winding and the resultant ribbon is unwrapped from the drum. One end face of the adhesive in which the cut ends of the fibres are secured is then cut such that the axes of the fibres assume a predetermined orientation relative to the cut end face. The cut end face is then applied against the surface of a former of predetermined shape and the fibre ends are secured in the positions they have assumed. A radial fibre arrangement is obtained by cutting the end face normal to the fibres and using a cylindrical former.