Abstract: An optical data storage disk includes a central substrate and on each side of the substrate a pair of metal/alloy recording layers separated by a transparent layer.

Abstract: A user-removable optical data storage system is provided. A rotatable first-surface medium is enveloped in a cartridge. The cartridge provides relatively large data capacity such as about 0.25 Gbytes or more despite a relatively small size such as about 35 mm×35 mm×3 mm. Preferably the cartridge substantially seals the data surfaces of the medium when the cartridge is withdrawn from a drive and at least a portion of one surface is automatically exposed to the objective of an optics arm when said cartridge is inserted in the drive. Tracking involves rotating an optic arm about an axis parallel to the disk rotation axis. Focus can involve pivoting the arm about an axis parallel to the disk surface.

Abstract: An inflatable flotation device mounted to a craft is provided. The device comprises an electronic deployment system for activating inflation of the flotation device. A method for inflating a flotation device mounted to a craft is also provided. The method comprises electrically activating the flotation device with a control system. The present invention further includes a two level switching mechanism providing a first alert level and a second alert level prior to deployment of the flotation device.

Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft with the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is receivable in the cover channels with the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge. A space is defined between the mounting plate and the cover with a directional bladder and a flotation bladder receivable within the space. At least a portion of the directional bladder is receivable within the first bladder-retaining slot and at least a portion of the flotation bladder is receivable within the second bladder-retaining slot.

Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft with the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is receivable in the cover channels with the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge. A space is defined between the mounting plate and the cover with a directional bladder and a flotation bladder receivable within the space. At least a portion of the directional bladder is receivable within the first bladder-retaining slot and at least a portion of the flotation bladder is receivable within the second bladder-retaining slot.

Abstract: An optical data storage disk includes a central substrate and on each side of the substrate a pair of metal/alloy recording layers separated by a transparent layer, preferably made of a photopolymer resin. Thus the disk includes a total of four recording layers. The disk is a “first-side” disk, in the sense that the laser beam used to read and write data enters the disk from the same side as the layer to be read or written, i.e., the laser beam does not pass through the central substrate. The disk is manufactured by a process that includes coating the inner metal/alloy layers with the photopolymer resin in liquid form, embossing the data for the outer metal layers on the photopolymer resin coatings with a transparent stamper, and then curing the photopolymer resin by directing UV radiation through the transparent stamper.