Abstract: A method of forming a layer of a magnetic material with radially oriented magnetic anisotropy, comprising sequential steps of providing a circular, annular disk-shaped substrate having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, forming a layer of a magnetic material with non-radially oriented magnetic anisotropy over at least one surface of the substrate, and re-orienting the magnetic anisotropy in a radial direction. Preferably, the re-orientation is performed magnetically and the radially oriented layer serves as a magnetically soft underlayer (SUL) of a magnetic recording medium. Also disclosed is a multi-chamber apparatus for performing the disclosed process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a remote diagnostic system for motorized vehicles. Apparatus according to this aspect of the invention includes a base station having a processor associated with a transceiver and a remote unit installed in a vehicle. The remote unit includes a controller associated with a transceiver, where the controller gathers diagnostic data. The remote unit controller transmits a vehicle identification signal in conjunction with diagnostic data to the base station transceiver such that the base station processor monitors the diagnostic data for the vehicle. Another aspect of the invention further includes a mapping processor associated with a memory. The memory stores a virtual map of a local operating area having areas that are allowable and restricted. The controller is coupled to the mapping processor and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver is coupled to the mapping processor.

Abstract: A system and method for sputtering having a substrate holder, the target-cathode and the shield that are all electrically isolated from each other and are all capable of independently being subjected to different voltages. The substrate holder can be a pallet that holds a plurality of substrates. The system further includes a plurality of target-cathodes and shields disposed along the path of travel of the moving substrate holder, and a controller configured to selectively vary the target-cathode voltage, the shield voltage, and the pallet bias voltage while the pallet moves along the path of travel. The target-cathodes and shields are spaced apart along the path of travel by a distance less than a length of the pallet and on both sides of the path of travel. The controller can include a timing circuit for synchronizing changes in the target-cathode voltages with changes in the pallet bias voltage and shield voltage.

Abstract: An actuator is for a vehicle engine including a carburetor having a throttle plate moveable between a minimum open position and a maximum open position. The actuator includes an input member movably coupled with the vehicle so as to be displaceable between an initial position and a maximum displaced position. A flexible connector has a first end connected with the input member and a second end connected with the throttle plate such that movement of the input member displaces the connector to move the throttle plate between the minimum and maximum positions. A guide is configured to direct movement of the connector such that a rate of displacement of the throttle plate is varied as the input member moves between the initial and maximum positions. Preferably, the guide includes two curved guide members engageable with the connector to take up a portion thereof at an intermediate input member position.

Abstract: A speed control system is for a vehicle having an engine including a carburetor with a throttle plate moveable between a minimum open position and a maximum open position. The speed control system includes a ground speed limiter mechanism operatively coupled with the throttle plate and configured to displace the plate toward the minimum position as ground speed of the vehicle approaches a predetermined maximum value. An engine speed limiter mechanism is operatively coupled with the throttle plate and is configured to displace the plate toward the minimum position as a speed of the engine approaches a predetermined maximum value. Preferably, a control linkage is connected with the throttle plate and is moveable between a first configuration, at which the throttle plate is disposed at the minimum position, and a second configuration at which the throttle plate is disposed at the maximum position, the two limiter mechanisms displacing the linkage.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin film on a substrate/workpiece by sputtering, comprising steps of: (a) providing an apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber including at least one sputtering source and a gas supply means for injecting a gas containing at least one reactive component into said chamber, the gas supply means comprising a plurality of differently-sized outlet orifices adapted for providing substantially the same flow rate of gas from each orifice; (b) providing a substrate/workpiece having at least one surface for formation of a thin film thereon; (c) generating a sputtered particle flux from the at least one sputtering source; (d) injecting the gas containing the at least one reactive component into the chamber via the gas supply means, such that the same gas flow rate is provided at each orifice; and (e) forming a reactively sputtered thin film on the at least one surface of the substrate/workpiece, the reactively sputtered thin film having a substantially uniform content of the at least one reactive co

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a planar workpiece, such as a substrate of a recording disk, in an evacuated environment has a heat exchanging structure with at least two heat sinks having substantially parallel facing surfaces disposed within a vacuum chamber. A drive arrangement is connected to the heat sinks to controllably and dynamically drive the parallel facing surfaces of the heat sinks towards and away from each other.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed which provide echo-cancellation in subscriber line audio-processing circuits (SLACs) and modulator-demodulators (modems). The echo-canceller provides a response independent of the amplitude of an error signal representing the difference between the desired and generated signal. The convergence of the echo-cancelling is not influenced by the size of the error signal but only by its sign. In a preferred embodiment, a cannonic signed digit filter coefficient updating technique is used for a digital filter (10) implementing the echo-cancellation function. A double-talker detector is advantageously used in conjunction with the echo-canceller. Detection of "double-talker" near-end signals inhibits updating of the echo-canceller filter coefficients.