Abstract: A method of determining a magnetic track width of a magnetic head. The method begins by obtaining a full track profile of the magnetic head which includes a plurality of signal amplitudes read across a track of a magnetic disk at a plurality of magnetic head positions. An initial magnetic track width value is then determined from the full track profile data. Preferably, this initial value is the magnetic write width which is determined based on the difference between left and right head positions which read half of the maximum signal amplitude. To determine the final magnetic write width, the initial value is adjusted with side reading correction values. The side reading correction values are determined based on left and right side reading “tails” of a bell-shaped signal curve which is formed by the full track profile data when graphed. It is not necessary to obtain the microtrack profile to determine these side reading values.

Abstract: A method of determining a magnetic track width of a magnetic head is disclosed. The method begins by obtaining a full track profile of the magnetic head which includes a plurality of signal amplitudes read across a track of a magnetic disk at a plurality of magnetic head positions. An initial magnetic track width value is then determined from the full track profile data. Preferably, this initial value is the magnetic write width which is determined based on the difference between left and right head positions which read half of the maximum signal amplitude. To determine the final magnetic write width, the initial value is adjusted with side reading correction values. The side reading correction values are determined based on left and right side reading “tails” of a bell-shaped signal curve which is formed by the full track profile data when graphed. It is not necessary to obtain the microtrack profile to determine these side reading values.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the presence of response abnormalities in magnetic sensors. The method includes placing the sensor in an applied magnetic field and collecting sensor resistance information as the magnitude and direction of the applied field is altered. The resistance values are then examined to determine the presence of response abnormalities.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods are provided for lubricating hard memory disks. A mandrel is provided in one embodiment with three rows of teeth and provides a stable, three-point engagement with the inside edge of the disks at the center aperture. When removing disks from a cassette, the mandrel preferably places a uniform space between the disks. In a second embodiment, the mandrel may be used to lubricate single-sided hard memory disks. The single-sided hard memory disk may be positioned on the mandrel in pairs in a gap merge orientation, or equally spaced apart.

Abstract: A nonlinear transition shift (NLTS) measurement procedure for read/write heads employing a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) merged heads. The method of this invention includes the pulse-shape distortion effects on recording nonlinearity, which can significantly affect the existing theoretical formulae for calculating nonlinearity correction factor from measured partial erasure values, and second-order approximation of equation of NLTS and nonlinearity correction factor. Transition broadening effects (TBE) and partial erasure (PE) are incorporated in the NLTS measurement procedure to permit accurate isolation of the NLTS from the unrelated TBE/PE and GMR nonlinear transfer characteristic (NTC). First, a fifth harmonic elimination (5HE) test is performed at bit period T to measure a first nonlinearity value X.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the presence of response abnormalities in magnetic sensors. The method includes placing the sensor in an applied magnetic field and collecting sensor resistance information as the magnitude and direction of the applied field is altered. The resistance values are then examined to determine the presence of response abnormalities.

Abstract: A holder is mounted on a tapered container having a rim. Radial portions on the holder extend past the rim and serve as fingerholds to support the container, and as a splash guard to resist spillage from the container's contents. A cylindrical skirt on the holder bounds an annular space with the container for increased thermal insulation.

Abstract: A method and system for the rapid automatic screening of GMR heads for Barkhausen noise during production. This system rapidly and repeatedly measures associated noise in a GMR head subjected to a smoothly-varying external transverse magnetic field. The repeated Transverse Magnetic-field Excited Noise (TMEN) measurements are automatically sorted into bins to form a histogram, which is then automatically evaluated to develop TMEN range and weighted sum measures, which are then compared with predetermined standards for automatic acceptance or rejection of the GMR head under test. The GMR sensor Barkhausen noise is quantified through the use of a bandpass filter to remove all direct sensor responses, leaving only the noise signals, which are then repeatedly sampled to develop valid statistical Barkhausen noise measures suitable for automated analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for the rapid automatic screening of GMR heads for Barkhausen noise during production. This system rapidly and repeatedly measures associated noise in a GMR head subjected to a smoothly-varying external transverse magnetic field. The repeated Transverse Magnetic-field Excited Noise (TMEN) measurements are automatically sorted into bins to form a histogram, which is then automatically evaluated to develop TMEN range and weighted sum measures, which are then compared with predetermined standards for automatic acceptance or rejection of the GMR head under test. The GMR sensor Barkhausen noise is quantified through the use of a bandpass filter to remove all direct sensor responses, leaving only the noise signals, which are then repeatedly sampled to develop valid statistical Barkhausen noise measures suitable for automated analysis.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for treating tissue of a varicose vein, the method comprising applying ultrasonic vibrational energy targeting said varicose vein effective for stimulating and restoring tissue physiological functions of said vein. A catheter for treating tissue of a blood vessel comprises at least one ultrasound transducer element and at least a suction element configured and adapted for pulling the tissue toward the catheter radially, wherein the ultrasonic vibrational energy is provided by an ultrasound transducer element connected to an adjustable high frequency current source.

Abstract: A shoe insole has a plurality of superimposed, thin, apertured, mesh and/or fabric layers at its front end region, and a heel-operated pump for pumping air through openings in the apertured layers. The layers occupy a minimal height and easily fit within footwear having a low overhead toe region.

Abstract: A shoe insole has a plurality of superimposed, thin, apertured, mesh and/or fabric layers at its front end region, and a heel-operated pump for pumping air through openings in the apertured layers. The layers occupy a minimal height and easily fit within footwear having a low overhead toe region.

Abstract: A holder for holding an accessory within ready access of a user, especially for belt-worn use, includes a resiliently deformable cover mounted on a container for inversion between a closed position in which the cover has a concave shape and resists removal of the accessory from the container, and an open position in which the cover has a convex shape and enables reception and removal of the accessory into and from the container. The cover is capable of self-maintaining the convex shape in the open position.

Abstract: A device for scattering confetti includes an inverted pocket positioned within the interior of an envelope inflated by a gas inlet at an upper end region of the envelope. Confetti is contained within the pocket, and a break-away closure closes an open end of the pocket at the upper end region, and maintains the confetti within the pocket. Upon compressing the envelope, the pocket is reversed in position, the closure ruptured, and the confetti is suddenly expelled in an explosive manner with a concomitant popping sound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing amplitude instability data recovery for AMR/GMR heads during amplitude loss using MSE and/or amplitude envelope detection procedures. The method includes (a) initiating a data recovery procedure by selecting a detection mode for detecting when an error condition occurs, (b) performing the selected detection mode, (c) determining a reset action for resetting the magnetic head, (d) performing the reset action to reset the magnetic head and (f) re-reading data in the track after performing the reset action. An embodiment of the invention further includes (g) determining whether the resetting of the magnetic head allowed recovery of the data in the track and (h) terminating the data recovery procedure when the data is recovered.

Abstract: A catheter-based system for operating a RF ablation generator comprising a RF splitter for delivering RF energy to a plurality of electrodes; a low-pass filter located between the RF splitter and an external EKG monitor for displaying real-time signal to said EKG monitor; and a software program having temperature data input from a plurality of temperature sensors and signal output capability, wherein the software program sends out signals to the RF splitter being adapted to control the RF energy output to each electrode.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter suitable for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue comprises an elongate catheter shaft wherein a distal tip section having multiple long electrodes and multiple temperature sensors in the proximity of the tissue contact sites and further comprising a close-loop temperature control mechanism for each electrode with at least a temperature sensor on an adjacent tiny ring.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter suitable for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue endocardially or epicardially comprises a catheter shaft whereby a distal tip section having multiple steerable curved portions, multiple long electrodes and multiple temperature sensors, further comprising a close-loop control mechanism for each electrode with a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A stator for a ceiling fan includes a disc with two different depth slots alternately formed on the outer peripheral edge. A primary winding and a secondary winding are respectively wound in the longer slots and the shorter slots. An axle is disposed through the center of the disc and a circuit board including one or more resistors is disposed on a surface of the disc. Two or more contacts are provided for connection to a switch for changing the power supplied to the windings through the contacts in order to change the rotational speed of the ceiling fan. A cavity is formed on the circuit board for receiving the resistors.