Abstract: A thermal pad for promoting heat transfer between a column heating module and a mobile phase of a liquid chromatography system includes is provided. The thermal pad includes a silicone layer, the silicone layer having a reinforcement stiffener for reduced stretching of the silicone layer, and a tacky surface on at least a first side of the silicone layer, and a heat resistant polyester resin film layer coupled to a second side of the silicone layer, wherein, in an operable configuration, the thermal pad covers a section of tubing carrying the mobile phase to effectuate a uniform heating of the mobile phase. Furthermore, a column stabilizer assembly and associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for stiffening a voice coil of a magnetic disk drive. One embodiment of the present invention are stressed skins that interconnect with an upper portion and a lower portion of the voice coil such that they are flush with the upper and lower surfaces of the voice coil. The stressed skins are adhered or otherwise interconnected to the voice coil thus allowing for bending, twisting, torsional, and various other loads that generate vibrations that affect the head of an actuator assembly to be dampened. One embodiment of the present invention includes two stressed skins interconnected to a voice coil constructed of carbon composite wherein the space therebetween is filled with a foam to provide additional stiffness and damping.