Abstract: A self-service, automated information technology infrastructure management system is provided. The method includes receiving minimal information pertaining to an information technology infrastructure from a user at a web portal, automatically gathering additional infrastructure information using the minimal information received from the user, and automatically monitoring the information technology infrastructure by collecting infrastructure data and examining the collected infrastructure data for a deviation from a normal operating condition.

Abstract: A method and structure for providing a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) element is disclosed. The method and structure include providing a TMR layer that includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer and a first insulating layer disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The method and structure also include providing a first material and a protective layer. The first material allows electrical contact to be made to the tunneling magnetoresistive layer and is disposed above the tunneling magnetoresistive layer. The first material is capable of being undercut by an plasma etch without exposing a portion of the tunneling magnetoresistive layer under a remaining portion of the first material. The second protective layer covers a portion of the tunneling magnetoresistive sensor and a portion of the first material. In one aspect, the method and structure also include providing a second material disposed between the tunneling magnetoresistive layer and the first material.

Abstract: A magnetic read/write head having improved thermal characteristics. The read/write head includes a read element and a write element formed there over. The read element includes a read sensor embedded within a dielectric material and sandwiched between first and second shields. The write element includes first and second poles joined to form a yoke. The yoke is closed at one end and defines a write gap at the other. A coil having windings which extend through the yoke generates a magnetic flux within the yoke. This magnetic flux causes a magnetic fringe field at the location of the write gap, the fringe field being capable of imparting a magnetic signal onto a passing magnetic medium. The coil sits atop a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material which electrically isolates the coil from surrounding structure. When a current flows through the coil, heat will be generated.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes aligned pole tips and a coil proximally disposed between a pair of first and second magnetic yoke layers which define a closed magnetic path with a transducing gap. The second magnetic yoke layer includes a flat geometry with a substantially level cross-sectional profile. The second yoke layer with less curvature results in less mutual inductance with the coil. Furthermore, the coil can be closely positioned between the first and second yoke layer, thereby allowing the coil to be more efficient in inducing magnetic flux in the yoke layers during data writing, and allowing the intercepted flux to induce current into the coil during data reading if the magnetic head is used as an inductive head.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing vibration has a mount for attaching to a vibrating body, such as the frame of an aircraft. A plate is spaced from the mount with a mass there between. A first elastomeric ring is compressed between the mass and the mount, and a second elastomeric ring is compressed between the mass and the plate. The rings act as a spring having a stiffness that defines a resonant frequency at which the mass oscillates. Vibration in the body is reduced by the mass movement absorbing vibrational energy and the energy absorption is maximized when the mass resonates at the vibration frequency. A controller senses body vibration and operates a mechanism that alters the spacing between the mount and the plate thereby adjusting the spring stiffness. The stiffness of the spring is changed until the resonant frequency of the mass is tuned to the vibration frequency of the body.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automated hemodialysis filtration system comprising one or a plurality of the following improvements, including a supply-regulated pump, an inverted drip chamber, a filtrate system communicating with a hemofilter and comprising a filtrate reservoir, a filter pump and pressure sensors, and a means for adding dry pellets to water to form the dialysate.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system has a blood circuit and a hemofiltrate circuit interconnected at a hemofilter and an air collection chamber. If an infusion of sterile fluid to the returning blood is needed during the dialysis treatment, filtrate in the filtrate circuit is pumped back into the blood circuit. This is also done to purge the blood circuit of blood and return it to the patient at the conclusiion of a dialysis treatment. A blood pump in the blood circuit incorporates a flexible vessel in conjunction with pinch valves which self expand in a controlled manner from a compressed condition to fill with blood from the patient in a suction stroke controlled by the patient's blood delivery rate. Compression of the vessel by an external member then forces the blood through the rest of the blood circuit.

Abstract: A negative working resist composition and medium for microlithographic recording comprises a vinyl polymer having aromatic quaternized nitrogen-containing pendant groups. The resist undergoes a transformation from high to low solubility in polar solvents such as water or low molecular weight alcohols upon exposure to electron beams, ultraviolet light, or X-rays. A method for patterning substrates by employing the resist composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A negative working resist composition and medium for microlithographic recording comprises a vinyl polymer having aromatic quaternized nitrogen-containing pendant groups. The resist undergoes a transformation from high to low solubility in polar solvents such as water or low molecular weight alcohols upon exposure to electron beams, ultraviolet light, or X-rays. A method for patterning substrates by employing the resist composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin, sheet material substantially aids in absorbing a mechanical impact or shock--useful in widely disparate applications, e.g., on handle/grips of sports equipment such as bats, rackets, paddles, clubs or the like. The material is formed of a three layer laminate including a central resilient fabric embedded in a low solid-content, large pore polyester or polyether urethane elastomer, bounded by large pore polyurethane of open and closed surface pore configuration, respectively.In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, grip enhancement is effected by providing mating open surface pore urethane surfaces--as by a glove cooperating with a handle wrapping or the like.