Abstract: A magnetic head has highly thermally conductive insulator materials containing cobalt-oxide so that heat can more effectively dissipate from the magnetic head. In one illustrative example, the magnetic head has first and second gap layers and a read sensor disposed between the first and the second gap layers. The first and the second gap layers are advantageously made of cobalt-oxide (CoOx) (e.g. CoO or Co2O3), which may exhibit a thermal conductivity of between 5-8 watts/meter-Kelvin or greater. In another illustrative example, a magnetic head is made of a substrate; first and second shield layers; an undercoat layer formed between the substrate and the first shield layer; first and second gap layers formed between the first and the second shield layers; and a read sensor formed between the first and the second gap layers. The undercoat layer is also made of CoOx.

Abstract: A disk cartridge includes a casing, a recording disk, and a liner which is fixed to an inner surface of the casing or a shutter member interposed between the disk and the casing at a site opposed to the disk in order to clean the surface of the disk. The liner is supported away from the inner surface of the casing or the shutter member so that the liner can be deflected when the disk is brought into abutment against the liner due to impact applied to the disk cartridge.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing computer storage media surface contaminant accumulation and for preventing impact-related head/slider damage.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary magnetic head including a pair of magnetic heads where a difference in voltages of output signals therebetween is made small by arranging the structure thereof such that azimuth angles of gaps of the magnetic heads are different from each other; heights of the magnetic heads from the corresponding gaps to corresponding board surfaces are set equal to each other; each of the magnetic heads is formed by mutually abutting I-type and C-type cores; the gaps lie closer to one side with respect to the width direction of the I-type and C-type cores; and, in the rotating direction of a rotating cylinder, the C-type core of one of the magnetic heads moves ahead of the I-type core of the same and the I-type core of the other magnetic head moves ahead of the C-type core of the same.

Abstract: A precise positioning actuator for precisely positioning at least one head element is provided with a base and a pair of movable arms capable of displacing in response to a drive signal applied to the actuator. The pair of movable arms extend from the base for catching a head slider with at least one head element in a space between the pair of movable arms. Each of the pair of movable arms includes an arm member made of an elastic sintered ceramic and having substantially the same cross sectional shape from a root thereof to a top end thereof, a piezoelectric element formed on a side surface of the arm member and a protrusion additionally formed on an inside surface of the arm member near its top end section. The protrusion has tapered surfaces. Side surfaces of the head slider are adhered to the inside surfaces of the arm members at the protrusions and within regions between the protrusions and top ends of the arm members.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) read head is disclosed including a shield layer with a recessed portion and a protruding portion defined by the recessed portion. Also included is an MR sensor located in vertical alignment with the protruding portion of the shield layer. Further provided is at least one gap layer situated above and below the MR sensor. At least one of such gap layers is positioned in the recessed portion of the shield layer. By this design, a combined thickness of the gap layers is thinner adjacent to the MR sensor and the protruding portion of the shield layer, while being thicker adjacent to the recessed portion of the shield layer. As such, optimum insulation is provided while maintaining planar gap layer surfaces to avoid the detrimental ramifications of reflective notching and the swing curve effect.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetoresistance element including a free layer that includes a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer whose magnetization directions are equal to each other and a nonmagnetic film intervening between the first and second ferromagnetic layers, a pinned layer including a third ferromagnetic layer that faces the free layer, and a nonmagnetic layer intervening between the free layer and the pinned layer, the nonmagnetic film containing a material selected from the group including titanium, vanadium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, hafnium, tungsten, rhenium, alloys thereof, semiconductors and insulators.

Abstract: A single flex interconnection circuit bonds to a connector, to electronic components including at least preamplifier, and to at least one MR read-write head. The flex interconnection circuit provides the least number of bonds for each of the lines involved. The least number of bonds provides the least parasitic capacitance and inductance on these lines. The method of making the flex interconnection circuit requires the least number of bonding steps, minimizing the manufacturing cost. The invention includes the flex interconnection substrate, flex interconnection circuit built on the substrate, the actuator and disk built from the flex interconnection circuit.

Abstract: A dual spin valve (SV) sensor is provided with a longitudinal bias stack sandwiched between a first SV stack and a second SV stack. The longitudinal bias stack comprises an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer sandwiched between first and second ferromagnetic layers. The first and second SV stacks comprise antiparallel (AP)-pinned layers pinned by AFM layers made of an AFM material having a higher blocking temperature than the AFM material of the bias stack allowing the AP-pinned layers to be pinned in a transverse direction and the bias stack to be pinned in a longitudinal direction. The demagnetizing fields of the two AP-pinned layers cancel each other and the bias stack provides flux closures for the sense layers of the first and second SV stacks.

Abstract: A magnetic head for use with a magnetic recording medium includes a top write pole for use in recording information on the magnetic recording medium, and a solenoidal coil structure having a lower coil layer disposed below the top write pole and an upper coil layer disposed above the top write pole. The upper coil layer and the lower coil layer are insulated from the top write pole.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reading device having a transfer rate of not less than 50 MB/s includes a magnetic recording medium having an absolute value of normalized noise coefficient per recording density of not more than 2.5×10−8 (&mgr;Vrms)(inch) (&mgr;m)0.5/(&mgr;Vpp), and magnetic head which is mounted on an integrated circuit suspension so that a total inductance is reduced to be not more than 65 nH and having a magnetic core which is not more than 35 &mgr;m of length, wherein a part of the magnetic core being formed by a magnetic film having a resistivity exceeding at least 50 &mgr;&OHgr;cm or by a multilayer film consisting of a magnetic film and an insulating film. The device also includes a fast R/W-IC having a line width of not more than 0.35 &mgr;m which is installed in a position within 2 cm from a rear end of the magnetic head.

Abstract: A horizontal combined head is provided which has both a thin film write and an MR read element located at an air bearing surface (ABS). The read element can be formed with a track width that is independent of the track width of the write element. The MR sensor or the read element is separated from one of the first and second pole pieces of the write element by an insulation layer. Accordingly, the shields for the read element remain more stable after a write operation. In one embodiment of the present invention a single stripe MR sensor is employed while in a second embodiment a dual stripe MR sensor is employed. A method of the invention includes forming the dual MR stripe in a single process step so that the dual MR stripes of the dual MR sensor are near identical for implementing near absolute common mode rejection of noise.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic layer of a magnetoresistive element includes a crystalline ferromagnetic sublayer and an amorphous ferromagnetic sublayer.

Abstract: A method of making provides a smooth surface of a pinned or free layer interfacing a barrier layer in a tunnel junction sensor wherein the smooth surface is an oxidized monolayer of the pinned or free layer. After sputter depositing the pinned or free layer the layer is subjected to an oxygen (O2) atmosphere which is extremely low for a very short duration. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a partial thickness of the barrier layer is provided with a smooth surface by the same process after which a remainder thickness of the barrier layer is deposited and the barrier layer is exposed to oxygen (O2) to form an oxide of the deposited metal.

Abstract: A giant magnetoresistance (GMR) head for magnetic storage systems, the GMR head having a free layer with improved soft magnetic properties while retaining giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effects. The free layer comprises an alloy comprising Cox, Fey, and Cuz, wherein x, y, and z represent the atomic weight percentage of Co, Fe, and Cu, respectively.

Abstract: An integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor chip includes voltage regulators for stepping down an externally-supplied power voltage to produce an internal power voltage, and internal circuits which operate based on the internal power voltage. The voltage regulators are laid in the area of the buffers and protective elements for the input/output signals and power voltages so that the overhead area due to the on-chip provision of the voltage regulators is minimized. The internal power voltage is distributed to the internal circuits through a looped main power line, with an electrode pad for connecting an external capacitor for stabilizing the internal power voltage being provided on it, so that the internal power voltage is stabilized and the power consumption of the integrated circuit is minimized.

Abstract: An low-voltage triggered PNP device for input signals with voltage level larger than VDD or less than VSS. The ESD protection device provides an ESD path from a first to a second node for protection of an internal circuit. The device comprises a substrate of a first conductivity type coupled to the first node, a first doped region of a second conductivity type in the substrate, wherein the first doped region is floated, a second doped region of the first conductivity type in the first doped region coupled to the second node, and a third doped region in the substrate, adjacent to the first doped region, to have a low trigger voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for protecting solar cells from cellular degradation caused by an electrostatic discharge pulse. In one embodiment, a diode may bypass current generated from an electrostatic discharge so that the pulse current does not reverse bias the solar cell. Advanced diodes, capacitors and/or multiple diodes located on multiple bypass current paths, may be used. In another embodiment, the transient impedance of the current path that reverse biases the solar cell is increased by using inductors placed along the reversing current path. In another embodiment, the pulse current rise rate is reduced by extending the harness length of cell contacts. In another embodiment, solar cells in a serpentine pattern may be protected from electrostatic discharge damage by coupling bypass current paths to the open ends of the serpentine. Inductors may also be placed in series with the serpentine series of cells.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a power source, a power bus coupled to said power source, a plurality of power taps coupled to said power bus, each of said power taps having a ride-through capacitor operatively coupled thereto to provide power during brief interruptions in the power supply to said power bus by said power source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrying case with an integrated power supply system for providing power to multiple electronic devices from a single power source. In addition to allowing quick access and storage of various electronic devices, the carrying case also allows the individual electronic devices to be easily connected to the power source and eliminates the need to carry multiple charging cords. In certain embodiments, the power supply system further includes an additional battery or other power source, which increases the runtime of connected electronic devices and reduces the need to carry additional individual batteries for the individual devices. With different connectors on the input to the power system, different AC or DC power sources may be utilized. Different connectors can also be used to provide power to different electronic devices.

Abstract: There is described a method for controlling an electric motor comprising an operating relay having relay windings with respective first and second relay contacts and a control means, which motor via current conductors is connected to said relay and a power source wherein an operator by using said control means controls the application of current to the motor armature or rotor and field coil(s) or field magnet(s), monitoring devices are provided which sense indicating parameters that are compared with respective corresponding reference values in a safety function unit in order to determine whether the contacts of the operating relay are mistakenly in the on position, and if one of the contacts is the on position, ensures the switching on of at least the other one of the relay contacts so that the current application to the motor is interrupted and the motor stops.

Abstract: A surge counter/detector apparatus includes current sensors communicating with power lines to sense a surge condition. A trigger circuit communicates with the current sensors and outputs a first signal in response to the sensed surge condition. The trigger circuit is reset and enabled by a second signal in order to enable subsequent output of the first signal. A processor detects the first signal from the trigger circuit and responsively increments and displays a count value at a display. The processor provides the second signal having a first state to reset the trigger circuit and a second state to enable the trigger circuit. The processor includes a timer to vary a time between (a) detecting the first signal, and (b) resetting and enabling the trigger circuit.

Abstract: Thermal overload protection circuitry 14 for an automotive ignition system includes a gate drive circuit (18) responsive to a control signal (ESTB) to produce a drive signal (VGD) for driving a power so itching device (22) separate from the protection circuitry (14), and a thermal overload protection circuit (40) configured to supply a first current (I1) to a thermal sensing component (38) associated with, and having an operating temperature defined by, the power switching device (22), wherein the first current (I1) has a magnitude defined by the operating temperature of the thermal sensing component (38). The first current is multiplied by a current controlled current source (60) to produce a second current (I2), and the second current is used to limit the drive signal (VGD) to thereby maintain the operating temperature of the power switching device (22) below an operating temperature limit.

Abstract: An inrush current limiter circuit (20) includes a detection circuit (30) that produces a control signal (VDRIVE) from a sense current (ISENSE). A power transistor responds to the control signal and has a source (51) coupled to an input node (12) to receive a supply voltage (ground) and a drain (53) for routing a load current (ILOAD) to an output node (45) as a protection signal (VSW). A sense transistor responds to the control signal and has a source scaled to the source of the power transistor and coupled to the input node to route a portion of the load current to the output node as the sense current.

Abstract: A predetermined single electrode shielding set (800e) for groupings of complementary electrodes that are operable to shield and that together are selectively formed or amalgamated into a predetermined sequential combination of commonly configured energy pathways operable for shielding various paired complementary electrodes (855) and other predetermined elements that result in an electrode architecture practicable to provide multiple energy conditioning functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing trimming circuits. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a transistor that supplies sufficient current to trim a trimming fuse when the transistor is powered up and after it receives a select signal at its gate. When the trimming fuse is trimmed, it decouples undesired electrical connections in a circuit. Also provided is a delay structure that adds an RC delay to the select signal. The RC delay is of a sufficiently long duration so as to decrease the switching speed of the transistor. The delay structure also provides a pass filter to filter power and voltage spikes in the select signal.

Abstract: A component mounter for picking up a component and mounting it on a board using a transfer head. A position of solder paste printed on an electrode on a board is previously measured and a measurement result is stored. Mounting coordinates for mounting the component using the transfer head is calculated based on this measurement result. In the mounting operation, the transfer head is controlled using mounting coordinates determined based on the solder printing position so as to mount the component on each electrode on the board. This prevents the occurrence of positional deviation between the mounted component and printed solder paste. Defective mounting, which may occur in a reflow process due to positional deviation, is thus preventable.

Abstract: A thermal overcurrent relay includes a bimetal curved according to a primary circuit current, an interlocking plate for transmitting a displacement of the bimetal, an adjusting lever supported by a shaft protruding from a case, freely rotating in a predetermined range according to a range of the primary circuit current capable of being used, an operation lever supported by the adjusting lever, rotated by a force given from the interlocking plate, acting on an inverting mechanism section to invert an opening and closing state of a contact, and an adjusting knob for changing a distance of the displacement of the interlocking plate necessary for the start of inversion, wherein the support shaft of the adjusting lever is a substantially sectorial protrusion, the sectional profile of which has a central angle open to an inner wall of the case existing in the proceeding direction of the interlocking plate, and the adjusting lever has a substantially sectorial shaft hole, which is inserted into the support shaft, ha

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-pulse HVDC system which is capable of minimizing the number of thyristors by providing a thyristor auxiliary circuit in a conventional 12-pulse thyristor HVDC(High Voltage Direct Current), not using an additional stack of a thyristor and which is implemented based on an auxiliary circuit having a multi-pulse thyristor HVDC system like 24-pulse/36-pulse/48-pulse converters. The multi-pulse HVDC system is characterized in that an upper side thyristor converter 12 and a lower side thyristor converter 13 are installed in a &Dgr;-&Dgr;-Y transformer 11, and two current smoothing reactor 39 and a direct voltage dividing condenser 38 are installed between the upper side thyristor converter 12 and the lower side thyristor converter 13, and two thyristors 32, 33: T2 and T1 are connected to one double winding transformer 31.

Abstract: The integrated circuit includes a substrate SB incorporating a plurality of electronic components C1, C2 and a seal ring SR around the electronic components. It includes cold spot means VM, PG, BDG disposed between the electronic components and the seal ring. It further includes electrostatic discharge protection means including an electrostatic discharge rail VM around the electronic components and constituting said cold spot means.

Abstract: A method for coating a liquid composition from an applicator to a first surface of a moving web having opposite first and second surfaces, the web being conveyed along a path through a coating apparatus, the coating apparatus including a charge neutralization station for neutralizing stray charges on the web, the charge neutralization station including a backing roller and means for depositing a charge on the web includes the steps of: wrapping the web in a partial wrap around the backing roller, the backing roller being provided with a conductive, relieved surface, the relieved surface having a pattern of circumferential grooves that provides venting of entrained air, the pattern having a geometry and depth such that any charge left on the web does not disturb the coating applied by the coating apparatus; providing a source of electrostatic charge at the charge neutralization station to neutralize any charge on the web; and transporting the charge neutralized web to a coating station, where a liquid composit

Abstract: A plasma processing system comprises: a processing vessel; a supporting table, provided in the processing vessel, for supporting thereon the object; a gas supply system for supplying a process gas into the processing vessel; and an electromagnetic supply system for generating the plasma of the process gas. The supporting table includes a susceptor provided in the processing vessel, and an electrostatic chuck provided on the susceptor. The electrostatic chuck has a porous dielectric member and a porous conductive member provided within the dielectric member, so that a heat transfer gas can uniformly pass therethrough. In place of the porous conductive member, a conductive member having a large number of through holes may be used. Between the susceptor and the electrostatic chuck, a gas buffer communicated with a heat transfer gas feeding passage is formed.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor of the invention includes an anode of nitrogen-doped titanium or titanium alloy and a dielectric layer formed by anodically oxidizing the anode on a surface of the anode.

Abstract: An etch stop layer is formed over a surface of an interlayer insulating layer and over a surface of a conductive plug extending at a depth from the surface of the interlayer insulating layer. A lower mold layer is deposited over the etch stop layer, and a wet etch rate of the lower mold layer is adjusted by adding dopants to the lower mold layer during formation of the lower mold layer, and by annealing the lower mold layer. An upper mold layer is then deposited over the surface of the lower mold layer, such that a wet etch rate of the upper mold layer is less than the adjusted wet etch rate of the lower mold layer. The upper mold layer, the lower mold layer and the etch stop layer are then subjected to dry etching to form an opening therein which exposes at least a portion of the surface of the contact plug.

Abstract: A double layer capacitor includes first and second electrode structures separated by a porous separator. The first and second electrode structures each include a current collector foil, a primary coating formed on the current collector foil, and a secondary coating formed on the primary coating. The primary coatings include conducting carbon powder, and the secondary coatings include activated carbon powder. A method of making the electrode structures includes the steps of: preparing a first slurry that includes conducting carbon powder and a binder; applying the first slurry to a current collector plate; drying the applied first slurry to form a primary coating; preparing a second slurry that includes activated carbon powder, a solvent and a binder; and applying the second slurry to the primary coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel carbon material for a electric double-layer capacitor having characteristics entirely different from prior art activated carbon. The capacitor develops a capacitance by a mechanism entirely different from the mechanism of an electric double-layer capacitor using activated carbon. The novel capacitor has improved performance including capacitance. The capacitor has polarized electrodes immersed in an organic electrolyte. The electrodes are made of a nonporous carbon having crystallites of graphite-like carbon. When a voltage is applied, electrolyte ions are intercalated between the layers of the crystallites of the graphite-like carbon together with the solvent. Thus, electric double layers are formed. Intercalation is induced by the first cycle of charging. In the second and following cycles, the capacitance is developed.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrolytic capacitors comprising specifically substituted poly(alkylenedioxythiophenes) comprising recurring units of the formula (I) 1

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor of the present invention has a structure where respective anode sections of capacitor elements are joined to an anode lead frame by resistance welding via a through hole formed in the anode lead frame. Current thus collects to the through hole during the welding to break a dielectric oxide film layer to expose aluminum foil, and the molten aluminum collects into the through hole. Stable welding work is therefore allowed without splashing the aluminum, and a solid electrolytic capacitor having high welding strength, high reliability, and reduced ESR can be obtained.

Abstract: An enclosure to control access to a selected portion of an enclosed electronic device is provided. The enclosure includes a plurality of access panels that are capable of being fastened in a secure position via a single fastener mechanism. The fastener mechanism is operable by an authorized individual. The fastener mechanism controls when each of the plurality of faceplates can be disengaged from the enclosure to access a portion of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device in the form of a network communications module that includes a housing that defines an envelope and a vertical, substantially T-shaped routing channel within the envelope. The housing further defines a horizontal routing channel within the envelope that is in communication with the T-shaped routing channel. A plurality of boards is arranged vertically within the housing and at least one board includes input-output ports. At least one communication conduit is coupled to an input-output port. Boards that include input-output ports are recessed with respect to the envelope and are arranged such that the input-output ports are adjacent the T-shaped routing channel. Communication conduits are routed through at least a portion of at least one of the routing channels. Support walls are provide within the housing that help prevent cross-talk and redundancy is provided in some of the device's components and functions.

Abstract: A particular orientation of a control panel and an accessory device provides ergonomic benefits to an operator. A user control is mounted on a corner of the stand. The user interface of an accessory device is mounted at about a 45° angle to the control panel on one side of the stand. User tools, such as a transducer connector, are also mounted at about a 45° angle to the control panel, such as mounted on a different side of the stand adjacent to the control panel. Convenient access is provided to all of the control panel, the user interface of the accessory device, and the user tools. Additional leg room is also provided due to the angle of the stand relative to the user position in front of the control panel. The ultrasound system or other data system with this orientation of components allows ergonomic use of the system in a more confined space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular, openable keyboard that provides convenient replacement or substitution of various keyboard components, such as upper housing pieces, keystroke resistance setting components, key sets, liquid resistance barriers, and storage areas. Also described are kits for customizing or modifying the modular keyboards, and methods involving modifying the keyboards.

Abstract: A PDA includes a housing and a detachable panel. An exterior surface of the housing has an engaging sink and a dimple. The detachable panel has a hook for locking onto the engaging sink and a cylindrical shaft protruding from the detachable panel for engaging with the dimple so as to prevent lateral movement of the detachable panel with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A portable workstation computer is disclosed. The computer includes a display assembly adapted to be mounted between a frontal concave member and a rearward concave member. A keyboard, mouse, and accessories may be stored in the frontal concave member. Processing, memory, and storage components are housed in the rearward concave member. The display assembly may be interposed between the frontal concave member and the rearward concave member in a briefcase configuration, forming a casing for the computer. A dual display embodiment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer casing includes a side plate with an end portion which is hinged to a lateral wall of one of a front panel and a rear plate such that an opposite end portion of the side plate is rotatable between open and close positions to open and cover an access opening between the front panel and the rear plate. At least one fastening mechanism is disposed to releasably fasten the side plate to a corresponding one of the front panel and rear plate.

Abstract: A tool-less latch mechanism for attaching a panel to an enclosure for electronic equipment such as a computer. A lever is mounted to a first enclosure component at a pivot point and is operable to move in a pivot plane. A pawl extends from the lever substantially orthogonal to the pivot plane, and an arcuate slot is fixed on a second enclosure component. When the lever pivots from an open to a closed position, engagement of the pawl with a first surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in a first longitudinal direction. When the lever pivots from the closed to the open position, engagement of the pawl with a second surface of the slot causes relative movement between the enclosure components in an opposite longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes a housing that defines an envelope and that defines a horizontal routing channel within the envelope. A plurality of boards is arranged horizontally within the housing and at least one board includes input-output ports. At least one communication conduit is coupled to an input-output port. The boards that include input-output ports are recessed with respect to the envelope and are arranged such that the input-output ports are adjacent to the routing channel. Communication conduits are routed through the routing channel.

Abstract: Data storage systems are provided. One such data storage system includes a first data storage carrier. The first data storage carrier incorporates a hot-swappable communication connector and first and second disk drives mounted adjacent to each other in a side-by-side relationship. The first and second disk drives are addressable via a single data address using a data bus, with the first data storage carrier being removably mountable to an enclosure via the hot-swappable communication connector. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to a cartridge containing a stack of rewritable optical data storage media platters and a mechanism used to store and retrieve data from the cartridge where all platters in the cartridge are used as a single data volume. The cartridge is locked to substantially preclude human access to the media platters. A cartridge door is opened by the drive mechanism when the cartridge is inserted. An extraction assembly may extract one or more platters from the cartridge for loading into the drive mechanism. An elevator assembly may vertically align the drive mechanism with the extracted platters. Where multiple platters are selected, the drive mechanism may include multiple read/write assemblies to simultaneously read or write from multiple platters. Where multiple platters are used, striping techniques may be applied to enhance data bandwidth performance. Additional error-checking and/or redundancy information may be written to the platters to enhance reliability.

Abstract: A system and method that enables installation of media devices in a chassis. The chassis has an internal cavity defined by a plurality of walls. Additionally, a first media device has a first external width dimension and a second media device has a second external width dimension. The second external width dimension is different than the first external width dimension. A plurality of mounting features are connected to the plurality of walls to hold the first media device and the second media device in a plurality of orientations relative to the chassis.