Patents Issued in March 8, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070053077
    Abstract: A customer illumination aperture (CIA) structure for lithographic exposure is disclosed, including a central part and at least one off-axis part around the central part. The off-axis part of the CIA is disposed in a symmetric manner with respect to the central part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Ling-Chieh Lin, I-Hsiung Huang, Te-Hung Wu, Chin-Lung Lin
  • Publication number: 20070053078
    Abstract: The object is to obtain an imaging lens system having an entire lens system downsized, being excellent in portability, and being compatible with a large number of pixels by which a favorable image quality is provided. Provided is an imaging lens system for forming an optical image of an object on a light receiving surface of a solid-state image sensor, comprising, in order from an object side, an aperture diaphragm, and three lens elements, i.e., a first lens element which is a bi-aspherical lens having a positive optical power and a convex surface on an image side, a second lens element having a negative optical power and being a bi-aspherical meniscus lens whose object side has a concave shape, and a third lens element having a positive optical power and being a bi-aspherical meniscus lens whose object side has a convex shape, in which the following conditional expressions are satisfied: 1.5<|fd/f2d|<2.3 0.5<|fd/f3d|<1.1 ?2.2<(r21+r22)/(r21?r22)<?1.3 ?2.1<(r31+r32)/(r31?r32)<?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Tomoko Iiyama, Kyoichi Miyazaki, Kazutake Boku
  • Publication number: 20070053079
    Abstract: A zoom lens with a reduced overall length having a color separating prism therein and a telecentric property with a first lens group (GI) having a positive refractive power and having a fixed position, a second lens group (GII) of the variable magnification type having a negative refractive power and having a position movable for magnification variation, a third lens group (GIII) having a positive refractive power and having a fixed position and a fourth lens group (GIV) having a positive refractive power and having a position variable for adjustment of a focal position upon magnification variation and upon focusing are disposed in order from an object side. At least one face of the two convex lenses in the fourth lens group is formed from an aspheric face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Yusuke Nanjo, Atsuo Minzuo
  • Publication number: 20070053080
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate film for an optical sheet, an optical sheet and a backlight unit capable of markedly enhancing utilization efficiency of rays of light and improving luminance. The substrate film for an optical sheet is made of a transparent resin and is formed into a rectangular shape, which substrate film for the optical sheet has an optical anisotropy, and having an absolute value of the angle of the crystal orientation with respect to the short side orientation being ?/16 or greater and 3?/16 or less. The crystal orientation preferably follows the phase advancing axial orientation. The substrate film for the optical sheet has a retardation value such that average intensity of transmitted beam IA becomes equal to or greater than 0.75 so as to be capable of converting polarization orientation of outgoing rays of light of the optical waveguide plate or the like to the transmission axial orientation of the polarizing plate or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Kenichi Harada
  • Publication number: 20070053081
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lens holder comprising a third group frame that serves as a holding member which holds lenses, a guide shaft that supports the third group frame when the third group frame is moved along the optical axis of the lenses, a rear barrel part perpendicularly to which the guide shaft is locked, a first bearing member that is molded as an integral part of the rear barrel part in order to bear the end of the guide shaft distal to the rear barrel part, and a guide shaft presser that when the first bearing member bears the end of the guide shaft distal to the base, bears the end of the guide shaft proximal to the rear barrel part. Moreover, the present invention provides a lens barrel and an imaging apparatus that employ the lens holder. Consequently, the structure of a bearing that bears a shaft which supports the lens holding member when the lens holding member is moved along the optical axis of the lenses is downsized. Moreover, the bearing bears the shaft highly precisely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuo Makii, Nobuaki Aoki, Satoshi Imai, Hiroto Ogiyama
  • Publication number: 20070053082
    Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] To provide a lens drive unit which can stabilize stationary position accuracy a lens unit while without increasing manufacturing costs. [Solution step] Lens drive unit 10 which comprises a moving lenticular body (sleeve 15 or the like) equipped with a lens, a drive mechanism which moves the moving lenticular body along the optical axis X, and a fixed body (yoke 16 or the like) which movably supports a moving lenticular body along the optical axis X. The drive mechanism comprises magnet 17 magnetized in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis X, and multiple coils (first coil 14 and second coil 14?) arranged in such a manner that magnet 17 is sandwiched along the optical axis X.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Takeshi Sue, Noboru Ootsuki
  • Publication number: 20070053083
    Abstract: A four sided prism which provides the full scale front view and the full scale backside of one's own self. In addition, oblique front and rear views of one's own body, clothing or hair are available. Rigid frames allow for fast assembly without hand tools. The prism can be assembled as a fixed frame prism. The prism can be manufactured so as to allow for folding the frame into a thin cabinet for storage against a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: JOHN GAJDEL, JESSE WOLF
  • Publication number: 20070053084
    Abstract: A mirror accessory includes a mirror cover, a casing cover and an attachment portion. The mirror cover includes a first material. The casing cover includes a second material. The casing cover is attached to the mirror cover to form a receiving opening configured to receive the vehicle mirror. The attachment portion is disposed adjacent to the receiving opening to secure the mirror accessory to the vehicle mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: David Scott
  • Publication number: 20070053085
    Abstract: A lens for a vehicle rearview mirror includes a light-transmissible glass substrate, which has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first coating layer, which has a reflectivity of 10-20% and is coated on the first surface of the glass substrate and defines with the first surface of the glass substrate a first transmission zone, a second coating layer, which has a reflectivity of 40-55% and is coated on the whole area of the second surface of the glass substrate, and a back layer, which is covered on the second coating layer and defines with the second coating layer a second transmission zone corresponding to the first transmission zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: MOBILETRON ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kai-Tsung Shih
  • Publication number: 20070053086
    Abstract: A multilevel mirror plate suitable for use with a torsional hinged mirror assembly is laser milled to provide a more effective truss structure in less time and at a reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: John Orcutt, Andrew Dewa, Arthur Turner
  • Publication number: 20070053087
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for attachment to a holding tube carried by a vehicle. The assembly includes a housing framing configured to encase a portion of the holding tube and to attach with a mirror element. A clamping bracket is also configured to encase a portion of the holding tube and to attach with the housing frame. A projection formed with one of the housing framing and the clamping bracket is positioned to extend into the holding tube when encased by the clamping bracket and housing framing. Connectors are engaged with the housing framing, clamping bracket and the extension locking them in position relative to each other and the holding tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Emmanuel Courbon, Heinrich Lang, Wolfgang Seiboth, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20070053088
    Abstract: An optical sheet suitable for use in a laminate comprising at least one glazing component. The optical sheet comprises a non-metallic multi-layer optical film that has multiple optical layers, and can be, for example, a solar energy reflective film (e.g., an infrared radiation reflective film). The multiple layers are thermally and/or otherwise fused together along all, substantially all or at least a substantial portion of the peripheral edge of at least the optical film, so as to prevent or at least substantially reduce the occurrence or degree of delamination of the multiple layers along all, substantially all, or the substantial portion of the peripheral edge of the optical film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Heather Kranz, Jeffrey Boettcher, Janet Kirkman, Peter Dietz
  • Publication number: 20070053089
    Abstract: A color wheel includes a color filter set, a carrier, and a cap. The color filter set has a through hole, a first side and a second side which is oppositely disposed. The carrier is disposed at the first side of the color filter set and has a first engaging portion. The cap is disposed at the second side of the color filter set and has a second engaging portion for coupling with the first engaging portion, wherein either the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion passes through the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Ching-Hsiang Yu, Yen-Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20070053090
    Abstract: Fluidic optical elements and systems use isotopically specified fluids for processing light passing therethrough. The isotopic composition of the fluid may be adjusted to vary the optical properties. The properties of the isotopically specified fluid may be monitored and adjusted to obtain the desired optical characteristics of the fluidic optical element. In one embodiment, a method of optically processing light includes directing light through an optical element that includes an isotopically specified fluid disposed in a confined space. The isotopically specified fluid is selected to provide a preset desired effect on the light directed therethrough for optically processing the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Sogard
  • Publication number: 20070053091
    Abstract: A system and method for writing data to a magnetic tape that may provide improved data writing and throughput is provided. First data accumulated in the buffer is written to a temporary recording area on the tape. The first data is then written to a normal recording area on the tape. Second data may be received while the first data is rewritten to the normal recording area. Second data received during data rewriting is accumulated in an area of the buffer not currently being accessed. This makes it possible to handle another write request from a host during rewrite. The second data may be written to the normal recording area so that the second data is contiguous with the first data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Shiratori
  • Publication number: 20070053092
    Abstract: A preamplifier that includes an input configured to receive a preamplifier control signal and a fault detection circuit configured to monitor the preamplifier control signal received at the input is provided. The fault detection circuit is further configured to identify a fault condition triggered by an improper temperature control signal provided by the preamplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Emo, Peter Harllee,, Dale Riley
  • Publication number: 20070053093
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a disk drive media defect table or list. Defect table entries for a subject disk track are stored on the subject track and retrieved for determining defective sectors only when the subject track is accessed for a data read or write operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Walter Allen, Robert Reid
  • Publication number: 20070053094
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic disk drive in which the error correction capability of ECC is improved without sacrificing the storage capacity. In one embodiment, a data track adopts a format structure in which no data-to-data gap area is formed in data sectors. When one of the data sectors is updated in a state in which the rotational speed of a magnetic disk does not satisfy specified conditions, a leading end area of a succeeding data sector or a trailing end area of a preceding data sector is overwritten by the data sector. If a read error occurs in the overwritten data sector, ERP steps are executed to perform read retry so that the read error is recovered by means of on-the-fly ECC or erasure correction. In the case of the erasure correction, an erasure pointer equivalent to the maximum number of overwritten bytes is set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Nobuhito Kitamura, Hitoshi Yoshida, Noriyuki Sumiya
  • Publication number: 20070053095
    Abstract: In a hard disk drive (HDD), biases are measured across all zones of a disk, and nonlinear bias components are extracted. Upon a change in operational condition of the HDD, biases are measured at two reference positions on the disk so as to estimate a corresponding change in a linear bias component across all zones of the disk. The bias at a given position of the disk is then calculated based on the estimated linear bias component and the extracted nonlinear bias component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Julian Stoev, Jun-seok Shim, Sang-eun Baek
  • Publication number: 20070053096
    Abstract: A hard disk drive which includes a voice coil motor driving portion which supplies drive current to a voice coil motor, and a controller which compares a supply voltage supplied to predetermined chips installed on a printed circuit board with a parking reference voltage previously set to a voltage higher than a power-on-reset voltage and controls the voice coil motor driving portion to apply current to a voice coil of the voice coil motor through the voice coil motor driving portion to park a magnetic head in a predetermined parking zone, when the supply voltage is lower than the parking reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyung-Joon Cho, Jin-Seak Kim
  • Publication number: 20070053097
    Abstract: A method and a circuit for compensating a slow-varying runout of a disk storage system are provided. First, generate a basic runout compensation signal (BRC signal) and according to a position signal extracted from the pickup head output generate a runout error signal (RE signal). Afterwards, when corresponding to a predetermined phase of the BRC signal, the RE signal is compared with a first predetermined error tolerance range (first PETR) and according to the comparison result it is decided whether the BRC phase needs to be adjusted; or/and when corresponding to a predetermined position of the BRC signal, the RE signal is compared with a second predetermined error tolerance range (second PETR) and according to the comparison result it is decided whether the BRC amplitude needs to be adjusted. Finally, a runout compensation signal obtained by adjusting the BRC signal is used for adjusting the pickup head position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Wu
  • Publication number: 20070053098
    Abstract: One illustrative embodiment of the present invention pertains to a device. The device is configured to evaluate a Gray code value and to provide compensation for error in the Gray code value. Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention pertains to a method. The method includes comparing Gray code information with servo information. The method also includes evaluating error in the Gray code information based on the comparison between the Gray code information with servo information. Another illustrative embodiment of the present invention pertains to a data storage system. The data storage system includes a data storage medium, a head, and a controller. The head is controllably positionable relative to the data storage medium. The controller includes a means for sensing position information from the head. The controller also includes a means for compensating for error in the position information, to position the head relative to the data storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: David Schell, Chris Settje, Thomas Zirps
  • Publication number: 20070053099
    Abstract: A position error calculator for an embedded disk controller including a burst selector that selects a burst pair based on a burst pair format. The burst pair format includes at least a first burst pair format that includes x bursts and a second burst pair format that includes y bursts and x is not equal to y. A linear position calculator calculates head linear position based on the burst pair format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Spaur, Raymond Sandoval
  • Publication number: 20070053100
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for making a base for a data storage device. The base has a plurality of raised pads defining coplanar supporting surfaces. The surfaces are adapted for supportingly engaging intermittent portions of a component supported by the base so that the base clearingly disengages other portions of the component between the pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Mo Xu, YiRen Hong, Pohlye Lim
  • Publication number: 20070053101
    Abstract: A data recording apparatus includes a recording medium which includes a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating layer formed on one surface of the substrate, a second insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer and is made to accumulate electric charge, an electrode layer formed on the other surface, and an insulating area which penetrates the insulating layers; and an electrode which applies a voltage to the medium. A depth from an interface between the substrate and the first insulating layer to the bottom of the insulating area is more than a maximum depth of a depletion layer, Wmax represented by Wmax=?{square root over (2?0?i×2|?f|/qNd)} where ?0, ?i, |?f|, q, and Nd are a dielectric constant of vacuum, a relative dielectric constant, an absolute value of the Felmi potential of the substrate, an electric charge of an electron, and an impurity concentration of the substrate, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Junichi Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20070053102
    Abstract: A magnetic write head and method of manufacture thereof that has a first pole structure having a step notched first pole structure. The step notched structure includes a bottom notched portion that is wider than the second notched portion formed thereover. The upper, or narrower, notched portion has a width that is substantially equal to and self aligned with a second pole structure (P2) formed thereover. The invention may also include first and second wing portions formed in the first pole that are recessed from the ABS and that extend laterally from the first notched portions of the first pole. The formation of the winged portions is assisted by an ion mill resistant bump (alumina bump) formed thereover, which acts as a mask during the ion milling operations that are used to form the first and second notches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Bin Cao, Hung-Chin Guthrie, Wen-Chien Hsiao, Jyh-Shuey Lo
  • Publication number: 20070053103
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention reduce a possibility that a head will collide with a medium when the clearance between the head and the medium is adjusted by using a medium, and sufficiently reduce the clearance even at an initial stage of accessing a data area. In one embodiment, a hard disk drive (HDD) switches a heater from OFF to ON in the specified timing after a seek mode is switched to a following mode. Specifically, for example, on the completion of seek operation, in the timing in which a head arrives at a target track, or in the timing in which an HDC/MPU enters the following mode, the heater is turned ON, and this state is kept unchanged until access to the target sector is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Noriaki Satoh, Masaharu Kawamura, Toyomi Ohsawa, Hideki Ohzeki, Kazunari Tsuchimoto
  • Publication number: 20070053104
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention reduce a possibility that a head will collide with a medium when the clearance between the head and the medium is adjusted by using a medium, and sufficiently reduce the clearance even at an initial stage of accessing a data area. In one embodiment, a hard disk drive (HDD) keeps a heater in an OFF state for a period of time from the start of seek operation until the specified timing after a following mode starts. This prevents a head element from colliding with a magnetic disk, and also prevents flying properties from changing due to the deformation of the ABS. In the above specified timing, the heater is switched from OFF to ON. Specifically, for example, on completion of seek operation, in the timing in which a head arrives at a target track, or in the timing in which an HDC/MPU enters the following mode, the heater is turned ON.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Noriaki Satoh, Toyomi Ohsawa, Masaharu Kawamura, Hideki Ohzeki, Kazunari Tsuchimoto
  • Publication number: 20070053105
    Abstract: A tape guide roller comprises a cylindrical barrel with a cylindrical peripheral surface parallel to a central axis; the cylindrical peripheral surface comprising smooth cylindrical surface zones alternating in the circumferential direction about the cylindrical peripheral surface with non-smooth cylindrical surface zones. The non-smooth cylindrical surface zones may comprise a textured surface, and/or may comprise a grooved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Armando Argumedo, Kevin Judd
  • Publication number: 20070053106
    Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium 10 adapted to be mounted in a perpendicular magnetic recording type hard disk drive and including a disk-shaped disk base 12, a soft magnetic layer 14 formed on the disk base 12, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer 16 formed on the soft magnetic layer 14, wherein, at respective portions of the soft magnetic layer 14, directional distribution of easy magnetization axes of magnetic particles included In each of the respective portions is isotropic with respect to respective directions in the main surface of the soft magnetic layer 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Sonobe, Shinichi Ishibashi, Masato Kobayashi, Teiichiro Umezawa
  • Publication number: 20070053107
    Abstract: It is possible to improve the recording and reproducing S/N ratio, the reproduction signal intensity, and the degree of high density recording. There are provided a plurality of recording tracks formed on a substrate, each recording track being formed of a magnetic material, and non-recording sections formed on the substrate, each non-recording section separating adjacent recording tracks, each recording track including a plurality of recording sections and connecting sections for connecting the recording sections adjacent thereto in a track longitudinal direction, and each connecting section having a cross-sectional area in a track width direction that is smaller than a cross-sectional area in a track width direction of adjacent recording sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kaori Kimura, Masatoshi Sakurai, Akira Kikitsu, Yoshiyuki Kamata, Satoshi Shirotori, Hiroyuki Hieda
  • Publication number: 20070053108
    Abstract: Disclosed is a glide head for a magnetic disk that has a high sensitivity for efficiently transmitting a vibration due to a defect of a magnetic disk to piezoelectric element and the like and has high abrasion resistance and a long service life. The glide head is resiliently held at an end of a suspension arm through a flexure and has a slider, a load point of which a pressing force from the suspension arm is applied to through a pivot disposed on the flexure. The slider comprises two sliding rails that protrude from a bottom surface of the slider, extend from a leading end of the slider to a trailing end of the slider, parallel to and at a distance from each other, and have near the trailing end of the slider a rear edge that works as a sensor for detecting the defect of the magnetic disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Takeshi Sato, Susumu Matsui, Shinji Furuichi
  • Publication number: 20070053109
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus that allows a mounting space for an electric signal wiring to be sufficiently secured relative to a circuit board and the circuit board to be secured stably to the case. In one embodiment, a case having a built-in head disk assembly includes board fixing bodies disposed in a protruding condition at two of four corners thereof. Protruding ends of the board fixing bodies include fit grooves. A circuit board for drivingly controlling the head disk assembly is fitted into the fit grooves in the board fixing bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi Global Storgae Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Takako Hayakawa, Kouki Uefune
  • Publication number: 20070053110
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, which together define a housing having an interior. A beam, preferably of one-piece construction, extends from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing. A coil, pole piece, and magnet are positioned in the interior of the housing. Energizing the coil causes movement of the beam relative to the housing. The housing portions may be identical. The housing portions may be symmetrical about their edges of coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: David Harper
  • Publication number: 20070053111
    Abstract: An actuator includes a leadscrew and a helical gear engaging the leadscrew, the helical gear having journals extending from opposite ends thereof. A carriage operatively engages the journals. A relative rotation between the leadscrew and the helical gear creates a relative movement between the carriage and the leadscrew in a direction parallel to an axis of the leadscrew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: David Harper
  • Publication number: 20070053112
    Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junctions are disclosed that include ferromagnetic (or ferrimagnetic) materials and a bilayer tunnel barrier structure that includes a layer of alkaline earth oxide. The bilayer also includes a layer of crystalline material, such as MgO or Mg—ZnO. If MgO is used, then it is preferably (100) oriented. The magnetic tunnel junctions so formed enjoy high tunneling magnetoresistance, e.g., much greater than 100% at room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Stuart Papworth Parkin
  • Publication number: 20070053113
    Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junctions are disclosed that include ferromagnetic (or ferrimagnetic) materials and a bilayer tunnel barrier structure that includes a layer of a rare earth oxide. The bilayer also includes a layer of crystalline material, such as MgO or Mg—ZnO. If MgO is used, then it is preferably (100) oriented. The magnetic tunnel junctions so formed enjoy high tunneling magnetoresistance, e.g., much greater than 100% at room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Stuart Papworth Parkin
  • Publication number: 20070053114
    Abstract: A magneto-resistive element has a lower layer, a tunnel barrier layer, and an upper layer. The lower layer, the tunnel barrier layer, and the upper layer are disposed adjacent to each other and are stacked in this order. A magnetization direction of either of the lower layer and the upper layer is fixed relative to an external magnetic field, and a magnetization direction of the other layer is variable in accordance with the external magnetic field. A crystalline portion and a non-crystalline portion co-exist in a plane that is parallel with a surface of the tunnel barrier layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Uesugi, Satoshi Miura, Takeo Kagami
  • Publication number: 20070053115
    Abstract: A linear voltage regulator has a regulating transistor with a first channel electrode receiving an input voltage source and a second electrode providing an output voltage. A control electrode of the regulating transistor is controlled by an error amplifying circuit based on comparison between a feedback signal of the output voltage and a reference voltage. An event detecting circuit is coupled to the input voltage source for detecting occurrence of a transient in the input voltage source. In response to the detected transient event, an enable controlling circuit generates an enable signal for determining an effective operation time of a voltage clamping circuit. During such effective operation time, a potential difference between the first channel electrode and the control electrode is limited within a predetermined clamp voltage for preventing the regulating transistor from being dramatically changed in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Ya-Der TAIN, Yung-Chih CHEN
  • Publication number: 20070053116
    Abstract: When supplying electric power to a superconducting cable including a superconducting shield covering a superconductive conductor, a phase A of a current generated by a magnetic field leaking from the superconducting shield and a phase B of a current passing through the superconductive conductor are detected, and a phase difference between the phase A and the phase B is obtained so as to determine that a quench has occurred in the case where a difference between a reference phase difference and the obtained current phase difference exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Michiharu Ichikawa, Hiroshi Suzuki, Toshihiro Takahashi, Shinichi Mukoyama, Masashi Yagi
  • Publication number: 20070053117
    Abstract: A lamp fixture assembly is provided that includes a lamp fixture, a ballast having a power input, and a reset switch operatively connected between the power input of the ballast and a power source. The reset switch is disposed in relation to the lamp fixture such that the reset switch is activated to cycle power to the ballast by removal of a lamp from and insertion of a lamp into the lamp fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Terry Harter
  • Publication number: 20070053118
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include a reset lockout mechanism, an independent trip mechanism and reverse wiring protection. A conical reset plunger is notched to force a successful test before reset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Frantz Germain, Stephen Stewart, Roger Bradley, David Chan, Nichalas Disalvo, William Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20070053119
    Abstract: Disclosed is an earth leakage detection device, which comprises a printed-circuit board incorporating an earth-leakage-detection control circuit, a reset function-equipped switch mounted on the side of one of opposite surfaces of the printed-circuit board, an earth-leakage-detecting current transformer mounted on the side of the other surface of the printed-circuit board, an externally connecting terminal for introducing and outputting an electrical power, and an electrical wire member arranged to penetrate through the earth-leakage-detecting current transformer and connected relative to the externally connecting terminal. In this earth leakage detection device, the reset function-equipped switch is connected to the earth-leakage-detection control circuit with the interposition of the externally connecting terminal therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: HST Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Goto
  • Publication number: 20070053120
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit from an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event includes a multiple stage triggering network configured between a pair of power rails, and a power clamp coupled to the multiple stage triggering network, the power clamp configured to discharge current from the ESD event. The multiple stage triggering network has a first control path and a second control path configured to individually control activation of the power clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Gauthier, Junjun Li, Souvick Mitra, Christopher Putnam
  • Publication number: 20070053121
    Abstract: An electronic static discharge (ESD) protection apparatus for a programmable device is provided. The apparatus can improve the turn-on efficiency and reduce the surface area of the chip efficiently by providing a low impedance current path which can sufficiently lower the voltage of the programmable device when ESD occurs. The ESD protection apparatus includes an ESD protection device, a programmable device, a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Chyh-Yih Chang, Yan-Nan Li, Kun-Tai Wu
  • Publication number: 20070053122
    Abstract: A semiconductor device capable of setting a large number of operation modes with a single external terminal, while ensuring a stable operation mode regardless of fluctuations in the power supply voltage. The semiconductor device includes an internal circuit having a plurality of modes, an external terminal, an external resistor connected to the external terminal, and a current detection circuit for generating a setting signal based on the current flowing through the external resistor. The internal circuit includes a mode setting circuit which sets one of the operation modes of the internal circuit in response to the setting signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Shinji Miyata
  • Publication number: 20070053123
    Abstract: An overload detector/enunciator circuit. The overload detector/enunciator circuit detects an overloaded condition of a backup generator and provides a relatively immediate indication of the overload to occupants of the residence or facility receiving power from the backup generator such that correction of the overload condition can be effected before any damage to the generator or load devices can occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Alexander Filippenko
  • Publication number: 20070053124
    Abstract: A device for protecting electronic modules in a multivoltage on-board electrical wiring system comprising a first accumulator of a low on-board electrical wiring system voltage, against short circuits after a high on-board electrical wiring system voltage, consisting of a transistor whose drain-source path is inserted between the control device connection and the electronic module connection. The source connection of the transistor is linked to the electronic module connection. A gate resistor and a diode guiding the current in the direction of the plus pole of the first accumulator are parallel-mounted between the gate connection of the transistor and the plus pole of the accumulator. A Zener diode is arranged between the gate connection and source connection of the transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventors: Stephan Bolz, Gunter Lugert
  • Publication number: 20070053125
    Abstract: A power supply equipped with an independent overload protection mechanism includes a control circuit and a transformation circuit that form multiple sets of combination circuits for transforming AC power to DC power. Each control circuit is connected to a protection circuit which monitors overload operation conditions of an electronic device. In the event that an overload condition occurs, the protection circuit outputs an individual protection signal to the control circuit to stop or suspend power output on a DC power cord so that the electronic device at the rear end is not driven. Hence an independent overload protection can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Lin Chou
  • Publication number: 20070053126
    Abstract: A power supply equipped with an independent overload protection mechanism includes a transformation circuit which consists of a plurality of transformers for transforming AC power to DC power. Each transformer has a front end connecting to a power switch. All the power switches are connected to a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller. Each power switch and the PWM controller are bridged by a switch circuit which is electrically connected to a protection circuit to monitor whether an electronic device is overloaded. In the overload condition, the protection circuit outputs a protection signal to the switch circuit to stop or suspend the DC power cord from delivering electric power to drive the electronic device at the rear end. Hence an independent overload protection can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Lin Chou