Abstract: A flattened gain amplifier has a waveguide with a core doped with at least one species of rare earth ion. The rare earth ion has a gain profile with a first gain in a first wavelength band and a second gain in a second wavelength band. The flattened gain amplifier also has a first grating and a reflective element optically coupled to the core. The positions of the first grating and reflective element along the length define a first amplifying length and a second amplifying length. The ratio of the first amplifying length to the second amplifying length is about equal to the ratio of the second gain to the first gain.

Abstract: An optical apparatus which is reduced in the number of optical devices arranged on a main optical signal transmission path, thereby reducing the size and cost of the device, and which is improved in optical transmission quality. An optical amplifier includes an amplification medium, which is doped with an active material for optical amplification and to which pump light is introduced, for amplifying an optical signal to be output. A reflection-type variable optical attenuator includes a reflecting mirror for reflecting an input light to generate a reflected light, and a magneto-optical crystal arranged in a position where the input and reflected lights pass. The magneto-optical crystal is applied with a magnetic field to induce a Faraday rotation angle therein and thereby vary an attenuation amount of the amplified optical signal, and part of light transmitted through the reflecting mirror is converted, as input monitor light, into an electrical signal.

Abstract: A three mirror anastigmatic optic (and corresponding method of making) comprising a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, a tertiary mirror, and a vertex common to the primary and tertiary mirrors.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a projection exposure apparatus includes an illuminating system to illuminate a drivable micromirror array and an objective which projects the drivable micromirror array onto the photosensitive substrate. The objective includes mirrors which are arranged coaxial with respect to a common optical axis. The objective can be a catoptric objective and can have a numerical aperture at the substrate greater than 0.1 and can have an imaging scale ratio of greater than 20:1. The objective can also include at least two partial objectives with an intermediate image plane between the at least two partial objectives and can consist of mirrors that are coated with reflecting layers which are adapted to reflect two mutually separated operating wavelengths.

Abstract: Confocal optical scanning device designed to allow visualization of an object to be observed (1107) and comprising: an optical system designed, on the one hand, to focus an illuminating beam (FX) coming from a light source on to at least one illuminating point (FXO) intended to illuminate a point of the object to be observed (1107) and, on the other hand, to focus a light beam (FE) coming from the illuminated point of the object (1107) on to a luminous point (FEO) in a first image plane (P1), at least one rotatably mounted mobile mirror (1104) on which are reflected, on the one hand, the illuminating beam (FX) to allow the scanning of the object to be observed (1107) along an observed plane and, on the other hand, the light beam (FE) to bring the luminous point (FEO) on to a fixed point on the first image plane, a first spatial filtering system (1203) arranged in the first image plane and designed to filter the luminous point (FEO) to obtain a beam to be detected (FD).

Abstract: An optical observation device is connected to an extendable and retractable snorkel tube for above-water observation during the snorkel travel (travel at periscope depth) of the submarine. The optical observation device is designed as a compact unit which consists of an optronics unit with a short-travel drive. The compact unit is assembled on the snorkel tube. At least one further compact unit is provided which comprises at least one communication arrangement with a short-travel drive, wherein this further compact unit is likewise provided on the snorkel tube.

Abstract: Illumination apparatus for forming an output beam, the apparatus comprising: (a) a light source adapted to emit a source beam of linearly-polarized light in a downstream direction along an optical axis, said source beam having a polarization direction transverse to said optical axis; and (b) a fixed birefringent plate having first and second regions with different rotational properties such that said first region of said plate intercepts a first portion of said source beam and said second region intercepts a second portion of said source beam, said first and second regions altering the polarization of said first and second portions of said source beam by different amounts so as to form an altered beam having a central portion with a first polarization direction and a peripheral portion with a second polarization direction transverse to said first polarization direction, said peripheral portion surrounding said central portion, said central portion having a first intensity distribution relative to said optical

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffractive micromirror and a method of producing the same. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a diffractive micromirror, in which a recess having a desired depth and width is precisely formed in a piezoelectric operation manner, and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact and inexpensive optical displacement sensor that does not require accurate control of the distance to the object. A repetitive optical structure is utilized for formation of a repetitive optical signal emitted by an illuminated moving object. The repetitive optical structure is illuminated by the light source for formation of a fringe pattern (similar to Laser Doppler Anemometry), and/or, an object is illuminated by the light source and the repetitive optical structure diverts light from the illuminated object onto light sensors. A speckle pattern is formed on the object by the illumination. The speckle pattern moves with movement of the object, and speckle pattern movement is determined without a need for imaging the object onto the repetitive optical structure. Since the speckle pattern is not imaged onto the optical member, the distance and possible distance changes between the object and the optical member substantially do not affect system performance.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a projection objective permits the projection objective to be adjusted between an immersion configuration and a dry configuration. The projection objective includes optical elements arranged along an optical axis thereof, which include a first group of elements following the object plane and a last optical element following the first group, which is arranged near the image plane. The last optical element defines an exit surface of the projection objective, which is arranged at a working distance from the image plane. The last optical element is substantially without refracting power and has no or only slight curvature. The method includes varying the thickness of the last optical element, changing the refractive index of the space between the exit surface and the image plane by introducing or removing an immersion medium, and axially displacing the last optical element to set a working distance.

Abstract: An optical imaging system, for example, for a surgical microscope (100) has a beam deflecting unit in order to cast light rays out of an object region (112) into an image plane (104) with an optical beam path. An optical phase plate (107) is mounted in the optical beam path. In the optical imaging system, a unit for generating a geometric image of the image plane is provided, for example, an ocular unit (105). The optical phase plate (107) is arranged on the end of the objective lens (101) facing away from the object or is arranged in a region of the optical imaging system in which the beam path is parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body accommodating an imaging plane, and a lens device providing a light beam path and including lens units arranged along and coaxially with the path. The second lens unit next to the most outwardly located first lens unit is reciprocally rotational between a first position, at which the second lens unit is coaxial with the path, and a second position, at which the second lens unit is positioned away from the path. The first lens unit is provided on a cylindrical unit and is reciprocally movable with the cylindrical unit along the optical axis, and is moved to approach the plane while the second lens unit is in the second position to shorten a distance between the first lens unit and the plane in comparison with the distance between the first lens unit and the plane when the second lens unit is in the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system that has reduced power consumptions, ensures noiseless operations and fast responses, contributes to cost reductions due to simplified mechanical structure, and, albeit having a small outside diameter and small size, is capable of focusing and zooming. The optical system of the invention comprises a variable mirror and a moving optical element group. The optical element group has a zooming function, and the variable mirror has a focusing function. An optical apparatus of the invention comprises such an optical system as mentioned above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a zoom lens wherein the total of lens components is reduced as much as possible and image-formation capability is enhanced far more stably over the entire zoom range, so that a lot more thickness reductions are achievable upon received at a lens mount, and an electronic imaging system that incorporates it. The electronic imaging system of the invention comprises a zoom lens having a plurality of lens groups G1 and G2 with a variable space between adjacent lens groups during zooming or focusing, wherein the lens group G1 nearest to the object side of the zoom lens comprises two components consisting of a negative lens component and a positive lens component, each having an aspheric surface, and an electronic image pickup device located on an image side of the zoom lens. Image data obtained by taking an image is processed to produce image data with shape changes as an output. The zoom lens satisfies condition (1) that defines the degree of barrel distortion at a zoom wide-angle end.

Abstract: A soft zoom lens system includes an axially expandable or shrinkable holding portion, a supporting portion, a first lens and a second lens. This holding portion has an inner space, a first end and a second end. The supporting portion is made by a soft material. The first lens is disposed between the first end and the supporting portion. The second lens is disposed between the second end and the supporting portion. When this holding portion is applied by predetermined electricity, it will expand or to shrink axially. So, the curvatures of the first lens and the second lens will be changed. The zooming is performed. The invention's structure is simple. The adjusting of focal length is easy. The production is easy with low cost.

Abstract: A zoom lens having a first lens group having a negative refractive power, a second lens group having a positive refractive power, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power arranged in the order from an object side, wherein the first lens group includes a negative lens and a positive lens having at least one aspherical surface arranged from the object side and satisfies the following condition: 0.4<D1/fw<0.66 where D1 represents a distance, inside the first lens group, between a lens surface closest to an object and a lens surface closest to an image, and fw represents a focal distance with the zoom lens set to a wide-angle position.

Abstract: An object is to provide a vibration reduction (VR) zoom lens system having high optical performance and compactness suitable for an SLR camera, a video camera and the like. The zoom lens system includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power. All distances between adjacent lens groups are changed upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state. The third lens group includes a plurality of lenses including a cemented lens constructed by a negative lens cemented with a positive lens. Only the cemented lens is used as a vibration reduction lens shifting substantially perpendicularly to the optical axis for correcting camera shake. Given conditional expressions are satisfied.

Abstract: A wide-angle lens system includes a positive front lens group, a diaphragm, and a positive rear lens group. The front lens group includes a negative first-sub-lens group and a positive second-sub-lens group. The negative first-sub-lens group includes a negative lens element, a positive lens element, and a negative lens element. The front lens group satisfies the following conditions: 0.5<f/|f1a|<0.75??(1) 0.5<|f1a|/f1b<1.0??(2) 0.35<f/f1bi<0.6??(3) wherein f: the focal length of the entire lens system; f1a: the focal length of the negative first-sub-lens group; f1b: the focal length of the positive second-sub-lens group; f1bi: the focal length of the most image-side surface of the positive second-sub-lens group; r1bi: the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the positive second-sub-lens group; and N1bi: a refractive index of the most image-side lens element of the positive second-sub-lens group.

Abstract: Optical elements are provided. An optical element is formed by injecting resin material into a mold through a gate in a first direction. The optical element includes a main body, a flange surrounding and connecting the main body, and a curved depression formed between the main body and the flange. The main body has a central axis and a first curved surface. The flange includes an annular abutting surface and a connecting portion. The connecting portion has a connecting surface connecting the first curved surface and the abutting surface. Both of the abutting surface and the connecting surface are perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: A hinge with a positioning and limiting assembly is mounted on an electronic device with a camera and has a stationary bracket, a pivot cylinder, a stationary positioning ring and a rotating positioning ring. The stationary bracket is attached to the electronic device and has a mounting ring. The pivot cylinder is mounted rotatably through the mounting ring. The stationary positioning ring is mounted around the pivot cylinder, connects to the mounting ring and has a positioning protrusion formed on and protruding from the stationary positioning ring. The rotating positioning ring is connected to the pivot cylinder, presses against the stationary positioning ring and has multiple detents. The detents engage the positioning protrusion to hold the camera lens in place.

Abstract: A method for balancing a color wheel. The rotational unbalance vector of a driving motor is measured, including its unbalance amount and direction. The unbalance of a color wheel is adjusted to make its unbalance amount to be the same of the driving motor. The color wheel is connected to the driving motor so that the unbalance direction thereof is opposite to each other to reach an expected balance. The color wheel structure includes a set of color filter and a ring, before starting the assembly, adjusting the unbalance vector of the ring and motor shaft first, and then to assemble it and make the unbalance vectors opposite.

Abstract: The thermal decay of data written to a magnetic mass storage medium is determined by measuring and analyzing the time-domain equalized-signal-to-noise ratio (ESNR) and equalized signal-to-total-distortion noise ratio (ESTDR) of written data. In some embodiments, a test track and a reference track are initialized from data. Subsequently, the reference track is re-initialized from the test data, and the time-domain ESNR and/or ESTDR measurements are made of the test track and the reference track, at predetermined time intervals. Later, the time-domain ESNR and ESTDR measurements are analyzed to determine the thermal decay of the data written. In another embodiment of the present invention, the ESNR and/or ESTDR measurements includes reading the data through a non-return-to-zero bus in phases, in which the phases are selected in sequence.

Abstract: A method for determining a write inhibit threshold value for at least one head of a file during the file manufacturing process is disclosed. The method includes qualifying a test track for use in the determining of the write inhibit threshold value. The method further includes performing a write inhibit threshold determination process to obtain the write inhibit threshold value and then storing the write inhibit threshold value for use with the at least one head of the file.

Abstract: As a tape recording format, tracks are formed by a succession of block units, and a data unit called a group is formed by data of size equivalent to a predetermined plurality of tracks. Using this format, a base group number indicating the group to which the current track physically belongs is recorded in the ID information for a track, and the lower four bits or similar of a group number indicating the group to which the current block logically belongs is recorded within a block. By this means, even if rewriting is performed in block units and a recorded state results in which the blocks of a plurality of groups are intermixed within a track, the group to which each block belongs can be correctly identified during reproduction.

Abstract: A variable read output impedance control circuit of the present invention includes a variable impedance circuit as the output impedance of a magnetic media storage system. Preferably, the variable impedance circuit includes one or more diodes. The diodes are preferably coupled in series, to provide the output impedance of the magnetic media storage system. The impedance of the diodes is variable based on the amount of bias current that is provided to the diodes. The bias current is provided to the diodes from a current source preferably controlled by a controller circuit. By varying the amount of current provided to the diodes, the impedance of the diodes is adjusted. Accordingly, the read output impedance of the magnetic media storage system is controlled by controlling the bias current provided to the diodes.

Abstract: A system using a tape cassette (1) with a memory (4) as a recording medium is provided. In the memory (4) provided in the tape cassette (1) used in the system, there is formed a storage area where instruction/object information in which an instruction to be executed by a required device is stated in addition to a storage area where management information for managing recording to or playback from the tape cassette (1) is stated. At an information processor (10, 40 or 50), instruction/object information is acquired from the memory (4) and processed to provide a control corresponding to the content of the instruction/object information. A device to make some action on the tape cassette (1) can thus have a higher operability and extensibility.

Abstract: A magnetic disk apparatus includes a rotation mechanism for driving a magnetic disk, a magnetic head slider being floated in close proximity to a surface of the magnetic disk, a recording/reproduction element for performing recording and playback of information, a drive unit for causing a distance between the record/reproduction element and the magnetic disk to change, and an arrangement to effect position determination of the magnetic head slider, wherein the apparatus has a detection unit for permitting the drive unit to gradually reduce the distance between the record/reproduction element and the magnetic disk and for detecting occurrence of contact therebetween, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit in such a way as to cause, the record/reproduction element to shift in position by a fixed amount to thereby let the distance between this element and magnetic disk increase accordingly.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk having a plurality of servo sectors defining a plurality of servo tracks, wherein each servo sector comprises a track address identifying a corresponding servo track. A head is actuated over the disk, and a ramp is positioned near an outer diameter of the disk, wherein an edge of the ramp extends over a plurality of the servo tracks. The head is loaded from the ramp onto the disk, and a track address in at least one of the servo sectors is detected and stored. The process is repeated a number of times, and then a starting track proximate an outer diameter of the disk is identified in response to the detected and stored track addresses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide control of a disk data storage device to prevent off-track writing. In one embodiment, the SA acquires the CYLIDs and ADC Values generated from the SERVO SIGNALs acquired previously, and generates DACOUT which defines a driving current of the VCM driver. The SA monitors the DACOUT generated and determines whether the DACOUT is within a predefined range. If the DACOUT is outside the predefined range, data writing is inhibited. By monitoring the DACOUT, it is possible for the VCM driver to detect supply of an overcurrent to the VCM driver 210 beforehand, and off-track writing can thus be prevented.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to writing servo information on a machine-readable medium. A technique includes forming servo information using a band of ramp-tracks generated based on a mechanical characteristic of a storage device. This can involve writing the band of ramp-tracks, including an embedded timing reference, to a machine-readable medium, and writing the servo information to the machine-readable medium using the band of ramp-tracks, including the embedded timing reference. An apparatus can include a self-servo-write (SSW) controller configured to direct writing of a band of ramp-tracks to a machine-readable medium based on a given rotational relationship between the machine-readable medium and a transducer. The SSW controller includes an SSWCLK generator, an angular position generator, a ramp-track pattern generator, and a servo wedge window period generator. The apparatus can be implemented as an integrated circuit device (e.g.

Abstract: Servo regions are re-magnetized in the present invention. A magnetic storage device measures a first amount which is indicative of the magnitude of magnetization of a servo region, by a read head portion. The first amount may be a reproduced output, or an inverse of a gain used in an automatic gain control, etc. Servo regions are re-magnetized by a write head portion, when a servo region is detected in which a ratio of the measured first amount to an initial value of the first amount is smaller than a predetermined value, i.e., it is determined that the magnetization is reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk drive uses a phase-quadrature position-error-signal (PES) pattern and a servo signal demodulator that is insensitive to clock errors and phase-misalignment errors. The disk has angularly-spaced servo sectors, with each servo sector having radially-spaced servo tracks that contain a phase-quadrature pattern of servo blocks. A first band in each servo sector contains two generally like patterns radially-spaced in the servo track with the second pattern phase-shifted 90 degrees along-the-track from the first pattern. A second band in each servo sector is spaced along-the-track from the first band and also has two patterns like those in the first band, but with the phase shift of the second pattern being in the opposite direction to the phase shift of the second pattern in the first band. The demodulator calculates the true amplitudes of the servo signal from the measured amplitudes of the servo signals from each band to thereby remove clock errors and phase-misalignment errors.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a pivotable arm section; an arm pivoting center shaft for supporting the pivoting center of the arm section; a capstan section for driving a magnetic tape so as to run; a pinch roller provided on the arm section for pressing the magnetic tape to the capstan section; and an extendable and compressable section extendable so as to be wound around the arm pivoting center shaft in accordance with the pivoting of the arm section and compressable so as to retract from the arm pivoting center shaft in accordance with the pivoting of the arm section.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus includes a cylinder; a chassis section having the cylinder provided thereon; a tape pull-out member pulling out the magnetic tape; a positioning member having a ramp surface; and an urging section for urging the tape pull-out member. The first position is a position at which information recording to, and information reproduction from, the magnetic tape is possible. The tape pull-out member has a second surface facing the first surface. The tape pull-out member includes a projection provided on the second surface. The tape pull-out member is urged by the urging section such that the projection presses the ramp surface at the first position. A force received by the projection from the ramp surface, by the projection pressing the ramp surface, acts on the projection in a direction from the ramp surface toward the first surface.

Abstract: A disk drive housing member for a disk drive. The disk drive housing member includes a housing body formed of a metallic material. The housing body includes a body surface having a coated portion and plated portions disposed throughout the coated portion. The disk drive housing member further includes an electrically insulative coating disposed upon the coated portion. The disk drive housing member further includes a metallic plating disposed upon the each respective plated portion.

Abstract: A buffering mechanism in which the contact area between an object to be housed and an elastic member interposed between the object to be housed and a housing member for housing the object is to be increased, while the elastic member is to have a sufficient thickness in at least two mutually perpendicular buffering directions. To this end, a buffering mechanism 10 is provided in which an object to be housed 12 is bufferably accommodated in a housing member 11. The object to be housed 12 includes at least three shaft units 13 extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of thickness of the object. An elastic member 14 is formed of an elastic material and provided with a cylindrically-shaped shaft accommodating opening 14a. The shaft unit is introduced into the shaft accommodating opening of the elastic member. At least a portion of the outer lateral surface of the elastic member is contacted with the housing member.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a disk drive housing having a breather hole formed through the disk drive housing. A breather filter is configured for attachment to the disk drive housing and for limiting and filtering airflow into the disk drive housing. The breather filter includes a breather filter housing portion having a breather filter housing surface that defines a filter housing hole. The filter housing hole is configured to align with the breather hole formed in the disk drive housing. A filter portion is fitted within the filter housing portion. A leveling layer is provided that defines a first leveling layer surface and a second leveling layer surface. The leveling layer is formed of a material that is impermeable to air. A first adhesive layer is provided to adhere the breather filter housing surface to the first leveling layer surface. A second adhesive layer 40 is also provided to adhere the second leveling layer surface to the disk drive housing.

Abstract: A disc assembly in a disc drive includes a hub rotatable about a central axis. Pluralities of disc elements are mounted about outer periphery of the central axis of the hub. An annular shaped disc clamp is located about a first axial end of the hub, the annular shaped clamp holding the outermost disc to the hub by a series of equally spaced fasteners along an inner diameter of the disc clamp. The improvement therein consisting of placing an offset angle on the underside, or disc-to-hub contact area. The offset angle sloping from the inner disc contact point outward to the end of the clamp such that application of pressure during clamping will make a uniform contact area along the clamp surface as the clamp fasteners are tightened to secure the clamp to the hub. This improves flatness, axial run out, reduces repeatable run out and increases reliability.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a voice coil motor (VCM) driven in a PWM mode using model reference current feedback. The PWM circuitry and VCM form a plant transfer function which varies with changes to the plant characteristics, such as the resistance of the voice coil fluctuating with temperature drift. A plant model having a model transfer function generates an estimated state of the VCM in response to a detected current flowing through the voice coil. A correction block, responsive to the detected current, adjusts PWM timing signals so that the plant transfer function substantially matches the model transfer function.

Abstract: A first insulating sub-layer made of an inorganic insulating material is formed on a laminate, and second insulating sub-layers made of an organic insulating layer are formed on both sides of the first insulating sub-layer in the track width direction to extend beyond both end surfaces of the laminate in the track width direction. Also, second coil pieces are formed on the first and second insulating sub-layers. Therefore, the magnetization efficiency can be improved, and insulation can be effectively secured between the laminate and the second coil pieces.

Abstract: A disc head slider having a slider body that includes a bearing surface, a cavity dam and a sub-ambient pressure cavity is provided. The sub-ambient pressure cavity has a cavity floor, a plurality of sides and a depth that progressively varies between a point on one of the sides and a corresponding point on an opposing side. The depth is measured from the bearing surface to the cavity floor. The cavity floor comprises a plurality of substantially flat bottom surfaces that are separated by at least one elevational change. Other embodiments pertain to other specialized slider cavity configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the bonding of one or more sliders in styrene and butadiene polymers. More particularly, the invention relates to planarized slider assemblies formed by using debondable solid encapsulants comprised of styrene and butadiene polymers. The invention also relates to methods that use such encapsulants in conjunction with resists to produce magnetic head sliders having patterned air-bearing surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension assembly that includes a load beam having a bend section with a bending stiffness and an in-plane stiffness. The assembly also includes a constraint or stiffening layer cooperatively attached to the bend section. The constraint layer includes a pattern formed therein, and the constraint layer is arranged and configured to increase the in-plane stiffness of the bend section and to maintain a substantially constant bending stiffness of the bend section. The constraint layer pattern may be preformed or may be formed in the constraint layer after the constraint layer has been mounted to the bend section.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive head in which a pinned layer comprises two films, i.e., a ferromagnetic film A and a ferromagnetic B anti-ferromagnetically coupled to each other and a anti-ferromagnetic coupling film for separating the two ferromagnetic films A and B, where the coercivity of the ferromagnetic film alone is 200 (Oe) or more and the coercivity of the ferromagnetic film alone is 20 (Oe) or less. The compositions for the ferromagnetic film A and the ferromagnetic film B, when expressed by Co100-YFeY (at %) are: ferromagnetic film A: 80?Y?40, and ferromagnetic film B: 20?Y?0, where the material for the film in contact with the ferromagnetic film A is Ru, Ta, NiFeCr, Cu or NiFe.

Abstract: A magnetic domain control underlayer is formed below a magnetoresistive multi-layered film thereby bringing the magnetic domain control film into contact with both lateral end faces of a free layer and appropriate magnetic domain control can be attained in a state of minimizing a surplus bias magnetic field from the magnetic domain control film.

Abstract: A magnetic head using a tunneling magnetoresistance effect realizing both high output and wide bandwidth. By providing a magnetic read head and magnetic reading/playback apparatus related to the present invention characterized by comprising: a lower magnetic shield, an upper magnetic shield, a first electrode layer formed on said lower magnetic shield, a first ferromagnetic layer laminated on one end of said first electrode layer through a first insulator, a second ferromagnetic layer laminated on another end of said first electrode layer through a second insulator, a detecting electrode connected to said first ferromagnetic layer, and a second electrode layer electrically connecting said second ferromagnetic layer with said upper magnetic shield; it becomes possible to reduce the capacitance between the first ferromagnetic layer and the insulator and widen the bandwidth of the detecting signal.

Abstract: A currently perpendicular to plane (CPP) sensor having a heat sink structure disposed beyond the stripe height of the sensor. The heat sink is preferably in thermal contact with one of the shields/leads of the sensor while being electrically insulated from the other shield/lead.

Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as GFCI devices, that include a reset lock-out mechanism are provided. The reset lock-out mechanism prevents the resetting of electrical connections between input and output conductors if the circuit interrupting mechanism used to break the connection is non-operational or if an open neutral condition exists.

Abstract: A device is provided for inspecting an installed electrical system including a power panel and branch circuits with respective circuit breakers. The device includes a power interface unit with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for connection with the power panel. Further, the device includes a power source for temporarily powering the electrical system through the GFCI. For safety purposes, the device allows the energized GFCI to be closed only when the device and the power panel are connected. Moreover, the device provides for selective closing of the circuit breaker of an individual branch circuit to test a power response thereof to indicate whether the individual branch circuit has a fault therein.

Abstract: A transient detection circuit which may be used in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) clamp circuit. The transient detection circuit includes a filter circuit and an inverter circuit. The voltage switch point of the inverter circuit has a constant voltage offset from one of the nodes. When a filtered voltage level from the filter circuit crosses the voltage switch point of the inverter circuit (indicative of an ESD event), the inverter circuit provides a signal indicating an ESD event.