Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, with Self Servo Write (SSW), a head slider is used to perform AC erase to a recording surface of a magnetic disk. The AC erase is performed asynchronously to every track. A frequency for use with AC erase, i.e., a frequency of an AC erase pattern is three times or higher than a burst frequency of a product servo pattern or a burst frequency of a radial pattern. By satisfying such requirements, for the magnetic disk of vertical magnetic recording, it becomes possible to substantially stop adversely affecting pattern reading in an AC erase area.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention ensure that the pitch of a servo write track is accurately controlled. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a Self Servo Write (SSW) uses different methods and sequences to identify read-write offsets (RWOs) and calculate target positions in inner and outer diameter sides of a magnetic disk. In the inner diameter-side area, the SSW controller uses the readout of a radial pattern written on a recording surface and a reference value to identify the RWO. The SSW controller uses the RWO value identified in the inner diameter-side area to anticipate an RWO value in the outer diameter-side area. In the outer diameter-side area, the SSW controller uses the anticipated RWO value to determine the target position of each servo write track.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a disk drive capable of verifying whether the speed of an actuator is true or not, the speed being detected while the actuator is being moved between a retracted position and a recording surface of a magnetic disk, and to provide a control method for controlling the disk drive. In a particular embodiment, a hard disk drive (HDD) comprises: a head for accessing a disk; an actuator for supporting the head, the actuator being driven by a voice coil motor (VCM); a speed monitor for, on the basis of a cylinder ID written to the disk, monitoring the speed of the actuator while the actuator is being moved between a ramp which is provided outside a data area of the disk and the data area; and a speed verifier for, if an abnormal speed condition of the actuator is detected by the speed monitor, verifying the abnormal speed condition on the basis of the counter electromotive voltage of the VCM.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention reduce the structural stress applied to a head, and to achieve the effective control, when the clearance between the head and a disk is adjusted by using a heater. According to one embodiment, the hard disk controller/microprocessing unit (HDC/MPU) controls a slew rate of a heater at the time of TFC (Thermal Fly height Control). In response to processing conditions, a HDC/MPU changes a slew rate of the output of electric current/voltage applied to the heater. This makes it possible to reduce the head stress, and to achieve the effective TFC. To be more specific, with reference to a temperature/slew rate table, the HDC/MPU changes a slew rate in response to the temperature in the read/write processing.

Abstract: As the surface of a main pole facing a magnetic disk, one with a rectangle-shaped part whose width in a radius direction consecutively changes in a direction orthogonal to the radius direction of the magnetic disk is adopted. The rectangle-shaped part has two sides facing each other in the orthogonal direction. Two angles formed by one of the two sides and two sides touching the side are different. One of the two angles is in the neighborhood of 90 degrees including 90 degrees. Adopting such a shape, a magnetic head capable of suppressing side write can be more easily fabricated.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording write head has a write pole, a trapezoidal-shaped trailing shield notch, and a gap between the write pole and notch, with the gap being formed of a nonmagnetic mask film, such as alumina, a nonmagnetic metal protective film and a nonmagnetic gap layer. The write pole has a trailing edge that has a width substantially defining the track width and that faces the front edge of the notch but is spaced from it by the gap. The write pole has nonmagnetic filler material, such as alumina, surrounding it except at its trailing edge, where it is in contact with the gap. A reactive ion beam etching (RIBE) process removes the filler material at the side edges of the write pole and thus widens the opening at the side edges. The nonmagnetic metal film protects the underlying mask film and write pole during the widening of the opening.

Abstract: A write pole for a read/write head of a disk drive system has a tapered surface on a leading edge thereof. Preferably, the tapered surface has a taper angle of between 0 and 20 degrees from a plane normal to the ABS. By having a write pole with a taper in this manner, sufficient write fields can be achieved even with thinner write pole tips on the ABS surface. By decreasing the thickness of the write pole tip in this manner while maintaining sufficiently high write fields, the skew profile of a write head can be decreased and areal density increased.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording data storage system combines a perpendicular medium that has a thin low-magnetic-permeability or “soft” underlayer (SUL) with a recording head that has a trailing shield (TS) with a thick throat height, i.e., a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the recording layer of the medium. The SUL is thin enough and has a low enough magnetic permeability to become saturated in a region beneath the trailing gap of the head during writing, but the throat height of the TS is thick enough to prevent the TS from becoming magnetically saturated during writing. The magnetic saturation of the SUL during writing changes the magnetic reluctance such that more of the magnetic flux going through the SUL changes direction (“field undershoot”) and goes to the TS. If the permeability of the SUL is so low (e.g.

Abstract: A method and structure for reducing corrosion during the manufacture of perpendicular write heads is disclosed. Auxiliary pole structures (otherwise known as trailing shields and wrap around shields) are susceptible to corrosion due to their iron containing composition and small dimensions. The impact of corrosion can be reduced by utilizing a gap material comprising an upper surface of noble metals, which extends from underneath the auxiliary pole and is exposed to the same corrosive environment during processing. The area of the exposed gap material is limited to optimize corrosion protection.

Abstract: A magnetic write pole having a structure that prevents thermally induced pole tip protrusion. The write head has a return pole with a magnetic pedestal formed at the air bearing surface (ABS) and a back gap at an end opposite the ABS. An electrically conductive write coil having a plurality of turns passes over the return pole. A fill layer of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as alumina is disposed between the coil and the pedestal, and may extend over the top of the coil to the back gap. A photoresist coil insulation layer may be provided between the turns of the coil to insulate the turns of the coil from one another. The photoresist coil insulation layer can also extend to the back gap. A write pole, formed above the return pole and coil is magnetically connected with the back gap layer and return pole by a magnetic shaping layer.

Abstract: A magnetic structure for use in a magnetic head for avoiding wide angle track erasure and other forms of adjacent track interference. The magnetic structure includes a trailing shield having a specially configured back edge opposite the air bearing surface ABS. The magnetic shield has a shallow substantially constant throat height at a center portion. Then, the back edge of the shield tapers back away from the ABS in first and second intermediate portion located at either side of the center portion. These intermediate portions lead to first and second outer portions that have substantially constant throat heights that are larger than the throat height at the center region. The throat height at each of the laterally outer portions can be 1.5 to 5 times the throat height of the center portion. This configuration, chokes off stray fields that might be picked up by the outer portions of the shield preventing excessive magnetic flux from reaching the central portion of the shield where it might affect writing.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic head suppresses pole erasing due to a remanent magnetization component of a main pole and is capable of higher density recording. The perpendicular magnetic head is equipped with a main pole that produces magnetic flux toward a medium surface of a recording medium as a write head. The main pole is formed by laminating two thin magnetic layers in the thickness direction. Out of the thin magnetic films, a top thin magnetic film is formed as a high Bs thin magnetic film with a first saturation flux density and a bottom thin magnetic film is formed as a low Bs thin magnetic film with a second saturation flux density that is lower than the first saturation flux density, and the high Bs thin magnetic film and the low Bs thin magnetic film satisfy the following equation (volume of the high Bs thin magnetic film)×(first saturation flux density)<(volume of the low Bs thin magnetic film)×(second saturation flux density).

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head substrate includes a plurality of head element portions having read elements and write elements in rows. Adjacent head element portions interpose a read monitor element and a write monitor element that are used as element resistance monitors for the read element and the write element when a lapping process is performed to form a medium-facing surface on the head element portion. A common electrode terminal is connected with the read monitor element and the write monitor element. A pair of individual electrode terminals are each connected to the read monitor element and the write monitor element, respectively.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a tape drive that includes one or more processors, a memory and a mechanism for locking a hub and cleaning a magnetic head. The mechanism includes a plate a brush mount assembly rotatably coupled to the plate wherein the brush mount assembly includes a brush for cleaning the magnetic head, a hub lock assembly coupled to the plate wherein the hub lock assembly includes a pin for locking the hub and a mechanism assembly coupled to the plate wherein the mechanism assembly is operable to move the hub lock assembly to lock the hub, and wherein the mechanism assembly is operable to move, concurrently with the hub lock assembly, the brush mount assembly to a position such that the brush is proximate to the magnetic hub for a cleaning operation. Also included is a controller that is operative to activate the mechanism to lock the hub and clean the magnetic head after an unthread operation and return the mechanism to a parked position after the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A slider device includes a tab capable of movement in a first linear direction and a second linear direction. A first spring and second spring are each disposed adjacent the tab. The first and second springs are capable of biasing the tab into a biased position. The first spring is further capable of providing mechanical resistance to the movement of the tab in the first linear direction and the second spring is capable of providing mechanical resistance to the movement of the tab in the second linear direction. An electric circuit is coupled with the tab and operative to generate a first signal comprising information corresponding to an distance of movement of the tab in the first linear direction and a second signal comprising additional information related to a distance of movement of the tab in the second linear direction.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes: a substrate; a soft magnetic film formed on the substrate; a non-magnetic film including an amorphous interlayer formed on the soft magnetic film and made from a metallic material selected from terbium, gadolinium, dysprosium, tantalum, hafnium, and combinations thereof, a buffer layer formed on the amorphous interlayer and having a face-centered cubic structure, and a seed layer formed on the buffer layer and having a hexagonal crystal structure; and a granular magnetic recording film formed on the seed layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge for protecting a readable and/or writable data storage medium, such as an optical disk. The cartridge comprises a first cartridge part (1) for containing the data storage medium and a second cartridge part (2) connected to the first cartridge part and projecting therefrom. The second cartridge part is customized so as to perform at least one secondary function of the cartridge, such as connecting the cartridge to another object, or an electronic function such as data or copy protection.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a magnetic head slider provided with a heater disposed near a read element to adjust flying height, is required to increase a thermal protrusion by heat generated by the heater without increasing a thermal protrusion attributable to heat generated by a recording current or environmental temperature. A magnetic head slider includes a thin-film head unit including a read element, a heater having a thin heating line extended above and below the read element, a write element, and an insulating layer of alumina (Al2O3) or the like insulating those components. The thin heating line of the heater is formed from a thin resistive film of NiCr or the like. The thin heating line of the heater is extended above and below the read element so as to meander in a zigzag shape in a direction perpendicular to the device forming surface. The thin heating line has a thickness between about 0.1 and 0.

Abstract: A suspension for disc drive has a load beam, a flexure, and a slider. The slider is mounted on a tongue portion of the flexure. When a disc rotates, air flows from an air inflow end (leading side) toward an outflow end (trailing side), whereupon an air bearing is formed between the disc and the slider. A dimple is provided on the distal end portion of the load beam. The slider is supported by the dimple so as to be swingable in a pitch direction and a roll direction. The dimple is formed in a position shifted to the trailing side from the center of the slider. The shorter the length of the load beam, the greater the amount of the shift is.

Abstract: A suspension for a disc drive has a load beam, a flexure, a slider, etc. A tongue portion and a pair of outrigger portions are formed on the flexure. Slits are formed between the outrigger portions and opposite side edges of the tongue portion. The tongue portion and the outrigger portions are connected by connecting portions. Limiter members are formed on the load beam. Each limiter member has a bent portion, which is inserted in its corresponding slit, and an extending portion. The extending portion faces its corresponding connecting portion. A trace member is electrically connected to the slider. The trace member passes outside the limiter members and extends along the outrigger portions.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device formed by a body of semiconductor material having a thickness and defining a mobile part and a fixed part. The mobile part is formed by a mobile platform, supporting arms extending from the mobile platform to the fixed part, and by mobile electrodes fixed to the mobile platform. The fixed part has fixed electrodes facing the mobile electrodes, a first biasing region fixed to the fixed electrodes, a second biasing region fixed to the supporting arms, and an insulation region of insulating material extending through the entire thickness of the body. The insulation region insulates electrically at least one between the first and the second biasing regions from the rest of the fixed part.

Abstract: A HGA of the invention includes a micro-actuator, a slider and a suspension to support the micro-actuator and the slider. The suspension comprises a flexure for mounting the micro-actuator thereon, a suspension tongue connected to the flexure and an independent spacer sandwiched between the suspension tongue and the flexure to form a parallel gap between the suspension tongue and the micro-actuator. Also disclosed is a disk drive unit having the HGA.

Abstract: An extraordinary magnetoresistive device EMR having a discontinuous shunt structure. The discontinuous shunt structure improves the linearity of response of the EMR device. The EMR device includes a EMR heterostructure that includes an EMR active layer. The heterostructure can include first, second and third semiconductor layers, with the second layer being sandwiched between the first and third layers. The middle, or second semiconductor layer provides a two dimensional electron gas. The heterostructure has first and second opposed sides, with a pair of voltage leads and a pair of current leads connected with the first side of the structure. The discontinuous shunt structure is connected with the second side of the structure and may be in the form of a series of discontinuous, electrically conductive elements, such as semi-spherical gold elements.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor having a Ta cap layer with nitrogen added in situ during deposition. The nitrogen in the cap layer can be formed by depositing a Ta cap layer in a sputter deposition chamber having a small amount of nitrogen in an Ar atmosphere. The resulting nitrogenated cap layer exhibits reduced specular scattering, which results in improved magnetic performance of the magnetoresistive sensor.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to a power supply controller that includes a switching element disposed between a power source and a load, a current detecting element connected to the switching element and capable of outputting a detection signal in the form of a load current to the switching element, a voltage generator circuit capable of supplying an output voltage between the switching element and the load, an anomaly detecting circuit capable of outputting an abnormal signal when the load current exceeds a threshold current such that the threshold current corresponds to the output voltage The present invention can further include a protection circuit capable of performing a predetermined protection operation based on the abnormal signal, a control circuit capable of receiving an on signal and an off signal, wherein the control circuit turns on the switching element when receiving the on signal and turns off the switching element when receiving the off signal, and a blocking circuit capable

Abstract: An electric power steering device that can estimate an ambient temperature and apply current limiting without using ambient temperature detecting means is provided. The electric power steering device includes a motor that supplements the driver's steering force, a controller that determines and controls the quantity of current passed to the motor, and vehicle speed detecting means. The electric power steering device includes ambient temperature estimating means provided with a vehicle speed signal input from the vehicle speed detecting means and limits the quantity of current passed to the motor according to an output from the ambient temperature estimating means.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, which can comprise configuring a system to compare an electrical value and a selected pre-stored threshold value of a plurality of pre-stored threshold values. The method can comprise configuring the system to modify the plurality of pre-stored threshold values based upon a predetermined change in measured temperature.

Abstract: A system is provided for enabling the communication between a handheld device 26 and a circuit breaker (18a, 18b, 18c). The system comprises an electronic circuit breaker (18a, 18b, 18c) including an RFID component (54) having an RFID module (56) for storing data and a microcontroller (50) connected to the RFID module (56) and controlling the operation of the breaker (18a, 18b, 18c) in accordance with the data; and a handheld device (26) for communicating with the electronic circuit breaker (18a, 18b, 18c), the handheld device (26) including a microcontroller (50) controlling the operation of the handheld device (26) and a communicating component (82, 86) connected to the microcontroller (80) communicating wirelessly with the electronic circuit breaker (18a, 18b, 18c).

Abstract: A receptacle type GFCI includes an input circuit, a leakage current detecting and amplifying circuit, a neutral ground fault detecting and amplifying circuit, a signal control circuit including an IC and a reset and trip actuating circuit, an output circuit, and a ground fault self detecting circuit connected between the input circuit and the reset and trip actuating circuit. The ground fault self detecting circuit is used to test, when the power is turned on for the first time under correct wiring or when the TEST button is pressed after the RESET button is pressed, whether the ground fault protection function of the GFCI is working properly. The ground fault self detecting circuit includes an end-of-life indicator.

Abstract: Inverters (20, 30), based on signals PWM1, PWM2 from a control device (70), generate a commercial AC voltage Vac across neutral points (N1, N2) of 3-phase coils (12, 14). A Y-capacitor (84) for removing noise is connected to a load (80) outside the vehicle receiving the supply of the commercial AC voltage Vac. A relay (RY3) connected in series with a leakage detecting device (60) is provided inside the vehicle. The relay (RY3) is turned off when a plug (82) of the load (80) outside the vehicle is connected to a connector (50), and prevents a leakage current from flowing via a ground.

Abstract: An analog input/output (I/O) circuit contains a pad, an analog IP (Intellectual Property) circuit, and a transmission gate. The pad is connected to the analog circuit IP. The transmission gate is configured between the pad and analog circuit IP, and therefore any signal between the pad and analog circuit IP must pass through the transmission gate. In normal operation, the transmission gate allows analog signals to transfer between the pad and analog circuit IP. If an ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) current is induced from the pad, the transmission gate discharges the current and protects the analog circuit IP.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement on ESD protection circuitry by controlling the trigger circuit to prevent the unwanted triggering of the device. The circuitry includes an ESD clamp with a trigger circuit coupled to the clamp. Both the clamp and the trigger circuit are coupled to a first reference potential. The circuitry also includes a control line coupled to the trigger circuit. The control line is coupled to a second reference potential to further control the behavior of the trigger circuit such that when the power is supplied to the second reference potential, the control line disables the trigger circuit, and when power is not supplied to the second reference potential, the control line enables the trigger circuit.

Abstract: A switching device for disconnecting and switching at least one line of a power supply is disclosed. The switching device may be, for example, a residual-current-operated protective device or a combination switch and includes a line-voltage-independent trigger device, a trigger element, such as a trigger relay, associated with the line-voltage-independent trigger device, as well as a line-voltage-dependent trigger device. The line-voltage-dependent trigger device has means for triggering the trigger element that is associated with the line-voltage-independent trigger device. The switching device has a simple construction, a reduced number of components, and also an enhanced functional reliability compared to a conventional switching device.

Abstract: A circuit for providing over-current protection, the circuit including a gate driver circuit for controlling a bridge circuit including a half bridge stage having high and low switches. The circuit includes a feedback loop circuit for counting over-current indicators sensed during one or more consecutive PWM cycles; wherein when an over-current indicator is sensed, the low switch is turned OFF for duration of a first time period after which the low switch is turned back ON, to enable determination of an over-current condition where false noise signals are rejected thereby preventing circuit shutdowns due to false over-current condition.

Abstract: Included are a Zener diode D2 having a cathode connected onto a voltage output line, dividing resistors having one terminal connected to the anode of the Zener diode D2 and having the other terminal grounded, a transistor Q1 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors via a resistor and having an emitter grounded, a transistor Q2 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors and having an emitter grounded, and a microcomputer having an undervoltage detection terminal 10a which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q1 and to which 3.3 V is externally applied and a power supply terminal 10b which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q2 and via which a P-ON-H signal of 3.3 V that starts a power supply circuit 126 when the power supply is turned on is transmitted.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a degaussing device and a degaussing method capable of efficiently degaussing a magnetic disk, especially, a magnetic disk of the perpendicular magnetic recording system, without resorting to a magnetic field of a high intensity. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a degaussing method of degaussing a magnetic disk not yet installed in a magnetic disk drive by applying an external magnetic field to the magnetic disk by a degaussing device. In accordance with one embodiment, the method includes disposing the magnetic disk in the degaussing device such that the direction of an external magnetic field is inclined at an angle to the axis of easy magnetization of the magnetic disk.

Abstract: A protective structure for electrostatic discharge used to guide an electrostatic charge to a ground portion is provided, which comprises at least one press element and a masking piece, wherein an electrostatic charge near the press element is attracted by wrapping the press element with the masking piece, and then the attracted electrostatic charge is directed out of the press element, which greatly reduces the probability that the press element is interfered by the electrostatic charge and effectively shields the press element.

Abstract: Substrate support apparatus and methods are disclosed. Motion of a substrate chuck relative to a stage mirror may be dynamically compensated by sensing a displacement of the substrate chuck relative to the stage mirror and coupling a signal proportional to the displacement in one or more feedback loops with Z stage actuators and/or XY stage actuators coupled to the stage mirror. Alternatively, a substrate support apparatus may include a Z stage plate a stage mirror, one or more actuators attached to the Z stage plate, and a substrate chuck mounted to the stage mirror with constraints on six degrees of freedom of movement of the substrate chuck. The actuators impart movement to the Z stage in a Z direction as the Z stage plate is scanned in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The actuators may include force flexures having a base portion attached to the Z stage plate and a cantilever portion extending in a lateral direction from the base portion.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck is provided which includes a circular ceramic plate having an electrostatic attractive electrode, a mounting surface for supporting a wafer which is formed on one of the main surfaces of the circular ceramic plate, an annular gas groove formed on the periphery of the mounting surface in the form of concentric circles with a gas inlet communicating with the annular gas groove, and a circular gas recess formed inside the ceramic plate and surrounded by the annular gas groove with a gas inlet communicating with the circular gas recess, wherein the annular gas groove and the circular gas recess are independently separated from each other by an annular rib protrusion, with a plurality of dotted protrusions being formed within both the annular gas groove and the circular gas recess.

Abstract: A substrate holding system for holding a substrate based on vacuum attraction and electrostatic attraction including a rim configured to support the substrate, a protrusion for the electrostatic attraction, configured to support the substrate inside the rim, and a protrusion for the vacuum attraction, configured to support the substrate inside the rim. A substrate supporting surface area of the protrusion of the electrostatic attraction is larger than a substrate supporting surface area of the protrusion for the vacuum attraction.

Abstract: A multi-layered solid electrolytic capacitor is furnished with a plurality of capacitor elements 6, each having an aluminum foil 1 having an anode portion 7 and a cathode portion 8 having a dielectric oxide film 2 and a cathode layer 3 successively formed on a surface of the aluminum foil 1. The capacitor elements 6 are stacked on each other. Adjacent anode portions 7 of the capacitor elements 6 are welded to one another and adjacent cathode portions 8 are electrically connected one another by a conductive paste layer 18. An insulative resin layer 16 is disposed on a boundary between the cathode portion 8 and the anode portion 7 of at least one of the capacitor elements 6 and on an adjacent region thereto.

Abstract: The invention suppresses the occurrence of cracks in a dielectric layer, and improve yield during manufacture of a dielectric device. A dielectric device includes a substrate, a base electrode and a dielectric layer. The base electrode is fixed on the substrate. The base electrode is formed such that a surface of a base electrode edge part has an inclined part. The dielectric layer is fixed on a substrate surface so as to cover the base electrode. The dielectric layer is formed by annealing a deposited layer obtained by spraying a powdered dielectric on the substrate surface. Therefore, a triple point adjacent part, which is a part of the dielectric layer opposite the base electrode edge part, is formed so as to have a dense structure in the same way as other parts.

Abstract: One inventive aspect relates to a laminated capacitor capable of satisfying higher electrostatic capacitance and lower ESL at the same time. A dielectric chip constituting the laminated capacitor has an integral structure formed by alternately laminating a pair of first inner conductor layer and second inner conductor layer which are positioned on the same plane and are held in a non-contact relation, and a pair of third inner conductor layer and fourth inner conductor layer which are positioned on the same plane and are held in a non-contact relation, while a dielectric layer is interposed between the pair of first and second inner conductor layers and the pair of third and fourth inner conductor layers. Voltage of one polarity is applied to the first and fourth inner conductor layers from a first outer electrode through lead-out portions, and voltage of the other polarity is applied to the second and third inner conductor layers from a second outer electrode through lead-out portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are new MIM structures having increased capacitance with little or no tunneling current, and related methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the new MIM structure comprises a first electrode comprising a magnetic metal and having a magnetic moment aligned in a first direction, and a second electrode comprising a magnetic metal and having a magnetic moment aligned in a second direction antiparallel to the first direction. In addition, such an MIM structure comprises a dielectric layer formed between the first and second electrodes and contacting the first and second magnetic metals.

Abstract: A separator for an electric double layer capacitor, characterized in that a thickness of the entire separator is 25 ?m or less, a layer of an ultrafine fibrous aggregate prepared by an electrostatic spinning process is contained, an average fiber diameter of ultrafine fibers constituting the ultrafine fibrous aggregate layer is 1 ?m or less, and a maximum pore size of the ultrafine fibrous aggregate is not more than 3 times a mean flow pore size is disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided comprising a housing and circuitry disposed within the housing. A torroidal battery is disposed within the housing and coupled to the circuitry. The battery comprises a torroidal canister having a central opening therethrough and an electrode assembly disposed within the canister. An insulative body is disposed between the torroidal canister and the electrode assembly.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor excellent in cycle characteristic with which a high electrostatic capacity is obtained by impression of a low voltage is provided. Carbonization treatment is carried out in which 1 kg of meso carbon micro beads whose particle diameter is 25 ?m is heated in a nitrogen atmosphere at 800° C. for 2 hours, and is cooled to room temperature. The carbide of meso carbon micro beads and sodium hydroxide powder are mixed in a ratio by weight of 1:2.5. Alkali activation treatment is carried out in which the mixture is heated in a helium atmosphere at 600° C. for 1 hour, and the carbide is exposed to sodium vapor. After cooling to room temperature, 8 g of this carbon powder, 1 g of ketchen black 1 g and 1 g of polytetrafluoroethylene are kneaded and rolled into a sheet 0.5 mm thick. The sheet-like carbon material is stamped out 16 mm in diameter to be active carbon layers 3 which form polarizable electrodes 4 in combination with collecting layers 2.

Abstract: A polarized electrode for use in an electrochemical capacitor, in which electrode includes a current collector made of a metal plain foil, an anchor coat layer formed at least on one of the surfaces of the current collector, and an electrode layer formed on either the anchor coat layer or the current collector. The anchor coat layer contains a conductive carbon and a binder. The conductive carbon is graphitized carbon black. The binder contains at least one selected from the group consisting of an ammonium salt of carboxymethylcellulose, a rubber polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, alternating copolymer of isobutylene-maleic anhydride. With this configuration, a polarized electrode can be made thinner, and an electrode layer can be formed directly on the anchor coat layer. Furthermore, it can ensure sufficient coupling strength between the current collector and the electrode layer, and increase the energy density and the power density realizing a reduced resistance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining possible theft scenarios at utility meters are described. In some examples, the system receives information that indicates possible tampering of utility meter by a customer of a utility. In some examples, the system uses the information to determine a theft scenario. The system may then use the determined theft scenario as evidence against the customer.

Abstract: A holding device provides, in combination, a device for lighting a desired area, and recharging the battery of or playing a portable receiving device adapted to play music or material as stored therein or received thereby from television or radio sources.