Abstract: A lens device is provided and includes: at least two lenses; and a lens frame holding the at least two lenses. The lens frame includes a first lens frame holding one of the at least two lenses and a second lens frame holding another of the at least two lenses, and the first lens frame and the second lens frame are attached in a line contact in circumferential directions thereof. The first lens frame and the second lens frame are bonded after an optical adjustment of the at least two lenses by relatively swinging the first lens framed and the second lens frame with respect to the line contact.

Abstract: A lens device is provided and includes: a lens barrel body; a lens frame swingably attached to the lens barrel body; and a swing mechanism being adapted to swing the lens frame so that alignment of an optical axis of the lens device can be effected, the swing mechanism including: an elastic unit interposed between the lens barrel body and the lens frame, the elastic unit biasing the lens barrel body and the lens frame in directions away from each other or in directions nearing to each other; and an advancing and retracting unit disposed at three points in a circumferential direction defined by the lens barrel body and the lens frame, the advancing and retracting unit advancing or retracting the lens frame relative to the lens barrel body against a bias force of the elastic unit to swing the lens frame.

Abstract: A camera module includes an integral motor for rotating a lens unit of the camera module within a housing of the camera module. The housing includes a plurality of electromagnetic coils that function as a stator of the motor. The lens unit includes a plurality of ferrite elements and functions as a rotor of the motor. Rotation of the lens unit within the housing causes focal adjustment, such that the motor can be used as a component of an auto-focus system. A method for assembling the camera module is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device driving a corrector ring of a corrector ring mounting objective lens mounted to an objective mounting and dismounting section of a revolver includes a rotation driving mechanism having a motor and a turning effort transmitting section which transmits a turning effort of the motor to the corrector ring of the corrector ring mounting objective lens mounted to the revolver to drive the corrector ring; and a connection unit for connecting the turning effort transmitting section to the corrector ring of the corrector ring mounting objective lens introduced into an observation optical path in association with a switching operation performed by the revolver and disconnecting the turning effort transmitting section from the corrector ring of the corrector ring mounting objective lens removed from the observation optical path.

Abstract: The rearview mirror comprises a mirror glass, which is mounted to a carrier plate. A display unit is disposed behind the mirror glass and the carrier plate, which generates a light beam by means of an illuminant, wherein said light beam is coupled into a light conductor. The light beam is directed outward by means of a reflection free portion of the mirror glass, so that light passing through is directed towards the driver by means of the deflection optics.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer is described that is configured for use within a path length control apparatus of an optical device. The transducer comprises at least one void formed within a central region of the piezoelectric transducer, the one void or alternatively, the multiple voids, utilized at least in part to limit a curvature induced into a mirror during operation of the piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A varifocal mirror and a camera module comprising the same are disclosed. The varifocal mirror comprises a substrate, a thin film having a circumference supported by the substrate and a variable radius of curvature, and a reflective plane attached to the thin film to reflect light. The reflective plane has a radius of curvature varying in response to variation in the radius of curvature of the thin film. The camera module embodies focus and optical zoom functions via actuation of the varifocal mirror instead of using an electromagnetic actuator, a step motor and the like when adjusting positions of lens units, significantly reducing a volume of the overall system. With this structure, the camera module can be applied to various portable digital assistances requiring a minimized camera module, such as PDAs, mobile phones and the like.

Abstract: A multiple aperture optical system is provided that overcomes many limitations of wide field of view imaging systems. A basic component of the multiple aperture optical system is an “eye strip”, which comprises an array of imaging apertures physically mounted onto a flexible circuit strip and a master processor. Each imaging aperture generates an aperture output based on the imaging aperture's field of view. The master processor takes as input the aperture outputs generated by the apertures on the eye strips, and generates an output in response. In one embodiment, the multiple aperture optical system enables obtaining an omnidirectional image in a structure that is thin and can be physically conformed to an underlying structure.

Abstract: A composite mirror adapted for use as an outside rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a main or primary viewing mirror and an auxiliary blindzone viewing mirror juxtaposed to expose the vehicle blindzone to the vehicle operator. The main viewing mirror is generally of unit magnification. The auxiliary mirror is composed of a planar array of reflecting facets mimicking a convex mirror. The main and auxiliary mirrors can be combined in constant or variable reflectivity applications.

Abstract: An optical filter for filtering light rays having mutually different light intensity and direction of incidence on the optical filter along a number of mutually different directions and having a predetermined wavelength or wavelengths, has a carrier body which is transmissive for light rays having the predetermined wavelength or wavelengths and a plurality of photo-adaptive light-blocking elements distributed within the carrier body rendering the optical filter least transmissive in the direction along which the light ray having the highest light intensity is incident.

Abstract: A filter to improve contrast and shield electromagnetic waves, and a plasma display apparatus including the filter. The filter includes a base film, a first color pattern unit having strips disposed in parallel, at predetermined intervals, on both surfaces of the base film, and a second color pattern unit formed on one or both of the surfaces of the base film. The first color pattern unit and the second color pattern unit are conductive, and intersects one another.

Abstract: A method of making optical devices includes applying an energy sensitive protective material and an energy sensitive advanced optical material to a surface. The surface can be on the optical device or on a carrier, such as a thin sheet, to be applied to the optical device. Light energy is applied through a special production filter to cure the energy sensitive protective material on the surface while blocking light energy outside a selected wavelength spectrum from reaching the material. A portion of the optical device can then be masked, and light energy outside the spectrum filtered by the special production filter can be applied to activate the unmasked portion of the advanced optical material. The special production filter allows curing of the protective material using light energy in a limited (e.g., visible) spectrum so that the advanced optical material can be activated using light energy in the ultraviolet spectrum.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat dissipater such as a heat dissipation member that dissipates heat of an integrated circuit that is formed on a flexible substrate such as a flexible printed circuit board. The heat dissipater according to an aspect of the invention includes; a main body section that is formed in the shape of a hollow sleeve in such a manner that the flexible substrate can be inserted through and inserted inside the main body section; and an adhering section that is formed on an inner surface of the main body section in such a manner that the main body section and the integrated circuit are adhered to each other via the adhering section.

Abstract: A system includes a magnetic device for writing to and reading from a magnetic medium and a sensor disposed adjacent to the magnetic device and proximate to the magnetic medium. The sensor generates signals related to thermal variations in the sensor caused by changes in a distance between the magnetic device and the magnetic medium.

Abstract: Dynamic fly height (DFH) control is obtained for a read/write head by use of a heating element having two laterally separated heat sources symmetrically spaced around the track center line of the head. The two heating sources create a protrusion profile relative to the undistorted ABS that recesses the read element and main write pole at the track center line relative to off-track positions. The resulting DFH control also protects the head from HDI events that are either the result of calibration procedures or normal HDD operation.

Abstract: A storage device positions a head at a predetermined position on a storage medium by driving an actuator with the head and at least writes data onto the storage medium. The storage device includes a vibration sensor, a filter for outputting a signal of a frequency band centered on a first frequency from an output of the vibration sensor, and a write-protection-determination unit for protecting against data-writing processing upon a value of the output of the filter being larger than a threshold value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention reduce abrasion of a disk via a dithering process that spreads a friction area between a magnetic head and the disk when a magnetic head lifts from the surface of the disk. In embodiments of the invention, the dithering process is executed only when the magnetic head is latched in a parking zone of the disk and when a disk spindle motor is in an acceleration mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to reduce damage of a head element portion or a magnetic disk in a procedure for specifying a heater power value for adjusting a clearance between the head element portion and the magnetic disk. In an embodiment of the present invention, an HDC/MPU sequentially performs data writing and reading while increasing heater power. The HDC/MPU further determines whether or not a head slider has retrieved the data properly. When the data cannot be retrieved properly, the HDC/MPU specifies a heater power value in a normal operation based on the heater power value at which the data could not be retrieved properly.

Abstract: A hard disk drive system that includes one or more rotating data storage platters, a drive controller and multiple actuator assemblies and corresponding respective read/write heads. The actuator assemblies are separately moveable for performing separate data seeks. The controller is configured to interleave the seek and read/write operations of the multiple actuator assemblies and read/write heads with one another.

Abstract: In a magnetic tape apparatus of the present invention, a magnetic head unit having magnetic elements capable of recording or reproducing information with respect to a magnetic tape includes a movable member that includes a magnetic element and has such a size that the movable member comes into contact with the magnetic tape over an entire region in a width direction, and is placed so as to move in the width direction of the magnetic tape, and a stationary member that is placed at a position adjacent to the movable member in a magnetic tape transport direction, wherein the movable member is moved in the width direction of the magnetic tape by a tracking servo mechanism during a tracking servo control. According to this configuration, a magnetic tape apparatus excellent in a tracking precision can be provided, in which even a magnetic tape with a high friction coefficient does not move following the movement of a magnetic head unit in the width direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a carriage assembly attach suspensions to carriage arms without deformation and with higher accuracy than with the conventional art. Suspensions are placed on carriage arms by aligning engagement holes 10a provided in the carriage arms and spacer holes provided in spacer portions of the suspension. A bar-shaped operation member whose outer diameter is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the spacer holes is inserted into the spacer holes and longitudinal ultrasonic vibration is applied to the bar-shaped operation member to cause expanding and contracting motion in the radial direction of the spacer hole, so that when the diameter of the operation member expands, the operation member contacts edge portions of the spacer holes of the spacer portions and crimps the edge portions to fix the suspensions to the carriage arms.

Abstract: Provided is a clamping device of a spindle motor including a body, a stopper, a weight, and an elastic member. The stopper is coupled to the body. The weight is coupled to the stopper. The elastic member elastically supports the stopper.

Abstract: A writer includes a write element having a tip portion for generating a write field and a conductive assembly that delivers a write assist current through the tip portion to generate a write assist field.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole layer exposed to an opposing surface opposite a recording medium, applying a perpendicular recording magnetic field to the recording medium; a return yoke layer disposed in the opposing surface opposite the recording medium above or below the main magnetic pole layer, the return yoke layer receiving the recording magnetic field returning thereto after passing through the recording medium; and a planarized nonmagnetic layer filling the surroundings of the return yoke layer to planarized the return yoke layer. Inclined or curved surfaces are formed at both sides in a track width direction of the return yoke layer, the inclined or curved surfaces gradually broadening the dimension of the return yoke layer in the track width direction as the inclined or curved surfaces extend from front end surfaces thereof exposed to the opposing surface opposite the recording medium in the height direction.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for producing a head gimbal assembly with minimum dynamic response and air bearing resonance during flight (e.g., head-disk contact), thereby minimizing disruptions in the desired uniformity of flying height, are described. Embodiment head gimbal assemblies may comprise at least one air bearing surface of a slider and at least one suspension assembly wherein the at least one air bearing surface of the slider and the at least one suspension assembly are individually modeled. In addition, one of the at least one air bearing surface of the slider and one of the at least one suspension assembly may be matched to minimize air bearing resonance and system dynamic response.

Abstract: A laminate (20) for a suspension comprises a stainless steel foil (11), and an insulating layer (12) and a conductor layer (13) that are stacked in this order on the stainless steel foil (11). The stainless steel foil (11) contains a martensite phase in a volume fraction of 0.4 to 2.5 volume %. The insulating layer (12) is made of a polyimide resin, for example. The conductor layer (13) contains pure copper or a copper alloy, for example. The laminate (20) for a suspension is used for producing a wiring-integrated suspension that flexibly supports a slider including a magnetic head such that the slider is opposed to a recording medium.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a magnetic head actuator assembly comprises a magnetic head assembly, a suspension for supporting the magnetic head assembly at one end thereof, a circuit board fixed to the suspension at one end thereof for providing a circuit connection to the magnetic head assembly, the circuit board having a plurality of terminals and an engaging portion at the other end thereof and a carriage for supporting the suspension at the other end of the suspension, the carriage having a connecting circuit board having a groove for receiving a part the circuit board where the plurality of terminals are formed, a plurality of connecting terminals, and an engaged portion, wherein the engaging portion of the circuit board is engaged to the engaged portion of the connecting circuit board so as to align the terminals with the connecting terminals, respectively.

Abstract: An input operation device, wherein a manual operation element (401) is shielded by an element shielding member (411) normally openably supported by a member pivoting mechanism (412) and energized to a shielding position by a shielding energizing mechanism (416). In this state, when the element shielding member (411) is displaced to an open position, the manual operation element (401) is opened to get ready for operation. The element shielding member (411) displaced to the open position is temporarily held by a temporary holding mechanism (424), and opened after a specified time is passed. Accordingly, the manual operation element (401) can be operated with a finger used for displacing the element shielding member (411) from the shielding position to the open position.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a magnetic head for recording information on a recording medium comprises a magnetic pole layer having an end face to be facing the recording medium; an auxiliary magnetic pole layer magnetically connected to the magnetic pole; and a shield layer for shielding the magnetic pole layer from an external magnetic field, the shield layer having a first surface to be facing the recording medium, a second surface to be facing the recording medium adjacent to the first surface, and a third surface adjacent to the second surface, the first surface and the second surface forming an acute external angle, the first surface and the third surface forming an obtuse external angle.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a magnetic sensor layer and upper and lower read shields sandwiching the magnetic sensor layer. At least one of the upper and lower read shields includes at least one end portion having a plurality of portions isolated in a core width direction of the magnetic sensor layer. The portions are isolated at least on an air bearing surface side. In this manner, edge noise can be suppressed even if external magnetic field noise or radio noise acts on the upper read shield, the lower read shield, the trailing shield, or the return yoke.

Abstract: A free magnetic layer has a laminated structure in which a first magnetic sublayer composed of Co—Fe or Fe and a second magnetic sublayer composed of Co—Fe—B or Fe—B are formed, in that order, on an insulating barrier layer composed of Mg—O. This effectively improves the rate of change in resistance (?R/R) compared with the related art.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an arc-discharge detection device, which is used to detect the arc discharge persistently occurring in between an inverter and a load during an abnormal power transmission state. The inverter is arranged in a circuit board, and a carbonized loop is defined in an arc-discharge reaction area of the circuit board. In the present invention, a power-variation detection unit is electrically coupled to the carbonized loop and detects the power-level variation caused by the carbonized loop and generates a power-variation signal; an interpretation unit receives the power-variation signal and utilizes a decision level to determine whether the power variation is caused by arc discharge and outputs an abnormal-power signal if the interpretation result is positive; and a trigger unit is driven by the abnormal-power signal to interrupt the inverter's outputting high-voltage power to the load.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an arc-discharge protection device with a temperature detection mode, which is used to detect the arc discharge persistently occurring in between an inverter and a load during an abnormal power transmission state and is arranged in a connector coupling said inverter and said load and implementing the high-voltage power transmission therebetween. In the present invention, a temperature signal sampling unit is used to detect a temperature change of the connector and generate a temperature-change signal; next, an interpretation unit receives the temperature-change signal and utilizes a decision level to determine whether the temperature change is the abnormal high temperature phenomenon caused by arc discharge and outputs an abnormal-temperature signal if the interpretation result is positive; and a trigger unit is driven by the abnormal-temperature signal to interrupt the inverter's outputting high-voltage power to the load.

Abstract: A current balancing circuit includes a voltage detecting circuit having a detecting diode, and a control switch having an input part and an output part, the input part is coupled in series to the detecting diode and disposed opposite to the detecting diode for detecting abnormal and/or reverse voltages and for preventing electric circuits or facilities from being damaged by the abnormal and/or reverse voltages. The input part may be a photodiode having a positive or negative side coupled to the negative or positive side of the detecting diode. A resistor or a divider diode may be used to protect the voltage detecting circuit.

Abstract: Motor start circuit for an induction motor, particularly a single-phase AC induction motor, with a main winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (5), which are supplied with current, particularly alternating current, via current supply connections (24, 25), and with a start switching device (15) serving the purpose of interrupting the current flow through the auxiliary winding (5) after the start of the motor, the start switching device (15) being connected to a control device (20) via a connector (18), the control device (20) being connected between the current supply connections (24, 25), and with a winding protection switch (28), which is normally closed and which opens on the occurrence of a fault. The invention is characterised in that the control device (20) is connected to the winding protection switch (28) via at least one further connector (22, 17), preferably via at least one further connector (22, 17) and the auxiliary winding (5).

Abstract: A method of preventing an overload current from a power supply to a load through a ground fault circuit interrupter includes the steps of: obtaining an interrupted fault current from a hot wire to a ground wire via a first zero-phase current inductor and a fault current from a neutral wire to the ground wire via a second zero-phase current inductor; amplifying a signal of the fault current by an Op-Amp; and determining the fault current by a programmable control module, wherein when the fault current is larger than a preset threshold, the programmable control module sends a control signal to a control switch such that the control switch electrifies a second coil of a trip breaker to drive an armature at an unlocked position, so as to separate a movable terminal with a fixed terminal for electrically disconnecting the load with the power supply.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection component comprising a ceramic sintered body having ceramic substrate 12, varistor portion 10 formed thereon excluding some non-formed portion 18, and glass ceramic layer 14 further formed thereon, a pair of terminal electrodes 13a, 13b disposed by exposing a part thereof at non-formed portion 18 on ceramic substrate 12 of the ceramic sintered body, a pair of external electrodes 16a, 16b, and heat conducting portion 15 vertically penetrating ceramic substrate 12, a light-emitting diode or the like mounted on heat conducting portion 15 at non-formed portion 18, it is possible to reduce the size and to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the component mounted.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit having an ESD protection circuit enhancing a durability against thermal destruction is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit configured by a plurality of MOSFETs each having an SOI structure formed on a silicon substrate includes a functional circuit having an external connection signal terminal, a pair of power terminals and at least one of the MOSFETs. The semiconductor integrated circuit also includes at least one ESD protection circuit having a first terminal and a second terminal connected to the signal terminal and the power terminals, respectively. The ESD protection circuit includes at least one first MOSFET of the MOSFETs formed on the silicon substrate. The first MOSFET has a drain connected to the first terminal, a gate connected to the second terminal, and a source connected to the second terminal. The at least one ESD protection circuit also includes at least one second MOSFET of the MOSFETs formed adjacent to the first MOSFET on the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection to electronic circuits using a gate clamp circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restoring power to loads connected to a feeder powered by a power source. The feeder is provided with a plurality of switching devices and a master electronic device which is in operative communication with the switching devices and has a plurality of power restoration plans stored therein. Upon occurrence of a fault in a zone of the feeder, the identity of the switching device which is closest to and upstream from the faulted zone relative to the power source is used in order to select a power restoration plan and restore power to some or all the loads connected to non-faulted zones of the feeder from one or more additional feeders.

Abstract: More than one high-pressure facility is controlled. A first power frequency carrier unit of the high-pressure facility is connected with a second power frequency carrier unit of a monitoring device through the indoor power unit. Thus, the high-pressure facility can be monitored and controlled by the monitoring device remotely.

Abstract: An integrated circuit arrangement includes a semiconductor body having a substrate and at least one substrate terminal. At least one semiconductor component is integrated in the semiconductor body and is connected between a first supply terminal and a second supply terminal. The first supply potential is higher than the second supply potential during normal operation of the semiconductor component and the first supply potential is lower than the second supply potential during reverse voltage operation of the semiconductor component. A switch is adapted to couple at least one of the substrate terminals to the first supply terminal during reverse voltage operation and to the second supply terminal during normal operation.

Abstract: An overcurrent detection circuit assembly provides a diagnostic feedback signal indicative of an overcurrent or short condition is disclosed. The detection circuit receives a sense current that is proportional to a load current provided to an electrical device or load. The detection circuit provides the feedback signal to a microcontroller that can control the device and the power supply to protect the device against short circuit or other fault condition.

Abstract: An over-current protection circuit of a semiconductor circuit including a power transistor for outputting current output, a first output current detection circuit and a current limiter circuit for limiting the output current by stopping the output current of the power transistor for a predetermined period in response to a first detection signal from the output current detection circuit when the output current of the power transistor reaches a predetermined limit value. The over-current protection circuit has an output current detection transistor current-mirror connected to the power transistor and a second output current detection circuit for generating a second detection signal according to an output current of the output current detection transistor when the output current reaches the predetermined limit value. Further, the output current of the power transistor is cut off for the predetermined period by operating the current limiter circuit in response to the second detection signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety switching device, with which a safety-related device, preferably an electric drive, can be set into a safe state. The safety switching device (900) has a microprocessor or microcontroller (822), which can set, for example, an electric drive to be protected into a safe state both if an emergency circuit breaker, protective door switch, and/or two-hand switch is activated and also if there is faulty operation of the safety-related device or electric drive. For this purpose, the microprocessor (822) is preferably implemented such that it can determine from at least one analog signal to be measured whether a predetermined parameter, preferably the amplitude of the analog signal, lies outside a predetermined operating range. In addition, the microprocessor (822) can be a component of a safety device (810) which is constructed for multiple-channel control of a safety-related electric drive.

Abstract: A surge protector includes a body having an outer surface, and a clamp snapped on the body. The clamp includes spring clips. The spring clips have at least two support areas that are in a substantially same plane. The surge protector may also include a center electrode and terminal electrodes on ends of the body.

Abstract: A first switching unit and a second switching unit are connected in series to an electric power load. A voltage supply unit, which is connected between the first switching unit and the second switching unit, supplies a voltage to the second switching unit. A determining unit determines an occurrence of a malfunction in at least one of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing contamination buildup on corona emitters that are employed in an ionizer. Contamination buildup control is accomplished with solely electronic means. High voltage is applied to the emitters with waveforms that serve to push contaminants away from the emitter, rather than attracting contaminants toward the emitters. The results are fewer cleaning cycles, more time between cleaning cycles, and more stable ionizer operation.

Abstract: There are provided an electronic component permitting easy surface mounting onto a circuit board and, a mounted structure and an inverter device therewith. A surface mount type electronic component has a dielectric element body, electrodes, lead conductors, and lead wires. The dielectric element body has principal faces and side faces. One electrode is formed on one principal face, the other electrode is formed on the other principal face, and the electrodes face each other. A first portion of one lead conductor is laid on one side face. A first portion of the other lead conductor is laid on another side face. First portions of the lead wires are connected to the corresponding first portions of the lead conductors.

Abstract: A multilayer electronic device includes a laminate and an external electrode that is formed on an end surface of the laminate after a plurality of conductive particles having a particle diameter of about 1 ?m or more is adhered to the end surface of the laminate, for example, by a sandblast method or a brush polishing method. The external electrode is defined by a plating film that is formed by electroplating or electroless plating.