Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with at least a portion of the conical frustum convex toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, a cross section of which is non-spherical. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes first to fifth lens groups having positive, negative, negative, positive, and positive refractive power, respectively. The third lens group includes a single negative meniscus lens with a concave surface on an object side, to move along the optical axis for focusing. When zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, an interval between the first and second lens groups increases, an interval between the second and third lens groups increases, an interval between the third and fourth lens groups decreases, and an interval between the fourth and fifth lens groups decreases. The fourth and fifth lens groups are set to have a combined lateral magnification ?45T to satisfy the following condition, when an object distance is infinite at a telephoto end: ?0.041<?45T/Ft<?0.025 where Ft is a focal length of the entire zoom lens at the telephoto end.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems provide emitting and negatively-refractive focusing of electromagnetic energy. In some approaches the negatively-refractive focusing includes negatively-refractive focusing from an interior field region with an axial magnification substantially greater than one. In some approaches the negatively-refractive focusing includes negatively-refractive focusing with a transformation medium, where the transformation medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a metamaterial.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems provide negatively-refractive focusing and sensing of electromagnetic energy. In some approaches the negatively-refractive focusing includes providing an interior focusing region with an axial magnification substantially greater than one. In some approaches the negatively-refractive focusing includes negatively-refractive focusing with a transformation medium, where the transformation medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a metamaterial.

Abstract: A photographic optical system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having positive refractive power, a second lens unit having negative refractive power configured to move in an optical axis direction to perform focusing, and a third lens unit having positive or negative refractive power, wherein the position of an optical element (A) satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A fisheye lens system and a photographing apparatus including the fisheye lens system. The fisheye lens system includes, in an order from an object to an image, a first lens group including at least three lenses and having negative refractive power; and a second lens group having positive refractive power, wherein the at least three lenses included in the first lens group include a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens, in the order from the object to the image.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes a holder configured to hold a lens, a fixing unit configured to fix the holder, an intermediate unit arranged between the fixing unit and the holder, a first fixing member configured to fix the intermediate unit and the holder, a second fixing member configured to fix the fixing unit and the intermediate unit, a first tilter configured to tilt an optical axis of the lens around a first straight line that is unparallel to the optical axis of the lens, by changing a tilt of the holder relative to the intermediate unit, and a second tilter configured to tilt the optical axis of the lens around a second straight line that is unparallel to the optical axis of the lens and the first straight line, by changing a tilt of the intermediate unit relative to the fixing unit.

Abstract: A camera alignment system that can enable alignment in at least one of three planes and about an axis of at least one of the planes. An alignment mount can mate to a camera and lens. The alignment mount can comprise a mechanism to adjust the camera relative to the lens to that an image plane of the camera aligns with an image plane of the lens in a predetermined orientation. One predetermined orientation can be that the image plane of the camera being parallel to the image plane of the lens.

Abstract: A VCM (voice coil motor) is disclosed, the VCM including: a rotor including a lens-fixing hollow holed bobbin including a coil discharge unit formed from a peripheral upper end to a peripheral bottom end facing the peripheral upper end, and a coil block arranged at a periphery of the bobbin and including a cylindrically wound coil; a stator including a magnet facing the coil block and a yoke fixing the magnet; a case including a bottom case arrange with the bobbin and an upper case coupled to the bottom case and having an opening at a portion corresponding the bobbin; and an elastic member elastically supporting an upper end of the bobbin and a bottom end facing the upper end of the bobbin, wherein a distal end of the coil arranged at an upper end of the coil block employs the coil discharge unit to be discharged to a bottom end of the bobbin.

Abstract: A reflector array optical device includes two dihedral corner reflector array optical elements each having a substrate and a plurality of prism bodies arranged regularly on and each protruding from one main surface of the substrate. Each prism body includes at least two sides of orthogonal planes. The two optical elements are adhered so that top faces of the prism bodies are directly confronted respectively so as to make two coplanar planes in which the two orthogonal planes exist respectively.

Abstract: A disk controller for a hard disk drive includes a disk formatter interfaced via an NRZ bus to a read channel for the disk. The disk formatter includes an LFSR accumulator coupled to the NRZ bus, as well as an LSFR generator that generates synthetic test data for the disk formatter. Under control of a test flag which signifies a test mode, the LSFR generator generates synthetic test data, which is used by the disk formatter to drive the NRZ bus. The LSFR accumulator accumulates data on the NRZ bus, together with data on servo information and sector information. An interface is provided through which the accumulated information is provided to test equipment, for offline analysis of the accumulated information, so as to confirm proper operation of the disk subsystem and/or to detect failures therein.

Abstract: A method for reading a current track of data from a storage device includes using a first read head to read the current track of data and at least a first portion of at least one adjacent track of data, using at least a second read head to read at least a portion of the current track of data and at least a second portion of the at least one adjacent track of data, and decoding the data read from the current track, including processing signals from the first read head and the at least a second read head, to at least partly remove, from the signal from the first read head, contributions from the first portion of the at least one adjacent track of data. The decoding may include deriving expressions relating contributions from the current and adjacent tracks, and solving the expressions using least-mean-square analysis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information recording device includes: a magnetic recording medium having tracks; and a recording controller configured to control recording of information on a track provided between a first track group and a second track group adjacent to the first track group, the first track group and the second track group being included in a plurality of track groups, each of which includes a plurality of adjacent tracks partially overlap each other.

Abstract: A method includes, in at least one aspect, receiving a data set to be written onto a medium, identifying an index associated with the medium, identifying a first sector and a second sector of the medium, the first sector preceding the second sector, generating an error code for the data set based on the index and the first sector, and writing at least one of the data set or the generated error code into the second sector.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a free fall sensing system having an amplifier and sampling circuit, a sampling data analyzer, a sampling clock duration controller, and a sampling clock generator. The amplifier and sampling circuit is configured to sample data signals from the free fall sensor based on an initial sampling signal and based on a variable sampling signal. The sampling data analyzer is configured to compare a magnitude of sampled data point to a predetermined magnitude, to output an alert signal when the magnitude of the sampled data point is below the predetermined magnitude. The sampling clock duration controller is configured to vary a duration and a frequency of a sampling signal control in response to the alert signal. The sampling clock generator is configured to send a variable sampling signal to the amplifier and sampling circuit in response to the variation of the duration and the frequency of the sampling signal control.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for creating a remnant magnetization on a magnetic tape medium. The magnetic tape is first substantially demagnetized, e.g., erased, by an erasure unit having multiple magnetic elements of alternating polarity. The erased magnetic tape is then passed by a bias magnet that creates a remnant magnetization on the magnetic tape. The remnant magnetized magnetic tape is then passed through a servo write head that writes servo patterns to the remnant magnetized magnetic tape. The bias magnet may be housed within the erasure unit or within a bias unit, and the distance between the bias magnet and the tape path of the magnetic tape may be adjustable to create the desired remnant magnetization on the magnetic tape. The remnant magnetization created on the magnetic tape may be greater than 20 percent to reduce defects in the servo pattern written to the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A system including a monitoring module configured to monitor whether, during a first predetermined period, at least one of a read operation, a write operation, or a seek operation is performed on a platter of a storage device in response to the platter of the storage device rotating at a first speed. A speed control module is configured to rotate the platter of the storage device at a second speed in response to none of the read operation, the write operation, or the seek operation being performed on the platter of the storage device during the first predetermined period. The second speed is (i) less than the first speed, and (ii) greater than zero. None of the read operation, the write operation, or the seek operation is performed on the platter of the storage device in response to the platter of the storage device rotating at the second speed.

Abstract: A magnetic recording apparatus includes: a magnetic disk; a drive device; a magnetic disk control device; a buffer; and a flag management table. The buffer reads data of a specific block unit from a designated read range on the magnetic disk. The flag management table stores a pointer indicating the read location of the buffer for data of each of the block units and a management flag for the pointer. The magnetic disk control device sets the management flag of the pointer corresponding to a given block unit when the data of the given block unit is read to the buffer.

Abstract: An information recording device includes a magnetic disk, a recording control module, a detection module, and a rewrite control module. Tracks are defined on the magnetic disk, each track includes servo regions including position information and data regions. The recording control module performs a control so that information is recorded on a first track by a recording method where recording is performed with adjacent tracks overlapped with each other. The detection module detects, based on position information acquired from a first servo region, whether a shift recording is performed so as to be shifted from a reference in a radial direction on the first track. The rewrite control module performs, when the shift recording is detected, a control so that information is re-recorded in a data region between a first servo region and a second servo region that precedes the first servo region.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information recorder includes: a determination module; a storage module; a reader; and a writer. The determination module determines whether a position of a head for writing data is off a target track of a recording medium. The storage module temporarily stores therein data written by the head. The reader reads, if it is determined that the head is positioned off the target track, first data written in a sector which is considered overwritten by the head positioned off the target track among sectors of an adjacent track adjacent to the target track, from the storage module. The writer writes, if it is determined that the head is positioned off the target track, the first data into a sector positioned later than the sector into which data is written at the time the head is positioned off the target track.

Abstract: A system provides tape having at least one longitudinal data track and a tape head operative to move along a single axis line lateral to the data track. The storage tape moves across the tape head. The tape head moves along the axis line such that a write element of the tape head intersects the data track and writes data to a section of the data track. A controller determines that the storage tape is skewed. In response to determining that the storage tape is skewed, the controller determines a position along the axis line and a time to move the tape head such that the read elements intersects the section of the data track. At the determined time, the tape head pauses writing of data and moves to the position along the axis line. The tape head reads the section of the data track to verify the written data.

Abstract: Approaches for a hard-disk drive (HDD) comprised within a sealed enclosure that is filled with a substantially helium gas are provided. The HDD may include a shroud that surrounds a majority of a perimeter of a magnetic-recording disk. The HDD may also include an upstream spoiler having one or more wings. The shape of the upstream spoiler diverts a flow of the substantially helium gas that circulates when the magnetic-recording disk is rotating from a magnetic-recording head to a plenum chamber. The plenum chamber has a mouth that allows a portion of the circulating flow of substantially helium gas to flow therein. The mouth of the plenum chamber is a gap in the shroud that is prior to the upstream spoiler in the circulating flow of the substantially helium gas. A portion of the plenum chamber is formed using a particle filter opposing the gap.

Abstract: A particle-capturing device configured to remove particles from a plurality of air-streams flowing within a disk enclosure of a HDD. The particle-capturing device includes a particle-capturing filter, and a filter holder. The filter has a front side and a back side. The filter holder holds the filter. The filter holder has a first opening configured to allow a first in-bound air-stream to flow in-bound through a first portion of the filter, which is disposed in the first opening, from the front side out through the back side of the filter, and a second opening configured to allow an out-bound air-stream to flow out-bound through a second portion of the filter, which is disposed in the second opening, from the back side out through the front side of the filter. A HDD and a particle-capturing system that include the particle-capturing device are also provided.

Abstract: In a rotating device, a housing includes a cylindrical outer surface facing an inner surface of a through hole and a guiding surface arranged on the underside of the outer surface, the diameter of the guiding surface being less than the diameter of the outer surface. Glue has an interface in an end space. In at least a part of the end space where the glue does not exist, conductive resin seamlessly is applied from the guiding surface to the inner surface of the through hole. With regard to a portion of the inner surface of the through hole that radially faces the guiding surface, the length, in the axial direction, of the portion that touches the conductive resin is greater than the length, in the axial direction, of the portion that touches the glue.

Abstract: A signaling method and apparatus for providing two write assist components for perpendicular thin film heads writing to high coercivity media is disclosed. The two components provided by the present invention include a media writing assist component and a head switching assist component. Circuit wiring configurations and waveforms for driving an auxiliary half coil are disclosed. These include configurations for connecting the auxiliary half coil in parallel with the main data coil, or connecting the auxiliary half coil to the thermal flight control system. Provision for both common mode signals as well as differential mode signals are disclosed. RF sinusoidal waveforms between 1 and 5 GHz have been found suitable for head switching assist functions for either symmetric current feed and common mode current configuration, or asymmetric current feed and differential mode current configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a head slider for a magnetic disk drive. The head slider comprises a first recess on the air bearing surface of the head slider. The head slider further comprises a second recess on the air bearing surface, wherein the first recess is deeper than the second recess and is closer to the leading edge than the second recess and wherein the second recess is closer to the trailing edge than the first recess.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic read transducer is described. The magnetic read transducer includes a bilayer magnetic seed layer, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer, and a read sensor. The bilayer magnetic seed layer includes a Ni1-xFex layer and a Ni1-yFey layer on the Ni1-xFex layer, where x is at least 0.3 and not more than 1 and where y is not more than 0.19. The AFM layer resides on the bilayer magnetic seed layer. The read sensor is on the AFM layer.

Abstract: A current-perpendicular-to-the-plane magnetoresistive sensor structure includes at least an improved top shield structure and optionally also a similar bottom shield structure. The top shield structure includes an antiparallel structure (APS) of two ferromagnetic films and a nonmagnetic antiparallel coupling (APC) film between them. The APC film induces antiferromagnetic (AF) coupling between the two ferromagnetic films so that they have their respective magnetizations oriented antiparallel. An important aspect of the APS is that there is no antiferromagnetic layer adjacent the upper ferromagnetic film, so that the upper ferromagnetic film does not have its magnetization pinned by an antiferromagnetic layer. An electroplated shield layer is formed above the APS.

Abstract: A hybrid DC contactor includes contacts that provide a first current path between a DC power source and a load, an electromagnetic coil to position the contacts, a semiconductor switch in parallel with contacts that, when turned on, provides a second parallel current path that diverts current away from the contacts when the main contacts are being opened in either direction. A controller is provided to terminate power to the electromagnetic coil to open the contacts, detect an arc voltage across the contacts as the contacts open, provide a gate signal to the semiconductor switch to pulse the switch on for a pre-determined period of time to route current to the semiconductor switch, measure a current through the contacts and, if current is present through the contacts, then provide another gate signal to the semiconductor switch to pulse the switch on again so as to route current thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an over current protection trip point for a voltage regulator includes an input for receiving a monitored operating parameter of the voltage regulator. Control logic responsive to this input generates a digital current control signal. A digital to analog controller converts the digital current control signal to an analog current control signal and this analog current control signal is used for controlling a current source for generating a current that establishes the over current protection trip point of the voltage regulator.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first node receiving an external voltage, a second node receiving a grounding voltage, a protection circuit, and a device to be protected coupled in parallel between the first and second nodes, in which the protection circuit includes a lateral IGBT having an emitter coupled to the second node and an avalanche diode having an anode coupled to the collector of the lateral IGBT and a cathode coupled to the first node, and a clamp driving circuit coupled between the first and second nodes, and coupled to the gate of the lateral IGBT.

Abstract: A load driving device according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: an output transistor coupled between a first power supply line and an output terminal; the output terminal being configured to be coupled with a load; a driver circuit that controls conduction/non-conduction of the output transistor; a compensation transistor that is coupled between the output terminal and a second power supply line, and becomes conductive when the driver circuit renders the output transistor non-conductive and when a potential of the second power supply line reaches a predetermined value or greater, to maintain a non-conduction state of the output transistor; and a first resistor coupled between the second power supply line and a back gate of the compensation transistor.

Abstract: A system comprises a package with top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of high-power transient voltage suppressors arranged within the package, and a robust lead frame. Each of the transient voltage suppressors has first and second major surfaces substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the package. The lead frame comprises leads connected to the major surfaces of the transient voltage suppressors. Each of the leads has a thickness greater than about 0.015 inches (or 0.381 mm) in a mounting portion, in order to dissipate heat from the transient voltage suppressors and to resist vibration-induced stress on the package.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a primary region, a secondary region and an isolation region disposed between the primary region and the secondary region to galvanically isolate the primary region from the secondary region. The primary region is to be coupled to an AC source. The primary region also includes an electrostatic discharge (ESD) conducting pathway to redirect current to the AC source that crosses the isolation region. A spark gap is included in the ESD conducting pathway.

Abstract: A line protection system described herein provides reliable electro-mechanical connections between system components, reduces mechanical stresses on a disconnector, assures more effective disconnection of a failed arrestor, and is lower in cost than existing systems. The line protection system includes a surge arrestor, a disconnector coupled to the surge arrestor, and a line lead coupled to the disconnector. The line lead generally is a high strength cable and/or the line protection system generally does not include a shunt bypass assembly. Upon exposure to a high voltage condition, the disconnector actuates and separates the line lead from the system.

Abstract: A low energy electromagnetic relay and method of reducing power consumption in electromagnetic relays. The electromagnetic relay includes an electrical coil having a first end connected to a first contact and a second end connected to first side of a normally closed switch, a second side of the switch connected to a second contact; a resistor connected between the first end of the coil and the second contact; and an armature configured to move to an actuated position and open the first switch when power is applied across the first and the second contacts.

Abstract: The devices and methods described below provide for a high voltage control circuits using commercial lower voltage, and lower cost, relays. A low voltage control system using commercial switching relays is used to control and switch an isolated low voltage power supply through an isolation layer. The isolated low voltage power supply is used to drive commercial switching relays that control the high voltage power applied to the high voltage load. Adding the isolated low voltage power supply controlled through an isolation layer enables the use of commercial low voltage components to switch high voltage power such as 347VAC without violating Underwriters Laboratories spacing or testing requirements.

Abstract: A corona igniter (20) includes an ignition coil (26) providing a high voltage energy to an electrode. The coil (26) is disposed in a housing (34) and electrically isolated by a coil filler (36) and a capacitance reducing component (38) which together improve energy efficiency of the system. The coil filler (36) includes an insulating resin permeating the coil (26). The capacitance reducing component (38) has a permittivity not greater than 6, for example ambient air, pressurized gas, insulating oil, or a low permittivity solid. The capacitance reducing compound (38) surrounds the coil (26) and other components and fills the remaining housing volume. The coil filler (36) has a filler volume and the capacitance reducing component (38) has a component volume greater than the filler volume.

Abstract: An input device includes a movable electrode and a capacitance detection electrode provided on the upper and lower sides of the resin film substrate, respectively. The movable electrode includes a moving section, and an immobile section. The moving section includes a protrusion. The end of the protrusion comes in contact with the upper side of the resin film substrate in an initial state, or is bonded to the upper side of the resin film substrate. The protrusion has a curved shape so that the side surface of the protrusion is depressed relative to a straight line that connects the end and the base of the protrusion having an approximately trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, or at least one step is formed on the side surface of the protrusion, and the width of the protrusion increases stepwise from the end to the base of the protrusion.

Abstract: A capacitor includes a dielectric substrate and a large number of filamentous conductors formed to penetrate through the dielectric substrate in a thickness direction thereof. An electrode is connected to only respective one ends of a plurality of filamentous conductors constituting one of groups each composed of a plurality of filamentous conductors. The electrode is disposed in at least one position on each of both surfaces of the dielectric substrate, or in at least two positions on one of the surfaces. Further, an insulating layer is formed on each of both surfaces of the dielectric substrate so as to cover regions between the electrodes, and a conductor layer is formed on the corresponding insulating layer integrally with a desired number of electrodes.

Abstract: A laminated chip electronic component includes: a ceramic body including internal electrodes and dielectric layers; first and second external electrodes formed to cover both end portions of the ceramic body in a length direction; an active layer in which the internal electrodes are disposed in an opposing manner, while having the dielectric layers interposed therebetween, to form capacitance; upper and lower cover layers formed on upper and lower portions of the active layer in a thickness direction, the lower cover layer having a thickness greater than that of the upper cover layer; and additional electrode layers disposed irrespective of a formation of capacitance within the lower cover layer.

Abstract: There are provided a reduction-resistant dielectric composition and a ceramic electronic component including the same. The reduction-resistant dielectric composition may include a BaTiO3-based matrix powder, 0.1 to 1.0 moles of a transition metal oxide or transition metal carbonates, based on 100 moles of the matrix powder, and 0.1 to 3.0 moles of a sintering aid including silicon oxide (SiO2). The ceramic electronic component including the reduction-resistant dielectric composition may have a high capacitance and superior reliability.

Abstract: An electrode structure which provides adhesiveness between an aluminum material, as a base material, and a dielectric layer, and adhesiveness between the dielectric layers, and enables a high capacitance, even with a thick dielectric layer. An interposing layer is formed in at least one part of a region of the surface of the aluminum material between the aluminum material and the dielectric layer and includes aluminum and carbon. The dielectric layer includes dielectric particles including valve metal, and an organic substance layer formed on at least one part of a surface of the dielectric particle. A mixture layer of dielectric particles, including the valve metal and a binder, is formed on a surface of the aluminum material, and thereafter, the aluminum material is heated in a state where the aluminum material is placed in a space including a hydrocarbon-containing substance.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a first casing; a second casing; a hinge section which includes a first turning shaft provided at one end portion of the first casing and a second turning shaft provided at one end portion of the second casing and connects the first and second casings so as to be able to be opened or closed in a range from a folded state to a back-to-back state through the first and second turning shafts; a display section provided on one face of the second casing; and a displacement section which displaces the display section to the other end side of the second casing in the folded state and the back-to-back state of the first and second casings and displaces the display section to one end side of the second casing in a spread state of the first and second casings.

Abstract: A multifunctional emergency rescue device includes a main control circuit, a selection switch, an indicator lamp, an annunciator, a battery unit, a connection port module, an external power input socket and output socket. The main control circuit contains a micro control unit (MCU), a power sensing unit, a rectifier and regulator unit, a monitoring unit, and a vibration induction unit. When the selection switch is switched to a first working mode, recharging, rescue, a stable operation to a car electric system are performed. When a second working mode is switched to, electronic devices are recharged at the USB port and the LED lighting lamp illuminates. When a third working mode, an emergency mode, is switched to, the vibration induction unit generates a signal determined by the MCU to drive the annunciator to generate an alarm sound, achieving functions of emergency calling, disaster calling and burglar-proof calling.

Abstract: A device (10) for mounting behind a flat panel visual display (e.g. a television) (D) with a retractable means (17). The retractable means (17), in the form of a bay or tray, is extended to be accessible by a user when the flat panel display is mounted to a wall or the like.

Abstract: Electronic devices may have housings. A housing may contain a display on its front face and a rear plate such as a plate formed from glass on its rear face. A peripheral housing member may surround the display and rear plate. An antenna may be formed in the peripheral housing member. The rear plate may be formed from laminated layers including a light guide layer. Device hinges may include hinge structures that are integral to the peripheral housing member. A logo may be formed by coating the rear plate with a patterned masking layer. Display structures for the display and the rear plate may be mounted to opposing sides of a shelf portion of the peripheral housing member. The rear plate may be formed from electrochromic glass and may cover photovoltaic cells and touch sensors. Driver boards may be mounted within a clutch barrel perpendicular to the display.

Abstract: A media drive tray can include a front plate; a first rail extending from and perpendicular to the front plate where the first rail includes features for securing the first rail to a media drive and a first rail height; and a second rail extending from and perpendicular to the front plate, parallel to the first rail, where the second rail includes features for securing the second rail to a media drive and a second rail height that differs from the first rail height. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.