Miscellaneous Patents (Class 360/137)
  • Patent number: 9532096
    Abstract: A device is provided for use with a content provider that is operable to provide content, which includes a plurality of content components. The device includes a communication portion, a memory portion, a parsing portion, a counting portion and a processing portion. The communication portion can receive the content from the content provider. The parsing portion can parse the content into the plurality of content components and can store the parsed plurality of content components within the memory portion. The counting portion can provide a counter for each of the parsed plurality of content components within the memory portion, respectively. The processing portion can retrieve and process one of the parsed plurality of content components within the memory portion. The counting portion can further increment the counter associated with the retrieved one of the parsed plurality of content components within the memory portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Krishna Prasad Panje
  • Patent number: 9514787
    Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a magnetic disk apparatus includes a magnetic disk, a nonvolatile memory, a determination module, a write module, and a read module. The determination module determines whether the off-track write occurs on a first data sector during a write mode. The write module writes first data in the nonvolatile memory if the determination module determines that the off-track write occurs on the first data sector. The read module reads the first data from one of the magnetic disk and the nonvolatile memory based on a determination result of the determination module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoriharu Takai
  • Patent number: 9507043
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for conserving power while conducting an ocean bottom seismic survey. Sensor nodes placed on an ocean floor may be configured to operate in at least an idle mode and an active mode. Each node may adjust its mode of operation from idle mode to active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy B. Rigsby, Felix E. Bircher
  • Patent number: 9433118
    Abstract: A mounting frame for a component of a computing system includes first supports and second supports. The first supports are to contact a top surface of the component at a first height relative to the mounting frame, and the second supports are to contact the top surface of the component at a second height relative to the mounting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark David Senatori
  • Patent number: 9372225
    Abstract: A storage device test system includes: a storage device mounting unit configured to mount a storage device therein; a test control unit configured to transmit and/or receive test signals to and/or from the storage device; an interface plug that is electrically connected to the test control unit and coupled to the storage device mounted in the storage device mounting unit; and a plugging driving unit that controls a relative location between the interface plug and the storage device mounting unit. By using the storage device test system, the causes of defects that may occur while using a storage device may be easily detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-kyu Bang, Min-gwon Moon, Il-do Seo, Yu-hyun Oh
  • Patent number: 9368137
    Abstract: Cleaning a recording head slider in-drive during operation is accomplished by periodically performing a series of full stroke seek operations, whereby liquid contaminants that may have migrated to the head slider are flung from the slider and liquid from the disk surface may be adsorbed onto the slider for removal by way of flinging. Consequently, head-disk spacing may be stabilized and data write operations improved. Furthermore, the series of full stroke seek operations may be performed at predetermined intervals, and for a predetermined period of time. However, the series may be interrupted by a client request, and continued thereafter, so as not to affect the operational status of the recording system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Annamica Bhan, Jorge F. Escobar, David H. Jen, Scott McCoy, Thomas Nguyen, Vedantham Raman, Kris Schouterden
  • Patent number: 9361925
    Abstract: An enlarged substrate for a magnetic recording medium used in a data storage device such as a hard disc drive (HDD). In some embodiments, a data storage device has a housing member for a 3½ inch form factor storage device or a 2½ inch form factor storage device. A rotatable data recording disc is supported by the housing member. The disc has a plurality of tracks formed thereon. At least one track of the plurality of tracks has an average radius of greater than 47.5 mm for the 3½ inch form factor storage device or greater than 32.5 mm for the 2½ inch form factor storage device. A data read/write transducer is configured to be controllably advanced across a recording surface of the data recording disc and to record data to the plurality of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Koji Adachi, Ian J. Beresford, Thomas Y Chang, Kuo Hsing Hwang, James Hennessy, David Perez
  • Patent number: 9282673
    Abstract: A casing for fixing a plate member includes a casing body having opposite first and second side plates, and a clamping member having a resilient plate disposed on an inner side of the second side plate, at least one abutment arm protruding inwardly from the resilient plate and adapted to abut against a first surface of the plate member, and an engaging piece proximate to the abutment arm and adapted to releasably engage a second surface of the plate member. The first side plate and the resilient plate are respectively adapted to abut against first and second ends of the plate member for clamping therebetween the plate member. The resilient plate is pullable to move the engaging piece away from the second surface of the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chong-Xing Zhu
  • Patent number: 9190112
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of an invention for storing write environment conditions of a tape cartridge. A tape drive measures and stores the write environment conditions for a portion of tape as a result of receiving a write command to write data to the same portion of tape. In one embodiment, the write environment conditions are measured and stored to the tape cartridge each time a write command is received such that each portion of tape written has corresponding stored write environment conditions. The write environment conditions include temperature and relative humidity in one embodiment. The stored write environment conditions for each portion of tape written creates a historical log of the environment conditions that the tape was written within. The historical log can provide information to a manufacturer or user regarding the environmental conditions the user operates their tape drive within and provides information to assist with failure analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Josephine F. Bayang, Ernest S. Gale, Hirokazu Nakayama, Mitsuhiro Nishida
  • Patent number: 9168869
    Abstract: The vehicle with a multi-function auxiliary control system and heads-up display includes a plurality of telematics units integrated into a road vehicle. Telematics units are connected to allow communication with an occupant of the vehicle, communication among the telematics units, and communication to a Smart heads-up display (HUD) positioned on the driver's side to project vehicle and environmental information onto the vehicle's windshield. The HUD projects the display image for heads-up view by the driver using either a reflector lens in back of, or a transparent film applied to, the windshield. Side view cameras and rear-facing radars are combined to alert the driver of blind spots of approaching vehicles from the rear. Forward-looking infra-red cameras are connected to the HUD to assist the driver's forward view under poor visibility conditions. A central controller in the vehicle assists driver input to the multi-function auxiliary control system devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Sami Yaseen Kamal
  • Patent number: 9164530
    Abstract: A rotary actuator, in particular for a motor vehicle, has an actuating element which can rotate about an axis, and a position sensor which detects the position of the actuating element in circumferential direction. The rotary actuator is disposed such that the rotational movement of the actuating element is continued a certain distance in the released state after manual actuation and is slowly decelerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Maximilian Kandler
  • Patent number: 9069326
    Abstract: An image formation apparatus comprises an opening and closing cover, a cover fulcrum shaft, a roller shaft, and a grounding member. The cover fulcrum shaft pivotably supports the opening and closing cover. The roller shaft is disposed on the opening and closing cover. The grounding member has a first portion connected to the roller shaft and a second portion connected to the cover fulcrum shaft. The cover fulcrum shaft has a bent part that is bent so as to extend in a direction intersecting the pivot axis direction of the opening and closing cover, the opening and closing cover includes an engaging part that engages with the bent part, and the cover fulcrum shaft integrally pivots with the opening and closing cover when the opening and closing cover is opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yuzo Onishi, Yoshiyuki Asakawa
  • Patent number: 9013881
    Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris R. Snider, Vineet Gupta, Joseph K. Huntzinger, Michael G. Coady
  • Patent number: 8873200
    Abstract: There is disclosed a spinstand for testing a head gimbal assembly. The spinstand includes a gripper operable to grip the head gimbal assembly and a load pick device operable to hold a head gimbal assembly and to move the head gimbal assembly into an exchange position where it can be gripped by the gripper. In the exchange position part of the load pick device registers with the gripper and another part of the load pick device is spaced from the gripper so as to form a space between, in which space at least part of the head gimbal assembly is located in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventors: Ian Stanley Warn, Andrew William Atkins
  • Patent number: 8749917
    Abstract: An adjustable disk stabilizer for a spinstand having a spindle motor and spindle assembly for supporting and rotating a magnetic medium bearing disk. The spinstand is adapted to position a transducing (read/write) head adjacent to the magnetic medium. The adjustable disk stabilizer is attached to a stationary portion of the spindle assembly, and includes a mechanism to adjust height and alignment of a plate having a bearing surface opposite a non-magnetic-media-bearing undersurface of the disk. That bearing surface, in concert with the undersurface of the disk, establishes a supporting air bearing therebetween during rotation of the media-bearing disk. The adjustment mechanism enables easily-attained compensation for various disk-to-disk thicknesses and level imperfections of the bearing surface plate mounting, and enables precision alignment of the bearing surface of the plate to the surface of the disk opposite to the surface under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Guzik Technical Enterprises
    Inventors: Konstantin Perevoztchikov, Wei Zhuang, Nahum Guzik
  • Patent number: 8634164
    Abstract: A method of detaching a head suspension component from a locating and transport structure where the head suspension component is integrally connected to the locating and transport structure by a tab having a reduced tensile strength with respect to each of the head suspension component and the locating and transport structure. The method includes applying a tensile load to the tab to cause the tab to fracture, so that the head suspension component is detached from the locating and transport structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Bryan J. Scheele, Richard A. Schnitzler, Brett L. Haugen, Ronald W. Rome, Lance J. Evans, Gregory S. Nelson, Michael R. Jensen, Patrick R. LaLonde
  • Patent number: 8611048
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and positioning a read/write head to a disk and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a deck; a spindle on the deck; a safety enclosure surrounding at least the spindle; and a movable carriage having at least one head receiving portion. The carriage is movable between a first position wherein the head receiving portion is outside the safety enclosure and a second position wherein the head receiving portion is inside the safety enclosure. The apparatus further includes an automated mechanism arranged to pick up the head from the head receiving portion when in the second position and to load the head to the disk for testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventors: Keith Rowland Charles Brady, Graham Collins
  • Patent number: 8529017
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a web for wiping and receiving fluid ejected from a printhead. In one implementation, first and second supports support a portion of the web that receives fluid ejected from a printhead after the portion of the web has been supported in wiping engagement with the print head by the first support. In another implementation, a frame removably receives a cartridge which includes supports for the web, wherein one or more actuators linearly move the frame carrying the cartridge between a position opposite the web and a withdrawn position. In another implementation, a capper is pivotally supported by a frame which receives a cartridge, the capper pivoting to a capping position cantilevered from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin T. Kersey, Timothy J. Carlin
  • Patent number: 8433942
    Abstract: Proposed are a storage apparatus and a power consumption estimation method capable of easily and accurately estimating the power consumption of a physical drive without having to use a wattmeter. Operational information concerning a seek amount and a data transfer amount in the relevant hard disk drive which are internally recorded and retained by the respective hard disk drives is collected from each of the hard disk drives, and power consumption of each of the hard disk drives is estimated based on the acquired operational information of each of the hard disk drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Ouchi, Masanori Takada, Akira Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8379363
    Abstract: A bulk erase tool to erase a perpendicular media recording (PMR) disk of a disk drive is disclosed. The bulk erase tool comprises a housing to receive a disk drive and at least one of a first pair of magnets mounted in the housing to be positioned above the received disk drive to provide a magnetic field to erase the top side of the disk and a second pair of magnets mounted in the housing to be positioned below the disk drive to provide a magnetic field to erase the bottom side of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pusphanathan Kolunthavelu, Anandan Vengadasalam
  • Patent number: 8228637
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for creating a remanence 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 remanence magnetization on the magnetic tape. The remanence magnetized magnetic tape is then passed through a servo write head that writes servo patterns to the remanence 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 remanence magnetization on the magnetic tape. The remanence magnetization created on the magnetic tape may be greater than 20 percent to reduce defects in the servo pattern written to the magnetic tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Wayne P. Schaefer, Thu D. DePuydt, Bruce H. Edwards, Gregory W. Visich
  • Patent number: 8213115
    Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a chassis which supports a “sealed” housing containing a data storage magnetic disk, and read/write heads and actuator. The housing also contains an erasure device which generates a magnetic or other field or emanation for erasing the disk, so that the erasing field or emanation need not penetrate the sealed housing to effectuate erasure. A backup power supply provides power to the erasing device so that erasure can occur even in the absence of external power. A bus- or network-actuated arrangement couples power to the erasure device so that many hard drives may be simultaneously erased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Gershman, Ronald Dean, Bernard McGrath
  • Patent number: 8213120
    Abstract: A tape drive system according to one general embodiment includes a magnetic head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head; a cable coupled to the magnetic head, the cable comprising a first layer of liquid crystal polymer, and at least 16 electrically conductive leads operatively coupled to the first layer of liquid crystal polymer; and a controller coupled to the cable, and communicating with the head using the cable. A cable according to another general embodiment includes a first layer of liquid crystal polymer; and at least 16 electrically conductive leads operatively coupled to the first layer of liquid crystal polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sassan K. Shahidi, Larry LeeRoy Tretter, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 8149535
    Abstract: A disk device with disk contamination control having a spindle for rotating at least one disk. A spindle hub located on the spindle. A disk clamp for clamping the at least one disk on the hub. A magnetic clamp seal magnetically and removably attached to the disk clamp wherein the magnetic clamp seal encapsulates disk contaminants between the clamp and the clamp seal. The magnetic clamp seal magnetically collects metallic contaminants within a sealed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Na Li, Yongjun Liang, Shaoyong Liu, Yi Zhao Yao
  • Patent number: 8139467
    Abstract: Embodiments of a computer system that includes a vibration-cancelling mode, and a related method and computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system, are described. During operation, a processor monitors operations in the computer system, and may select either the vibration-cancelling mode or an inactive mode based on the monitored operations. For example, the processor may select the vibration-cancelling mode when there are input/output-(I/O) intensive workloads to an array of one or more hard disk drives (HDDs) in the computer system. In this way, the processor may reduce the energy consumption associated with vibration-induced retries to the HDDs (and reduced I/O throughput) without increasing the energy consumption associated with active vibration damping at other times, such as when the computer system is idle or during processor-intensive workloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, Kalyanaraman Vaidyanathan, Aleksey M. Urmanov
  • Patent number: 8056256
    Abstract: A method for reconditioning Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and returning them to operation with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Slack Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard C. Slack, Clare L. Milton
  • Patent number: 8055811
    Abstract: A floppy module includes a floppy disk controller (FDC), a control circuit, and a display. The FDC has a first control terminal, a second control terminal, and a plurality of third control terminals. Wherein, the first control terminal and the second control terminal may respectively output a first control signal and a second control signal, and the first and second control signals having the same statuses are used for controlling a floppy disk. The display has a fourth control terminal and a plurality of data terminals respectively coupled to a portion of the third control terminals. Additionally, the control circuit may use the first control signal to replace the second control signal for controlling the floppy disk, and transmit the second control signal to the fourth control terminal such that a status information is shown on the display as the floppy disk being idle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hsi-Jung Tsai, Chi-Hung Lin, Shih-Hao Yeh
  • Patent number: 8009388
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing storage capacity of a disc drive by physically skewing a transducer in relation to a slider supporting the transducer. The physical skew angle of the transducer is configured to provide a predetermined zero skew position on the medium, which is capable of providing an increased storage capacity to the medium. To ascertain this zero skew position, a storage density or storage capacity of the medium may be ascertained for each of various zero skew positions on the medium. A desired storage density or capacity level is selected according to storage capacity requirements and the corresponding zero skew position is ascertained. The corresponding zero skew position may be implemented by physically skewing a transducer relative to a slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Chee Fong Oh, Swee Chuan Gan, Lihong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7969689
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching one or more HGAs to an actuator assembly including one or more actuator arms comprises a set of pivoting supports corresponding to the one or more HGAs and mechanisms that pivot each of the pivoting supports between open positions and closed positions. For each of the set of pivoting supports, in the open position, a gap adjacent to the pivoting support is sufficiently large to receive both a mounting platform of one of the actuator arms and a baseplate of one of the HGAs positioned in alignment with the mounting platform of the one of the actuator arms, and, for each of the set of pivoting supports, in the closed position, the gap is sufficiently small to constrain the baseplate of the one of the HGAs against the mounting platform of the one of the actuator arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Brendan J. Moore, Jeffery B. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7961431
    Abstract: A fabric for forming a storage media disk texturing member is formed from a non-woven polymeric material formed from fibers and having substantially no titanium dioxide. A method for texturing a surface of a metal storage media disk is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John Skoufis
  • Patent number: 7944640
    Abstract: A bulk eraser for erasing recorded information on a magnetic-recording disk. The bulk eraser includes at least three magnets and a structure magnetically coupled with the at least three magnets to produce magnetic-flux density in a gap. The gap has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, such that a first magnet and a second magnet are disposed with opposing end poles across the first portion. The at least three magnets and the structure are configured to produce a magnetic-flux density in the second portion sufficient to erase recorded information from a portion of at least one magnetic-recording disk in a disk-stack when a hard-disk drive is inserted into the second portion. In addition, the at least three magnets and the structure are configured to direct the magnetic-flux density in a substantially radial direction of the portion of the magnetic-recording disk in the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Lidu Huang, Fu-Ying Huang
  • Patent number: 7921439
    Abstract: Apparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a data storage cartridge and/or a receiver configured to receive the cartridge in facilitation of data transfer to and/or from the cartridge. The cartridge and the receiver each include respective connector portions configured to connect when the cartridge is inserted into the receiver. The cartridge and/or the receiver also include guide features configured to facilitate alignment of the connector portions for connection as the cartridge is inserted into the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Leslie G. Christie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7911740
    Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and positioning a read/write head to a disk in a test apparatus has a deck and a spindle on the deck and on which a disk can be mounted for rotation of the disk. A gripper is provided for holding a head during testing, the gripper being movable over a surface of the deck. A precisor receives a head and accurately aligns the head, the precisor being movable over a surface of the deck. A pick is operable to pick up and place down a head. The precisor is movable to a position where the pick can pick up a head from the precisor and place down a head on the precisor. The gripper is movable to a position where the pick can pick up a head from the gripper and place down a head on the gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: Xyratex Technology Limited, Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Ian Stanley Warn
  • Patent number: 7895731
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic field detecting element having a free layer whose magnetization direction is variable depending on an external magnetic field and a pinned layer whose magnetization direction is fixed and these are stacked with an electrically conductive, nonmagnetic spacer layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein sense current flows in a direction perpendicular to film planes of the magnetic field detecting element. The method comprises: forming a spacer adjoining layer adjacent to the spacer layer, Heusler alloy layer, and a metal layer successively in this order; and forming either at least a part of the pinned layer or the free layer by heating the spacer adjoining layer, the Heusler alloy layer, and the metal layer. The spacer adjoining layer has a layer chiefly made of cobalt and iron. The Heusler alloy layer includes metal which is silver, gold, copper, palladium, or platinum, or an alloy thereof. The metal layer is made of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohito Mizuno, Yoshihiro Tsuchiya, Koji Shimazawa, Kei Hirata, Keita Kawamori
  • Patent number: 7875831
    Abstract: Laser beam irradiation areas are provided in a load curve portion and an angle adjustment portion of a suspension. The laser beam irradiation areas are oriented in a direction in which the suspension is to be bent. A laser beam having a predetermined length and a predetermined shape is irradiated onto each laser beam irradiation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Inoue, Hiroshi Kawamata, Hironori Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7768740
    Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a disk to a spindle of a spinstand includes a spindle having a fluid pressure port therethrough for delivery of fluid pressure. A spindle adapter is adapted to be attached to the spindle and for holding a disk. The spindle adapter has a piston movable therein to clamp a disk between the piston and an opposing surface in response to fluid pressure applied through the spindle fluid pressure port. A disk can be attached to the spindle by offering the disk up to the spindle adapter, and applying fluid pressure to the spindle fluid pressure port to cause the piston to clamp the disk against the opposing surface. The disk can then be spun up on the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Xyratex Technology Limited, Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Simon Yorick Pettman, Alexander Stephen Kay, Ian Stanley Warn, Graham Collins
  • Patent number: 7756902
    Abstract: An auto-identification system is described that includes a plurality of distributed auto-id nodes that are operable to track physical objects as they move through an operation of an enterprise, such as, for example, a supply chain network or a sales network. The auto-id nodes are distributed across sites of the network, and are in communication with enterprise application systems and/or data acquisition systems such as RFID readers or sensor devices. By focusing on their respective sites, the auto-id nodes minimize the amount of data tracked by their respective enterprise applications. Further, a simulator may be associated with one or more of the auto-id nodes. In this case, the simulator may project certain movements of the physical objects through an environment of an auto-id node, and then feed corresponding data to the auto-id node. In this way, the auto-id node may be tested and optimized, without requiring actual, physical testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: SAP Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Tao Lin
  • Patent number: 7757301
    Abstract: A storage device assembly includes a sealed housing having a base and a cover. A storage medium is disposed within the sealed housing. A security feature within the housing is adapted to damage at least a portion of the storage medium if the sealed housing is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Michael Miller, Zine-Eddine Boutaghou
  • Patent number: 7726565
    Abstract: An insertable and removable reader head protection device for a magnetic stripe reader is provided including a thin, non-ferromagnetic insertable panel that is disposed between the reader head and the magnetic stripe card, as the magnetic stripe card is inserted and swiped. The insertable and removable panel is adapted to protect the reader head from dirt, oil, and the like when inserted in the magnetic stripe reader and is adapted to be manually removable from this dirt-shielding position for manual cleaning. The reader head protection device provided includes embodiments both for use as an add-on accessory with existing types of magnetic stripe readers and for use during the initial manufacture of new magnetic stripe readers. When using the magnetic stripe reader head protection device the magnetic stripe reader owner will reduce downtime due to non-operational readers and reduce the cost of cleaning cards and service costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Ji Tan
  • Patent number: 7721078
    Abstract: A system and method for accessing a hidden partition during a boot sequence is disclosed. An information handling system can include a basic input output system (BIOS) that can be operable to access a master boot record (MBR) of a storage device. The digital media storage device can include a fixed number of visible partitions and at least one hidden partition. The information handling system can further include a processor operable to detect a boot event operably associated with initiating a request to access contents that can be stored within an associated hidden partition of the storage device. The information handing system can also include a memory that can be operable to store at least a portion of the contents of the hidden partition. The contents can be stored upon accessing the hidden partition using an association established between one of the fixed number of visible partitions and the hidden partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Alan E. Beelitz, Shree A. Dandekar, Roy W. Stedman, Reva L. Tolliver
  • Patent number: 7706102
    Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a chassis which supports a “sealed” housing containing a data storage magnetic disk, and read/write heads and actuator. The housing also contains an erasure device which generates a magnetic or other field or emanation for erasing the disk, so that the erasing field or emanation need not penetrate the sealed housing to effectuate erasure. A backup power supply provides power to the erasing device so that erasure can occur even in the absence of external power. A bus- or network-actuated arrangement couples power to the erasure device so that many hard drives may be simultaneously erased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Vladimir Gershman, Ronald Dean, Bernard McGrath
  • Patent number: 7684145
    Abstract: A metrology system for measuring the magnetic properties of a magnetic recording medium layer on a device used for perpendicular recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: MicroSense, LLC
    Inventors: William Van Drent, Ferenc Vajda
  • Patent number: 7667923
    Abstract: A system for impairing at least one pair of data platters stacked. An alignment device is pivotably mounted; upper and lower arms of the alignment device are spaced apart from and extend parallel to one another. The alignment device is movable between a stowed position in which the alignment device is spaced apart from the data platters to an impairment position in which the upper and lower arms of the alignment device overlay at least an edge of the data platters. The upper arm includes an opening for receiving an impairment tool, the opening being generally aligned with an impairment opening formed in the enclosure when the alignment device is in the impairment position. The impairment tool is inserted through the impairment opening formed in the enclosure and the opening in the upper arm for engaging a surface of the data platters to impair the data platters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Chontos, Edward J. Grenchus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7640041
    Abstract: A method for enabling at least a portion of a multiple function handheld device begins by enabling at least a portion of a digital audio functionality in response to a first mode selection. The method continues by disabling wireless communication functionality in response to the first mode selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Glen Ragan
  • Publication number: 20090303634
    Abstract: A method and system for cleaning and/or burnishing an article. The article is operated on by a burnishing object having one more cutting edges and one or more heating surfaces. The article rotates relative to the burnishing head and the cutting edges remove asperities from the article. The heating surface can be activated and can optionally protrude from the burnishing head to further reduce roughness of the surface of the article as the article is rotating relative to the head. The cutting edges and heating surfaces can be configured in shape and size (i.e., geometry) to accommodate the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Shashi Bhushan Agarwal, Huan Tang, Jing Gui
  • Patent number: 7551385
    Abstract: A magnetic storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head adapted for at least one of reading from a magnetic medium and writing to the medium; a drive mechanism for directing the medium over the head; and a first element for selectively altering a voltage of the medium for altering a state of hydration of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Glenn Biskeborn, Calvin Shyhjong Lo
  • Patent number: 7520168
    Abstract: An assembly for testing a head gimbal assembly (HGA) comprises a support platform configured to hold a base plate of the HGA. A base plate of the HGA is mounted on the support platform. The assembly further comprises a channel with an opening adjacent to a tail of the HGA and a vacuum source connected the channel. The vacuum source creates a negative pressure in the channel to secure the tail of the HGA to the opening of the channel. Embodiments of the invention may be useful to inhibit vibration in the tail of an HGA, which may also reduce vibration in the head of the HGA. Reducing vibration in the head of the HGA may increase the accuracy and precision of tests performed on the HGA using the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Klaus Obergfell, Steven Ernest Wheeler, Charles Newell Miller, Brett Robert Herdendorf, Ronald Eldon Anderson, Shawn Eric Fosness
  • Publication number: 20090086373
    Abstract: A method for assembling a disk drive includes placing disks on a spindle, and pivoting a turbulence reduction plate to a position between the disks on the spindle. The turbulence reduction plate is placed on a pivot associated with the housing and then rotated into position. The turbulence reduction plate is attached to the housing and a cover is placed onto the housing to form a disk enclosure which also encloses the turbulence reduction plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba 1-1
    Inventors: Stephen Viskochil, Joseph T. Castagna
  • Patent number: 7505860
    Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Brett Robert Herdendorf, Michael Steven Quam, Justin Lee Holwell, Andrew Michael Blair
  • Publication number: 20090059430
    Abstract: Patterned media and associated methods of fabrication are provided in which vertical magnetic grains are grown on a patterned seed layer. The patterned seed layer includes a matrix of islands of a first seed material. Each island of first seed material is separated from other islands by a region of second seed material. The first seed material is selected to initiate growth of magnetic material, and the second seed material is selected to initiate growth of non-magnetic material. Subsequently, magnetic material is grown on the first seed material and non-magnetic material is grown on the second seed material. Deposition may be simultaneously. The magnetic and non-magnetic materials form well-defined vertical columns over the first and second seed materials respectively. Thus, each island behaves as an isolated magnetic unit, which switches independently from its neighbor units, which are magnetically separated by the non-magnetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Elizabeth Dobisz, David Margulies, Olav Hellwig, Xiao Z. Wu