Abstract:
An optical data storage device and method for operating such a device. The device has means for drawing current from an internal power source and an external power source and is also provided with switching means that switches the device between a first mode, where the internal power source is electrically connected to power driving means, and a second mode where an external power source is electrically connected to power driving means. The device has power driving means which receives power at a lower voltage rating from the internal power source than when attached to the external power source. This feature improves the electrical efficiency of the device.
Abstract:
An optical disc drive for reading encoded information, such as on a CD, CD-R, DVD, is modified to read biological or chemical investigational features from a disc. The modification can include software changes or the addition of hardware desirably without the need to modify the disc drive electronics.
Abstract:
An optical disc system includes a photo detector circuit of an optical disc drive and a signal processing system. The photo detector circuit is configured to generate at least one information-carrying signal from an optical disc assembly. The signal processing system is coupled to the photo detector circuit to obtain from the at least one information-carrying signal both operational information used to operate the optical disc system and data indicative of presence and/or characteristics of an investigational feature associated with the optical disc assembly. Methods and discs for imaging a biological or medical investigational feature are also provided.
Abstract:
A data storage device (402) includes a microprocessor (438) running a general-purpose operating system including an application program. Included is memory (442) storing the operating system and application program. The data storage device (402) includes mass storage (432), is connected to a communication network (404), and an input/output module (420) communicates with a node connected to the communication network (404). The data storage device (402) is assembled in a form factor assembly not greater than three and one half (3 1/2) inches.
Abstract:
A motor current control method is provided to reduce voltage and current spikes within a spindle motor and a power supply. Subsequently, the amount of current applied to the spindle motor is monitored. In addition, an apparatus for limiting motor power is provided.
Abstract:
A disc drive (100) includes a disc (126), a voice coil motor (118) with an arm (114) and a beam (140) having a first end (142) attached to the arm and a second end (160) including a window frame and a gimbal region. A bridge (182) of a gimbal strut (180) underlies the gimbal region (162). A flex circuit (262) is attached to the gimbal strut. A read/write head (204) has a preload region (166) under the bridge and a slider surface (205) on the disc. A microactuator (206) has a main body (224) and has microactuator arms (226) bonded to the read/write head and mount arms (228) bonded to the bridge. The microactuator has electrical contacts (222) connected to the flex circuit. The electrical contacts are disposed between the microactuator main body and the gimbal region.
Abstract:
A reproduction system such as a hard disk drive comprises a signal processing circuit for reproducing data by processing the signals obtained from a head. The signal processing circuit has three modes of operation, that is, stop mode where the disk drive means is at rest, normal mode where the disk drive means operates to reproduce data, and standby mode where the disk drive means operates but data is not reproduced. In the stop mode, the drive means and the signal processing circuit is shut off or supplied with zero volt; in the normal mode, the drive means and the signal processing circuit are supplied with normal power; and in the standby mode, the analog circuit in the signal processing circuit is supplied with power at voltage lower than normal.
Abstract:
A data error correction procedure is disclosed for use in a disk drive that includes a magneto-resistive head. The error correction procedure increases the DC bias current applied to the read stripe of the magneto-resistive head. The increased value is predetermined for a disk drive having a particular magneto-resistive head. If conventional error correction procedures are not successful, the increased DC bias current is applied to the read stripe to reduce the bit error rate that has occurred during a read operation conducted by the disk drive.
Abstract:
A disc drive (10) includes a housing (12), a central axis (80), a stationary member (34) which is fixed with respect to the housing and coaxial with the central axis, and a rotatable member (36) rotatable about the central axis with respect to the stationary member. A stator (38) is fixed with respect to the housing. A rotor (70) is supported by the rotatable member and is magnetically coupled to the stator. At least one data storage disc (16) is attached to and is coaxial with the rotatable member. A hydro bearing (37) interconnects the stationary member and the rotatable member and includes a blend of a base fluid (84) having a viscosity index of at least (110), an anti-oxidant additive, an anti-corrosive additive and an anti-wear additive, which are effective for resisting catalytic degradation in the hydro bearing.