Abstract:
Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame;(300) first and (m1) second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever (330) pivotable about a first fulcrum (360) secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass (m1) and the other end connected to the second mass (m2), and the fulcrum (360) being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.
Abstract:
A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface (90) via a tip (40) comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy (250) is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.
Abstract:
Apparatus for reducing sensitivity of an article to mechanical shock comprises a frame; first and second planar masses mounted in the frame for bi-directional movement relative to the frame along a first axis of displacement; a first lever pivotable about a first fulcrum secured to the frame; the lever having one end connected to the first mass and the other end connected to the second mass, and the fulcrum being disposed between the ends of the lever; whereby the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the first mass is countered by the torque exerted about the fulcrum by the second mass in response to a mechanical shock applied to the frame along the axis of displacement such that an article carried by the first mass in use has reduced sensitivity to the shock.
Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting data in a sensor signal generated by a read sensor (10) in a local probe data storage device comprises a differentiation (110) for subtracting a value of the sensor signal from the succeeding value of the sensor signal to generate a ternary difference signal ; and a convertor (120) connected to the differentiator for converting the difference signal into a binary output signal indicative of the detected data. A local probe data storage device comprising such apparatus is also described.
Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a tape having an information layer on which information is storable in the form of perturbations, an array of probes that in function faces the tape such that the probes scan the surface of the tape, means for selectively forming the perturbations via the probes, means for detecting the presence of the perturbations via the probes, and drive means for moving the tape relative to the array of probes. The apparatus allows to store high data capacities at a small form factor.
Abstract:
An optical device comprises a substrate having a plane surface. An optical path is disposed on the substrate and extends in a plane parallel to the surface of the substrate. A recess intercepts the optical path. An optical element is provided for modifying light incident thereon. The optical element is moveable within the recess between a first position in which the optical element is located in the path and a second position in which optical element is remote from the path. A cantilever suspends the optical elements for movement within the recess between the second and first positions in a direction normal to the surface of the substrate.
Abstract:
A fine positioning apparatus is provided which comprises inductive actuators (2, 3). A positioning accuracy of well below 1 nm is achieved compared to 1 mu m provided by known inductive actuators. In preferred embodiments, the motion of the magnetic actuator is dampened or decreased by mechanical means (5, 6, 35), thus increasing the amount of current necessary to move the actuator. The fine positioner can be used in the field of scanning probe microscopy.