Patents by Inventor Donald J. Kerfeld

Donald J. Kerfeld has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8705334
    Abstract: Data storage replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Legger Col. A.B. LLC
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Publication number: 20140056120
    Abstract: Data storage replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Legger Col. A. B. LLC
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 8593931
    Abstract: Data storage replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Legger Col. A.B. LLC
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 8363534
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Legger Col. A.B. LLC
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Publication number: 20110223369
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 7952986
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Publication number: 20100297382
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 7801016
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Publication number: 20100067360
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 7600992
    Abstract: A date storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 7352685
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material. The exposing and developing of a specified thickness of photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 7114947
    Abstract: An optical disk exhibiting no detrimental thickness increase (edge wedge effect) that arises at the outer diameter of an optical disk substrate during an injection molding manufacturing process, and an apparatus and method for making such a disk. The optical disk of the present invention is designed for use with an optical disk player, especially where the data on the optical disk is stored air incident. This optical disk includes a disk substrate made from a molded polymeric material. The disk substrate has a first major surface, a second major surface, and an outer edge. The first major surface of the optical disk includes a data region having an intermediate portion and an outer portion. The outer portion extends to the outer edge of the optical disk. The disk substrate has a thickness defined by the distance between the first major surface and the second major surface. The optical disk also includes an information layer covering the data region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Chad R. Sandstrom, Douglas R. Plourde, Dean E. Sitz, Donald J. Kerfeld, John R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6977052
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a manufacturing process for optical data storage disks that makes use of a check disk very early in the production cycle. The check disk can be replicated directly from the master without destroying the master. The check disk may then be tested in order to validate the pattern created on the master. In some cases, the check disk may be delivered to customers, allowing the customers to verify the check disk. Once the check disk has been verified, the master can be used to create one or more stampers, which can be used in a mass production process for creating optical data storage disks. However, if the check disk is defective or otherwise not acceptable, the production cycle can be halted prior to creating any stampers. In this manner, the invention can be used to avoid creation of defective stampers or other defective mass production tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Imation Corp
    Inventors: Ted L. Bahns, Barry E. Brovold, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 6961950
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward techniques for creating molded substrates for use in various different data storage media. The molded substrates have improved thickness profiles that can improve media quality, and in some cases facilitate higher data storage densities. In many cases, the improved thickness profile is a thickness profile that has improved flatness. Mechanical flatness or optical flatness can be achieved. In particular, optical flatness is desirable for substrates used in holographic data storage media having a sandwiched construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Donald J. Kerfeld, Douglas J. Chaput, Jathan D. Edwards, Chad R. Sandstrom
  • Publication number: 20040231531
    Abstract: A date storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 6821460
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards techniques for creating optical data storage disks. In one embodiment, the invention provides a simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process. For example, a method may include positioning a first bead of photopolymer for distribution between a bottom stamper and a substrate, and positioning a second bead of photopolymer for distribution between a top stamper and the substrate. The method may also include passing a roller over the top stamper to distribute the beads of photopolymer, curing the photopolymer, and removing the substrate from the stampers. The simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process can be repeated on the same medium to create a two-sided dual-layer data storage medium or a two-sided multi-layer data storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Donald J. Kerfeld, Barry E. Brovold
  • Publication number: 20040218510
    Abstract: An optical disk exhibiting no detrimental thickness increase (edge wedge effect) that arises at the outer diameter of an optical disk substrate during an injection molding manufacturing process, and an apparatus and method for making such a disk. The optical disk of the present invention is designed for use with an optical disk player, especially where the data on the optical disk is stored air incident. This optical disk includes a disk substrate made from a molded polymeric material. The disk substrate has a first major surface, a second major surface, and an outer edge. The first major surface of the optical disk includes a data region having an intermediate portion and an outer portion. The outer portion extends to the outer edge of the optical disk. The disk substrate has a thickness defined by the distance between the first major surface and the second major surface. The optical disk also includes an information layer covering the data region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Chad R. Sandstrom, Douglas R. Plourde, Dean E. Sitz, Donald J. Kerfeld, John R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040170117
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material. The exposing and developing of a specified thickness of photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 6752611
    Abstract: An optical disk exhibiting no detrimental thickness increase (edge wedge effect) that arises at the outer diameter of an optical disk substrate during an injection molding manufacturing process, and an apparatus and method for making such a disk. The optical disk of the present invention is designed for use with an optical disk player, especially where the data on the optical disk is stored air incident. This optical disk includes a disk substrate made from a molded polymeric material. The disk substrate has a first major surface, a second major surface, and an outer edge. The first major surface of the optical disk includes a data region having an intermediate portion and an outer portion. The outer portion extends to the outer edge of the optical disk. The disk substrate has a thickness defined by the distance between the first major surface and the second major surface. The optical disk also includes an information layer covering the data region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Chad R. Sandstrom, Douglas R. Plourde, Dean E. Sitz, Donald J. Kerfeld, John R. Johnson
  • Patent number: RE44633
    Abstract: A data storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Legger Col. A.B. LLC
    Inventors: Jathan D. Edwards, Donald J. Kerfeld