Patents by Inventor Fred C. Thomas, III
Fred C. Thomas, III 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).
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Publication number: 20220101855Abstract: An example computing device includes a display, and a parametric speaker array operatively connected to the display. The parametric speaker array is to focus audio output to a localized area adjacent to the display. A camera is operatively connected to the display. The camera is set to capture lip movements of a user in the localized area. A processor is operatively connected to the display. The processor is to convert the lip movements into text and speech.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2020Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Bruce E. Blaho, Charles R. Shilling
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Patent number: 7697391Abstract: An information storage apparatus uses an optical data element (nano-grating) with features that are smaller than the wavelength of light. The optical data element alters one or more properties of the light such as reflected amplitude, polarization, phase, wavelength, and spatial orientation to encode data in a massively multi-level format.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: EMC CorporationInventor: Fred C Thomas, III
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Patent number: 7123446Abstract: A removable magnetic data storage cartridges incorporates antiferromagnetically coupled (AFC) media and may be used with a data drive to push the capacity point of removable hard platter based magnetic storage to 35 GB for a single platter 2.5? form factor product. The removable magnetic data storage cartridges incorporating AFC media represents an equivalent increase in the areal density of removable magnetic data storage cartridges on the order of 13×.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, David W. Griffith
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Patent number: 6879556Abstract: An optical disk (10) includes several tracks (21-23, 121-125) that each include a series of optical data elements (29, 39). Each optical data element includes several reflective surfaces (31-34, 41-44) with respective different orientations that represent stored information. A detection system (210) directs a beam from a laser (217) onto successive optical data elements. The multiple reflective surfaces of each optical data element produce multiple reflected sub-beams that are imaged onto respective portions of a detector (219, 501, 541). The position of each sub-beam on the corresponding portion of the detector is determined, to thereby identify the orientation of the corresponding reflective surface and thus the stored information represented by that surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventor: Fred C. Thomas, III
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Publication number: 20020157011Abstract: A media serial number (MS#) for a removable data storage cartridge (22) is asymmetrically encrypted using a private key (106) from a key list (103) which never leaves the factory. This factory encrypted value (FEMS#) is stored in a secure memory device (46) in the cartridge, along with an identifier (FKI#). A drive (21) can obtain the encrypted value and associated identifier from the memory device, and pass them to a requesting program (76), which has a list (176) that it accesses with the identifier to obtain a public key it then uses to decrypt the information. An additional feature involves a second level of asymmetric encryption using additional lists of public and private keys. Another feature permits the requesting program to include in its request a random number, which is subsequently included with the information encrypted at the second level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Fred C. Thomas III
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Patent number: 6445523Abstract: A storage media is disclosed and comprises a storage body and a readable indelible mark formed in the body such that portions thereof are indelibly altered. The mark is read by writing first data to the body in the region of the mark, and reading second data from the body in such region. The written first data is not accepted where the portions of the body are indelibly altered. Accordingly, the read second data corresponds to the written first data with segments thereof missing. The missing segments of the first data correspond to the portions of the body indelibly altered. In a preferred embodiment, the storage media comprises a magnetic rotatable disk having a substantially planar substrate and a magnetizable layer deposited thereon. The reading and writing are therefore performed magnetically.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Refael Bar, Daniel Alfonsi, Dai Feng, Jeff G. Carter, Charlie M. Monroe, Jr., Ronald F. Hales, George T. Krieger
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Patent number: 6445667Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for servo writing an optical or magneto-optical medium where a data path is defined by transmitting a laser beam onto the medium to change the crystalline structure at preselected portions. These portions can guide an optical head along the data path. Embodiments include using a far-field laser servo writer to transmit a laser beam in combination with a high numerical aperture, using a far-field laser servo writer to transmit a laser beam in combination with a solid immersion lens, using a near-field laser servo writer to emit a laser beam in combination with a solid immersion lens, creating a sub-wavelength aperture for emitting a laser beam onto the medium, lithographic and maskless lithographic techniques.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Bruce E. Bernacki, George T. Krieger, Fred C. Thomas, III
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Patent number: 6424492Abstract: A data storage disk having a latent illuminance discrimination marker for determining whether the data storage disk is suitable for use in a disk drive. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance, preferably as phosphorescence. A detector detects the emitted illuminance, and a predetermined characteristic of the marker in the frequency domain is determined. The frequency domain response may be either a phase response or an amplitude response, or both. The frequency domain response provides identification of different types or generations of data storage disks or provides a secure keying mechanism for authorized access to proprietary software.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Robert D. Allgood, Paul Smith, Fred C. Thomas, III
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Patent number: 6360466Abstract: A data storage cartridge has a stack of labels on one surface thereof. The labels are bound together by semi-tacky adhesive. The stack of repositionable, self-sticking, removable labels has a finger relief feature at one comer thereof. The cartridge has a relief cavity in one surface thereof to accommodate the stack of labels. A finger cavity in the surface of the cartridge provides access to the finger relief feature of the labels.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventor: Fred C. Thomas, III
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Patent number: 6359745Abstract: A data storage cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a latent illuminance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted illuminance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of data storage cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Glenn B. Dixon, Todd R. Shelton, Todd L. Graves, Allen T. Bracken
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Patent number: 6324026Abstract: A storage media is disclosed and comprises a storage body and a readable indelible mark formed in the body such that portions thereof are indelibly altered. The mark is read by writing first data to the body in the region of the mark, and reading second data from the body in such region. The written first data is not accepted where the portions of the body are indelibly altered. Accordingly, the read second data corresponds to the written first data with segments thereof missing. The missing segments of the first data correspond to the portions of the body indelibly altered. In a preferred embodiment, the storage media comprises a magnetic rotatable disk having a substantially planar substrate and a magnetizable layer deposited thereon. The reading and writing are therefore performed magnetically.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventor: Fred C. Thomas, III
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Patent number: 6317292Abstract: A disk cartridge comprising a rotatable disk having upper and lower surfaces; an outer casing for rotatably housing the disk, the casing comprising upper and lower shells that mate to form the casing, each of the upper and lower shells having an inner surface disposed in facing relation to a respective surface of the disk; and a spun fabric liner comprising a plurality of PTFE fibers, the fabric liner being attached to the inner surface of one of the upper and lower shells, a main body of the fabric liner lying against the inner surface of the one shell and being spaced a predetermined distance from the respective surface of the disk, whereby the fibers wipe the surface of the disk while the main body of the liner remains spaced from the disk, thereby reducing drag on the disk.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Yiping Ma
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Patent number: 6297924Abstract: A system and method which is used to identify and discriminate the type of data storage cartridge that has been inserted into a disk drive. A system for identifying a type of data storage cartridge having a marker comprises a light source for emitting light to illuminate the marker, a first photodetector for measuring a first intensity of light received from the marker, a second photodetector for measuring a second intensity of light received from the marker; and a microprocessor for determining the type of data storage cartridge responsive to said first intensity and said second intensity. The determination is made responsive to a comparison of the first and second intensities. An optical detection mechanism is provided so that it can be ascertained with near certainty that an inserted object is an appropriate disk cartridge of a certain type or generation. Sensor comparison (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Todd L. Graves, Todd R. Shelton, Paul Smith
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Patent number: 6292319Abstract: A cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a thin retroreflective marker. Light from a source is reflected from the marker almost exactly on its incident path. A planar light shaping optical structure such as a holographic light shaping diffuser (LSD) ruled or blazed diffraction grating, holographic diffraction grating, binary optics or holographic diffraction grating directs light to the detector. The LSD has degrees of angular diffusion in different orthogonal axes. This property makes possible unique identification of different types of cartridges.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventor: Fred C. Thomas, III
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Patent number: 6282060Abstract: A cartridge for use in a data drive is disclosed. The cartridge comprises at least one optical pipe for transmitting light incident on one point along the exterior of the cartridge to another point on the exterior of the cartridge where the light is illuminated from the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventor: Fred C. Thomas, III
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Patent number: 6264107Abstract: An object or an article for a detector or reader has a latent illuminance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted illuminance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification and/or authentication of different types or generations of objects or articles.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Glenn B. Dixon
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Patent number: 6266211Abstract: A data storage cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a latent illuminance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted illuminance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of data storage cartridges or provides a secure keying mechanism for authorized access to proprietary software.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Glenn B. Dixon, Todd R. Shelton, Todd L. Graves
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Patent number: 6259575Abstract: A storage media is disclosed and comprises a storage body and a readable indelible mark formed in the body such that portions thereof are indelibly altered. The mark is read by writing first data to the body in the region of the mark, and reading second data from the body in such region. The written first data is not accepted where the portions of the body are indelibly altered. Accordingly, the read second data corresponds to the written first data with segments thereof missing. The missing segments of the first data correspond to the portions of the body indelibly altered. In a preferred embodiment, the storage media comprises a magnetic rotatable disk having a substantially planar substrate and a magnetizable layer deposited thereon. The reading and writing are therefore performed magnetically.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: Fred C. Thomas, III, Refael Bar, Daniel Alfonsi, Dai Feng, Jeff G. Carter, Charlie M. Monroe, Jr., Ronald F. Hales, George T. Krieger
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Patent number: 6181662Abstract: A cartridgeless data storage disk for a data storage disk drive has a latent irradiance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits irradiance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted irradiance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of cartridgeless data storage disks.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventors: George T. Krieger, Fred C. Thomas, III
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Patent number: 6097562Abstract: An improved disk cartridge has a light emitter and a light detector and a baffle plate disposed between the emitter and the detector. The detector functions to denote the presence of reflected light from a retroreflective marker disposed on a disk cartridge. The baffle plate acts as a filter to minimize the amount of light reflected from sources other than the retroreflective marker that is received by the detector. By minimizing the amount of light seen by the detector from sources other than the retroreflective marker, the retroreflective marker on a disk cartridge can be placed in close proximity to the emitter and detector. It is advantageous for a disk drive of compact design, such as those within a lap top computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Iomega CorporationInventor: Fred C. Thomas, III