Patents by Inventor Lee Curtis Randall

Lee Curtis Randall 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: 11145322
    Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes fabricating a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials. The method also includes applying the organic coating to the applicator portion of the tape, the organic coating being for coating a tape bearing surface of the magnetic head with the organic coating upon the applicator portion being run over the tape bearing surface of the magnetic head. The method further includes applying a lubricant to a data portion of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Patent number: 11011198
    Abstract: A tape drive may arrange timing-based-servo marks into a timing-based-servo pattern. The timing-based-servo pattern may be at least one M-pattern. The tape drive may select the at least one M-pattern. The tape drive may match at least two timing-based-servo marks in the at least one M-pattern. The tape drive may determine, from the matching, whether an alignment of the at least two timing-based-servo marks is demonstrative of tape-creep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Winarski, Nhan Xuan Bui, Lee Curtis Randall, Richard Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20210125632
    Abstract: A tape drive may arrange timing-based-servo marks into a timing-based-servo pattern. The timing-based-servo pattern may be at least one M-pattern. The tape drive may select the at least one M-pattern. The tape drive may match at least two timing-based-servo marks in the at least one M-pattern. The tape drive may determine, from the matching, whether an alignment of the at least two timing-based-servo marks is demonstrative of tape-creep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel James Winarski, Nhan Xuan Bui, Lee Curtis Randall, Richard Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 10964350
    Abstract: A method includes determining whether a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor is corroded using resistance, amplitude and signal to noise ratio (SNR) measurements of the sensor. A method to determine whether a TMR sensor is corroded includes determining an expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and measuring a resistance value, RTMR, of the sensor. The method includes calculating a ratio of the RTMR value and the expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and determining whether the ratio is in a predefined range for the TMR sensor. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is within the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is corroded. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is outside the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is not corroded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Icko E. T. Iben, Lee Curtis Randall, Wlodzimierz Stanley Czarnecki, Jason Liang, Ernest Stewart Gale, David Lee Swanson
  • Patent number: 10930309
    Abstract: A tape drive may calculate the slopes for three successive timing-based-servo marks in a timing-based-servo group. The timing-based-servo marks may be arranged in a one or more M-patterns. The three successive timing-based-servo marks may be across the one or more M-patterns. The tape drive may perform a parabolic fit of a gradient of the slopes. The tape drive may determine whether the gradient is demonstrative of tape-creep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Winarski, Nhan Xuan Bui, Lee Curtis Randall, Richard Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20210012806
    Abstract: A method includes determining whether a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor is corroded using resistance, amplitude and signal to noise ratio (SNR) measurements of the sensor. A method to determine whether a TMR sensor is corroded includes determining an expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and measuring a resistance value, RTMR, of the sensor. The method includes calculating a ratio of the RTMR value and the expected initial resistance value, RTMRoUse and determining whether the ratio is in a predefined range for the TMR sensor. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is within the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is corroded. In response to determining that the ratio of the sensor is outside the predefined range, the method includes outputting an indication that the TMR sensor is not corroded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Icko E.T. Iben, Lee Curtis Randall, Wlodzimierz Stanley Czarnecki, Jason Liang, Ernest Stewart Gale, David Lee Swanson
  • Patent number: 10832715
    Abstract: A tape drive may calculate a slope for each of the timing-based-servo marks in a timing-based-servo group. The timing-based-servo marks are arranged in one or more M-patterns. The tape drive may average the slope for each of the timing-based-servo marks across the one or more M-patterns. The tape drive may generate a least-squares assessment of the averaged slope. The tape drive may determine, from the least-squares assessment, whether the averaged slope is demonstrative of tape-creep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Winarski, Nhan Xuan Bui, Lee Curtis Randall, Richard Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 10741200
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method may include obtaining position information of a susceptible zone of a tape. The susceptible zone may be a section of the tape where a stress value of the tape exceeds a threshold. The method may further include storing, based on the position information, a block of data to the tape in a first storage zone. The first storage zone may be positioned outside of the susceptible zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Winarski, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Patent number: 10741199
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method may include obtaining position information of a susceptible zone of a tape. The susceptible zone may be a section of the tape where a stress value of the tape exceeds a threshold. The method may further include storing a block of data to the tape in a first storage zone. The method may further include determining that the first storage zone is positioned within the susceptible zone. The method may further include storing, based at least in part on the determining, a duplicate block of data in a second storage zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Winarski, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Publication number: 20190272848
    Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes fabricating a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials. The method also includes applying the organic coating to the applicator portion of the tape, the organic coating being for coating a tape bearing surface of the magnetic head with the organic coating upon the applicator portion being run over the tape bearing surface of the magnetic head. The method further includes applying a lubricant to a data portion of the tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Patent number: 10373631
    Abstract: A method for protecting a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head using a product having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head. The organic coating is on the applicator portion of the tape, and a lubricant is on a data portion of the tape. The lubricant has a different composition than the organic coating. Another method for protecting a magnetic head includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials; and storing the magnetic head. Another method includes fabricating a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials; applying the organic coating to the applicator portion of the tape; and applying a lubricant to a data portion of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko E.Tim Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Patent number: 9947345
    Abstract: A product according to one embodiment includes a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head; the organic coating on the applicator portion of the tape; and a lubricant on a data portion of the tape. The lubricant has a different composition than the organic coating. A method for protecting a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head using the foregoing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan Mckinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Patent number: 9928856
    Abstract: A magnetic storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head having a removable organic coating thereon in an amount sufficient for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials. The system also includes an applicator in a drive in which the magnetic head resides, the applicator being configured to apply the organic coating directly to the magnetic head without contacting the magnetic head. At least one guide is configured to create a spacing between the magnetic head and the guide, wherein the spacing is sufficient to insert the applicator into the spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Publication number: 20180040340
    Abstract: A method for protecting a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head using a product having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head. The organic coating is on the applicator portion of the tape, and a lubricant is on a data portion of the tape. The lubricant has a different composition than the organic coating. Another method for protecting a magnetic head includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials; and storing the magnetic head. Another method includes fabricating a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials; applying the organic coating to the applicator portion of the tape; and applying a lubricant to a data portion of the tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko E.Tim Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Publication number: 20160232926
    Abstract: A magnetic storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head having a removable organic coating thereon in an amount sufficient for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials. The system also includes an applicator in a drive in which the magnetic head resides, the applicator being configured to apply the organic coating directly to the magnetic head without contacting the magnetic head. At least one guide is configured to create a spacing between the magnetic head and the guide, wherein the spacing is sufficient to insert the applicator into the spacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Publication number: 20150380028
    Abstract: A product according to one embodiment includes a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head; the organic coating on the applicator portion of the tape; and a lubricant on a data portion of the tape. The lubricant has a different composition than the organic coating. A method for protecting a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head using the foregoing product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan Mckinley, Lee Curtis Randall
  • Patent number: 9081004
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting antigens on biosample tracks comprising a processor, an electromagnetic write head for magnetizing nanoparticles attached to the antigens via antibodies in response to a write signal from the processor, and a first amplifier for supplying power to the write head. The circuit further comprises a magneto-resistive read sensor for detecting the magnetized nanoparticles upon receiving a read signal from the processor, and a second amplifier for supplying power to the read sensor. The write head and read sensor may be part of a head module in a magnetic tape drive. Nanoparticles of differing magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Louie Arthur Dickens, Steven Mark Groff, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall, Stephen Leonard Schwartz, Anna W. Topol, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 9034660
    Abstract: A first set of antibodies are bonded to a substrate, and are exposed to and bonded with target antigens. A second set of antibodies are bonded to nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle labeled antibodies are exposed to the targeted antigens. An electromagnetic write-head magnetizes the nanoparticles, and then a read-sensor detects the freshly magnetized nanoparticles. The substrate comprises a flexible film or a Peltier material to allow selective heating and cooling of the antigens and antibodies. Nanoparticles of different magnetic properties may be selectively paired with antibodies associated with different antigens to allow different antigens to be detected upon a single scan by the read-sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan Joseph Boday, Lee Curtis Randall, Stephen Leonard Schwartz, Anna W. Topol, Daniel James Winarski
  • Patent number: 8636117
    Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Nave, Lee Curtis Randall, Raymond Yardy
  • Patent number: 8596422
    Abstract: A safety stop is provided for stopping a movable member having at least one set of opposed wheels for gripping a rail. The stop has a track on each of opposite sides forming a wedge shape of a narrow end progressively widening to a wide end in a direction of travel of the movable member. With the opposed wheels of the movable member respectively at opposite sides of the wedge shape member, the tracks of the wedge shape member engage and impart a spreading strain to the opposed wheels as the movable member moves in the direction of travel. The opposed wheels of the movable member comprise a deformable material to absorb the kinetic energy of the movable member. The tracks of the stop additionally may have undulating features comprising concave and convex surfaces in the direction of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Nave, Lee Curtis Randall, Raymond Yardy