Mechanical Modification Or Sensing Of Storage Medium Patents (Class 369/127)
  • Patent number: 10907092
    Abstract: Methods of making luminescent perovskite-polymer composites are provided and structures using the same. Perovskite-polymer composites made by the method described herein are provided. The perovskite-polymer composite is useful in many applications including downconverters for backlight units (BLU) of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), as well as for and could be used for light emitting devices, lasers or as active absorber or passive luminescent concentrators for solar photovoltaic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yajie Dong, Yanan Wang, Shin-Tson Wu, Juan He, Hao Chen, Jiangshan Chen
  • Patent number: 9019806
    Abstract: This invention is provides a means of playing LP records with minimal distortion. Low distortion is achieved by eliminating tracking error normally associated with pickup cartridges mounted to pivoting tone arms. This invention discloses a tone arm that constrains the motion of the stylus to straight radial path, mimicking the cutting path of the record lathe, supported on parallel rails by free rolling spherical bearings. Unlike many previous linear tracking tone arms, this invention does not rely on air pressure or servo motor mechanisms. The use of free rolling bearings or axles between parallel tracks fashioned from rails, rods or tubes, eliminates all sources of lateral friction other than pure static and rolling friction of the balls on the rails, rods or tubes. In the preferred embodiment, the fixed rods or tubes are driven synchronously, thereby eliminating static friction of the supporting rolling balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Lloyd Bowden, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8599673
    Abstract: A composition of matter for the recording medium of nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage devices and a nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage device. The composition includes: one or more polyaryletherketone polymers, each of the one or more polyaryletherketone polymers having two terminal ends, each terminal end having two or more phenylethynyl moieties. The one or more polyaryletherketone polymers are thermally cured and the resulting cross-linked polyaryletherketone resin used as the recording layers in atomic force data storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Anthony DiPietro, Urs T. Duerig, Jane Elizabeth Frommer, Bernd Walter Gotsmann, Erik Christopher Hagberg, James Lupton Hedrick, Armin W. Knoll, Teddie Peregrino Magbitang, Robert Dennis Miller, Russell Clayton Pratt, Charles Gordon Wade
  • Patent number: 8374071
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a data storage device comprising: a polymer layer for storing data in the form of topographic features; a substrate comprising a conductor, a first surface of the polymer layer being provided on the substrate; and at least one probe which, when the device is in use, interacts with a second surface of the polymer layer, wherein, when in use, the data storage device is operable to apply a first electrical potential to the at least one probe relative to the substrate, thereby to cause a protrusion to be formed on the second surface of the polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd W. Gotsmann, Armin W. Knoll, Urs T. Duerig
  • Patent number: 8358572
    Abstract: A data storage device includes a first read mechanism, a second read mechanism, and a data storage medium movable with respect to the first read mechanism and the second read mechanism. A first reference patch containing reference bits is positioned near a first corner of the data storage medium. The first read mechanism is configured to read the reference bits of the first reference patch and the second read mechanism is configured to read the reference bits of a second reference patch. The storage device also includes a controller configured to determine whether the first read mechanism and the data storage medium are offset with respect to each other based upon the reference bits read by the first read mechanism and the reference bits read by the second mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Curt N. Van Lydegraf, Donald J. Fasen, Richard L. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20120195182
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bung (20), to a drug containing cartridge (10) and to a drug delivery device, wherein the bung (20) comprises a coding feature (28) for carrying information regarding at least one of the cartridge (10) and the content of the cartridge (10). Furthermore, it relates to a method for identifying a cartridge (10) containing a medicinal product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Pommereau, Anke Liewald, Michael Jugl, Axel Teucher
  • Patent number: 8102753
    Abstract: An approach is presented for designing a polymeric layer for nanometer scale thermo-mechanical storage devices. Cross-linked polyimide oligomers are used as the recording layers in atomic force data storage device, giving significantly improved performance when compared to previously reported cross-linked and linear polymers. The cross-linking of the polyimide oligomers may be tuned to match thermal and force parameters required in read-write-erase cycles. Additionally, the cross-linked polyimide oligomers are suitable for use in nano-scale imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Urs T. Duerig, Jane Elizabeth Frommer, Bernd Walter Gotsmann, Erik Christopher Hagberg, James Lupton Hedrick, Armin W. Knoll, Victor Yee-Way Lee, Teddie Peregrino Magbitang, Robert Dennis Miller, Russell Clayton Pratt, Charles Gordon Wade, Johannes Windeln
  • Patent number: 8089851
    Abstract: A driving apparatus (1) is provided with: a fixed part (11) having a fixed-part plane (12); and a driven part (13) having a driven-part plane (14), which faces the fixed-part plane, and driven in a direction substantially parallel to the fixed-part plane, a liquid lubricant (30) is between the fixed-portion plane and the driven-part plane, the driven-part plane faces the fixed-part plane such that the driven-part plane is substantially parallel to the fixed-part plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Kenjiro Fujimoto, Shuntaro Mori, Masahiro Ishimori, Takanori Maeda
  • Patent number: 8018818
    Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and reading data in a data storage system are provided. The data storage system includes a storage medium for storing data. The storage medium stores data as a plurality of topographical features. Further, the data storage system includes one or more transducer. One or more transducer writes data on the storage medium. Additionally, the data storage medium includes one or more gates. A first voltage bias is applied to one or more gates. The data storage system further includes, one or more read heads. One or more read heads include one or more Floating Gate Transistors (FGTs). The first voltage bias creates an electric field between one or more FGTs and one or more gates. A change in the electric field is detected by one or more FGTs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Alfred Lantz, Bernd W Gotsmann
  • Publication number: 20110199887
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a data storage medium on a surface of a substrate for storing data in the form of topographic features. The method comprises a first step wherein a crosslinking agent containing at least three alkyne groups is deposited on the surface of the substrate. In a second step the deposited cross linking agent is cured so as to obtain the data storage medium in the form of a crosslinked polymeric layer on the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Urs T. Duerig, Bernd W. Gotsmann, Armin W. Knoll, David S. Pires
  • Patent number: 7920457
    Abstract: Device for recording data comprising microdots with free ends forming a convex surface and method for the production thereof The data recording device comprises a storage medium arranged facing a two dimensional array of microdots, of nanometric dimensions, formed directly on a substrate. An electronic circuit for addressing and controlling the microdots is integrated in the substrate. The microdots and/or substrate are shaped in such a way that the set of free ends of the microdots defines a convex surface, which enables a contact to be ensured in all cases between each of the microdots and the corresponding storage medium. The radius of curvature of the surface convex is preferably comprised between 1 m and 5 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Serge Gidon
  • Patent number: 7849516
    Abstract: A method of scanning over a substrate includes implementing a write mode of the substrate by scanning a probe across a substrate, the probe having a spring cantilever probe mechanically fixed to a probe holding structure, a tip with a nanoscale apex, and an actuator for lateral positioning of the tip; the actuator comprising a thermally switchable element and a heating element for heating the thermally switchable element; and heating the heating element to a given temperature so as to locally soften a portion of the substrate and applying a force to the softened portion of the substrate through the tip so as to create one or more indentation marks in the softened portion of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerd Binnig, Evangelos Elefheriou, Mark Lantz
  • Patent number: 7830776
    Abstract: An IC recording device includes a material feeding portion, a material receiving portion, a recording portion and a transferring portion. The material feeding portion serves to suck ICs by vacuum technology to take ICs from a transfer belt and place them upon the material receiving portion. The material receiving portion can correct the positions of the ICs. The inner side of a seat of the material receiving portion has an inclined surface for guiding the ICs. The seat can rotate the IC to a correct direction according to the transferring angle of the IC in the feeding process. One of two ends of the material feeding portion has a suction opening for transferring the IC from the material receiving portion to a burner and the suction opening at another end serves to take out a recorded IC and place the IC on a transfer belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Leap Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: An-Sung Wang
  • Publication number: 20100265812
    Abstract: A data storage device comprises a storage medium, at least one probe designed for creating indentation marks in the storage medium, a control unit designed for creating a control parameter (CTRL) acting on the probe resulting in the creation of one indentation mark. The control unit is further designed for modifying the control parameter (CTRL), if at least a given number of consecutive indentation marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created. According to the method the control parameter (CTRL) is modified if at least a given number of consecutive marks with a given minimum distance between each other should be created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Haris Pozidis, Walter Haeberle, Dorothea W. Wiesmann
  • Patent number: 7750433
    Abstract: Apparatuses, a method, and a system for a non-volatile, probe-based memory device are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, probe-based memory may be one-time programmable or rewritable nonvolatile probe-based memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kyu S. Min, Nathan R. Franklin
  • Patent number: 7606132
    Abstract: Disclosed are a cantilever-type near-field probe capable of easily improving an optical throughput and being applied to a head of an optical data storage and a method of manufacturing the same. An oxide film is formed on a silicon substrate having dielectric films formed as a mask layer on upper and lower portions thereof, and a circular dielectric film formed on the upper mask layer and providing a function of a holder. A distal end of the probe has a parabolic structure by use of an effect of a bird's peak provided due to a difference of growth rate of the oxide film produced by the dielectric film, thereby forming the initial probe. After the dielectric film is removed from the initial probe, a bottom surface of the silicon substrate is removed, thereby providing the probe with the near-field aperture having a high throughput.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Kibong Song, Eunkyoung Kim, Sung Qyu Lee, Kang Ho Park, Jun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7605368
    Abstract: A vibration-type cantilever holder holds a cantilever opposed to a sample. The holder supports a main body part of the cantilever at only its base end so that a probe at the free end of the cantilever can contact the sample. The holder has a cantilever-attaching stand on which the main body part is placed and fastened such that the cantilever is tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the sample. A first vibration source is fastened to the cantilever-attaching stand and vibrates with a phase and an amplitude depending on a predetermined waveform signal, and the first vibration source is fastened at a first location to a holder main body. A second vibration source is fastened at a second location, which is spaced from the first location, to the holder main body and generates vibrations to offset vibrations traveling from the first vibration source to the cantilever-attaching stand and holder main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Masatsugu Shigeno, Masato Iyoki
  • Patent number: 7593309
    Abstract: The recording device comprises a network of micro-points (6), with tips of nanometer scale, fixed to the same substrate (7). Said network of micro-points cooperates with a deformable memory support (1), which absorbs the range of differing heights of the micro-points (6) on bringing the network into contact with the memory support, before thermal, electrical, and/or mechanical recording of data. The memory support (1) comprises a stack with at least one deformable memory layer, arranged on a substrate (4). The deformable memory layer may be embodied by the stacking of a memory layer (2) and a flexible layer (3), the latter being arranged on the substrate (4). The memory layer (2) can be covered by a layer (5) interfacing with the micro-points (6). The pressure of a micro-point (6) on the memory support (1) induces a progressive deformation of the stack up to the flexible layer (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Commissariat A l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Serge Gidon
  • Patent number: 7558186
    Abstract: A composition of matter for the recording medium of nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage devices and a nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage device. The composition includes: one or more polyaryletherketone polymers, each of the one or more polyaryletherketone polymers having two terminal ends, each terminal end having two or more phenylethynyl moieties. The one or more polyaryletherketone polymers are thermally cured and the resulting cross-linked polyaryletherketone resin used as the recording layers in atomic force data storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Anthony DiPietro, Urs T. Duerig, Jane Elizabeth Frommer, Bernd Walter Gotsmann, Erik Christopher Hagberg, James Lupton Hedrick, Armin W. Knoll, Teddie Peregrino Magbitang, Robert Dennis Miller, Russell Clayton Pratt, Charles Gordon Wade
  • Publication number: 20090129163
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for increasing a lifetime of a plurality of blocks of memory. In operation, at least one factor that affects a lifetime of a plurality of blocks of memory is identified. Additionally, the plurality of blocks to write is selected, based on the at least one factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Radoslav Danilak
  • Publication number: 20080175126
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for controlling access to information stored on memory or data storage devices are disclosed. In various embodiments, fluid-mediated modification of information or access to information is utilized. According to various embodiments, data storage devices designed for rotating access are described which include rotation-activated fluid control mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Eleanor V. Goodall, Edward K.Y. Jung
  • Publication number: 20080123510
    Abstract: An IC recording device includes a material feeding portion, a material receiving portion, a recording portion and a transferring portion. The material feeding portion serves to suck ICs by vacuum technology to take out ICs from a transfer belt and placed upon the material receiving portion. The material receiving portion can correct the positions of the ICs. If not, the inner side of a seat of the material receiving portion has an inclined surface for guiding the ICs. The seat can rotate the IC to a correct direction according to the transferring angle of the IC in the feeding process. One of two ends of the material feeding portion has a suction opening for taking out the IC from the material receiving portion to a burner and the suction opening at another end serves to take out a recorded IC and then places the IC to a transfer belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: An-Sung Wang
  • Publication number: 20080025191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a data storage device comprising: a polymer layer for storing data in the form of topographic features; a substrate comprising a conductor, a first surface of the polymer layer being provided on the substrate; and at least one probe which, when the device is in use, interacts with a second surface of the polymer layer, wherein, when in use, the data storage device is operable to apply a first electrical potential to the at least one probe relative to the substrate, thereby to cause a protrusion to be formed on the second surface of the polymer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: ARMIN W. KNOLL, URS T. DUERIG, BERND W. GOTSMANN
  • Patent number: 7148549
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical device includes a moveable mass supported within a frame. To support the mass within the frame, a first flexure extends between the mass and the frame. An angle softening element is positioned between a first end of the first flexure and the frame to allow angular movement of the first flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas Wayne Ives, Donald J. Fasen
  • Patent number: 7054257
    Abstract: Read/write components for AFM-based data storage devices are provided. In particular embodiments, a read/write component comprises lever means and a support structure, the lever means being connected to the support structure for substantially pivotal movement. The lever means provides first and second current paths between a pair of electrical supply lines on the support structure via which the lever means can be connected in use to power supply means operable in a write mode and a read mode. A write-mode heater is provided on the lever means in the first current path, and a read/write tip is provided on the write-mode heater. A read-mode heater is provided on the lever means in the second current path. Decoupling means is arranged to inhibit current flow to the write-mode heater via the first current path in use when the power supply means is operated in the read mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerd K. Binnig, Michel Despont, Peter Vettiger
  • Patent number: 6922353
    Abstract: A memory apparatus has a plurality of first electrodes and at least one second electrode separated by an electrolyte solution. Information may be recorded by causing an electrical current to flow between a selected of the first electrodes and the second electrode to deposit an electrochemically active material on one of the selected first or the second electrodes. A method for recording and reading information has steps of writing the information by causing a current to flow between a first and a second electrode through an electrolyte solution to cause an electrochemically active material to electrodeposit, and reading the information by sensing the deposited material with a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: George Radominski, Timothy L Weber, Steven D Leith
  • Patent number: 6862925
    Abstract: A device for contacting and/or modifying a surface having a cantilever connected to an almost plane carrier element staying apart from said surface, said cantilever having a tip at its loose end being in close contact to said surface. It is proposed that the cantilever stand out of the plane of said carrier element. Further, a method for producing the cantilever having a tip at its loose end. The device is suitable for thermomechanical writing and thermal readout of binary information, lithographic and imaging techniques, and for surface modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Desponet, Ute Drechsler, Mark I. Lutwyche, Hugo E. Rothuizen, Peter Vettiger
  • Publication number: 20040196775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pick-up arm system for the reproduction or replay of records comprising a pick-up arm chassis and a pick-up arm tube. The torsion element suspension of the pick-up arm is axially stabilized by means of cylindrical permanent magnets which are arranged in a vertical direction and have opposite polarities, said elements forming a rotating bearing or a pivot. According to the invention, the torsion element runs in a congruent manner with respect to the vertical axis of rotation through the horizontal point of rotation of the receiving element for the tube of the pick-up arm. The lower part of the torsion element is connected to a permanent magnet which is connected to the receiving element for the pick-up arm or tube and the upper part of the torsion element is fixated attached to the upper chassis of the pick-up arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Schroder
  • Publication number: 20040107770
    Abstract: A device for contacting and/or modifying a surface having a cantilever connected to an almost plane carrier element staying apart from said surface, said cantilever having a tip at its loose end being in close contact to said surface. It is proposed that the cantilever stand out of the plane of said carrier element. Further, a method for producing the cantilever having a tip at its loose end. The device is suitable for thermomechanical writing and thermal readout of binary information, lithographic and imaging techniques, and for surface modification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michel Despont, Ute Drechsler, Mark I. Lutwyche, Hugo E. Rothuizen, Peter Vettiger
  • Patent number: 6687193
    Abstract: An audio reproduction apparatus capable of modulating an audio signal with at least one of reproduction factors, including the speed and direction of reproduction, and the sound pressure of the audio signal, an audio reproduction method used by the audio reproduction apparatus, a remixing apparatus employing the audio reproduction apparatus, and a remixing method used by the remixing apparatus are provided. The audio reproduction apparatus for reproducing a first audio signal recorded in a predetermined first recording medium includes: a reproduction control unit for generating a reproduction control signal by analyzing at least one of first and second displacement values, which are varied by a user, and outputting the generated reproduction control signal; and an audio reproduction unit for modulating and reproducing the first audio signal according to the reproduction control signal. The audio reproduction apparatus can modulate an audio signal in a variety of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-kwan Jung
  • Patent number: 6647766
    Abstract: A device for contacting and/or modifying a surface having a cantilever connected to an almost plane carrier element staying apart from said surface, said cantilever having a tip at its loose end being in close contact to said surface. It is proposed that the cantilever stand out of the plane of said carrier element. Further, a method for producing the cantilever having a tip at its loose end. The device is suitable for thermomechanical writing and thermal readout of binary information, lithographic and imaging techniques, and for surface modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Despont, Ute Drechsler, Mark I. Lutwyche, Hugo E. Rothuizen, Peter Vettiger
  • Patent number: 6562633
    Abstract: A method of assembling arrays of small particles or molecules using an atomic force microscope to define ferroelectric domains includes depositing a ferroelectric thin film upon a substrate forming workpiece, then using an atomic force microscope having a conductive, tip for generating a pattern on this thin film to define desired nano-circuit patterns. Next, exposure of this thin film to a solution containing chemical species which selectively adsorb or accumulate under the influence of electrophoretic forces in selected regions of this thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Misewich, Christopher B. Murray, Alejandro G. Schrott
  • Patent number: 6469974
    Abstract: A record player suitable for a so-called scratch performance operation by which a phonograph record is directly rotated in forward and reverse direction to output new artificial sound by fingering of an operator is provided. The positional relationship between the record groove on the turntable and the supporting point P of the arm shaft is defined so as to suppress inward and outward component forces applied to the needlepoint of the cartridge as possible. Three points including a start point and an end point of the record groove on a straight line extending from the rotating shaft core of the turntable in a radial pattern and a rotation center of a tone arm, namely, the supporting point may form an isosceles triangle with the supporting point as an apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Vestax Corporation
    Inventor: Hisao Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6433310
    Abstract: A thermal assembly comprising at once a reading-writing-erasing capability. The present invention, accordingly, can realize important advantages of providing dual yet independent capabilities or functionalities for manifesting reading-writing-erasing on the nanometer scale. An illustrative such thermal assembly includes a thermal heater for writing on a media; a temperature sensor capable of monitoring thermal coupling between the sensor and the media; and, a heater element for heating the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hemantha Kumar Wickramasinghe, Hendrik F. Hamann, Yves Martin
  • Patent number: 6185179
    Abstract: A phonograph comprises an acoustically compliant cylindrical chamber for being set into vibration by impinging sound waves, the chamber having a substantially smooth outer surface and being mounted for axial rotation and for being advanced at a predetermined rate upon said axial rotation; and an acoustically non-compliant stylus, the stylus bearing against the outer surface in a spiral path thereupon when the cylinder is caused to rotate and to advance at the predetermined rate. During recording, the vibrating cylinder wall impales itself upon the non-vibrating stylus so that a recording groove with undulations is formed on the cylinder. During playback, the cylinder vibrates in response to the recording groove undulations being pressing against the stationary stylus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Carl M. Mohrin
  • Patent number: 6084849
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a storage medium for scanning probe storage devices. This storage medium comprises a substrate (20) carrying a shape memory alloy layer (24). The shape memory alloy layer (24) is chosen such that an indent (23) can be formed by mechanically deforming said shape memory alloy layer (24), if a local probe (21, 22) of said scanning probe system exerts pressure on said alloy layer (24). An indent (23) can be removed by locally heating said shape memory alloy layer (24) to its transformation temperature (Tc) or above such that the shape memory alloy returns to its Martensite form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Theodor Durig, Peter Vettiger
  • Patent number: 5959957
    Abstract: A probe has a metal tip on a cantilever. A diffused layer made from a metal silicide is formed at an interface between the tip and the cantilever. In the diffused layer, a material for forming the cantilever and a material for forming the tip are diffused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ikeda, Takayuki Yagi, Yasuhiro Shimada
  • Patent number: 5808977
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel tracking method and device, suitable for use in a recording means applying the technology of a scanning probe microscope, for recording and/or reproducing high-density information of a size of several tens of nm or less at high speed and with high accuracy. The tracking method and device includes a recording medium having bumpy structures for tracking, which are formed on the surface thereof, a cantilever having a tip for writing in, reading out and erasing information, and means for detecting bending and torsion of the cantilever. Further, the tip and the recording medium are moved relative to each other in the direction in which a fixed end and a free end of the cantilever are coupled to each other, in a state in which the tip has been brought into proximity to or contact with the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Koyanagi, Sumio Hosaka, Ryo Imura
  • Patent number: 5717631
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical device is comprised of a cantilevered beam positioned above, and free to move relative to, a substrate. The beam may carry a plurality of conductors which are insulated from one another. One or more tips is positioned on the beam with each tip being in electrical contact with one of the conductors. A memory device may be constructed by providing an array of such cantilevered beams proximate to a layer of media. Devices for positioning the beam in x and y directions perpendicular to each other and parallel to the layer of media and in a z direction perpendicular to the media are provided. A control circuit generates control signals input to the positioning devices for positioning the tips according to x, y, and z coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: L. Richard Carley, Michael L. Reed, Gary K. Fedder, Suresh Santhanam
  • Patent number: 5610898
    Abstract: An information recording/reproducing method and apparatus is for carrying out at least one of recording and reproducing information through a probe electrode or through a plurality of probe electrodes on an information recording medium. A probe electrode is disposed on an elastic member. A relative position is so adjusted between the recording medium and the probe electrode that a repulsive force between them is comparative to an elastic force of the elastic member. In case of plural probe electrodes, they are displaced to keep an equal spacing between the recording medium and the respective probe electrodes so that they may have either a zero average or a minimized square sum of displacement. A spacer layer will do for setting a spacing between a probe electrode and the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takimoto, Toshihiko Miyazaki, Kunihiro Sakai, Ryo Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5537372
    Abstract: A high density data storage system includes a rotatable storage medium mounted to rotate about a drive axis, the storage medium having formed thereon a surface topography defining machine readable information. The storage system further includes a high resolution contact sensor having a cantilever arm and a stylus mounted at one end of the cantilever arm. The stylus is positionable to engage the storage medium and follow the surface topography when the storage medium is rotated. A detector system provides an output signal representing cantilever deflection caused by changes in the surface topography of the storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Albrecht, Harry J. Mamin, Daniel Rugar
  • Patent number: 5461605
    Abstract: An information recording/reproducing method and apparatus is for carrying out at least one of recording and reproducing information through a probe electrode or through a plurality of probe electrodes on an information recording medium. A probe electrode is disposed on an elastic member. A relative position is so adjusted between the recording medium and the probe electrode that a repulsive force between them is comparative to an elastic force of the elastic member. In case of plural probe electrodes, they are displaced to keep an equal spacing between the recording medium and the respective probe electrodes so that they may have either a zero average or a minimized square sum of displacement. A spacer layer will do for setting a spacing between a probe electrode and the recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takimoto, Toshihiko Miyazaki, Kunihiro Sakai, Ryo Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5291472
    Abstract: High density recording systems and methods are disclosed which employ a radiation beam to form spot-like recordings in record members such as discs, tapes and cards. The angle, offset or cross-sectional shape of the recording beam can be varied so as to vary the angle, offset or shape of the corresponding recordings in the record member. The recorded information can be electro-optically or magnetically detected and discriminated from each other to provide high density recordings of alphanumeric characters or digital data. Enhanced detection scanning is effected by ultrasonically vibrating the laser or an optical element, such as a prism or mirror receiving the reading light beam, in a manner to cause it to scan back and forth laterally to the record track as a longitudinal scanning movement is effected parallel to the longitudinal axis or centerline of the track. The reflected light is detected, computer processed and analyzed to effect proper detection of the recordings to generate correct data therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Jerome H. Lemelson
  • Patent number: 5226025
    Abstract: A magazine disk player for accommodating either a plurality of disks or a single disk. The disk player includes a magazine loading section for holding a magazine, disk conveyor for supplying a disk from the magazine to the turn table, and returning the disk thereinto, a magazine loading detecting device for detecting the loading of the magazine, an operating member which is movable between a first position and a second position, and which, when the magazine is loaded into the magazine loading section, is moved from the first position to the second position being engaged with the magazine, a locking member provided near the magazine loading section in such a manner that the locking member is movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and which is engaged with the magazine to lock the latter to the magazine loading section being urged towards the locking position wherein the magazine loading detector detects the position of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Ikedo, Takahiro Okajima, Ken Okamura
  • Patent number: 5126984
    Abstract: An external magnetic field generating device for an optical magnetic disk apparatus is arranged radially of the disk and is used to record information on and erase information from the disk by a laser beam. A surface of the external magnetic field generating device which is remote from the optical magnetic recording disk is made substantially parallel to the disk surface so as to facilitate mounting of the device. A surface of the external magnetic field generating device which faces the disk includes an inclined portion and is shape such that the intensity of the external magnetic field increases as the magnetic field approaches an outer end of the device so as to enable appropriate recording and erasing at both inner and outer peripheries of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Kawai
  • Patent number: 4979160
    Abstract: A front loading disk player has an insertion slot for receiving variable sizes of disks to be played. As the disk is inserted it encounters pinch rollers on the free ends of pivoting arms. The pressure on the pinch rollers is sensed causing the arms and their support members to move transversely of the insertion direction to open up and accommodate the diameter of the specific disk while still pinching the edge of the disk. When the disk reaches a certain stage of insertion where the central portion is past the insertion slot, the pinch rollers, arms and support members take over and pull the disk all the way into the disk player and place the disk on a turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Pioneer Electronic Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitugu Araki
  • Patent number: 4918678
    Abstract: Means for reducing the effects of vertical perturbations of a phonograph disc surface resulting from disc and/or playback system mechanical imperfections. Such imperfections are compensated by closed loop and/or open loop means wherein the deviations of the record path are detected and employed to minimize the effects of the mechanical imperfections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Ray M. Dolby
  • Patent number: 4912663
    Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement system for measuring stator half coils includes a sonic digitizer which makes measurements of the stator half coil. These measurements are provided to a computing apparatus which converts the measured points to corresponding surface points on the surface of the stator half coil and combines the surface points into a measured shape. The measured shape is displayed on a display unit overlayed on the designed shape of the stator half coil for visual comparison of the two shapes. Preferably, the display is in color with different colors used for edges of the measured and designed shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Joy, Kenneth S. Gerkey, Bruce K. Salmond, Larry J. Appolonia
  • Patent number: 4866541
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the erasing of an information signal recorded on an optical disk such that the information signal is erased except for the vertical blanking interval and for the interval corresponding to the address signal of the information on the disk. The rest of the information signal including the horizontal synchronizing signal is erased either continuously or intermittently or is not erased. The circuit produces a control signal which assumes a first logical state for enabling the erasing and a second logical state for disabling the erasing responsive to a horizontal synchronizing signal, a vertical synchronizing signal and a command signal commanding the erasing of a particular information signal on the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinobu Kawamura, Tadao Nagai
  • Patent number: 4586165
    Abstract: The invention relates to thermo-optic writing on an information support comprising a substrate on which there is deposited an organic sub-layer covered by a metal layer.The invention provides a writing process which consists in creating in the metal layer a plastic deformation due to the thrust exerted by the localized swelling of the sub-layer. The writing produces a relief impression without piercing of said metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventors: Jean Cornet, Jean-Claude Lehureau, Henriette Magna