Patents Examined by Brian Miller
  • Patent number: 9355663
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, includes: a head carriage assembly, a flexure coupling the head carriage assembly to a linear assembly, the linear assembly being configured to move along a fine motion direction, and a motor coupled to the head carriage assembly for rotatably positioning the head carriage assembly about an axis of skew which extends perpendicular to a plane defined by an intended direction of media movement across the head carriage assembly and the fine motion direction, the fine motion direction being oriented perpendicular to the intended direction of media movement. The flexure permits the rotatable positioning of the head carriage assembly about the axis of skew. Moreover, the flexure resists pitching movement of the head carriage assembly relative to the linear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David H. F. Harper, Hugo E. Rothuizen
  • Patent number: 9349393
    Abstract: A method and system provide a magnetic transducer. An intermediate layer including multiple sublayers is provided. A trench is formed in the intermediate layer. A main pole having a bottom, a top wider than the bottom, a first side and a second side opposite to the first side is provided in the trench. An asymmetric gap is provided along the first and second sides of the main pole. The asymmetric gap terminates closer to the top of the main pole along the first side than on the second side. The asymmetric gap has a first thickness along the first side and a second thickness different from the first thickness along the second side. An asymmetric shield is provided on the asymmetric gap. The asymmetric shield includes a half side shield having a bottom between the top and the bottom of the main pole and terminating on the asymmetric gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Yi Zheng, Ming Jiang
  • Patent number: 9342980
    Abstract: A generation unit generates a command based on operation history information read from a storage unit and operation status information obtained by an obtainment unit when power is supplied from a first power source unit to a communication apparatus, and generates the command based on the operation history information read from the storage unit when the power is not supplied from the first power source unit to the communication apparatus, when power is supplied from a second power source unit to each of the storage unit, the generation unit, and a proximity wireless communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Hideo Umetani, Masaru Yamaoka, Gantetsu Matsui, Mahbub Rashid
  • Patent number: 9343085
    Abstract: A data writer may be generally configured at least with a write pole adjacent to and separated from a side shield and a trailing shield. The side shield may be formed of a first material and configured with a trailing box region that is at least partially filled with a flux density insert formed of a second material that is different than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Swaraj Basu, Mark Gubbins, Muhammad Asif Bashir, Prim Gangmei
  • Patent number: 9336674
    Abstract: A configuration associated with an electronic message may be received, the electronic message containing a keyword. Historical notification information comprising information about multiple electronic messages may be accessed to determine one or more related electronic messages. A number of related electronic messages may be determined by comparing the keyword to the historical notification information. An electronic notification may be generated based at least in part on the configuration information, the electronic message, and the multiple related electronic messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashokkumar Thirumalaisamy
  • Patent number: 9330710
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the location of a mobile robot within a data storage library and to a library including such systems and utilizing such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Spectra Logic, Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Edward Bacom, Christopher Bancroft Brooks, Nicholas Aldo Nespeca
  • Patent number: 9323230
    Abstract: A system for verifying a communication device, the system comprising at least a one communication device comprising a transmitter for performing communication, and a storage for holding first information, the first information comprising ID information of the communication device, at least a one security communication device comprising a transmitter for performing communication, and a storage for holding second information, the second information comprising ID information of the security communication device, a verification element, and a communication element for receiving the ID information from one or more of the communication devices and one or more of the security communication devices, transmitting the received ID information to the verification element, wherein the verification element is adapted to verify each of the one or more communication devices only if the received ID information of the pertaining communication device can be verified and the received ID information of at least one of the one or
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: COPY STOP SYSTEMS APS
    Inventors: Rune Domsten, Finn Nielsen, Nils Østbirk
  • Patent number: 9318136
    Abstract: Various embodiments concern a gimbaled flexure having a dual stage actuation structure. The flexure comprises a gimbal on which a motor is mounted. The motor comprises a first and second terminals and a plurality of actuator layers formed from a piezoelectric material. The plurality of actuator layers comprise serially stacked first, second, and third actuator layers. The plurality of actuator layers are respectively poled and connected to the first and second terminals such that both of the first and second actuator layers expand while the third actuator layer contracts in response to application of a signal across the first and second terminals. The differential motion of the plurality of layers in the motor cause the motor to curl about the contracting third actuator layer. The curling motion causes a portion of the flexure to preferentially curl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob D. Bjorstrom, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Joseph C. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 9311966
    Abstract: A storage device enclosure may include a baseplate having a bottom portion and walls extending from a perimeter of the bottom portion, a cover that includes a planar interface surface with the baseplate, and a gasket configured to be compressed between the baseplate and the cover at the interface surface. The cover may include a skirt extending about a perimeter of the cover and one or more discrete areas with a hem in place of the skirt. The baseplate may include one or more close clearance areas are thinner and that correspond to areas of the cover that include the hem. One or more hemmed seals are formed when the baseplate and the cover are pressed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jae Suk Lee, Sung Kwon Choi
  • Patent number: 9305412
    Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for authenticating access to a vehicle, where vehicle events, such as a door lock condition or an operating condition of the vehicle, are reported to an authentication network. Vehicle events are compared to a vehicle schedule to determine if the vehicle events comply with the schedule using authentication rules. If the events are not compliant, an authentication request signal, requiring a predetermined authentication response, is transmitted to the vehicle. Access to the vehicle may be denied until a match to the predetermined authentication response is received. Authentication may include the use of a portable device, which may act as an intermediary between the vehicle and the authentication system. Vehicle events may further be reported to the portable device. Authentication rules may be updated automatically based on further incoming vehicle events, or may be updated manually using a computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: VOLKSWAGEN AG, AUDI AG
    Inventor: Dominic Winkelman
  • Patent number: 9305586
    Abstract: A magnetic head, according to one embodiment, includes a magnetized high-speed rotor placed in the vicinity of a main magnetic pole, wherein the main magnetic pole generates a magnetized rotating magnetic field, wherein information is recorded by generating a high-frequency magnetic field from the magnetized high-speed rotor and switching the magnetic head between a magnetic resonance state and a magnetization state, and wherein the magnetic head has a structure such that leaking is reduced for magnetic fields applied parallel to a magnetized rotating surface of the magnetized high-speed rotor from the main magnetic pole. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Masafumi Mochizuki, Masukazu Igarashi
  • Patent number: 9293158
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to an apparatus having an array of sensors sharing a common media-facing surface, each sensor having an active sensing region, magnetic shields flanking the active sensing region, and gaps between the active sensing region and the magnetic shields. At least one of the gaps includes an electrically conductive layer having a refractory material. Other embodiments relate to an apparatus having a sensor with an active sensing region, magnetic shields flanking the active sensing region, and gaps between the active sensing region and the magnetic shields. At least one of the gaps includes an electrically conductive layer having a modified region at a media facing side thereof, the modified region being at least one of nonconductive and mechanically hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Calvin S. Lo
  • Patent number: 9292984
    Abstract: In a wireless communication system, an approach determination section determines whether a portable device is inside of a nearby area of one of a plurality of transmitting antennas transmitting a primary signal. When the approach determination section determines that the portable device is inside of the nearby area, a transmission control section changes a driving voltage of another one of the transmitting antennas disposed outside of the nearby area, such that a communication area of the another one of the transmitting antennas is increased to encompass the nearby area of the one of the transmitting antennas, and the primary signal is retransmitted from the another one of the transmitting antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahide Kitahara, Ryuta Atsumi
  • Patent number: 9293169
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a data storage device has a housing with a cover and a base to define an interior environment. Fasteners extend through the housing to secure respective shafts that support a rotatable data recording medium and an actuator assembly, respectively. Spaced apart first and second seals contactingly engage and surround the housing to sealingly cover the fasteners. Third and fourth seals contactingly engage the first and second seals and the housing to seal the first and second seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Andrikowich, Michael C. Strzepa
  • Patent number: 9286919
    Abstract: A magnetic transducer has air-bearing surface (ABS) and includes a main pole, at least one coil, a side shield and a side gap. The coil(s) energize the main pole. A portion of the main pole resides at the ABS. The side gap is between the main pole and the side shield. The side gap is nonmagnetic and includes a first side gap and a second side gap. The first side gap is conformal with the main pole. The second side gap is conformal with the main pole. The first side gap is between the second side gap and the ABS. The second side gap is wider than the first side gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Western Digital (Fremont), LLC
    Inventors: Feng Liu, Zhanjie Li, Tao Pan, Zhigang Bai
  • Patent number: 9269378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to stray magnetic shielding in PMR systems. The stray magnetic fields can funnel through the magnetic write head into the recording medium and lead to degradation in performance, even erasure. By placing a magnetic shield around the return pole, and spaced from the main pole by a nonmagnetic material, the stray magnetic flux is diverted into the additional stray field magnetic shields such that the stray magnetic fields travel mainly through the shield, away from the main pole. This ensures the stray magnetic flux density will be decreased greatly before reaching the recording medium, unable to negatively affect performance. To further ensure ease of manufacturing, the magnetic shield is made from the same material as the main pole, the return pole, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: HGST NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventor: Supradeep Narayana
  • Patent number: 9269377
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method generally relate to data writing and more specifically to writing data to a rotating media. An embodiment of such an apparatus comprises a slider body, a transducer and a write driver. The transducer comprises a writer. The write driver is integrated on the slider body, and directly connected to the writer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Gubbins, Todd Michael Lammers
  • Patent number: 9257139
    Abstract: Various embodiments concern a gimbaled flexure having a dual stage actuation structure. The flexure comprises a gimbal which includes a pair of spring arms, a pair of struts, and a tongue between the spring arms. A motor is mounted on the gimbal. The motor comprises a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. The bottom side of the motor faces the flexure. A stiffener is mounted on the top side of the motor. At least one layer of adhesive is located between the stiffener and the motor and bonded to the stiffener and the motor. The gimbaled flexure includes a slider mounting for attaching a slider, such as to the tongue. The motor bends the struts to move the slider mounting about a tracking axis while the stiffener limits the degree of bending of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9251821
    Abstract: An apparatus, in one embodiment, includes: a pivot assembly pivotably supporting a head carriage assembly, a motor coupled to the head carriage assembly for rotatably positioning the head carriage assembly about an axis of skew which extends perpendicular to a plane defined by an intended direction of media movement across the head carriage assembly and a direction of fine motion of the head carriage assembly, the fine motion direction being oriented perpendicular to the intended direction of media movement, a linear assembly supporting the pivot assembly and the head carriage assembly, the linear assembly being configured to move along the fine motion direction, and a first flexure extending between the head carriage assembly and the linear assembly, the first flexure permitting the rotatable positioning of the head carriage assembly about the axis of skew, the first flexure resisting pitching movement of the head carriage assembly relative to the linear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David H. F. Harper, Hugo E. Rothuizen
  • Patent number: 9251836
    Abstract: The present application discloses optical disc apparatus including: drive mechanism for rotating medium including processing surface to be subjected optical information process; housing for storing drive mechanism; tray mechanism for displacing medium between storage position, at which medium is stored in housing, and ejection position, at which medium is ejected from housing; at least one objective lens for condensing light onto processing surface of medium situated at storage position to perform information process; and first displacement mechanism for displacing at least one objective lens along processing surface between first position and second position which is more distant from rotational center of medium rotated by the drive mechanism than first position is. Tray mechanism defines at least one opening in position closer to second position than first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Nakata, Kousei Sano, Hideki Aikoh