Patents by Inventor Barry E. Brovold

Barry E. Brovold 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: 6977052
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a manufacturing process for optical data storage disks that makes use of a check disk very early in the production cycle. The check disk can be replicated directly from the master without destroying the master. The check disk may then be tested in order to validate the pattern created on the master. In some cases, the check disk may be delivered to customers, allowing the customers to verify the check disk. Once the check disk has been verified, the master can be used to create one or more stampers, which can be used in a mass production process for creating optical data storage disks. However, if the check disk is defective or otherwise not acceptable, the production cycle can be halted prior to creating any stampers. In this manner, the invention can be used to avoid creation of defective stampers or other defective mass production tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Imation Corp
    Inventors: Ted L. Bahns, Barry E. Brovold, Donald J. Kerfeld
  • Patent number: 6821460
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards techniques for creating optical data storage disks. In one embodiment, the invention provides a simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process. For example, a method may include positioning a first bead of photopolymer for distribution between a bottom stamper and a substrate, and positioning a second bead of photopolymer for distribution between a top stamper and the substrate. The method may also include passing a roller over the top stamper to distribute the beads of photopolymer, curing the photopolymer, and removing the substrate from the stampers. The simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process can be repeated on the same medium to create a two-sided dual-layer data storage medium or a two-sided multi-layer data storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Donald J. Kerfeld, Barry E. Brovold
  • Publication number: 20030011087
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards techniques for creating optical data storage disks. In one embodiment, the invention provides a simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process. For example, a method may include positioning a first bead of photopolymer for distribution between a bottom stamper and a substrate, and positioning a second bead of photopolymer for distribution between a top stamper and the substrate. The method may also include passing a roller over the top stamper to distribute the beads of photopolymer, curing the photopolymer, and removing the substrate from the stampers. The simultaneous two-sided rolling bead process can be repeated on the same medium to create a two-sided dual-layer data storage medium or a two-sided multi-layer data storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Donald J. Kerfeld, Barry E. Brovold