Patents by Inventor David J. Seagle

David J. Seagle 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).

  • Publication number: 20240105218
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head and a tape head drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a closure, a substrate, and a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed between the substrate and the closure. The write transducer and the read transducer of each pair are aligned in a first direction and spaced a distance in the downtrack direction of about 5 ?m to about 20 ?m. A first overcoat is disposed over each write transducer at a media facing surface (MFS), and a second overcoat is disposed over each read transducer at the MFS. The first and second overcoats may comprise different materials, and are deposited during different processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicants: Western Digital Technologies, Inc., Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. SEAGLE, Robert G. BISKEBORN
  • Patent number: 11862195
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to a tape head and a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises one or more head assemblies, each head assembly comprising a plurality of write heads aligned in a row, at least one writer servo head aligned with the row of write heads, a plurality of read heads aligned in a row, and at least one reader servo head aligned with the row of read heads. The writer servo head and the reader servo head are independently controllable and are configured to operate concurrently. The tape head is able to accurately and independently position the write heads using the writer servo head(s) when writing data to a tape and position the read heads using the reader servo head(s) when reading data from the tape, even if the write heads and read heads are or become mis-aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G Biskeborn, David J. Seagle, Diane L Brown
  • Patent number: 11776565
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head of a tape drive, and methods of forming thereof. In one embodiment, a tape head for magnetic storage devices comprises a trailing shield, a leading shield, a first write pole coupled to the trailing shield, a second write pole coupled to the leading shield, and side shields spaced from the first write pole and the second write pole by a thin insulation layer. The side shields are further disposed between the trailing shield and the leading shield. In another embodiment, a tape head for magnetic storage devices comprises a main pole disposed between a trailing shield and a leading shield and a side shield disposed adjacent to the main pole. The side shield is further disposed between the trailing shield and the leading shield and spaced from the main pole by a thin insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang Le, Hongquan Jiang, Cherngye Hwang, David J. Seagle, Xiaoyong Liu
  • Publication number: 20230253014
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to a tape head and a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises one or more head assemblies, each head assembly comprising a plurality of write heads aligned in a row, at least one writer servo head aligned with the row of write heads, a plurality of read heads aligned in a row, and at least one reader servo head aligned with the row of read heads. The writer servo head and the reader servo head are independently controllable and are configured to operate concurrently. The tape head is able to accurately and independently position the write heads using the writer servo head(s) when writing data to a tape and position the read heads using the reader servo head(s) when reading data from the tape, even if the write heads and read heads are or become mis-aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Robert G. BISKEBORN, David J. SEAGLE, Diane L. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20230223043
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head of a tape drive, and methods of forming thereof. In one embodiment, a tape head for magnetic storage devices comprises a trailing shield, a leading shield, a first write pole coupled to the trailing shield, a second write pole coupled to the leading shield, and side shields spaced from the first write pole and the second write pole by a thin insulation layer. The side shields are further disposed between the trailing shield and the leading shield. In another embodiment, a tape head for magnetic storage devices comprises a main pole disposed between a trailing shield and a leading shield and a side shield disposed adjacent to the main pole. The side shield is further disposed between the trailing shield and the leading shield and spaced from the main pole by a thin insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Quang LE, Hongquan JIANG, Cherngye HWANG, David J. SEAGLE, Xiaoyong LIU
  • Patent number: 11682421
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on a substrate. Each pair comprises a null shield disposed between the write transducer and the read transducer. One or more of a position between the write transducer and the read transducer of each pair, a width, a height, a thickness, and a permeability of the null shield is adjusted to create a null region, and the read transducer is disposed in the null region. The SGV module is configured to write data to a tape using the write transducer of each pair and read verify the data written on the tape using the read transducer of each pair such that the write transducer and read transducer of each pair are concurrently operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Seagle, Alexander Goncharov, Robert G. Biskeborn
  • Patent number: 11646053
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on a substrate. In each pair, the write transducer comprises a write pole having a height, and the read transducer comprises a first shield disposed adjacent to the write pole. The write pole and the first shield of each pair are spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the height of the write pole. The SGV module is configured to write data to a tape using the write transducer of each pair and read verify the data written on the tape using the read transducer of each pair such that the write transducer and read transducer of each pair are concurrently operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Seagle, Alexander Goncharov, Robert G. Biskeborn
  • Publication number: 20220415344
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on a substrate. Each pair comprises a null shield disposed between the write transducer and the read transducer. One or more of a position between the write transducer and the read transducer of each pair, a width, a height, a thickness, and a permeability of the null shield is adjusted to create a null region, and the read transducer is disposed in the null region. The SGV module is configured to write data to a tape using the write transducer of each pair and read verify the data written on the tape using the read transducer of each pair such that the write transducer and read transducer of each pair are concurrently operable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: David J. SEAGLE, Alexander GONCHAROV, Robert G. BISKEBORN
  • Publication number: 20220415355
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed on a substrate. In each pair, the write transducer comprises a write pole having a height, and the read transducer comprises a first shield disposed adjacent to the write pole. The write pole and the first shield of each pair are spaced apart a distance greater than or equal to about 20% of the height of the write pole. The SGV module is configured to write data to a tape using the write transducer of each pair and read verify the data written on the tape using the read transducer of each pair such that the write transducer and read transducer of each pair are concurrently operable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: David J. SEAGLE, Alexander GONCHAROV, Robert G. BISKEBORN
  • Patent number: 11514929
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head and a tape head drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a closure, a substrate, and a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs. The write transducer and the read transducer of each pair are spaced a first distance in a first direction of about 5 ?m to about 20 ?m. The SGV module head assembly is configured to write data to a tape using the write transducer of each pair and read verify the data written on the tape using the read transducer of each pair such that the write transducer and read transducer of each pair are concurrently operable. In some embodiments, the SGV module head assembly is further configured for dynamic tilting to enable correcting of mis-registration caused by tape lateral dimension changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, David J. Seagle
  • Publication number: 20220319540
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head and a tape head drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a closure, a substrate, and a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs. The write transducer and the read transducer of each pair are spaced a first distance in a first direction of about 5 ?m to about 20 ?m. The SGV module head assembly is configured to write data to a tape using the write transducer of each pair and read verify the data written on the tape using the read transducer of each pair such that the write transducer and read transducer of each pair are concurrently operable. In some embodiments, the SGV module head assembly is further configured for dynamic tilting to enable correcting of mis-registration caused by tape lateral dimension changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Robert G. BISKEBORN, David J. SEAGLE
  • Patent number: 11373683
    Abstract: A data storage device configured to access a magnetic tape is disclosed, wherein the data storage device comprises at least one head configured to access the magnetic tape, wherein the head comprises a write element, a first read element substantially aligned with the write element, and a second read element laterally offset from the first read element. Data is written to a data track and read-after-write verify is performed using the write element and the first read element. In response to a read command received from a host, the data track is read using the second read element to compensate for a stretching of the magnetic tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark L. Watson, Diane L. Brown, David J. Seagle
  • Publication number: 20220108725
    Abstract: A data storage device configured to access a magnetic tape is disclosed, wherein the data storage device comprises at least one head configured to access the magnetic tape, wherein the head comprises a write element, a first read element substantially aligned with the write element, and a second read element laterally offset from the first read element. Data is written to a data track and read-after-write verify is performed using the write element and the first read element. In response to a read command received from a host, the data track is read using the second read element to compensate for a stretching of the magnetic tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Mark L. Watson, Diane L. Brown, David J. Seagle
  • Patent number: 11227628
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape drive comprising a tape head. The tape head comprises one or more data heads and one or more servo heads. Each servo head comprises a first shield, a first lead, a magnetoresistive sensor, a second lead, a second shield, and side shields. The magnetoresistive sensor is recessed from a media facing surface (MFS). The first lead is recessed from the MFS while the second lead and side shields are disposed at the MFS. A power supply is configured to apply a first electrical potential to the first and second shields, the side shields, and the second lead, and a second electrical potential to the first lead. The electrical design of each servo head is configured such that only one electric potential is exposed at the MFS, eliminating the possibility that a scratch will short the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Seagle, Quang Le, Zhanjie Li
  • Patent number: 10997995
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to tape heads for use in a tape drive system. The tape head includes a plurality of servo elements and a plurality of data elements disposed between the servo elements. An electrostrictive material is present in the tape head. Electrodes are coupled to the electrostrictive material to permit a voltage to be distributed across the electrostrictive material. The voltage causes the electrostrictive material to expand, and thus expand the tape head. By expanding the tape head by adding voltage, or contracting the tape head by lowering voltage, the spacing between adjacent data elements can be adjusted to match the spacing between adjacent data tracks on a tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Seagle
  • Publication number: 20200381014
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to tape heads for use in a tape drive system. The tape head includes a plurality of servo elements and a plurality of data elements disposed between the servo elements. An electrostrictive material is present in the tape head. Electrodes are coupled to the electrostrictive material to permit a voltage to be distributed across the electrostrictive material. The voltage causes the electrostrictive material to expand, and thus expand the tape head. By expanding the tape head by adding voltage, or contracting the tape head by lowering voltage, the spacing between adjacent data elements can be adjusted to match the spacing between adjacent data tracks on a tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventor: David J. SEAGLE
  • Patent number: 10762924
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to tape heads for use in a tape drive system. The tape head includes a plurality of servo elements and a plurality of data elements disposed between the servo elements. An electrostrictive material is present in the tape head. Electrodes are coupled to the electrostrictive material to permit a voltage to be distributed across the electrostrictive material. The voltage causes the electrostrictive material to expand, and thus expand the tape head. By expanding the tape head by adding voltage, or contracting the tape head by lowering voltage, the spacing between adjacent data elements can be adjusted to match the spacing between adjacent data tracks on a tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: David J. Seagle
  • Publication number: 20200227078
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to tape heads for use in a tape drive system. The tape head includes a plurality of servo elements and a plurality of data elements disposed between the servo elements. An electrostrictive material is present in the tape head. Electrodes are coupled to the electrostrictive material to permit a voltage to be distributed across the electrostrictive material. The voltage causes the electrostrictive material to expand, and thus expand the tape head. By expanding the tape head by adding voltage, or contracting the tape head by lowering voltage, the spacing between adjacent data elements can be adjusted to match the spacing between adjacent data tracks on a tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventor: David J. SEAGLE
  • Patent number: 10297278
    Abstract: Structures and methods for fabrication servo and data heads of tape modules are provided. The servo head may have two shield layers spaced apart by a plurality of gap layers and a sensor. Similarly, the data head may have two shield layers spaced apart by a plurality of gap layers and a sensor. The distance between the shield layers of the servo head may be greater than the distance between the shield layers of the data head. The material of the gap layers may include tantalum or an alloy of nickel and chromium. The material for the gap layers permits deposition of gap layers with sufficiently small surface roughness to prevent distortion of the tape module and increase the stability of the tape module operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Satoru Araki, Diane L. Brown, Hiroaki Chihaya, Dustin W. Erickson, David J. Seagle
  • Patent number: 10199057
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to tape heads used for magnetic recording on tapes, and more specifically to tape heads including servo and data head structures. In one embodiment, a tape head includes two servo head structures and a plurality of data head structures. Each servo head structure includes a sensor, and each sensor is electrically coupled to two bonding pads. Each data head structure includes a sensor, and each sensor is electrically coupled to two bonding pads. A resistive shunt is disposed between the two bonding pads electrically coupled to the sensor of each data head structure. The resistive shunt decreases the electrical resistance of the sensor of the data head structure to a target resistance that is similar to the resistance of the sensor of the servo head structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Seagle, Diane L. Brown