Patents by Inventor PK Bala

PK Bala 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: 7774923
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a cartridge for an optical data storage disc includes attaching a plastic shell and a sheet metal cover plate. The shell includes lateral walls and a floor that together define a disc cavity and a plurality of assembly posts. The sheet metal cover plate includes a plurality of holes. To attach the cover plate to the shell, the assembly posts are inserted into the holes, and the ends of the assembly posts are heated to form mushroom caps which hold the cover plate against the shell. The optical disc is housed in the disc cavity, with the data side of the disc facing the cover plate. A sheet metal shutter is wrapped around an edge of the cartridge and over the shell and cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Vmedia Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Volk, Gregory Dimitri Volan, Rene D. Kumar Anirudhan, PK Bala
  • Patent number: 7603681
    Abstract: A cartridge for an optical data storage disc includes a monolithic shell and a sheet metal cover plate. The shell includes lateral walls and a floor that together define a cavity that holds an optical data storage disc. The cover plate is attached to the shell, with the cover plate abutting the top surfaces of the lateral walls of the shell. The optical disc is housed in the disc cavity, with the data side of the disc facing the cover plate. A sheet metal shutter is wrapped around an edge of the cartridge and is slideable between an open position, wherein a portion of the optical disc is exposed through a shutter window in the cover plate and a closed position wherein the shutter overlies the shutter window. The cartridge is very strong and is easy to fabricate. The use of sheet metal next to the data side of the optical disc allows the data on the disc to be read or recorded with a very short wavelength laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Vmedia Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Volk, Gregory Dimitri Volan, Rene D. Kumar Anirudhan, PK Bala
  • Publication number: 20080282282
    Abstract: A cartridge for an optical data storage disc includes a monolithic shell and a sheet metal cover plate. The shell includes lateral walls and a floor that together define a cavity that holds an optical data storage disc. The cover plate is attached to the shell, with the cover plate abutting the top surfaces of the lateral walls of the shell. The optical disc is housed in the disc cavity, with the data side of the disc facing the cover plate. A sheet metal shutter is wrapped around an edge of the cartridge and is slideable between an open position, wherein a portion of the optical disc is exposed through a shutter window in the cover plate and a closed position wherein the shutter overlies the shutter window. The cartridge is very strong and is easy to fabricate. The use of sheet metal next to the data side of the optical disc allows the data on the disc to be read or recorded with a very short wavelength laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Vmedia Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Volk, Gregory Dimitri Volan, Rene D. Kumar Anirudhan, PK Bala
  • Publication number: 20080009270
    Abstract: A portable wireless handset such as a mobile phone is used as a “mobile storefront” which allows the user to preview and order entertainment and/or educational content, such as movies or games. By communicating with a wireless mobile storefront service platform, the user can view excerpts or trailers of the content to her handset to determine if she wishes to purchase or rent the content. Upon ordering the content, an optical disc containing the content is shipped to the user, and the charge for the content is transmitted to a billing service, such as a mobile carrier for inclusion in the user's monthly bill. The optical disc shipped to the user may be used to view the content on the handset. The disc may also contain locked content. If the user wishes to view the locked content she transmits a request to the storefront service platform, which transmits a key to the handset, allowing the user to view the locked content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: Vmedia Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Volk, PK Bala, Wendy T. Volan
  • Publication number: 20060048167
    Abstract: A cartridge for an optical data storage disc includes a monolithic shell and a sheet metal cover plate. The shell includes lateral walls and a floor that together define a cavity that holds an optical data storage disc. The cover plate is attached to the shell, with the cover plate abutting the top surfaces of the lateral walls of the shell. The optical disc is housed in the disc cavity, with the data side of the disc facing the cover plate. A sheet metal shutter is wrapped around an edge of the cartridge and is slideable between an open position, wherein a portion of the optical disc is exposed through a shutter window in the cover plate and a closed position wherein the shutter overlies the shutter window. The cartridge is very strong and is easy to fabricate. The use of sheet metal next to the data side of the optical disc allows the data on the disc to be read or recorded with a very short wavelength laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: Vmedia Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Volk, Gregory Volan, Rene Anirudhan, Pk Bala