Patents by Inventor Scott E. Heeren

Scott E. Heeren 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: 8174781
    Abstract: A method for screening a magnetic-recording head utilizing a simulated-cross-track-gain profile of the magnetic-recording head to provide a manufacturing-qualified, magnetic-recording head. The method includes measuring a track profile of the magnetic-recording head, and providing the simulated-cross-track-gain profile of the magnetic-recording head synthesized utilizing the track profile of the magnetic-recording head. The method also includes calculating a peak-to-peak value of the simulated-cross-track-gain profile, and applying a selection criterion based on the peak-to-peak value of the simulated-cross-track-gain profile to screen the magnetic-recording head for use as the manufacturing-qualified, magnetic-recording head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Scott E. Heeren, Masaki Kohno, Tue Ngo
  • Patent number: 7888902
    Abstract: A method of configuring a signal for controlling a voice coil motor (VCM) is disclosed. A voltage at an error amplifier of a VCM driver is accessed. A target value at the error amplifier is accessed. A difference value between the target value and the voltage is determined. An impedance value of the variable compensation coupled with the error amplifier is adjusted, based on the difference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Farzin Assar, Scott E. Heeren, Lee D. Nguyentran, Bryan S. Rowan
  • Publication number: 20090273854
    Abstract: A method for screening a magnetic-recording head utilizing a simulated-cross-track-gain profile of the magnetic-recording head to provide a manufacturing-qualified, magnetic-recording head. The method includes measuring a track profile of the magnetic-recording head, and providing the simulated-cross-track-gain profile of the magnetic-recording head synthesized utilizing the track profile of the magnetic-recording head. The method also includes calculating a peak-to-peak value of the simulated-cross-track-gain profile, and applying a selection criterion based on the peak-to-peak value of the simulated-cross-track-gain profile to screen the magnetic-recording head for use as the manufacturing-qualified, magnetic-recording head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Scott E. Heeren, Masaki Kohno, Tue Ngo
  • Publication number: 20090168239
    Abstract: A method of configuring a signal for controlling a voice coil motor (VCM) is disclosed. A voltage at an error amplifier of a VCM driver is accessed. A target value at the error amplifier is accessed. A difference value between the target value and the voltage is determined. An impedance value of the variable compensation coupled with the error amplifier is adjusted, based on the difference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Farzin Assar, Scott E. Heeren, Lee D. Nguyentran, Bryan S. Rowan
  • Patent number: 6181091
    Abstract: A system for controlling a brushless dc motor includes a motor driver circuit that outputs a drive current to the motor and a power supply that provides power to the motor driver circuit. Feedback circuits provide signals indicative of: a speed of rotation of the motor and at least one of: a level of the supply voltage provided by the power supply, and the output current from the motor driver circuit. A processor analyzes the feedback signals and determines if a required change in drive current to the motor will result in a saturation or near saturation condition. If such a saturation or near saturation condition is anticipated, the processor initially determines if a change in commutation angle will avoid the saturation or near saturation condition and if yes, outputs a control signal to alter the commutation angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott E. Heeren, Bryan Scott Rowan
  • Patent number: 6078158
    Abstract: A motor control processor controls motor spin-up in a disk drive by detecting environmental temperature at the spindle motor of the disk drive, controlling commutation phase advance to generate substantially maximum torque if the detected environmental temperature indicates that maximum torque is needed, and adjusts the commutation phase advance for optimal efficiency after the maximum torque is no longer needed. Following motor start and reaching operational speed, the motor is operated in a steady-state maximum operating efficiency mode unless sensed environmental temperature indicates that maximum torque, rather than maximum efficiency, is needed. The system determines that the need for maximum torque has passed either when a predetermined time interval after motor start expires or by repeatedly polling motor temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott E. Heeren, Neal Bertram Schirle, Daniel R. Stacer