Location History:
- Lake Forest, CA (US) (2006)
- Irvine, CA (US) (2014)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2006-2014
Title: The Innovations of Alvin W. Tan
Introduction
Alvin W. Tan is a notable inventor based in Irvine, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of disk drive technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his expertise and innovative thinking. His work primarily focuses on improving the performance and reliability of disk drives.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is titled "Disk drive resetting fly height reference generated from a degrading calibration track." This invention involves a disk drive that includes a head actuated over a disk and a fly height actuator. The actuator controls the fly height of the head based on a fly height control signal. The process includes executing a touchdown operation to set an operating fly height control signal by adjusting it until the head contacts the disk. A fly height calibration track is then read to establish a fly height reference. If the operating fly height control signal becomes invalid, the touchdown operation is re-executed to reset the signal and read the calibration track again.
Another significant patent by Tan is "Estimating a writer/reader gap in a disk drive by measuring write/read times relative to a sync mark." This method estimates the writer/reader gap by synchronizing a clock to a preamble during the disk's revolutions. It measures the write delay for writing a sync mark and the read delay for detecting it. The writer/reader gap is then estimated based on the difference between these measured delays.
Career Highlights
Alvin W. Tan is currently employed at Western Digital Technologies, Inc., where he continues to innovate in the field of data storage solutions. His work has contributed to advancements in disk drive technology, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of these essential devices.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Tan has collaborated with talented individuals such as William Arthur Sargenti, Jr. and Khoa Xuan Bui. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages innovation and the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Conclusion
Alvin W. Tan's contributions to disk drive technology through his patents and collaborations highlight his role as a significant inventor in the field. His work continues to influence advancements in data storage solutions, making a lasting impact on the industry.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.