David L Patton

Title: The Innovations of David L. Patton

Introduction

David L. Patton is a notable inventor based in Tucson, AZ. He has made significant contributions to the field of technology, particularly in the areas of optical disks and automated storage libraries. With a total of 2 patents, his work has had a meaningful impact on data storage solutions.

Latest Patents

One of Patton's latest patents is titled "Detection of Overusage of Spare Sectors in an Optical Disk." This invention provides an apparatus and method for tracking the number of permanent and temporary errors, as well as spare sectors used due to these errors, on a per disk and per drive basis. The system determines if the number of spare sectors used exceeds a predetermined limit, which can vary depending on the type of disk in use, whether rewritable or WORM. If the limit is exceeded, diagnostics are executed to identify the cause and initiate corrective actions, such as cleaning the disk and drive lens. Additionally, an attempt can be made to recover used spare sectors on a rewritable disk.

Another significant patent by Patton is "Idle Demount in an Automated Storage Library." This method allows for the selection of additional data storage media for demounting in an idle automated storage library. The invention enables advanced demounting of storage media when one or more peripheral storage devices remain inactive for a predetermined time. This ensures that resources are not wasted during long idle periods, optimizing the efficiency of the storage library.

Career Highlights

David L. Patton is currently employed at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he continues to innovate and contribute to advancements in technology. His work at IBM has allowed him to explore various aspects of data storage and retrieval systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Patton has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Joseph C. Hartung and Dennis L. Willson. These collaborations have further enriched his work and contributed to the development of innovative solutions in the field.

Conclusion

David L. Patton's contributions to technology through his patents demonstrate his commitment to innovation in data storage solutions. His work continues to influence the industry and pave the way for future advancements.