Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1977-1986
Title: The Innovations of Donald J. Rathbun: A Pioneer in Disk Drive Technology
Introduction
Donald J. Rathbun, an accomplished inventor based in Andover, MA, has made significant contributions to the field of mass storage technology. With a remarkable portfolio of 13 patents, Rathbun has played a crucial role in advancing disk drive systems, particularly in the areas of data handling and storage efficiency.
Latest Patents
Rathbun's latest inventions focus on enhancing the reliability and functionality of mass storage disk drives. One of his notable patents is the "Mass storage disk drive defective media handling," which introduces methods for managing defective sectors on a disk surface. This innovation involves leveraging both vendor-generated and software-generated defective sector logs, along with an alternate sector log stored in random access memory (RAM). By conducting tests during seek operations, the system generates an alternate sector log for each cylinder, ensuring data integrity during read or write operations by redirecting processes away from defective sectors.
Another key patent, "Disk subsystem read write control," further refines the functionality of disk drives. It describes a method where a disk surface is formatted in sectors containing both address and data portions. The disk drive utilizes a byte clock signal and a counter to enhance the control over address comparison and data operations, providing a more reliable mechanism for managing data within the sectors.
Career Highlights
Currently, Rathbun is a part of Honeywell Information Systems Inc., where he combines his expertise in engineering and innovation to develop cutting-edge solutions for mass storage challenges. His work has not only improved product performance but also contributed to the overall advancements in the storage technology sector.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Rathbun has collaborated with talented professionals, including Edward F. Getson, Jr. and John H. Kelley. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation, leading to several patents that have further shaped the landscape of disk drive technology.
Conclusion
Donald J. Rathbun stands out as a pivotal figure in the realm of disk drive innovations. His relentless pursuit of advancements and practical solutions to complex problems has ensured that data storage systems continue to evolve. As he continues his work at Honeywell Information Systems Inc., Rathbun's contributions will undoubtedly influence the future of data storage technology.