Jim Bodmer

Title: Jim Bodmer: Innovator in Disk Drive Technology

Introduction

Jim Bodmer is a notable inventor based in Longmont, Colorado. He has made significant contributions to the field of disk drive technology, particularly through his innovative patent that enhances the performance of disk drive spindles.

Latest Patents

Jim Bodmer holds a patent for a "Disk drive spindle air bearing with features to improve start-stop performance." This invention features an air bearing gap between a pair of air bearing surfaces that varies as a function of radial distance from the axis of rotation. The non-uniform air bearing gap minimizes contact between the air bearing surfaces when the disk drive hub is at rest or spinning below a threshold speed. This design effectively reduces stiction forces during disk drive spin-up operations and minimizes the generation of wear particles within the bearing. The patent also includes air bearing surface shaping techniques, such as crowned, stepped, and sloped surfaces, as well as an alternative approach using sacrificial plating to achieve the non-uniform gap dimension.

Career Highlights

Jim Bodmer has worked at Maxtor Corporation, where he has been instrumental in advancing disk drive technology. His innovative approach to air bearing design has contributed to improved performance and reliability in disk drives.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Jim has collaborated with talented individuals such as Shuo-Hao Chen and Shane Walker. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that has led to significant advancements in their field.

Conclusion

Jim Bodmer's contributions to disk drive technology through his innovative patent demonstrate his expertise and commitment to improving performance in this critical area. His work continues to influence the industry and pave the way for future advancements.