Norman Chu

Title: Innovative Contributions of Inventor Norman Chu

Introduction

Norman Chu, based in San Francisco, CA, is a notable inventor with four patents to his name. His contributions primarily focus on advanced technologies in glide head calibration, particularly within the realm of storage technology. His work has significantly impacted the calibration processes used in disk drive systems.

Latest Patents

One of Norman Chu's latest patents describes a "System, method, and apparatus for glide head calibration with enhanced PZT channel for very low qualification glide heights." This innovative technique employs two distinct fly height calibrations on a disk media certifier. The first uses a spin down on bump technique at a higher height, while the second applies a spin down on disk media roughness at a lower height. By gathering data points at these two heights, Chu achieves a highly accurate approximation of the fly height curve for each glide head. This method enables precise tuning of fly heights between approximately 4 nm and 8 nm, significantly enhancing calibration tolerances.

Another recent patent focuses on "Glide testing of disks with calibration confirmation testing by inducing collision of the slider with production disk surface." This approach assesses the glide head fly height by purposefully inducing a collision between the glide head and the disk under evaluation. The testing system is initially calibrated utilizing calibration disks, and the method allows for periodic recalibration without halting production testing. By observing the rotation rate at which collision occurs, the system can adapt to any changes in performance, ensuring consistent accuracy.

Career Highlights

Norman Chu is affiliated with Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V., where he has made significant advancements in the field of storage technology. His innovative patents have streamlined calibration processes and optimized glide testing, showcasing his expertise in precision engineering and system optimization.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Norman has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Bradley Frederick Baumgartner and Patricia Galindo. Their teamwork has contributed to the refinement of storage technology and has facilitated the development of state-of-the-art solutions within the industry.

Conclusion

In summary, Norman Chu's inventive applications and his dedication to advancing glide head calibration technologies place him at the forefront of innovation in the storage systems sector. His contributions reflect a commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies and ensuring high-performing disk drive technologies, marking him as a valuable asset in his field.