Location History:
- Los Gatos, CA (US) (1998 - 1999)
- San Jose, CA (US) (1984 - 2000)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1984-2000
Title: Inventor Spotlight: Norman Kermit Frater
Introduction
Norman Kermit Frater, an accomplished inventor based in San Jose, California, has made significant contributions to the field of technology with a remarkable portfolio of 17 patents. His innovative work primarily focuses on improvements in head suspension assemblies used in data storage devices.
Latest Patents
Frater's latest patents showcase his expertise in enhancing the efficiency and durability of electronic components. One notable invention is the "Apparatus and Method for Adhesively Connecting Wires to a Suspension Arm." This invention introduces a head suspension assembly that features predefined gluing regions for securely adhering bundles of wires to a load beam. The design allows for partial etching, which reduces costs and enhances adhesion, ultimately minimizing the risk of manufacturing failures.
Another noteworthy patent is the "Shock Protected High Stack Density Suspension System." This innovative design includes a uniquely configured flexure tongue, which ensures parallel positioning of the slider air bearing surface during merge operations. This innovation improves the stack density of disk drives by allowing multiple sliders to be aligned efficiently, thus optimizing performance during operation.
Career Highlights
Frater’s professional journey is closely tied to his role at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he has been pivotal in advancing technology related to data storage solutions. His extensive experience and creativity have significantly impacted product development in this highly competitive industry.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Frater has had the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds like Oscar Jaime Ruiz and Thomas Mark Hoffmann. These partnerships have fostered innovation and have been essential in bringing groundbreaking inventions to fruition.
Conclusion
Norman Kermit Frater exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication to advancing technology. His contributions through his numerous patents not only enhance the performance of modern data storage devices but also provide insight into the future of electronic component design. His work continues to inspire fellow inventors and engineers alike.
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.