Iomega Corporation

George T Krieger

Fred Charles Thomas, Iii

Brent J Watson

Kim B Edwards

Ronald F Hales

Refael Bar

Charlie M Monroe, Jr

Daniel Alfonsi

Dai Feng

Jeff G Carter

Allen T Bracken

James D Fahey

Shane Nowell

James E Blum

Bruce E Bernacki

David Foster

A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held devices, each of which is equipped with a mini-disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.

Interchangeable cartridge data storage system for devices performing diverse functions

A system for exchanging digital data among a plurality of hand-held computer devices. Digital signals are written by a first hand-held device to a mini-cartridge that mini-cartridge is inter-operable among a class of hand-held device, each of which is equipped with a mini disk drive. A common digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.

The present invention relates to a method for servo writing an optical or magneto-optical medium where a data path is defined by transmitting a laser beam onto the medium to change the crystalline structure at preselected portions. These portions can guide an optical head along the data path. Embodiments include using a far-field laser servo writer to transmit a laser beam in combination with a high numerical aperture, using a far-field laser servo writer to transmit a laser beam in combination with a solid immersion lens, using a near-field laser servo writer to emit a laser beam in combination with a solid immersion lens, creating a sub-wavelength aperture for emitting a laser beam onto the medium, lithographic and maskless lithographic techniques. The present invention also relates to a medium for the storage of data which has portions of its substrate with a different crystalline structure than the rest of the substrate of the medium, so that these portions of the substrate can serve as optically created servo fields for a tracking device.

Optical servo writing

A storage media is disclosed and comprises a storage body and a readable indelible mark formed in the body such that portions thereof are indelibly altered. The mark is read by writing first data to the body in the region of the mark, and reading second data from the body in such region. The written first data is not accepted where the portions of the body are indelibly altered. Accordingly, the read second data corresponds to the written first data with segments thereof missing. The missing segments of the first data correspond to the portions of the body indelibly altered. In a preferred embodiment, the storage media comprises a magnetic rotatable disk having a substantially planar substrate and a magnetizable layer deposited thereon. The reading and writing are therefore performed magnetically.

Readable indelible mark on storage media

A data storage cartridge has a recording medium and a door covering an opening in the shell. The door is opened when the cartridge is inserted into the drive and closed when the cartridge is removed from the drive. A movable member rotates in cooperation with a stationary member by an actuating arm that is coupled to the door. Preferably, a screw/nut mechanism is operated by the opening and closing of the door to actuate a clamping mechanism which clamps the recording against a planar wall of the shell when the cartridge is removed from the drive.

Mechanism to clamp magnetic disk against cartridge shell

A cartridgeless data storage disk for a data storage disk drive has a latent irradiance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits irradiance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted irradiance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of cartridgeless data storage disks.

Latent irradiance discrimination method and marker system for cartridgeless data storage disks

A plastic disc for storing digital information is disclosed. The disc comprises a plastic platter that is integrally formed concentrically around a metal portion. The disc may have an inner plastic portion located on an inside rim of the metal portion. Preferably, the metal portion has a flange on its rim surface to enhance bonding with the plastic. In another embodiment, the disc may be formed entirely of plastic, and include a clip for attaching the disk to a spindle motor. A disc drive that cooperates with the disc devices, and a method of forming discs is also disclosed.

Plastic disk with hub and disk drive for using same

A caddy for adapting a mini-cartridge for use in a full-sized disk drive. The mini-cartridge is designed for use in a mini disk drive, which has dimensions and other characteristics different from a full-size disk drive. The caddy provides a mechanism for translating the size of the min-cartridge to a size suitable for use in the full-size drive. Additionally, the caddy provides a mechanism for translating rotational power from the full-size disk drive to the mini-cartridge such that a magnetic medium contained in the mini-cartridge rotates properly during use in the full-size disk drive.

Growing community of inventors

Carmel, CA, United States of America

George T Krieger