Iomega Corporation

Todd R Shelton

Fred Charles Thomas, Iii

Todd L Graves

Glenn B Dixon

Jeffery D Penman

Theodore J Smith

Allen T Bracken

William P Baker

Marvin R Deforest

Mark L Reimann

Kelly D Wright

Paul C Smith

Hiromichi Oribe

Theodore Smith

An information storage device () includes a cartridge () removably inserted into a cradle () that has a drive module () releasably coupled to an interface module (). The interface module can be operatively coupled by a cable () to a remote system. Communications through the cable conform to an industry-standard protocol. The storage device can receive power from either the cable or an external power source (). The interface module can detect a change in the source of its operating power during normal system operation, and ensure that this is reported through the cable.

Method and apparatus for managing power consumption on a bus

An information storage device ( ) includes a cartridge ( ) removably inserted into a cradle ( ) that has a drive module ( ) releasably coupled to an interface module ( ). A drive electronics circuit ( ) in the drive module is coupled to a hard disk drive mechanism ( ) in the cartridge, and is coupled through a bus switch ( ) and a bus ( ) to a bridge circuit ( ) in the interface module. An auxiliary circuit ( ) in the drive module is coupled to the bus, is controlled by the bridge circuit, operates the bus switch, and handles considerations relating to removability of the cartridge. The interface module is one of several interchangable interface modules which each have a different bridge circuit to interface the bus to a respective different communication protocol.

Method and apparatus for providing extended functionality for a bus

An information storage device ( ) includes a cradle ( ) which can removably receive a cartridge ( ) that contains a rotatable hard disk ( ). The cartridge contains a pivotal actuator arm ( ), which supports a read/write head ( ) for movement adjacent the disk. Circuitry is provided within the sealed housing ( ), including a preamplifier ( ) for the head. A connector ( ) is provided on the exterior of the housing, and is coupled to electrical components within the cartridge, including the head and preamplifier. Structure is provided to prevent static electricity from damaging electrical components when the cartridge is not installed in a cradle. One approach is to provide an electrostatic discharge buffer ( ) between the connector and electrical components within the cartridge. An alternative approach is to provide a cover ( ) which has a conductive layer ( ) that shorts out terminals of the connector when the cartridge is not inserted in the cradle.

Method and apparatus for electrostatic discharge protection in a removable cartridge

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

Latent illuminance discrimination marker system for data storage cartridges

A system and method which is used to identify and discriminate the type of data storage cartridge that has been inserted into a disk drive. A system for identifying a type of data storage cartridge having a marker comprises a light source for emitting light to illuminate the marker, a first photodetector for measuring a first intensity of light received from the marker, a second photodetector for measuring a second intensity of light received from the marker; and a microprocessor for determining the type of data storage cartridge responsive to said first intensity and said second intensity. The determination is made responsive to a comparison of the first and second intensities. An optical detection mechanism is provided so that it can be ascertained with near certainty that an inserted object is an appropriate disk cartridge of a certain type or generation. Sensor comparison (e.g., subtraction or division) is used to distinguish between objects that return light directionally to its source and objects that return light diffusely.

System and method for cartridge detection and verification using signal comparison

A data storage cartridge for a data storage disk drive has a latent illuminance marker. A light source illuminates the marker and the marker emits illuminance as phosphorescence. A photosensor detects the emitted illuminance, and the decay time is determined. The decay time is checked to provide identification of different types or generations of data storage cartridges or provides a secure keying mechanism for authorized access to proprietary software.

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Syracuse, UT, United States of America

Todd R Shelton