Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

3m Innovative Properties Company

Imation Corporation

Wayne M Wirth

Peter J Vogelgesang

Richard John Pokorny

Raghunath Padiyath

Joseph Andrew Hoffman

Robert S Moshrefzadeh

John E Potts

James E Steffen

Anthony B Ferguson

Kenneth J Krepel

Owen L Nelson

Keith K Mclaughlin

Walter S Federation

Daniel J Severson

A method of selectively patterning a structured substrate without using a mask is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a surface having a plurality of protrusions, coating the surface with a filler material thick enough so that the protrusions are covered, and planarizing the filler coating. The filler material is thereafter partially removed in a uniform fashion to expose only those portions of the protrusions to be modified. After modifying the protrusions by, for example, deposition or etching, the remaining filler material may be removed, resulting in a structured substrate selectively modified or patterned at its protrusions.

Method for continuous and maskless patterning of structured substrates

A cassette for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system having electronic components. The cassette includes a positioned photoreceptive medium, a light-tight frame, at least one power storage device, and an electronic interface structure for connection to electronic components within the radiographic imaging system. The cassette can also include an electrical interface structure for connection to a power source within the radiographic imaging system.

Cassette for use in an electronic radiographic imaging system

An apparatus for analyzing tracking errors in magnetic tape holds a magnetic tape in a condition useful for examining the magnetic tape to measure the configuration of recorded tracks on the recording surface of the tape. The apparatus includes means for applying and maintaining a selected tension to the longitudinal and cross-web axes of the tape, a planar measuring surface having X and Y measuring scales allowing for measurement of distances between selected points on the recording surface of the tape, and a microscope or other sensing device for examining the recording surface

Apparatus for analyzing tracking error in magnetic tapes

A method for fabricating in a mold a rotatable recording drum is disclosed. Initially, the mold is rotated and a predetermined quantity of a flowable substance is poured into the mold cavity and is centrifugally flung against the mold wall to form a mold layer with a smooth inner surface. Next, a surface substance is poured into the mold cavity and is allowed to harden against the mold layer. A core outer layer substance is then poured into the mold cavity and allowed to harden against the surface substance, and rotation of the mold is stopped. The mold layer fluid is removed, and the cavity inside the outer layer is filled with a core inner layer substance which is allowed to harden before the drum core is removed from the mold cavity. Following removal of the core from the mold cavity, the hardened surface substance may be vacuum coated, and a protective overcoat applied to the core. The drum core and the surface substance can also be formed separately.

Method of molding optical recording drums

A conductive coating on a thin glass strip senses the image signal on a selenium coated photoimaging plate as the plate is scanned with a laser beam. The glass strip is suspended over the surface of the plate with finger-like members. The finger-like members that support the strip are spring loaded downward toward the plate, but are suspended above the plate by a pressurized cushion of air. The strip bends to assume the surface profile of the plate, thus maintaining uniform spacing even though the plate may not be flat and may even have a varying profile along its length.

System and method for maintaining uniform spacing of an electrode over

A method for fabricating in a mold a rotatable recording drum. Initially, the mold is rotated and a predetermined quantity of a flowable substance is poured into the mold cavity and is centrifugally flung against the mold wall to form a mold layer with a smooth inner surface. Next, a surface substance is poured into the mold cavity and is allowed to harden against the mold layer. A core outer layer substance is then poured into the mold cavity and allowed to harden against the surface substance, and rotation of the mold is stopped. The mold layer fluid is removed, and the cavity inside the outer layer is filled with a core inner layer substance which is allowed to harden before the drum core is removed from the mold cavity. Following removal of the core from the mold cavity, the hardened surface substance may be vacuum coated, and a protective overcoat applied to the core. The drum core and the surface substance can also be formed separately.

An apparatus for reading and recording information on a tape record medium has the tape wound and advanced along a helical path on the outer cylindrical surface of the drum. A system for writing and reading information on the tape is positioned entirely on the outside of the drum and is stationary relative to the rotation of the drum and movement of the tape thereon. Tape is supplied to the helical path on the drum by one or more tape reels rotatably mounted within the drum and aligned coaxially with the rotational axis of the drum. The drum and tape thereon are rotated at a high rate relative to the stationary read/write system, and the tape is advanced along the helical path at a relative slow rate. The drum and tape thereon are configured in the form of a cartridge, removeable as a unit from the optical system.

Growing community of inventors

North St. Paul, MN, United States of America

Wayne M Wirth