The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 28, 1995
Filed:
Nov. 15, 1993
George May, Sooke, B.C. Y0S 1N0, CA;
Other;
Abstract
A data storage and retrieval system is disclosed which includes an interface module and a data card. Both the interface module and card include a plurality of primary and secondary electrodes having the same pattern. The data card further includes a plurality of fuses extending between each of the primary and secondary electrodes. When the fuse is intact, it will conduct current. When the fuse is blown, the resistance will substantially increase. The state of the resistance of the fuse is used to represent bits of data. In operation, the card is juxtaposed with respect to the interface module so that the respective electrodes can be capacitively coupled. In order to read the data on the card, a an output having a predetermined voltage and frequency is applied to the electrodes. The level of AC current passing through the fuse is measured and the result is used to derive the state of the fuse. When information is to be written onto the card, the voltage level and the oscillating frequency are increased causing the current flow in the electrodes to increase thereby blowing the fuse. The hardware is low in cost, requires low power to operate and provides a write once/read many memory (WORM) in the form of a disposable data card.