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:
Jan. 07, 1997
Filed:
Dec. 30, 1994
Donald T Beldock, Rye, NY (US);
James G Beldock, Rye, NY (US);
Other;
Abstract
A three dimensional optical data storage and retrieval system includes a three dimensional optical data storage medium and an apparatus for providing access to data stored on the medium. According to one aspect of the invention, the data storage medium includes a number of concentric shells each of which has a curvilinear data storage surface for storing data in a number of substantially parallel data tracks. According to another aspect of the invention, the data storage medium includes a number of data storage surfaces which are rotatable about a common axis, each data storage surface for storing data in a number of substantially circular data tracks and having an optically transparent window which transects each of the data tracks. Each shell or data storage surface preferably has a drive engagement portion for engaging a driver to rotate the shells or data storage surfaces individually about a common axis. Several embodiments of spherical and cylindrical shell media are provided and a stacked discs embodiment is disclosed. Apparatus for accessing data on the medium includes a number of drivers for selectively rotating the shells and a laser-optical device. In some embodiments, a portion of the laser-optical device is incorporated in and made part of the outer shell of the medium. A jukebox apparatus is shown as well.