Patent US5381401A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5381401A
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US
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Multiple data surface optical data storage system
Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
•
Filing: 1993-06-18
•
Granted: 1995-01-10
•
Expires: 2013-06-18
Abstract
Abstract An optical data storage system comprises a multiple data surface medium and optical head. The medium comprises a plurality of substrates separated by a light transmissive medium. Data surfaces are located on the substrate surfaces which lie adjacent a light transmissive medium. The data surfaces are substantially light transmissive. The optical head includes an aberration compensator to allow the head to focus onto the different data surfaces and a filter to screen out unwanted reflected light.
Inventors
- 👤 Margaret E. Best
- 👤 Hal J. Rosen
- 👤 Kurt A. Rubin
- 👤 Timothy C. Strand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:39
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B7/00; G11B7/12; G11B7/135; G11B7/1381; G11B7/007; G11B7/00745; G11B11/00; G11B11/10; G11B11/105; G11B11/1055; G11B11/10576; G11B11/10578; G11B11/10582; G11B11/10584; G11B19/00; G11B19/02; G11B19/12; G11B7/004; G11B7/005; G11B7/0053; G11B7/0055; G11B7/00557; G11B7/013; G11B7/08; G11B7/085; G11B7/08505; G11B7/08511; G11B7/08517; G11B7/09; G11B7/0901; G11B7/0908; G11B7/0938; G11B7/1353; G11B7/1365; G11B7/1372; G11B7/1376; G11B7/1392; G11B7/13925; G11B7/14; G11B7/24; G11B7/2403; G11B7/24035; G11B7/24038; G11B7/241; G11B7/242; G11B7/243; G11B7/2433; G11B7/252; G11B7/253; G11B7/257; G11B7/2578; G11B11/10595; G11B2007/0003; G11B2007/0009; G11B2007/0013; G11B2007/24302; G11B2007/24312; G11B2007/24314; G11B2007/24316; G11B2007/25705; G11B2007/25706; G11B2007/2571; G11B2007/25713; G11B2007/25715; G11B2007/25716; G11B2007/25718; G11B7/002; G11B7/0037; G11B7/00718; G11B7/00736; G11B7/0945; G11B7/2531; G11B7/2533; G11B7/2534; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/913; Y10S430/00; Y10S430/146
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 102
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
An optical data storage medium comprising: a first light transmissive member consisting of a nonmetallic material and having a noncoated first data surface, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the first light transmissive member; a second member having a second data surface, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the second member; and a spacer means located between the first and second members for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas, such that a light beam is selectively focussed through the first light transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
An optical data storage medium comprising: a first light transmissive member consisting of a nonmetallic material and having a noncoated first data surface, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the first light transmissive member; a second member having a second data surface, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the second member; and a spacer means located between the first and second members for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas, such that a light beam is selectively focussed through the first light transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the gas is air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks are grooves.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks are inverse grooves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks on the first data surface are grooves and the marks on the second data surface are inverse grooves.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse grooves and the marks on the second data surface are grooves.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks are pits.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks are inverse pits.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks on the first data surface are pits and the marks on the second data surface are inverse pits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse pits and the marks on the second data surface are pits.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the first data surface is an uncoated ROM surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the second data surface is a ROM surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks are tracking marks.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, wherein the marks are data marks.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 1, further including at least one additional data surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 1, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of glass.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 1, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 1, wherein the second member consists of a light transmissive nonmetallic material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The medium of claim 1, wherein the second member is comprised of glass.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 1, wherein the second member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 1, wherein the spacer means comprises a first and a second annular members.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
68 words
The medium of claim 1, wherein the second member is light transmissive and has a third data surface located opposite the second data surface, and further comprising a third member having a fourth data surface, and a second spacer means for defining a space between the third and fourth data surfaces, the space containing a gas, the third and fourth data surfaces having marks which are optically detectable.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
193 words
An optical data storage system comprising: a light source for producing a light beam; an optical medium comprising a first light transmissive substrate having a first light transmissive data surface for storing recorded data, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable; a second substrate having a second data surface for storing recorded data, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable; a spacer means located between the first and second substrates for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas such that the light beam is selectively focussed through the first light transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces, the spacer means having a passage connecting the space with the atmosphere outside the medium, the passage allowing the movement of gas between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium and the passage blocking the movement of solid particles between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium; data surfaces of the optical medium; and an optical data reception means for receiving a reflected light beam from the optical medium and providing a data signal responsive thereto.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
193 words
An optical data storage system comprising: a light source for producing a light beam; an optical medium comprising a first light transmissive substrate having a first light transmissive data surface for storing recorded data, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable; a second substrate having a second data surface for storing recorded data, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable; a spacer means located between the first and second substrates for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas such that the light beam is selectively focussed through the first light transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces, the spacer means having a passage connecting the space with the atmosphere outside the medium, the passage allowing the movement of gas between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium and the passage blocking the movement of solid particles between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium; data surfaces of the optical medium; and an optical data reception means for receiving a reflected light beam from the optical medium and providing a data signal responsive thereto.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, further including a filter positioned across the passage.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the gas is air.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks are grooves.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks are inverse grooves.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks on the first data surface are grooves and the marks on the second data surface are inverse grooves.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse grooves and the marks on the second data surface are grooves.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marts are pits.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks are inverse pits.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks on the first data surface are pits and the marks on the second data surface are inverse pits.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 28, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse pits and the marks on the second data surface are pits.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein at least one of the data surfaces is a ROM surface.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein at least one of the data surfaces has a WORM material coating.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein at least one of the data surfaces has a phase change material coating.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein at least one of the data surfaces has a magneto-optic material coating.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
34 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the first data surface has a dielectric coating having an index of refraction greater than the index of refraction of the first radiation transmissive member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the first data surface has a dielectric coating having an index of refraction less than the index of refraction of the first radiation transmissive member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks are tracking marks.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, wherein the marks are data marks.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 23, further including at least one additional data surface.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 23, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of glass.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 23, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 23, wherein the second member consists of a light transmissive nonmetallic material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
13 words
The medium of claim 23, wherein the second member is comprised of glass.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 23, wherein the second member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 23, wherein the spacer means comprises a first and a second annular members.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
68 words
The medium of claim 23, wherein the second member is light transmissive and has a third data surface located opposite the second data surface, and further comprising a third member having a fourth data surface, and a second spacer means for defining a space between the third and fourth data surfaces, the space containing a gas, the third and fourth data surfaces having marks which are optically detectable.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
175 words
An optical data storage system comprising: a light source for producing a light beam; an optical medium comprising a first light transmissive member consisting of a nonmetallic material and having a noncoated first data surface, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the first light transmissive member; a second member having a second data surface, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the second member; a spacer means located between the first and second members for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas, such that the light beam is selectively focussed through the first radiation transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces; an optical transmission means for directing the light beam from the light source to one of the data surfaces of the optical medium; and an optical reception means for receiving a reflected light beam from the optical medium and providing a data signal responsive thereto.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
175 words
An optical data storage system comprising: a light source for producing a light beam; an optical medium comprising a first light transmissive member consisting of a nonmetallic material and having a noncoated first data surface, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the first light transmissive member; a second member having a second data surface, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable, the marks being integral to the second member; a spacer means located between the first and second members for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas, such that the light beam is selectively focussed through the first radiation transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces; an optical transmission means for directing the light beam from the light source to one of the data surfaces of the optical medium; and an optical reception means for receiving a reflected light beam from the optical medium and providing a data signal responsive thereto.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 50, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of glass.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 50, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 50, wherein the second member consists of a light transmissive nonmetallic material.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The medium of claim 50, wherein the second member is comprised of glass.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 50, wherein the second member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 50, wherein the spacer means comprises a first and a second annular members.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the gas is air.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks are grooves.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks are inverse grooves.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks on the first data surface are grooves and the marks on the second data surface are inverse grooves.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse grooves and the marks on the second data surface are grooves.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks are pits.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks are inverse pits.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks on the first data surface are pits and the marks on the second data surface are inverse pits.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse pits and the marks on the second data surface are pits.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the first data surface is an uncoated ROM surface.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
17 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the second data surface is a ROM surface.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks are tracking marks.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, wherein the marks are data marks.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 50, further including at least one additional data surface.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
68 words
The medium of claim 50, wherein the second member is light transmissive and has a third data surface located opposite the second data surface, and further comprising a third member having a fourth data surface, and a second spacer means for defining a space between the third and fourth data surfaces, the space containing a gas, the third and fourth data surfaces having marks which are optically detectable.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
153 words
An optical data storage medium comprising: a first light transmissive substrate having a first light transmissive data surface for storing recorded data, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable; a second substrate having a second data surface for storing recorded data, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable; and a spacer means located between the first and second substrates for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas such that a light beam is selctively focussed through the first light transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces, the spacer means having a passage connecting the space with the atmosphere outside the medium, the passage allowing the movement of gas between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium and the passage blocking the movement of solid particles between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
153 words
An optical data storage medium comprising: a first light transmissive substrate having a first light transmissive data surface for storing recorded data, the first data surface having marks which are optically detectable; a second substrate having a second data surface for storing recorded data, the second data surface having marks which are optically detectable; and a spacer means located between the first and second substrates for defining a space between the first and second data surfaces, the space containing a gas such that a light beam is selctively focussed through the first light transmissive member to one of the first and second data surfaces, the spacer means having a passage connecting the space with the atmosphere outside the medium, the passage allowing the movement of gas between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium and the passage blocking the movement of solid particles between the space and the atmosphere outside the medium.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the gas is air.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks are grooves.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks are inverse grooves.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks on the first data surface are grooves and the marks on the second data surface are inverse grooves.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse grooves and the marks on the second data surface are grooves.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
13 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks are pits.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks are inverse pits.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 71, wherein the marks on the first data surface are pies and the marks on the second data surface are inverse pits.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
29 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks on the first data surface are inverse pits and the marks on the second data surface are pits.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein at least one of the data surfaces is a ROM surface.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein at least one of the data surfaces has a WORM material coating.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein at least one of the data surfaces has a phase change material coating.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
21 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein at least one of the data surfaces has a magnetic-optic material coating.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
34 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the first data surface has a dielectric coating having an index of refraction greater than the index of refraction of the first radiation transmissive member.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
34 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the first data surface has a dielectric coating having an index of refraction less than the index of refraction of the first radiation transmissive member.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks are tracking marks.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, wherein the marks are data marks.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, further including at least one additional data surface.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical data storage medium of claim 72, further including a filter positioned across the passage.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 72, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of glass.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 72, wherein the first light transmissive member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
16 words
The medium of claim 72, wherein the second member consists of a light transmissive nonmetallic material.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
13 words
The medium of claim 72, wherein the second member is comprised of glass.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
The medium of claim 72, wherein the second member is comprised of a polymer material.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
17 words
The medium of claim 72, wherein the spacer means comprises a first and a second annular members.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
68 words
The medium of claim 72, wherein the second member is light transmissive and has a third data surface located opposite the second data surface, and further comprising a third member having a fourth data surface, and a second spacer means for defining a space between the third and fourth data surfaces, the space containing a gas, the third and fourth data surfaces having marks which are optically detectable.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-01-09 | 1998-07-11 | 1999-01-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-09 | 2002-07-11 | 2003-01-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-09 | 2006-07-11 | 2007-01-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |