Oracle Assigned Three Patents

Multi-head storage device with plural data channels per head
Oracle America, Inc., Redwood City, CA, has been assigned a patent (8,810,960) developed by Richard H. Dee, Boulder, CO, for a “multi-head storage device with plural data channels per head.”

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A plurality of R/W heads is disclosed for a magnetic media storage system, such as, for example a magnetic tape drive. Each head can include a plurality of data channels. In addition to enhancing data throughput, the plurality of R/W heads can be aligned to read or write bands of tracks on a magnetic tape with only one positioning mode (e.g., without coarse position actuation and control), and also obtain optimum yield and crosstalk values.”

The patent application was filed on Dec. 4, 2003 (10/727,804).

Tandem spot scanning for storage library
Oracle, Redwood City, CA, has been assigned a patent (8,800,858) developed by three co-inventors for a “tandem spot scanning for a storage library.”

The co-inventors are Joseph Paul Manes, Arvada, CO, Timothy Craig Ostwald, Boulder, CO, and Daniel James Plutt, Superior, CO.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.”

The patent application was filed on May 4, 2012 (13/464,927).

SAN external security device
Oracle America, Redwood City, CA, has been assigned a patent (8,832,842) developed by James P. Hughes, Herndon, VA, for a “SAN external security device.”

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “An external security device is provided in the communication path between devices of different security levels. A higher security device needs only to trust the security of the external device, rather than relying on OS and file system software that cannot be assured. The external security device blocks access requests that may be using covert channels, but returns status information that indicates that the request is successful. The external security device may then audit access requests to provide a higher level of accountability. The external security device also handles data duplication to prevent or reduce the threat of traffic analysis.”

The patent application was filed on Oct. 7, 2003 (10/680,579).