US3868651A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for storing and reading data in a memory having catalytic material to initiate amorphous to crystalline change in memory structure
Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices Inc
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Filing: 1971-07-09
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Granted: 1975-02-25
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Expires: 1991-07-09
Abstract
Abstract The method and apparatus for recording and retrieving information includes a layer of memory material which normally has one structural condition having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces. The layer of memory material is provided with a catalytic material which is capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material. At desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, energy is applied to the layer for activating the catalytic material at said desired portions of the layer and physically changing the layer at said desired portions from said one detectable structural condition to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in the layer. The structural condition of the desired portions of the layer is detected with respect to the remainder of the layer to retrieve the information in the layer.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanford R Ovshinsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 19:28
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C13/00; G11C13/0002; G11C13/0004; G03; G03C; G03C1/00; G03C1/705; G03G; G03G5/00; G03G5/02; G03G5/04; G03G5/08; G03G5/082; G03G5/08207; G11C13/04; G11C13/048; H; H10; H10D; H10D84/00; H10D84/01; H10D84/0123; H10D84/0126; H10D84/02; H10D84/03; H10D84/038; H10N; H10N70/00; H10N70/20; H10N70/231; H10N70/257; H10N70/801; H10N70/841; H10N70/8416; H10N70/881; H10N70/882; H10N70/8825; H10N70/8828; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S101/00; Y10S101/37
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
239 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portioNs of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
239 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portioNs of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of activating the catalytic material and physically changing the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions includes applying energy to said layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the applied energy substantially simultaneously activates the catalytic material and physically changes the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the energy is sequentially applied for first activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions and then physically changing the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions where the catalytic material has been activated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the energy applied to said layer of memory material is applied in varying amounts to vary the degree to which said selected desired portions are physically changed and the values of the detectable characteristics thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said catalytic material is applied to the surface of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said catalytic material is applied to the surface of the layer of memory material and said energy is applied to said layer at said selected desired portions thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said catalytic material is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the layer of memory material, and said energy is applied to said layer at said selected desired portions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the applied energy includes electromagnetic energy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the applied energy includes visible light.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the applied energy includes heat.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the applied energy includes electrical energy.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the applied energy includes chemical energy.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the applied energy is beam energy.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the application of energy to said layer of memory material is by scanning the layer and applying the energy in pulses at said selected desired portions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as defined in claim 15 wherein the applied energy is beam energy.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said catalytic material is applied to the surface of the layer of memory material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the detecting step comprises scanning the layer of memory material and sequentially detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer with respect to the remainder of said layer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the detection of the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer is accomplished by detecting the relative electrical resistance through said layer at said selected desired portions of said layer with respect to the remainder of said layer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the detection of the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer is accomplished by directing electromagnetic energy upon said layer and sensing the effect of said selected desired portions of said layer of said electromagnetic energy.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as defined in claim 20 wherein the sensing step comprises sensing the amount of electromagnetic energy passing through said selected desired portions of said layer with respect to the reMainder of said layer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as defined in claim 20 wherein the sensing step comprises sensing the degree of refraction of the electromagnetic energy passing through said selected desired portions of said layer with respect to the remainder of said layer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as defined in claim 20 wherein the sensing step comprises sensing the degree to which the electromagnetic energy is reflected by said selected desired portions of said layer with respect to the remainder of said layer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as defined in claim 20 wherein the sensing step comprises sensing the degree of scattering of the electromagnetic energy by said desired portions of said layer with respect to the remainder of said layer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the detection of the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer is accomplished by directing visible light up said layer and sensing the effect of said selected desired portions of said layer on said visible light.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the detection of the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer is accomplished by applying pigmented material to said layer which adheres to portions of the layer having one structural condition and not to the other portions of the layer having another structural condition.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 26 including transferring said adhered pigmented material from said layer to a receiving surface.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
90 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the detection of the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer is accomplished by applying an electrical charge to said layer for producing different electrical charges at said selected desired portions of said layer and the remainder of said layer, applying to said layer charged pigmented particles which adhere to the electrically charged portions of said layer, and transferring said adhered particles from the electrical charged portions of said layer to a receiving surface and affixing the same thereto.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method as defined in claim 1 including the further step of erasing the information recorded in the layer of memory material by applying energy to said layer to physically change the structural condition of said selected desired portions of the layer to substantially said one structural condition.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
243 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amouphous and having one detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another detectable characteristic; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordEred toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
243 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amouphous and having one detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another detectable characteristic; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordEred toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined in claim 30 wherein said other structural condition is a more ordered crystalline condition.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
254 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
254 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
263 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, applying visible light energy for activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of said layer to produce a latent image of activated catalytic material therein; subsequently applying heat energy to said layer for physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to develop the latent image and record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
263 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, applying visible light energy for activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of said layer to produce a latent image of activated catalytic material therein; subsequently applying heat energy to said layer for physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to develop the latent image and record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
251 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphouS memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, applying a short pulse of energy of less than 15 milliseconds duration for substantially simultaneously activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
251 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphouS memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, applying a short pulse of energy of less than 15 milliseconds duration for substantially simultaneously activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of recording and retrieving information as defined in claim 34 wherein said applied energy includes visible light.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of recording and retrieving information as defined in claim 34 wherein said applied energy includes heat.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
260 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, applying energy for activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer to produce a latent image of activated catalytic material therein; subsequently applying further energy to said layer for physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to develop the latent image and record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
260 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, applying energy for activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer to produce a latent image of activated catalytic material therein; subsequently applying further energy to said layer for physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to develop the latent image and record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
239 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is caPable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces, and which has a selectively activatable catalytic effect which is catalytically capable of increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material, means for selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the selectively activatable catalytic effect at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer, and means for detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
239 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is caPable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces, and which has a selectively activatable catalytic effect which is catalytically capable of increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material, means for selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the selectively activatable catalytic effect at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer, and means for detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 38 wherein said means for activating the selectively activatable catalytic effect and physically changing the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions includes means for applying energy to said layer.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
259 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another detectable characteristic; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
259 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another detectable characteristic; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as defined in claim 40 wherein the step of activating the catalytic material and physically changing the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions includes applying energy to said layer.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined in claim 40 wherein said other structural condition is a more ordered crystalline condition.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
283 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of subsTantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one visually detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another visually detectable characteristic; providing said layer with a visible light disassociatable compound which, when disassociated by visible light, provides said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material; applying energy to said layer of memory material including directing visible light at desired portions of the layer in accordance with an image pattern to be recorded for disassociating said visible light disassociatable compound at said desired portions of the layer, activating the catalytic material disassociated from said compound at said desired portions of the layer, and physically changing said layer at said desired portions from said one visually detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other visually detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record visually said image pattern in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
283 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of subsTantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one visually detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another visually detectable characteristic; providing said layer with a visible light disassociatable compound which, when disassociated by visible light, provides said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material; applying energy to said layer of memory material including directing visible light at desired portions of the layer in accordance with an image pattern to be recorded for disassociating said visible light disassociatable compound at said desired portions of the layer, activating the catalytic material disassociated from said compound at said desired portions of the layer, and physically changing said layer at said desired portions from said one visually detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other visually detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record visually said image pattern in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined in claim 43 wherein said other structural condition is a more ordered crystalline condition.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
270 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material of the polymeric type which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous having a relatively long chain or ring structure and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having a relatively short chain structure and having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is subsstantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
270 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material of the polymeric type which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous having a relatively long chain or ring structure and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having a relatively short chain structure and having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces; providing said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is subsstantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
236 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally Amorphous memory matmerial which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces, a catalytic material for said layer which is catalytically capable of increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material, means for selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer, and means for detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
236 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally Amorphous memory matmerial which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, and which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces, a catalytic material for said layer which is catalytically capable of increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material, means for selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer, and means for detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 46 wherein said means for activating the catalytic material and physically changing the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions includes means for applying energy to said layer.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 46 including means for applying energy to said layer of memory material to physically change the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of the layer to substantially said one structural condition for erasing the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
252 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another detectable characteristic, a catalytic material for said layer which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material, means for selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer, and means for detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
252 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which includes a plurality of elements wherein at least one of said elements is polymer forming, which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another detectable characteristic, a catalytic material for said layer which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material, means for selectively, at selected desired portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the catalytic material at said selected desired portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer, and means for detecting the structural condition of said selected desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 49 wherein said other structural condition is a more ordered crYstalline condition.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 49 wherein said means for activating the catalytic material and physically changing the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions includes means for applying energy to said layer.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 49 including means for applying energy to said layer of memory material to physically change the structural condition of said selected desired portions of the layer to substantially said one structural condition for erasing the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
280 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one visually detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another visually detectable characteristic, a visible light disassociatable compound for said layer which, when disassociated by visible light, provides said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material, means for applying energy to said layer of memory material including means for directing visible light at desired portions of the layer in accordance with an image pattern to be recorded for disassociating said visible light disassociatable compound at said desired portions of the layer, activating the catalytic material disassociated from said compound at said desired portions of the layer, and physically changing said layer at said desired portions from said one visually detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other visually detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record visually said image pattern in said layer; and means for detecting the structural condition of said desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
280 words
Apparatus for recording and retrieving information comprising a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has internal crystallizing forces and crystallizing inhibiting factors, which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one visually detectable characteristic, and which is capable of having portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition and having another visually detectable characteristic, a visible light disassociatable compound for said layer which, when disassociated by visible light, provides said layer with a catalytic material which is catalytically capable of increasing the crystallizing forces and decreasing the crystallizing inhibiting factors of the memory material, means for applying energy to said layer of memory material including means for directing visible light at desired portions of the layer in accordance with an image pattern to be recorded for disassociating said visible light disassociatable compound at said desired portions of the layer, activating the catalytic material disassociated from said compound at said desired portions of the layer, and physically changing said layer at said desired portions from said one visually detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other visually detectable structural condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to record visually said image pattern in said layer; and means for detecting the structural condition of said desired portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired portions are in said one detectable condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable condition which is more ordered toward a crystalline like condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein said other structural condition is a more ordered crystalline condition.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
241 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces, and which has a selectively activatable catalytic effect which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the selectively activatable catalytic effect at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
241 words
The method of recording and retrieving information comprising the steps of: providing a layer of substantially disordered and generally amorphous memory material which has one structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous and having one detectable characteristic, which is capable of having discrete portions thereof physically changed to another structural condition having another detectable characteristic, which has internal biasing forces toward said other structural condition, which has internal inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces, and which has a selectively activatable catalytic effect which is catalytically capable of relatively increasing said biasing forces and decreasing said inhibitions against the action of said biasing forces of the memory material; selectively, at selected desired discrete portions of the layer of memory material in accordance with a desired pattern of useful information, activating the selectively activatable catalytic effect at said selected desired discrete portions of the layer and physically changing said layer at said selected desired discrete portions from said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous to said other detectable structural condition to record the desired pattern of useful information in said layer; and detecting the structural condition of said selected desired discrete portions of said layer of memory material as to whether said desired discrete portions are in said one detectable structural condition which is substantially disordered and generally amorphous or in said other detectable structural condition to retrieve the information recorded in said layer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method as defined in claim 55 wherein the step of activating the selectively activatable catalytic effect and physically changing the structural condition of the layer of memory material at said selected desired portions includes applying energy to said layer.
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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) | 1978-02-24 | 1978-08-26 | 1979-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-24 | 1982-08-26 | 1983-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-24 | 1986-08-26 | 1987-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |