On April 12, 2005, U.S. Patent No. 6,879,556 titled Method and Apparatus for Optical Data Storage was issued to Iomega. This patent is the first in a series of nanotechnology-based subwavelength optical data storage patents sought by Iomega. The patent covers a novel technique of encoding data on the surface of a DVD by using reflective nano-structures to encode data in a highly multi-level format. This technology, termed AO-DVD (Articulated Optical – Digital Versatile Disc), allows more data to be stored on a DVD and could allow future optical discs to potentially hold 40-100 times more information with data transfer rates 5-30 times faster than today’s DVDs, and at similarly low costs. This invention was recently recognized as a winner of the Nanotech Briefs’ Nano 50 awards in its product category. The Nano 50 awards are given to the “best of the best” in the industry – the innovative people and designs that will move nanotechnology to key mainstream markets.
About Fred C Thomas III
Fred Charles Thomas III - Engineer and Inventor
Fred Thomas received a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Physics from Bucknell University in 1982. In 1990 he received a MS in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Control Systems and Non-linear Dynamics.
His awards include the International Design Excellence Award in 2009, Industrial Forum Product Design Award in 2008, "Nano50 Award" for "Subwavelength Optical Data Storage" in 2005, Lemelson-MIT "Inventor of the Week" Award in 2004, Iomega "Exceptional Invention Award" in 1999, and Laser Focus World "Electro-Optic Application of the Year Award" in 1994.
Media please contact:
Chris Romoser, Iomega Corporation, (858) 314-7148 romoser@iomega.com
Analyst/Investors, please contact:
Thomas Liguori, Iomega Corporation, (858) 314-7188
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Iomega Corporation Announces Two New Patents In The Fields of Nano-
Technology and Compatibility of Digital Devices
***
Iomega’s Patent Portfolio Stands at More Than 530 Patents
SAN DIEGO, May 24, 2005 – Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in
data storage celebrating 25 years in business, today announced that the United States
Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) recently issued two highly notable patents to
Iomega for its work with (1) nano-technology and optical data storage, and (2) external
storage media.
On April 12, 2005, U.S. Patent No. 6,879,556 titled Method and Apparatus for Optical
Data Storage was issued to Iomega. This patent is the first in a series of nano-
technology-based subwavelength optical data storage patents sought by Iomega. The
patent covers a novel technique of encoding data on the surface of a DVD by using
reflective nano-structures to encode data in a highly multi-level format. This
technology, termed AO-DVD (Articulated Optical – Digital Versatile Disc), allows
more data to be stored on a DVD and could allow future optical discs to potentially hold
40-100 times more information with data transfer rates 5-30 times faster than today’s
DVDs, and at similarly low costs. This invention was recently recognized as a winner
of the Nanotech Briefs’ Nano 50 awards in its product category. The Nano 50 awards
are given to the “best of the best” in the industry – the innovative people and designs
that will move nanotechnology to key mainstream markets.
Iomega is working to investigate the commercial feasibility of this format and other
nano-structural data encoding formats. One possibility being investigated, termed NG-
DVD (Nano-Grating – DVD), uses nano-gratings to encode multi-level information via
reflectivity, polarization, phase, and reflective orientation multiplexing. Iomega is
concurrently evaluating and developing appropriate partners to leverage this intellectual
property for producing commercial data storage devices.
“Subwavelength optical data storage can provide an array of mechanisms by which the
state of a focused spot of light upon reflection can be precisely changed. This is the key
to new commercially interesting multi-level optical data storage that this technology
represents,” commented Fred Thomas, Chief Technologist, Research and Development,
Iomega Corporation. “The nano-replication technologies that are used to fabricate these
structures at low-cost are just emerging from various labs. I believe the scope of Iomega
patents issued and pending in this area, in conjunction with these exciting new nano-
replication technologies, will make this a fertile area for optical data storage
development and innovation for years to come.”
Thomas will present an overview of subwavelength optical data storage technology at
the prestigious Information Storage Industry Consortium (INSIC) symposium in July in
Monterey, CA.
On August 31, 2004, U.S. Patent No. 6,785,091, titled Interchangeable cartridge data
storage system for devices performing diverse functions, was issued to Iomega. This is
the third in a very exciting series of related patents that apply to Iomega’s pioneering
work related to bridge media – the use of media, or disks, that can work on a computer
as well as other devices. The new ‘091 patent covers inventions dating back to at least
November 1996, for exchanging digital data among multiple digital devices. A common
digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.
“Iomega believes these bridge media patents provide for broad range market protection
for manufacturers of various types of mobile data storage devices,” stated Thomas
Kampfer, Executive Vice President, Business Solutions and General Counsel, Iomega
Corporation. “The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has confirmed that Iomega
invented the broad concept of exchanging data between a computer and another digital
device using removable data storage. As devices such as digital cameras and cellular
telephones become more complex, consumers are able to benefit from Iomega’s
creativity by using simple, removable data storage media to exchange information
between the device and a computer.”
Today, Iomega’s multifaceted portfolio of patents totals more than 530 issued patents
worldwide, addressing a wide variety of technical areas. The Company has multiple
patents in the areas of data storage, servo writing, security, software and digital rights
management.
About Iomega
Iomega Corporation provides easy-to-use, high value storage solutions to help people
protect, secure, capture and share their valuable digital information. Iomega's award-
winning storage products include the Iomega® REV™ 35GB drive in several different
computer interface models; Zip® 100MB, 250MB and 750MB drives; high-
performance Iomega external hard drives; Iomega Mini USB drives and Micro Mini™
USB drives; Iomega external CD-RW drives; Iomega Super DVD drives and the Super
DVD QuikTouch™ Video Burner; and Iomega floppy USB-powered drives. Iomega
simplifies data protection and sharing at home and in the workplace with Iomega
Automatic Backup software, Iomega Sync software, HotBurn® CD-recording software,
and Active Disk™ technology. For networks, Iomega NAS servers offer capacities of
160GB to 1.6TB. For unlimited capacity and anytime, anywhere access, Iomega offers
iStorage™ secure online storage. Iomega also offers businesses and consumers a
comprehensive data recovery services solution for recovering lost data due to hardware
failure, file corruption or media damage. The Company can be reached at 1-888-4-
IOMEGA (888-446-6342), or on the Web at www.iomega.com.
NOTE: The statements contained in this release regarding specific patents and the
Iomega Corporation, anticipated product pricing and availability, expected product
performance and specifications, future applications for the new product and all other
statements that are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such
forward-looking statements are based upon information available to Iomega as of the
date hereof, and Iomega disclaims any intention or obligation to update any such
forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from current
expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are
not limited to, the successful completion of product development and testing, market
acceptance of, and demand for, the Iomega product, any difficulties encountered in
ramping up production or other manufacturing issues, including component availability
and pricing, co-development, production, and distribution issues, product pricing and
conformity to specifications, dependence upon third-party suppliers, competition,
intellectual property rights and other risks and uncertainties identified in the reports
filed from time to time by Iomega with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including Iomega's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004, and its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
# # #
Copyright© 2005 Iomega Corporation. All rights reserved. Iomega, Zip, REV, Active
Disk, Micro Mini, iStorage, HotBurn and QuikTouch are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Iomega Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks, trade
names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.
Chris Romoser, Iomega Corporation, (858) 314-7148 romoser@iomega.com
Analyst/Investors, please contact:
Thomas Liguori, Iomega Corporation, (858) 314-7188
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Iomega Corporation Announces Two New Patents In The Fields of Nano-
Technology and Compatibility of Digital Devices
***
Iomega’s Patent Portfolio Stands at More Than 530 Patents
SAN DIEGO, May 24, 2005 – Iomega Corporation (NYSE: IOM), a global leader in
data storage celebrating 25 years in business, today announced that the United States
Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) recently issued two highly notable patents to
Iomega for its work with (1) nano-technology and optical data storage, and (2) external
storage media.
On April 12, 2005, U.S. Patent No. 6,879,556 titled Method and Apparatus for Optical
Data Storage was issued to Iomega. This patent is the first in a series of nano-
technology-based subwavelength optical data storage patents sought by Iomega. The
patent covers a novel technique of encoding data on the surface of a DVD by using
reflective nano-structures to encode data in a highly multi-level format. This
technology, termed AO-DVD (Articulated Optical – Digital Versatile Disc), allows
more data to be stored on a DVD and could allow future optical discs to potentially hold
40-100 times more information with data transfer rates 5-30 times faster than today’s
DVDs, and at similarly low costs. This invention was recently recognized as a winner
of the Nanotech Briefs’ Nano 50 awards in its product category. The Nano 50 awards
are given to the “best of the best” in the industry – the innovative people and designs
that will move nanotechnology to key mainstream markets.
Iomega is working to investigate the commercial feasibility of this format and other
nano-structural data encoding formats. One possibility being investigated, termed NG-
DVD (Nano-Grating – DVD), uses nano-gratings to encode multi-level information via
reflectivity, polarization, phase, and reflective orientation multiplexing. Iomega is
concurrently evaluating and developing appropriate partners to leverage this intellectual
property for producing commercial data storage devices.
“Subwavelength optical data storage can provide an array of mechanisms by which the
state of a focused spot of light upon reflection can be precisely changed. This is the key
to new commercially interesting multi-level optical data storage that this technology
represents,” commented Fred Thomas, Chief Technologist, Research and Development,
Iomega Corporation. “The nano-replication technologies that are used to fabricate these
structures at low-cost are just emerging from various labs. I believe the scope of Iomega
patents issued and pending in this area, in conjunction with these exciting new nano-
replication technologies, will make this a fertile area for optical data storage
development and innovation for years to come.”
Thomas will present an overview of subwavelength optical data storage technology at
the prestigious Information Storage Industry Consortium (INSIC) symposium in July in
Monterey, CA.
On August 31, 2004, U.S. Patent No. 6,785,091, titled Interchangeable cartridge data
storage system for devices performing diverse functions, was issued to Iomega. This is
the third in a very exciting series of related patents that apply to Iomega’s pioneering
work related to bridge media – the use of media, or disks, that can work on a computer
as well as other devices. The new ‘091 patent covers inventions dating back to at least
November 1996, for exchanging digital data among multiple digital devices. A common
digital data format is employed to further facilitate exchange of data between devices.
“Iomega believes these bridge media patents provide for broad range market protection
for manufacturers of various types of mobile data storage devices,” stated Thomas
Kampfer, Executive Vice President, Business Solutions and General Counsel, Iomega
Corporation. “The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has confirmed that Iomega
invented the broad concept of exchanging data between a computer and another digital
device using removable data storage. As devices such as digital cameras and cellular
telephones become more complex, consumers are able to benefit from Iomega’s
creativity by using simple, removable data storage media to exchange information
between the device and a computer.”
Today, Iomega’s multifaceted portfolio of patents totals more than 530 issued patents
worldwide, addressing a wide variety of technical areas. The Company has multiple
patents in the areas of data storage, servo writing, security, software and digital rights
management.
About Iomega
Iomega Corporation provides easy-to-use, high value storage solutions to help people
protect, secure, capture and share their valuable digital information. Iomega's award-
winning storage products include the Iomega® REV™ 35GB drive in several different
computer interface models; Zip® 100MB, 250MB and 750MB drives; high-
performance Iomega external hard drives; Iomega Mini USB drives and Micro Mini™
USB drives; Iomega external CD-RW drives; Iomega Super DVD drives and the Super
DVD QuikTouch™ Video Burner; and Iomega floppy USB-powered drives. Iomega
simplifies data protection and sharing at home and in the workplace with Iomega
Automatic Backup software, Iomega Sync software, HotBurn® CD-recording software,
and Active Disk™ technology. For networks, Iomega NAS servers offer capacities of
160GB to 1.6TB. For unlimited capacity and anytime, anywhere access, Iomega offers
iStorage™ secure online storage. Iomega also offers businesses and consumers a
comprehensive data recovery services solution for recovering lost data due to hardware
failure, file corruption or media damage. The Company can be reached at 1-888-4-
IOMEGA (888-446-6342), or on the Web at www.iomega.com.
NOTE: The statements contained in this release regarding specific patents and the
Iomega Corporation, anticipated product pricing and availability, expected product
performance and specifications, future applications for the new product and all other
statements that are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such
forward-looking statements are based upon information available to Iomega as of the
date hereof, and Iomega disclaims any intention or obligation to update any such
forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from current
expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are
not limited to, the successful completion of product development and testing, market
acceptance of, and demand for, the Iomega product, any difficulties encountered in
ramping up production or other manufacturing issues, including component availability
and pricing, co-development, production, and distribution issues, product pricing and
conformity to specifications, dependence upon third-party suppliers, competition,
intellectual property rights and other risks and uncertainties identified in the reports
filed from time to time by Iomega with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including Iomega's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004, and its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
# # #
Copyright© 2005 Iomega Corporation. All rights reserved. Iomega, Zip, REV, Active
Disk, Micro Mini, iStorage, HotBurn and QuikTouch are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Iomega Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks, trade
names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.