Imation Data Storage Design Wins Patent

A data storage technology developed at Imation Corp.’s Camarillo plant has landed the giant company its first patent since it was spun off from 3M in July, officials said Monday.

The patent involves the technical design behind Imation’s Travan minicartridge technology, which enables computer users to store up to 8,000 megabytes of data on a cartridge the size of a deck of playing cards, officials said.

“It is appropriate that the first Imation patent involves Travan technology--one of our most important pieces of intellectual property,” said Michael Sheridan, Imation’s vice president of operations.

“Imation’s patent positions in world-leading tape, diskette and optical storage media are an engine for the company’s current success and future growth,” he said.

The patent ensures the reliable supply of an important product for the company--a product that is the sustenance of the Camarillo plant, according to spokesman Brent Bauer.

Imation, which employs about 625 people at the plant, is a $2.2-billion company. It employs about 10,000 people at 17 manufacturing, research and distribution facilities around the world.