US Patent 7133322 Probe storage device

A probe storage device includes an array of memory storage locations, an array of probes proximate to the array of memory storage locations, and a data density controller coupled to the array of probes. Each probe of the array of probes has a distal tip that is positioned within close proximity to a memory storage location. The probes are movable relative to the array of memory storage locations. The data density controller optionally groups the probes into at least one subset of probes. Each probe of a subset interacts identically and contemporaneously with a corresponding subset of memory storage locations.