Patents by Inventor Alicia G. Mercer

Alicia G. Mercer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Stabilization mechanism for limiting rotational vibration in a module enclosure
    Patent number: 6487072
    Abstract: A stabilization mechanism limits rotational vibration in a module enclosure containing plural objects, such as computer disk drives, that produce rotational vibration about a rotational axis. The mechanism includes stabilizer structure coupled to an outer surface of the module enclosure and constructed to transmit a force toward the object that is effective to stabilize the object in the module enclosure. The stabilization mechanism may be formed as first and second spring-loaded contacts that each apply a constant force to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Alicia G Mercer, Kenneth K Tang, Herbert J Tanzer, Brian S. Tsuyuki
  • Stabilization mechanism for limiting rotational vibration in a module enclosure
    Publication number: 20020122294
    Abstract: A stabilization mechanism limits rotational vibration in a module enclosure containing plural objects, such as computer disk drives, that produce rotational vibration about a rotational axis. The mechanism includes stabilizer structure coupled to an outer surface of the module enclosure and constructed to transmit a force toward the object that is effective to stabilize the object in the module enclosure. The stabilization mechanism may be formed as first and second spring-loaded contacts that each apply a constant force to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Alicia G. Mercer, Kenneth K. Tang, Herbert J. Tanzer, Brian S. Tsuyuki
  • Data storage module alignment system and method
    Patent number: 6317329
    Abstract: A data storage module alignment system and method for use in a data storage module and enclosure system including a module enclosure having a plurality of bay slots and at least one data storage module. The data storage module alignment system comprises at least one alignment guide that is adapted to be mounted at the module enclosure entrance and at least one guide rail that is adapted to be mounted to the data storage module. The alignment guide includes a plurality of guide channels having rounded edges. The guide rail is sized and shaped for receipt within the guide channels. Typically, the alignment guide further includes a plurality of guide flanges that are arranged asymmetrically along the alignment guide. The inner side of each guide flange defines an edge of one of the guide channels and includes chamfers which facilitate initial alignment of the data storage module within one of the bay slots of the module enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James L. Dowdy, Alicia G. Mercer, Herbert J. Tanzer, Darrel W. Poulter, David Dickey