Patents by Inventor Randal D. Fird

Randal D. Fird 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).

  • Patent number: 7369353
    Abstract: A tape cartridge transport assembly for moving a tape cartridge between a first library and a second library includes a guide arrangement disposable between the first and second libraries, and a cartridge carrier that is moveable along the guide arrangement. The cartridge carrier includes a carrier body having an opening for receiving the tape cartridge, and a retention device associated with the carrier body. The retention device is engageable with the tape cartridge for retaining the tape cartridge in the carrier body as the cartridge carrier moves along the guide arrangement. The assembly further includes a drive mechanism associated with the cartridge carrier for automatically moving the cartridge carrier along the guide arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Sanjiv K. Gupta, Randal D. Fird, Roger Grow, Daniel J. Plutt
  • Patent number: 5097588
    Abstract: An attachment of multiple head arm assemblies to an actuator in a magnetic data disk drive system. A leaf spring applies a uniform load against angle surfaces formed on the head arm assemblies. This creates forces on the head arm assemblies to align reference surfaces formed on the head arm assemblies against reference surfaces formed on the carriage. Loads on the head arm assemblies are due to the geometry of the parts rather than on screw torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Randal D. Fird, John F. Harris, Edward L. Husler, Kenneth L. Hutyra, Kenneth R. Owens, Lester M. Yeakley