Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Merchant

Thomas J. Merchant 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: 4831476
    Abstract: A disc drive isolation system including a disc drive isolation module is disclosed. The isolation module is disposed in the enclosure and has an outer body and an inner body supported within the outer body with the disc drive mounted within the inner body. The mounting of the inner body within the outer body sequesters the disc drive against vibration and shock applied to the outer body. This arrangement enables almost any disc drive to be operated in an industrial environment independent of the shock and vibration characteristics of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Thomas J. Merchant, William L. Miller, Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 4685303
    Abstract: A disc drive isolation system including an environment control enclosure and a disc drive isolation module is disclosed. A thermo-electric heat pump is mounted to the enclosure for cooling the interior of the enclosure and a fan circulates air within the enclosure. A humidity sensor controls the heat pump and the fan in response to the sensed humidity of the interior air. First and second temperature sensors control the heat pump andthe disc drive, respectively. The isolation module is disposed in the enclosure and has an outer body and an inner body supported within the outer body with the disc drive mounted within the inner body. The mounting of the inner body within the outer body sequesters the disc drive against vibration and shock applied to the outer body. This arrangement enables almost any disc drive to be operated in an industrial environment independent of the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, shock and vibration characteristics of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Branc, Thomas J. Merchant, William L. Miller, Philip J. Pisczak