Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Zohn

Thomas J. Zohn 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: 5165083
    Abstract: A removable tape cartridge (14) for insertion into a carrier (12) in order to form a two-piece videocassette (10) comprises a housing (30) with a tape reel assembly (32) therein. The tape reel assembly (32) includes a length of tape (64) with a connector (68) at one end which, upon insertion of the cartridge (14), mates with an associated connector (16) in the carrier (12) to establish connection with a take-up reel (20). The tape reel assembly (32) is normally biased downwardly by a spring (56) and is normally constrained against rotation by an internal brake assembly (70-74) responsive to insertion of the cartridge (14) into the carrier (12). The tape connector (68) is releasably secured in proper position for mating engagement with the corresponding connector (16) by one end of an arm (78), the other end of which functions to interlock the tape cartridge (14) and carrier (12) against separation upon withdrawal of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Flor, Thomas A. Turgeon, Thomas J. Zohn
  • Patent number: 5031065
    Abstract: A removable tape cartridge (14) for insertion into a carrier (12) in order to form a two-piece videocassette (10) comprises a housing (30) with a tape reel assembly (32) therein. The tape reel assembly (32) includes a length of tape (64) with a connector (68) at one end which, upon insertion of the cartridge (14), mates with an associated connector (16) in the carrier (12) to establish connection with a take-up reel (20). The tape reel assembly (32) is normally biased downwardly by a spring (56) and is normally constrained against rotation by an internal brake assembly (70-74) responsive to insertion of the cartridge (14) into the carrier (12). The tape connector (68) is releasably secured in proper position for mating engagement with the corresponding connector (16)by one end of an arm (78), the other end of which functions to interlock the tape cartridge (14) and carrier (12) against separation upon withdrawal of the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Flor, Thomas A. Turgeon, Thomas J. Zohn
  • Patent number: 4501396
    Abstract: A time-remaining gauge for use with video cassettes is provided, wherein the gauge includes a substrate having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side and various indicia on the other side which may be aligned with the radius of tape on a supply or take-up spool on the cassette and viewed through a window in the cassette on which the gauge is affixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John P. Tomsyck, Thomas J. Zohn