Patents by Inventor Timothy P. Fitzgerald

Timothy P. Fitzgerald 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: 8110081
    Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a galvanic fuel cell type oxygen sensor comprises providing a pressure equalization port leading to the interior of an inner core housing that contains the membrane, the electrolyte and the anode and cathode electrodes and hermetically sealing the sensor housing except for its sample inlet port and its sample outlet port. By connecting the same vacuum source to both the pressure equalization port and the sample outlet port, the device's membrane is less subject to movement or rupture as gas samples are drawn in via the sample inlet port. A technique for ensuring a hermetic seal is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, C. Peter Howard
  • Publication number: 20100294661
    Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a galvanic fuel cell type oxygen sensor comprises providing a pressure equalization port leading to the interior of an inner core housing that contains the membrane, the electrolyte and the anode and cathode electrodes and hermetically sealing the sensor housing except for its sample inlet port and its sample outlet port. By connecting the same vacuum source to both the pressure equalization port and the sample outlet port, the device's membrane is less subject to movement or rupture as gas samples are drawn in via the sample inlet port. A technique for ensuring a hermetic seal is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Medical Graphics Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, C. Peter Howard
  • Patent number: 5943305
    Abstract: An optical disc cartridge handling apparatus, which has a removable cartridge magazine for loading and unloading groups of cartridges into the apparatus, for storing, handling, reading and writing of the optical discs stored within the cartridges. A flipper mechanism is provided to receive one of the cartridges from either of the magazine or an optical disc drive within the apparatus. Means are included for rotating the flipper mechanism about a common center line for inverting the cartridge within the flipper mechanism. A picker mechanism is included for moving the cartridge into and out of the flipper mechanism from either the magazine or the optical disc drive. A traverse mechanism is provided for supporting and moving the flipper mechanism along an axis of motion to locate the flipper mechanism adjacent either a particular slot of the magazine or the cartridge slot of the optical disc drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, David J. Rother
  • Patent number: 5255251
    Abstract: An optical disc cartridge handling apparatus, which has a removable cartridge magazine for loading and unloading groups of cartridges into the apparatus, for storing, handling, reading and writing of the optical discs stored within the cartridges. A flipper mechanism is provided to receive one of the cartridges from either of the magazine or an optical disc drive within the apparatus. Means are included for rotating the flipper mechanism about a common center line for inverting the cartridge within the flipper mechanism. A picker mechanism is included for moving the cartridge into and out of the flipper mechanism from either the magazine or the optical disc drive. A traverse mechanism is provided for supporting and moving the flipper mechanism along an axis of motion to locate the flipper mechanism adjacent either a particular slot of the magazine or the cartridge slot of the optical disc drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: International Data Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, David J. Rother
  • Patent number: 5123000
    Abstract: An optical disk cartridge handling apparatus for storing, handling, reading and writing of optical disks contained in cartridges which store data for a host computer. The apparatus comprises an import/export element for loading and unloading cartridges into the apparatus. A cartridge store or library with slots therein stores the cartridges. The topmost slot initially receives the cartridges from the import/export element. A flipper mechanism is adapted to receive one of the cartridges from either the cartridge store or an optical disk drive. The flipper mechanism is adapted to invert or flip the cartridge and locate the cartridge adjacent the front of either the cartridge store or the optical disk drive. A picker mechanism moves the cartridge into and out of the flipper mechanism from either the cartridge store or the optical disk drive. Locating mechanisms are also provided for moving or locating the flipper and picker mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: International Data Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, David J. Rother, Darryl T. Wrolson, Richard H. Nelson, Robert E. Takala
  • Patent number: 5056073
    Abstract: An optical disk cartridge handling apparatus for storing, handling, reading and writing of optical disks contained in cartridges which store data for a host computer. The apparatus comprises an import/export element for loading and unloading cartridges into the apparatus. A cartridge store or library with vertical slots therein stores the cartridges. The leftmost slot initially receives the cartridges from the import/export element. A flipper mechanism is adapted to receive one of the cartridges from either the cartridge store or one of preferably two optical disk drives suitably mounted below the cartridge store. A picker mechanism is mounted on the flipper mechanaism and moves the cartridge into and out of the flipper mechanism. The flipper mechanism is adapted to invert or flip the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: 501 International Data Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, David J. Rother, Darryl T. Wrolson, Richard H. Nelson, Robert E. Takala
  • Patent number: 4910675
    Abstract: A system for automating the processing and packaging of prerecorded diskettes, including a label printer and applicator for applying the printed labels as the diskette moves along a conveyor, a diverter for rejecting faulty diskettes, a sleever for inserting collator cards into predetermined positions in an output bin where the sleeved diskettes are placed, all under automatic control of a control processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Rimage Corp.
    Inventors: David C. Burns, John S. Lee, Robert L. Skubic, Mark C. Albu, Timothy P. Fitzgerald, Gerry A. Lee, David C. Duncan
  • Patent number: 4301929
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing and retrieving large volumes of microfiche data, and a related method for its operation. The apparatus includes a number of conventional microfiche storage carousels, all mounted on a rotatable turntable to provide the increased storage capacity. Upon selection of a particular fiche for display, the turntable is rotated, if necessary, in an optimum direction and at an optimum speed, until the selected carousel reaches an operative position with respect to a retrieval station, which is then moved to an operative position with respect to the carousel for withdrawal of the selected fiche within the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: Image Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, Lubomir Novak, Larry O. Engman