Daniel J Egan

US Patent:

6405957, Jun 18, 2002

Filed:

Feb 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/504195

Inventors:

Jerry L. Alexander - St. Paul Park MN
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN
Douglas W. Johnson - Stillwater MN
Christopher J. Zwettler - Maplewood MN
William J. Vanderheyden - Loveland CO

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G03B 2307

US Classification:

242346, 360132

Abstract:

A data storage tape cartridge including a housing, first and second tape reels, a storage tape, first and second corner guides and an idler wrap guide. The housing defines a head access window. The tape reels are rotatably disposed within the housing, with the storage tape extending between the tape reels. The first and second comer guides are disposed within the housing at opposite sides of the head access window. Finally, the idler wrap guide is disposed within the housing and defines a tape path extending from the first tape reel to the idler wrap guide, and from the idler wrap guide to the first corner guide. The idler wrap guide is configured to frictionally dampen lateral movement of the storage tape upon rotation of the tape reels to greatly reduce servo off track events.

US Patent:

6478244, Nov 12, 2002

Filed:

Jun 28, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/892357

Inventors:

Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G03B 2302

US Classification:

242348, 242345, 360132

Abstract:

A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub, a spherical piece and a sleeve. The spherical piece is insert molded within an axial bore of the hub and provides a thrust surface. The sleeve is also insert molded within the axial bore of the hub and provides a journal bearing surface. In accordance with a method of the present invention, the tape reel assembly is formed as part of an injection molding process, whereby a core pin precisely positions the spherical piece and co-axially centers the sleeve relative to an outer, tape winding surface of the hub.

US Patent:

7481659, Jan 27, 2009

Filed:

Jan 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/650313

Inventors:

Gregory H. Johnson - Oakdale MN, US
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN, US

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

H01R 13/44

US Classification:

439131, 361737

Abstract:

The invention is directed to a memory card including a first connector that conforms to a first connection standard and a second connector that conforms to a second connection standard. The connectors are provided on a movable member disposed within a housing of the memory card. The movable member may be moved between a first position, in which the first connector is exposed, and a second position, in which the second connector is exposed.

US Patent:

63186594, Nov 20, 2001

Filed:

Jun 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/604489

Inventors:

Christopher J. Zwettler - Lake Elmo MN
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G03B 2302

US Classification:

242348

Abstract:

A tape reel assembly for use with a data storage tape cartridge. The data storage tape cartridge includes a housing, a tape reel pin, the tape reel assembly, and a storage tape. The housing includes a first housing section and a second housing section. The tape reel pin extends in a generally perpendicular fashion relative to an interior surface of the first housing section. With this configuration, the tape reel pin forms a cylindrical side surface and terminates in a leading end. The tape reel assembly is rotatably associated with the tape reel pin and includes a hub and a sleeve. The hub defines an axial bore. In one preferred embodiment, the tape reel assembly further includes opposing flanges connected to the hub. Regardless, the sleeve is disposed within the axial bore and forms a thrust surface. Finally, the storage tape is maintained by the hub.

US Patent:

61424048, Nov 7, 2000

Filed:

Nov 16, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/192828

Inventors:

John D. Willems - Minneapolis MN
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN
Douglas W. Johnson - Stillwater MN
Leif O. Erickson - Riverfalls WI

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

G03B 2302

US Classification:

242346

Abstract:

A compliant tape guide having a compliant member with optimized planar stiffness. The compliant tape guide includes a top support plate, a bottom support plate, a bearing piece, the compliant member and a biasing member. The bearing piece extends between the top and bottom support plate in a generally perpendicular fashion. The compliant member is associated with an inner surface of the bottom support plate and includes a base, opposing legs, an edge receiving surface and a planar stiffness body. The opposing legs extend from the base. The edge receiving surface is attached to the opposing legs opposite the base to define an opening. The planar stiffness body is disposed within the opening and is configured to increase an in-plane stiffness of the compliant member in a plane substantially parallel to a plane of the base. Finally, the biasing member is associated with the compliant member to bias the edge receiving surface into engagement with a storage tape during use.

US Patent:

60277785, Feb 22, 2000

Filed:

Sep 15, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/306770

Inventors:

Karunasena A. Alahapperuma - Maplewood MN
Anthony B. Ferguson - Lake Elmo MN
David P. Smith - Hudson WI
David L. Tussey - New Richmond WI
Saurin J. Shah - Woodbury MN
Dean E. Sitz - Wahpeton ND
Randy S. Bay - Wahpeton ND
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN
Wolfgang G. Schoeppel - Neuss, DE

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - Oakdale MN

International Classification:

B65H 2000
G03B 104
G11B 1532

US Classification:

428 357

Abstract:

The present invention provides a novel one-piece capstan for a tape cartridge which provides good static dissipative properties and wear resistance. The capstan material of the present invention has a charge decay time of no more than 5 seconds as measured according to Mil B-81705C standard. The capstan material also has a flexural modulus of at least 200,000 psi (1379 MPa). The capstan comprises a hard, dimensionally stable polymer and a static dissipating polymer. The capstan also has an improved structure and geometry which enables the part to be easily molded, reduces drive force requirements with a reduction of material from the prior art design, but with no significant loss of performance properties.

US Patent:

D3831256, Sep 2, 1997

Filed:

Mar 27, 1995

Appl. No.:

D/036765

Inventors:

Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN
Randy S. Bay - Wahpeton ND
James J. Evanoff - Roseville MN
Leif O. Erickson - River Falls WI
Armando J. Argumedo - Tucson AZ
Steven L. Felde - Tucson AZ
Scott M. Rockwell - Tucson AZ
Kenneth R. Shelley - Tucson AZ

Assignee:

Imation Corp. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

1499

US Classification:

D14121

US Patent:

55160557, May 14, 1996

Filed:

Mar 28, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/218618

Inventors:

Sten R. Gerfast - Mendota Heights MN
Daniel C. Egan - Oakdale MN
Frank H. Phillips - Shoreview MN
Clarence W. Schultz - St. Paul MN
Ronald D. Stimpson - Camarillo MN

Assignee:

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G11B 23087

US Classification:

242340

Abstract:

A corner roller tape tension enhancer assembly for use with a corner roller in a belt driven magnetic tape cartridge. The assembly comprises a cylindrical corner roller having an outer wall for contact with a drive belt and an inner wall suitable for mounting the corner roller on an axial mounting structure. The assembly also comprises a fatigue resistant metal spring positioned against a portion of the corner roller for controlling magnetic tape tension and to produce a uniform tape tension with respect to drive force over a wide speed range.