Robert Waite Mcpherson

US Patent:

6359855, Mar 19, 2002

Filed:

Nov 5, 1996

Appl. No.:

08/744207

Inventors:

Robert J. McPherson - Eden Prairie MN
Glen D. Kappel - Eagan MN
Nigel Street - Cambridge, GB

Assignee:

Plasmon IDE, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G11B 1722

US Classification:

369191

Abstract:

A data storage library for storing and accessing data storage media, consisting of a housing, a storage array within the housing, the storage array having a wall, a media storage element arranged adjacent the storage array wall for holding storage media, a data transfer element arranged adjacent the storage array wall for reading and writing information on the storage media, an import/export element to transfer the storage media into and out of the data storage library, and a media transport element which moves along the storage array wall, the media transport element following any deviations in the wall to precisely position itself adjacent the media storage element and data transfer element.

US Patent:

6454509, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Apr 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/544364

Inventors:

Glendon D. Kappel - Eagan MN
Warren D. Pannkuk - Lakeville MN
Darren A. Groth - Fridley MN
Robert J. McPherson - Eden Prairie MN
Daniel R. Evanson - Prior Lake MN

Assignee:

Plasmon IDE, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G11B 1704

US Classification:

414280, 360 92, 369 3043

Abstract:

An apparatus for picking and placing media supported in stores and drives of a data storage library without electrical actuation or separate mechanical actuation means of grasping and releasing the medias pick feature, the apparatus including: a carriage movable toward and away from the media, the media being supported in the stores and drives; at least one picker member pivotally attached to the carriage at a pivot point and having a latching portion adapted to engage the medias pick feature. The picker member is movable between an open state wherein the latching portion is spaced from the medias pick feature and a closed state wherein the latching portion engages the medias pick feature. The apparatus also includes a spring having a first end attached to the carriage and a second end attached to the picker member. The spring is alternately orientable between a first orientation wherein the spring biases the picker member toward the media and a second orientation wherein the spring biases the picker member away from the media. The movement of the picker member between the open state and the closed state and between the closed state and the open state is caused by movement of the picker member against the media supported in the stores and drives without any electrical or separate mechanical actuation means cooperating with the picker member.

US Patent:

59954590, Nov 30, 1999

Filed:

Jan 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/238111

Inventors:

Glen D. Kappel - Eagan MN
Robert J. McPherson - Eden Prairie MN

Assignee:

International Data Engineering, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G11B 1722

US Classification:

369 36

Abstract:

A data media storage library for storing and accessing storage media such as optical discs, CDs, tape cartridges, and PCMCIA cards, consisting of a housing containing a storage array with a number of storage locations therein; a number of media storage elements for holding the storage media; a number of data transfer elements for reading and writing information on the storage media; and a media transport element for moving the storage media between the media storage elements and the data transfer elements. Each storage location may engage one of the media storage elements and data transfer elements, thereby allowing the interchangeability of media storage elements with data transfer elements within the storage array. A second embodiment includes a flipper mechanism for dual-sided media which can be mounted at one or more of the storage locations and rotate to flip the storage media to its other side.

US Patent:

57646155, Jun 9, 1998

Filed:

Nov 6, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/743880

Inventors:

Eric A. Ware - Plymouth MN
Robert J. McPherson - Eden Prairie MN
Glen D. Kappel - Eagan MN
Nigel Street - Cambridge, GB

Assignee:

International Data Engineering, Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

G11B 1712

US Classification:

369178

Abstract:

A data storage library for storing and accessing data storage media, consisting of a housing, a storage array within the housing, the storage array having a wall, a media storage element arranged adjacent the storage array wall for holding storage media, a data transfer element arranged adjacent the storage array wall for reading and writing information on the storage media, an import/export element to transfer the storage media into and out of the data storage library, and a media transport element which moves along the storage array wall, the media transport element following any deviations in the wall to precisely position itself adjacent the media storage element and data transfer element.

US Patent:

56028210, Feb 11, 1997

Filed:

Nov 9, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/552468

Inventors:

Robert J. McPherson - Eden Prairie MN
William R. Lynn - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

International Data Engineering, Inc. - Edina MN

International Classification:

G11B 1722

US Classification:

369178

Abstract:

A single-drive input, double gripper media transport element positionable for accessing storage media cartridges in a cartridge media store and an optical disk drive and simultaneously transporting multiple storage media cartridges comprises a housing, at least two sliders mounted within the housing moving along respective parallel slider paths, a cartridge gripper mounted on each of the sliders, a slider lead screw mounted within the housing for positioning the sliders along their respective slider paths, a slider motor for rotating the slider lead screw, and a lead screw nut on the lead screw for simultaneously or alternately engaging the slider lead screw with each of the sliders.

US Patent:

20180368336, Dec 27, 2018

Filed:

Mar 23, 2018

Appl. No.:

15/934693

Inventors:

Stewart E. Erickson - Hudson WI, US
Robert McPherson - Eden Prairie MN, US

International Classification:

A01G 9/18
A01G 7/06
A01G 9/24
G05B 15/02

Abstract:

A system for applying COgas to improve production. A multi-stage system is disclosed including upstream midstream, and downstream stages or subsystems. The upstream subsystem receives and stores gas, particularly CO2 gas. The midstream subsystem is communicatively connected to the upstream subsystem and to the downstream subsystem. It monitors the environment of the downstream subsystem, determines when and how to apply gas to pants growing in the downstream system, acquires gas stored in the upstream subsystem, and distributes it to the downstream system. It also has various monitoring, command and control, management, and reporting features. The downstream subsystem includes one or more plant growth areas or plots, gas distribution means, such as gas conduits, tubes or lines from the midstream subsystem, and the high efficiency, adjustable gas applicator, and various sensing and monitoring devices communicatively connected to the midstream subsystem.