Patents by Inventor Brian S. Nihei

Brian S. Nihei 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).

  • Publication number: 20190009965
    Abstract: The embodiments provide a rugged enclosure for an external drive. The enclosure is configured to provide shock protection and protect the external drive from contaminants. The enclosure may be provided with a set of cushions and spacers to accommodate different sizes and types of external drives. In addition, the enclosure may comprise a port that allows for use of the external drive while enclosed. Furthermore, the enclosure may comprise a retaining feature like a loop or lanyard that allows the enclosure to be easily transported and secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei, Steven Tzu-Yen Peng
  • Patent number: 9994380
    Abstract: The embodiments provide a rugged enclosure for an external drive. The enclosure is configured to provide shock protection and protect the external drive from contaminants. The enclosure may be provided with a set of cushions and spacers to accommodate different sizes and types of external drives. In addition, the enclosure may comprise a port that allows for use of the external drive while enclosed. Furthermore, the enclosure may comprise a retaining feature like a loop or lanyard that allows the enclosure to be easily transported and secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei, Steven T. Peng
  • Patent number: 9892762
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved seal that allows for a fastener-less/adhesive-less assembly retention method. In particular, the seal may comprise a plurality of integral retention prongs that allows permanent assembly with a plastic housing via friction. The seal is self-retaining, and thus, does not require a fastener or glue. The seal protects the interior of the enclosure from moisture and contaminants when exposed to a mobile environment. In addition, the seal provides sufficient resistance to deliver a proper sealing force and tactile feel to a user when closing the rugged enclosure, while maintaining its shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei
  • Patent number: 9573306
    Abstract: A method may comprise generating a first electronic model of a workpiece to be manufactured using an injection-molding process. The first electronic model may then be analyzed and the workpiece in the first electronic model may then be selectively distorted according to the analysis. A second electronic model of the distorted workpiece may then be generated. The workpiece may then be injection-molded within a mold generated using the second electronic model. Thereafter, the workpiece may be cooled such that the injection-molded workpiece gradually assumes the shape or substantially the shape of the workpiece in the first electronic model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Robert G. Fairchild, Brian S. Nihei
  • Patent number: 9360900
    Abstract: A data storage assembly including an enclosure including a first set of one or more pockets for receiving a first set of one or more shock mounts configured to be coupled to a data storage device, a cover configured to enclose the enclosure, and a set of one or more retention clips separate from the cover and configured to latch with the first set of one or more pockets to retain the first set of one or more shock mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wally Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei
  • Publication number: 20150197053
    Abstract: A method may comprise generating a first electronic model of a workpiece to be manufactured using an injection-molding process. The first electronic model may then be analyzed and the workpiece in the first electronic model may then be selectively distorted according to the analysis. A second electronic model of the distorted workpiece may then be generated. The workpiece may then be injection-molded within a mold generated using the second electronic model. Thereafter, the workpiece may be cooled such that the injection-molded workpiece gradually assumes the shape or substantially the shape of the workpiece in the first electronic model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: WALLY SZEREMETA, ROBERT G. FAIRCHILD, BRIAN S. NIHEI
  • Patent number: 7940491
    Abstract: An information storage device includes a disk drive and a disk drive printed circuit board (PCB) with a disk drive interface connector. A bridge controller PCB is connected to the disk drive interface connector, and includes a host interface connector. An electrically conductive nest of monolithic construction receives the disk drive housing and the bridge controller PCB. The electrically conductive nest includes an enclosure portion enclosing the bridge controller PCB with a conductive grounding tab in contact with the host interface connector. The enclosure portion includes a first plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing. The electrically conductive nest also includes an extended shield portion adjacent the second side of the disk drive base and overlying the disk drive controller PCB. The extended shield portion includes a second plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wally Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei
  • Publication number: 20100067344
    Abstract: An information storage device includes a disk drive and a disk drive printed circuit board (PCB) with a disk drive interface connector. A bridge controller PCB is connected to the disk drive interface connector, and includes a host interface connector. An electrically conductive nest of monolithic construction receives the disk drive housing and the bridge controller PCB. The electrically conductive nest includes an enclosure portion enclosing the bridge controller PCB with a conductive grounding tab in contact with the host interface connector. The enclosure portion includes a first plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing. The electrically conductive nest also includes an extended shield portion adjacent the second side of the disk drive base and overlying the disk drive controller PCB. The extended shield portion includes a second plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: WALLY SZEREMETA, BRIAN S. NIHEI
  • Patent number: D795874
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei, Steven T. Peng
  • Patent number: D829213
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wojciech Szeremeta, Brian S. Nihei, Steven T. Peng