Patents by Inventor David William Niss
David William Niss 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).
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Patent number: 10910019Abstract: Data storage device mounting systems to provide alignment and mounting of data storage devices are provided herein. A carrier is configured to couple to a data storage device and hang the data storage device in a vertical orientation in a data storage assembly from retractable mounting pins coupled to the carrier. The carrier also includes retractable alignment features to guide the data storage device and carrier into the mounting system. Finger grips are coupled to retractable alignment features and mounting pins and configured to extend retractable alignment features beyond the carrier concurrent with retracting the mounting pins when actuated by a user squeezing the finger grips. The finger grips are configured to extend the mounting pins when de-actuated by the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
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Publication number: 20190019537Abstract: Data storage device mounting systems to provide alignment and mounting of data storage devices are provided herein. A carrier is configured to couple to a data storage device and hang the data storage device in a vertical orientation in a data storage assembly from retractable mounting pins coupled to the carrier. The carrier also includes retractable alignment features to guide the data storage device and carrier into the mounting system. Finger grips are coupled to retractable alignment features and mounting pins and configured to extend retractable alignment features beyond the carrier concurrent with retracting the mounting pins when actuated by a user squeezing the finger grips. The finger grips are configured to extend the mounting pins when de-actuated by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
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Patent number: 9870804Abstract: Data storage device mounting systems to provide alignment and mounting of data storage devices are provided herein. A carrier is configured to couple to a data storage device and hang the data storage device in a vertical orientation in a data storage assembly from retractable mounting pins coupled to the carrier. The carrier also includes retractable alignment features to guide the data storage device and carrier into the mounting system. Finger grips are coupled to retractable alignment features and mounting pins and configured to extend retractable alignment features beyond the carrier concurrent with retracting the mounting pins when actuated by a user squeezing the finger grips. The finger grips are configured to extend the mounting pins when de-actuated by the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
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Publication number: 20160219730Abstract: Data storage device mounting systems to provide alignment and mounting of data storage devices are provided herein. A carrier is configured to couple to a data storage device and hang the data storage device in a vertical orientation in a data storage assembly from retractable mounting pins coupled to the carrier. The carrier also includes retractable alignment features to guide the data storage device and carrier into the mounting system. Finger grips are coupled to retractable alignment features and mounting pins and configured to extend retractable alignment features beyond the carrier concurrent with retracting the mounting pins when actuated by a user squeezing the finger grips. The finger grips are configured to extend the mounting pins when de-actuated by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2015Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
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Patent number: 9274571Abstract: A segmented frame adapted to receive a storage drive is provided. The segmented frame in one example includes a plurality of linked frame segments configured to pivot with respect to each other and wrap around the storage drive, with a first frame segment and a last frame segment of the plurality of linked frame segments latching together to form a joined segmented frame and hold the storage drive, and a plurality of isolator cups trapped within the joined segmented frame and fitting over a corresponding plurality of mounting wings extending from the storage drive, wherein the plurality of isolator cups suspend the storage drive within the joined frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Glenn Douglas Albert, Michael Stephen Bell, David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
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Publication number: 20150316964Abstract: A segmented frame adapted to receive a storage drive is provided. The segmented frame in one example includes a plurality of linked frame segments configured to pivot with respect to each other and wrap around the storage drive, with a first frame segment and a last frame segment of the plurality of linked frame segments latching together to form a joined segmented frame and hold the storage drive, and a plurality of isolator cups trapped within the joined segmented frame and fitting over a corresponding plurality of mounting wings extending from the storage drive, wherein the plurality of isolator cups suspend the storage drive within the joined frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: HGST NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Glenn Douglas Albert, Michael Stephen Bell, David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
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Patent number: 7337452Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically positioning a rotary actuator that positions an objective lens in three dimensions relative to the surface of an optical disk. A first voice coil motor positions the actuator generally in two dimensions parallel to the surface of the disk and a second voice coil motor positions the objective lens generally along an arcuate path orthogonal to the surface of the disk.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: DPHI Acquisitions, Inc.Inventors: Robert David Freeman, Thomas Edward Berg, David William Niss, Peter Jeffrey Raymond
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Patent number: 6901598Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dynamically positioning the objective lens in an optical disk drive to maintain focus despite loss of perpendicularity between the light beam and the information layer of the optical disk. Loss of perpendicularity may occur as a result of any number of factors, including irregularities in the manufacture of the disk, manufacturing tolerances and assembly of the disk drive components, bearing defect frequencies, shock and vibration. Failure to maintain perpendicularity may interference with the ability of the optical pick up unit of the drive to accurately read and write. The tilt focus mechanism of the present invention utilizes a rotary actuator that positions the objective lens in three dimensions relative to the surface of the optical disk.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: DPHI Acquisitions, Inc.Inventors: Robert David Freeman, Thomas Edward Berg, David William Niss, Peter Jeffrey Raymond
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Patent number: 6687215Abstract: Various configurations of cartridges for optical disks, particularly first-surface optical disks, are provided. The cartridges include a plurality of protectors for use in safeguarding the optical disk when certain conditions are present or certain events occur. The protectors include an elongated shutter that covers the hub assembly, at least annular slot portions inside of the cartridge to restrain movement of the disk within the cartridge, a locking subassembly to hold the shutter in a desired position, and a mechanism for preventing complete insertion of the cartridge into an optical drive when the cartridge is in the wrong orientation relative to the drive.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2000Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: DPHI Acquisitions, Inc.Inventors: Glade Bagnell, Thomas E. Berg, David William Niss, Robert David Freeman, Edwin J. Wadsworth
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Patent number: 6632310Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated actuator assembly and the method for making the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is intended for use in miniature personal electronic devices, but could be used in any type of disk drive. The actuator is primarily constructed from strong, stiff, lightweight composite materials. The upper and lower planar elements of the actuator assembly, each comprising multiple composite layers, include a forward portion and a rearward portion. A flexure member, typically positioned between the layers of composite material, allows the forward portion of each planar element to pivot in unison relative to the rear portion of each planar element. In this manner, the position of an optical pick up unit or other read/write device positioned at the distal end of the actuator assembly can be adjusted relative to the surface of a data disk. The composite and flexure planar elements are formed in arrays of multiple component pieces with aligned registration members.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: DPHI Acquisitions, Inc.Inventors: Robert David Freeman, Thomas Edward Berg, David William Niss, Peter Jeffrey Raymond
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Publication number: 20020134492Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated actuator assembly and the method for making the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is intended for use in miniature personal electronic devices, but could be used in any type of disk drive. The actuator is primarily constructed from strong, stiff, lightweight composite materials. The upper and lower planar elements of the actuator assembly, each comprising multiple composite layers, include a forward portion and a rearward portion. A flexure member, typically positioned between the layers of composite material, allows the forward portion of each planar element to pivot in unison relative to the rear portion of each planar element. In this manner, the position of an optical pick up unit or other read/write device positioned at the distal end of the actuator assembly can be adjusted relative to the surface of a data disk. The composite and flexure planar elements are formed in arrays of multiple component pieces with aligned registration members.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Robert David Freeman, Thomas Edward Berg, David William Niss, Peter Jeffrey Raymond
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Publication number: 20020101796Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dynamically positioning the object lens in an optical disk drive to maintain focus despite loss of perpendicularity between the light beam and the information layer of the optical disk. Loss of perpendicularity may occur as a result of any number of factors, including irregularities in the manufacture of the disk, amnufacturing tolerances and assembly of the disk drive components, bearing defect frequencies, shock and vibration. Failure to maintain perpendicularity may interfere with the ability of the optical pick up unit of the drive to accurately read and write. The tilt focus mechanism of the present invention utilizes a rotary actuator that positions the objective lens in three dimensions relative to the surface of the optical disk .Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: Robert David Freeman, Thomas Edward Berg, David William Niss, Peter Jeffrey Raymond