Abstract: A multiple drive array carrier apparatus and associated method is provided with a unitary two-row partition. The unitary two-row partition has a longitudinal end member. A plurality of first support members extend from the end member and support, in turn, a first set of coplanar engagement members. The first engagement members each define apertures configured for passing first fasteners therethrough to affix a first plurality of data storage devices to the first engagement members, defining a first row of data storage devices. A plurality of second support members also extend from the end member and define a second set of coplanar engagement members. Each of the second support members likewise define apertures configured for passing second fasteners therethrough in the same direction as the first fasteners to affix a second plurality of data storage devices to the second support members, defining a second row of data storage devices adjacent to and parallel with the first row.

Abstract: A multiple drive array carrier apparatus and associated method is provided with a unitary two-row partition. The unitary two-row partition has a longitudinal end member. A plurality of first support members extend from the end member and support, in turn, a first set of coplanar engagement members. The first engagement members each define apertures configured for passing first fasteners therethrough to affix a first plurality of data storage devices to the first engagement members, defining a first row of data storage devices. A plurality of second support members also extend from the end member and define a second set of coplanar engagement members. Each of the second support members likewise define apertures configured for passing second fasteners therethrough in the same direction as the first fasteners to affix a second plurality of data storage devices to the second support members, defining a second row of data storage devices adjacent to and parallel with the first row.

Abstract: A multiple disc array apparatus and associated method are provided having substantially identical first and second partitions that are removably connectable together. Each partition supports a plurality of data storage devices arranged in noncoplanar first and second arrays. Each partition further defines clearance apertures for passing fasteners therethrough for fixing each data storage device to the respective partition.

Abstract: A shelf is provided defining a tubular closed passage with a frontend opening and a backend opening. A frontend partition is adapted for supporting a first component inserted in the frontend. A removable backend partition is adapted for supporting a second component inserted in the backend. A removable backplane support is adapted for operably supporting a backplane in electrical connection with the first and second components. Further, a method is provided for electrically connecting components.

Abstract: A composite corrugated panel is provided comprising a first corrugated panel defining a first corrugation height joined to a second corrugated panel defining a second corrugation height, the joined panels defining a cross sectional thickness that is preferably less than a sum of the first and second corrugation heights. A method is provided for producing a composite corrugated panel, comprising: providing a first panel comprising a first corrugation and a first opening; providing a second panel comprising a second corrugation and a second opening; stacking the panels by disposing the first corrugation in the second opening and the second corrugation in the first opening.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a circuit board and one or more data storage devices in a multiple disc array assembly. The carrier includes a partition with channel surfaces defining a tubular closed passage. The channel surfaces are adapted for circumscribing a cross section of the data storage device in a supporting mating relationship. The carrier further includes means for urging a data storage device in the passage in pressing engagement against the circuit board. Furthermore, a method for supporting a plurality of data storage devices in the multiple disc array. The method includes providing a carrier from a plurality of different carriers differentiated by a characteristic array of tubular closed channels for supportingly engaging data storage devices; inserting one or more data storage devices in a respective number of channels defining the multiple disc array; and inserting the carrier in a shelf.

Abstract: An array storage system and associated method are provided comprising a multiple disc array. The multiple disc array comprises a partition defining attachment points for fixing each of a plurality of data storage devices to the partition arranged in a first and a second array, wherein a data storage device in the first array operably spins oppositely with respect to a data storage device in the second array. Two identical partitions, each supporting arrays of data storage devices, can be joined together to increase the storage capacity of the multiple disc array.

Abstract: In a disk drive enclosure system having carriers fitting into slots in the enclosure, each carrier has a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism has a part which rotates between locked and unlocked positions, and the part has a feature that blocks removal of the carrier when the part is in the locked position, while permitting removal of the carrier when the part is in the unlocked position. The part is plastic and is molded of a clear material serving as a light pipe. A light source is behind the part, so that the ability of light to pass through the part is affected by the locked/unlocked position of the part. The part has a shape feature that assists a user in distinguishing between locked and unlocked positions, and the light indicator further assists the user in this way. Valuable bezel space is saved, especially in comparison with some prior-art locking mechanisms.

Abstract: An enclosure is shaped with a plurality of opposed pairs of first and second guides, the first guides all substantially coplanar within a first plane, the second guides all substantially coplanar within a second plane. Each pair of guides defines a respective plane, the respective planes of the pairs of guides all parallel to each other, each pair of guides separated by a respective spacing, each pair of guides shaped to receive a respective planar carrier by insertion in a first direction along the pair of guides. The enclosure is shaped to receive a key plate parallel to the first plane and intersecting the first guides, said key plate having a plurality of feature areas, each feature area corresponding to a respective plane of one of the pairs of guides, each feature area presenting a predetermined pattern of barriers to movement in the first direction, the barriers disposed at at least two locations along the first direction.

Abstract: An enclosure for a data storage system comprises at least first and second cast magnesium parts joined by rivets, each of which is made of a suitable material that provides compressive strength superior to that of the cast magnesium. Each rivet is of a height or thickness equal to the sum of the thickness of the parts to be riveted. Each such rivet has flat end surfaces and its body is peripherally concave between its ends. The rivet is embedded in the two parts, and the parts flow radially against the concave body of the rivet. No drilling is required, and the parts are held in carefully defined position while being joined, so that the assembled enclosure satisfies strict dimensional tolerances.

Abstract: A shelf enclosure for a network data storage system employs drive carriers having wedge mechanical interfaces with respective features on the enclosure, locking into place at the top and bottom of the carriers.

Abstract: An enclosure for a data storage system comprises at least first and second cast magnesium parts joined by rivets, each of which is made of a suitable material that provides compressive strength superior to that of the cast magnesium. Each rivet is of a height or thickness equal to the sum of the thickness of the parts to be riveted. Each such rivet has flat end surfaces and its body is peripherally concave between its ends. The rivet is embedded in the two parts, and the parts flow radially against the concave body of the rivet. No drilling is required, and the parts are held in carefully defined position while being joined, so that the assembled enclosure satisfies strict dimensional tolerances.

Abstract: An EMI shielded enclosure has a plurality of electrically conductive walls. The conductive walls are electrically connected so electromagnetic radiation from within the enclosure cannot radiate through the walls. An EMI shield plate, that makes up at least one wall of the enclosure, is an electrically non-conductive, plastic wall with tunnel holes through the wall. The holes provide for air flow into and out of the enclosure. A conductive coating on the non conductive wall and the holes converts the non-conductive plastic wall into a conductive wall with waveguide attenuating. The waveguide attenuating holes, when so coated with the conductive layer, attenuate electromagnetic radiation passing from inside the enclosure through said holes to outside the enclosure. The waveguide attenuating holes effectively attenuate electromagnetic radiation at frequencies up to 5 gigahertz.

Abstract: A connection structure between a disk drive housing and a rack to eliminate a source of vibration, and hence improve the performance of the disk drive. An interference-fit tab and slot vibration reduction structure is described, where the tab is formed on the housing and the slot is formed on the shelf. The tab and slot vibration reduction structure includes a disk drive having an outer housing, the housing having a bottom surface. A tab extends from the bottom of the housing. A shelf is provided on the rack system for receiving one or a plurality of disk drive housings, and one slot is formed in a front edge of the shelf for each drive housing. When the disk drive housing is positioned on the shelf with the tab positioned in the slot to create an interference fit, the housing is rigidly attached to the shelf.