Patents by Inventor Jeffrey David Wilke

Jeffrey David Wilke 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).

  • Patent number: 11064627
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to systems and methods for storing datacenter equipment. More specifically, some embodiments relate to a datacenter rack (“computing rack”) that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of computing equipment and can be stacked with additional computing racks. In certain embodiments, the computing rack includes an enclosure for storing a plurality of computing units as well as one or more adjustable vertical mounting rails coupled to the frame of the computing rack for accommodating different sizes and specifications of equipment. The computing rack additionally includes components for stacking the unit with additional computing racks such that a set of stacked computing racks can fit multiple different sizes and specifications of computing equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 10910019
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20200413560
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to systems and methods for storing datacenter equipment. More specifically, some embodiments relate to a datacenter rack (“computing rack”) that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of computing equipment and can be stacked with additional computing racks. In certain embodiments, the computing rack includes an enclosure for storing a plurality of computing units as well as one or more adjustable vertical mounting rails coupled to the frame of the computing rack for accommodating different sizes and specifications of equipment. The computing rack additionally includes components for stacking the unit with additional computing racks such that a set of stacked computing racks can fit multiple different sizes and specifications of computing equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 10718354
    Abstract: A compact back-flow stopper using an elastic flexure mechanism for a cooling fan is shown and described. The backflow stopper assembly comprises a frame configured to structurally support a fin array when coupled to a fan. The fin array comprises a plurality of flexural deformation elements and associated fin elements arrayed in a radial arrangement to establish a pathway for airflow, each of the flexural deformation elements configured to move an attached fin element responsive to airflow impacting the attached fin element. Flex limiter elements are coupled to the frame and configured to limit flexure of the fin elements beyond a predetermined flexure in relation to the frame to stop backflow of air through the fin array. A fan assembly with a backflow stopper is shown and described. Also, a data storage assembly using fan assemblies with backflow stoppers is also shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darya Amin-Shahidi, Michael Stephen Bell, Toshiki Hirano, Neale Marvin Jones, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20190019537
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 10084262
    Abstract: In general, embodiments of a bi-directional cable interconnect system are described. A connector bezel configured to guide engagement of a male mating connector of a cable with a female mating connector comprises a front plate having a main opening formed therein configured to allow passage of the male mating connector therethrough and a rear assembly attached to the front plate. The rear assembly comprises a plurality of walls forming a cable connector opening therethrough and a rear opening formed in the rear assembly configured to allow passage of the female mating connector therethrough. The cable connector opening is fluidly coupled with the main opening and with the rear opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah Kelly, Todd Christopher McNally, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20180209446
    Abstract: A compact back-flow stopper using an elastic flexure mechanism for a cooling fan is shown and described. The backflow stopper assembly comprises a frame configured to structurally support a fin array when coupled to a fan. The fin array comprises a plurality of flexural deformation elements and associated fin elements arrayed in a radial arrangement to establish a pathway for airflow, each of the flexural deformation elements configured to move an attached fin element responsive to airflow impacting the attached fin element. Flex limiter elements are coupled to the frame and configured to limit flexure of the fin elements beyond a predetermined flexure in relation to the frame to stop backflow of air through the fin array. A fan assembly with a backflow stopper is shown and described. Also, a data storage assembly using fan assemblies with backflow stoppers is also shown and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Darya Amin-Shahidi, Michael Stephen Bell, Toshiki Hirano, Neale Marvin Jones, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20180183183
    Abstract: In general, embodiments of a bi-directional cable interconnect system are described. A connector bezel configured to guide engagement of a male mating connector of a cable with a female mating connector comprises a front plate having a main opening formed therein configured to allow passage of the male mating connector therethrough and a rear assembly attached to the front plate. The rear assembly comprises a plurality of walls forming a cable connector opening therethrough and a rear opening formed in the rear assembly configured to allow passage of the female mating connector therethrough. The cable connector opening is fluidly coupled with the main opening and with the rear opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Noah Kelly, Todd Christopher McNally, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 9938990
    Abstract: A compact back-flow stopper using an elastic flexure mechanism for a cooling fan is shown and described. The backflow stopper assembly comprises a frame configured to structurally support a fin array when coupled to a fan. The fin array comprises a plurality of flexural deformation elements and associated fin elements arrayed in a radial arrangement to establish a pathway for airflow, each of the flexural deformation elements configured to move an attached fin element responsive to airflow impacting the attached fin element. Flex limiter elements are coupled to the frame and configured to limit flexure of the fin elements beyond a predetermined flexure in relation to the frame to stop backflow of air through the fin array. A fan assembly with a backflow stopper is shown and described. Also, a data storage assembly using fan assemblies with backflow stoppers is also shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Darya Amin-Shahidi, Michael Stephen Bell, Toshiki Hirano, Neale Marvin Jones, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 9870804
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20160327062
    Abstract: A compact back-flow stopper using an elastic flexure mechanism for a cooling fan is shown and described. The backflow stopper assembly comprises a frame configured to structurally support a fin array when coupled to a fan. The fin array comprises a plurality of flexural deformation elements and associated fin elements arrayed in a radial arrangement to establish a pathway for airflow, each of the flexural deformation elements configured to move an attached fin element responsive to airflow impacting the attached fin element. Flex limiter elements are coupled to the frame and configured to limit flexure of the fin elements beyond a predetermined flexure in relation to the frame to stop backflow of air through the fin array. A fan assembly with a backflow stopper is shown and described. Also, a data storage assembly using fan assemblies with backflow stoppers is also shown and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Darya Amin-Shahidi, Michael Stephen Bell, Toshiki Hirano, Neale Marvin Jones, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20160219730
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 9361946
    Abstract: A vibration isolating hard disk drive carrier for isolating the transfer of vibration from one hard disk drive to another comprising a carrier body and one or more isolation hangers is disclosed. The carrier has a first surface configured to couple to inherent features of a first external surface of a hard disk drive, and a second surface configured to couple to inherent features of a second external surface hard disk drive. One or more isolation hangers configured to support the hard disk drive in a vertical orientation are coupled to the carrier body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Bell, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 9274571
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Glenn Douglas Albert, Michael Stephen Bell, David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 9247660
    Abstract: An isolator system for a segmented frame is provided. The isolator system in one example includes a riser block configured to be affixed in a riser aperture of the segmented frame, with the riser block including one or more damper receptacles and one or more corresponding central shafts extending up at least partially through the one or more damper receptacles, one or more elastomeric dampers comprising substantially cylindrical bodies and central bores extending partially through the bodies, with the one or more elastomeric dampers fitting over the one or more shafts and into the damper receptacles, with the one or more elastomeric dampers being formed of an at least partially elastomeric material, and one or more coil springs located over the one or more elastomeric dampers, wherein the one or more elastomeric dampers and the one or more coil springs compress in response to force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: HGST Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Bell, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20150380059
    Abstract: A vibration isolating hard disk drive carrier for isolating the transfer of vibration from one hard disk drive to another comprising a carrier body and one or more isolation hangers is disclosed. The carrier has a first surface configured to couple to inherent features of a first external surface of a hard disk drive, and a second surface configured to couple to inherent features of a second external surface hard disk drive. One or more isolation hangers configured to support the hard disk drive in a vertical orientation are coupled to the carrier body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Bell, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20150316964
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: HGST NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Glenn Douglas Albert, Michael Stephen Bell, David William Niss, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20150313028
    Abstract: An isolator system for a segmented frame is provided. The isolator system in one example includes a riser block configured to be affixed in a riser aperture of the segmented frame, with the riser block including one or more damper receptacles and one or more corresponding central shafts extending up at least partially through the one or more damper receptacles, one or more elastomeric dampers comprising substantially cylindrical bodies and central bores extending partially through the bodies, with the one or more elastomeric dampers fitting over the one or more shafts and into the damper receptacles, with the one or more elastomeric dampers being formed of an at least partially elastomeric material, and one or more coil springs located over the one or more elastomeric dampers, wherein the one or more elastomeric dampers and the one or more coil springs compress in response to force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: HGST NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Bell, Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Patent number: 8320116
    Abstract: A built-in dual purpose interposer device for a data storage device carrier mechanism is provided. The interposer device may fill empty or voided space in the carrier mechanism created when a data storage device is changed between a “direct plug” position, or first configuration, and an “interposer” position, or second configuration. The interposer device may be changed back and forth between the first and second configuration multiple times. When in the first configuration, the interposer device may provide structural support to a front end of the carrier mechanism and when in the second configuration, the interposer device may provide an internal mounting base for the data storage device at the base or bottom end of the carrier mechanism. The ability to interchange the interposer device may provide for a built-in base for attaching the interposer device without having to add in additional parts or costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sanmina-SCI Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Wilke
  • Publication number: 20110267764
    Abstract: A built-in dual purpose interposer device for a data storage device carrier mechanism is provided. The interposer device may fill empty or voided space in the carrier mechanism created when a data storage device is changed between a “direct plug” position, or first configuration, and an “interposer” position, or second configuration. The interposer device may be changed back and forth between the first and second configuration multiple times. When in the first configuration, the interposer device may provide structural support to a front end of the carrier mechanism and when in the second configuration, the interposer device may provide an internal mounting base for the data storage device at the base or bottom end of the carrier mechanism. The ability to interchange the interposer device may provide for a built-in base for attaching the interposer device without having to add in additional parts or costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SANMINA-SCI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Wilke