IP Library Granted Patent US 8,141,236
Granted Patent B2
US 8,141,236 · App. 12/004,666 · Granted Mar 27, 2012

Ganged removal of component device cover screws

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,141,236
App. No.
12/004,666
Granted
Mar 27, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

An apparatus for removal of retentive mechanisms retaining a cover of a component device. The apparatus includes a structure. The apparatus also includes a component device positioner coupled to the structure. The apparatus additionally includes a plurality of retentive mechanism removers coupled with the structure. Each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers are configured for interoperability with each retention mechanism retaining a cover of a component device having a plurality of retention mechanisms disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a drive mechanism that is coupled with the structure. The drive mechanism is for rotation of each of the plurality of retentive mechanism removers, causing removal of each retention mechanism retaining the cover of the component device.

Claims (24)

1. An apparatus for removal of retentive mechanisms retaining a cover of a component device, said apparatus comprising:

a structure including a particulate matter evacuating device and coupled with said structure;

a component device positioner coupled to said structure;

a plurality of retentive mechanism removers coupled with said structure, wherein each of said plurality of retentive mechanism removers are configured for interoperability with each retention mechanism retaining a cover of a component device having a plurality of retention mechanisms disposed therein; and

a drive mechanism, coupled with said structure, for rotation of each of said plurality of retentive mechanism removers, causing removal of said each retention mechanism retaining a cover of said component device.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said particulate matter evacuating device is coupled to each of said plurality of retentive mechanism removers.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising an elevating mechanism for orienting said plurality of retentive mechanism removers in an engagement position.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a bit sensor coupled with each of said plurality of retentive mechanism removers.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said bit sensor detects engagement of each of said plurality of retention mechanism removers with each of said plurality of retentive mechanism removers disposed in said component device.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said bit sensor causes synchronous rotation of each of said plurality of retentive mechanism removers, said synchronous rotation subsequent to engagement detection.

7. A system for cover screw removal comprising:

means for retaining a component device in an apparatus and upon which a cover screw removal process is to be performed;

means for engaging a plurality of drive bits with a plurality of cover screws of said component device, said means for engaging coupled with said apparatus; and

means for rotating said plurality of drive bits subsequent to said engaging, said means for rotating coupled with said apparatus.

8. The system as recited in claim 7 further comprising:

means for removing particulate matter, said means for removing coupled with said apparatus.

9. The system as recited in claim 7 further comprising:

means for coupling each drive bit with said means for removing.

10. The system as recited in claim 7 further comprising:

means for detecting engagement of each drive bit in said plurality of drive bits with said plurality of cover screws of said component device, said means for detecting coupled with said means for engaging.

11. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein said means for rotating further comprising:

means for synchronous rotation of each drive bit in said plurality of drive bits.

12. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein said means for retaining further comprises:

means for alleviating opposing force generated during rotation of said plurality of cover screw during said removal.

Assignments (6)
PATENT COLLATERAL AGREEMENT - DDTL LOAN AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 21, 2023
From: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 067045/0156 →
PATENT COLLATERAL AGREEMENT - A&R LOAN AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 21, 2023
From: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 064715/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST AT REEL 052915 FRAME 0566 Recorded Feb 8, 2022
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 059127/0001 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 6, 2020
From: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 052915/0566 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 6, 2016
From: HGST NETHERLANDS B.V.
To: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 040826/0821 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Oct 25, 2012
From: HITACHI GLOBAL STORAGE TECHNOLOGIES NETHERLANDS B.V.
To: HGST NETHERLANDS B.V.
Reel/Frame 029341/0777 →