Norman K Watkins

Title: The Innovations of Norman K. Watkins

Introduction

Norman K. Watkins is a notable inventor based in Morgan Hills, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of disk drive technology, holding a total of 6 patents. His work has been instrumental in advancing the efficiency and functionality of disk drives.

Latest Patents

Watkins' latest patents include innovative designs that enhance the performance of disk drives. One of his notable inventions is a disk drive with a cover that includes a metal layer and a polymer layer. This design features a disk drive base, a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a head stack assembly adjacent to the disk surface. The cover, which encloses the disk and head stack assembly, incorporates a polymer layer feature that defines a cavity between the polymer and metal layers.

Another significant patent by Watkins is a disk drive with a cover that includes a formed-in-place gasket with a cross-sectional cavity. This invention features a disk drive base and a cover engaged with it, where the formed-in-place gasket is made of a cured elastomer. This gasket allows for compression upon engagement, improving the overall integrity of the disk drive.

Career Highlights

Watkins has built a successful career at Western Digital Technologies, Inc., where he has been able to apply his innovative ideas to real-world applications. His work has not only contributed to the company's success but has also set new standards in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Watkins has collaborated with talented individuals such as Wayne M. Yamada and Frederick J. Hanke. These collaborations have fostered an environment of creativity and innovation, leading to the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Conclusion

Norman K. Watkins is a distinguished inventor whose contributions to disk drive technology have made a lasting impact. His innovative patents and collaborative efforts continue to shape the future of the industry.