Abstract: A disc drive is disclosed which has a means for drawing a vacuum within the head disc assembly to reduce windage drag and reduce drive motor power consumption. The drive preferably has an internal air pump which includes an impeller disc fastened to the drive motor spindle within the head disc assembly and a stationary seal plate over the impeller disc which is fastened to the base plate and which prevents short cycling of the air. The base plate has a passage therethrough that communicates with an area adjacent a peripheral portion of the impeller disc. The impeller draws air from within the head disc assembly to the area adjacent the peripheral portion of the impeller disc and through the passage out of the head disc assembly to maintain a vacuum around the data storage disc within the head disc assembly during drive operation.

Abstract: A data storage system includes a housing which defines an interior environment. At least one data storage disc is disposed within the housing interior. At least one head is supported adjacent the data storage disc within the housing interior. In addition, the rotor of a disc motor is disposed within the housing interior, wherein the rotor has a capability of outgassing vaporized contaminant within the housing interior environment. A receptacle is located within the housing interior, in air-flow communication with the disc motor rotor. A packet containing contaminant absorbent and/or absorbent material disposed within the receptacle. The packet includes an outer skin of porous material and contains an activated carbon material capable of absorbing vaporized motor oil.

Abstract: A system for cleaning disc drive components includes a rotary support member for receiving an assembled disc drive component. A rotary drive motor is coupled to the rotary support member for rotating the rotary support member and disc drive motor supported thereon together at a rotation speed to impart a centrifugal force on any excess lubricant contained by the disc drive motor of sufficient magnitude to draw the excess lubricant from the disc drive motor. The system may also or alternatively include an enclosure defining an interior having an oxygen-containing environment. A support platform is disposed within the oxygen-containing environment of the interior of the enclosure, for supporting a disc drive component within the oxygen-containing environment of the enclosure, for example, after the component is removed from the rotary support member.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention are directed to a disc drive assembly having a housing including a base section and a top section, wherein the base section and the top section mate to form an internal environment. The disc drive assembly further includes a hub assembly motor having a hub, wherein the hub is a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end and wherein the first end is tapered. The hub is further capable of supporting a storage data disc. Additionally, in preferred embodiments, at least one head capable of reading the data storage disc disposed within the internal environment of the housing.

Abstract: A system for cleaning disc drive components includes a rotary support member for receiving an assembled disc drive component. A rotary drive motor is coupled to the rotary support member for rotating the rotary support member and disc drive motor supported thereon together at a rotation speed to impart a centrifugal force on any excess lubricant contained by the disc drive motor of sufficient magnitude to draw the excess lubricant from the disc drive motor. The system may also or alternatively include an enclosure defining an interior having an oxygen-containing environment. A support platform is disposed within the oxygen-containing environment of the interior of the enclosure, for supporting a disc drive component within the oxygen-containing environment of the enclosure, for example, after the component is removed from the rotary support member.