Abstract: A base support member for a disc drive is provided. The base support member includes a disc support cavity configured to house and support a spinning disc, and a filter support cavity configured to house and support a filter. The base support member also includes at least one surface that defines an airborne filtering channel that is generally disposed within the filter support cavity of the base support member. The airborne filtering channel has an inlet opening positioned in a first location proximate the disc support cavity and an outlet opening positioned in a second location proximate the disc support cavity. The airborne filtering channel is configured to receive a flow of air from the spinning disc at the inlet opening, pass the flow of air through the filter cavity and to discharge the flow of air at the outlet opening.

Abstract: A base support member for a disc drive is provided. The base support member includes a disc support cavity configured to house and support a spinning disc, and a filter support cavity configured to house and support a filter. The base support member also includes at least one surface that defines an airborne filtering channel that is generally disposed within the filter support cavity of the base support member. The airborne filtering channel has an inlet opening positioned in a first location proximate the disc support cavity and an outlet opening positioned in a second location proximate the disc support cavity. The airborne filtering channel is configured to receive a flow of air from the spinning disc at the inlet opening, pass the flow of air through the filter cavity and to discharge the flow of air at the outlet opening.

Abstract: A mechanism for receiving, cradling, and loading, under force, a disk drive cartridge onto the drives spindle is disclosed. The mechanism has an U-shaped cradle, a transverse yoke, and a centrally mounted nub for applying downward pressure on the cartridge. A lever, actuated by motion of the drive's door, moves the cradle/yoke combination in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A pressurized seal which comprises the interface between a disk drive spindle housing and a disk cartridge housing whereby dirty, unfiltered air is prevented from entering the disk area of the cartridge when mounted on the disk drive. The seal is comprised of an annular stop having three channels. An inner channel has mounted therein a circular cross-sectioned, flexible tube running the length of the channel. A intermediate channel connects to a source of pressurized filtered air. An outer ring mounts a flap seal which is forced against the cartridge housing by the pressurized filtered air.