Abstract: A storage device testing system (100) includes at least one 310 robotic arm (200) defining a first axis (205) substantially normal to a 300 floor surface (10). The robotic arm is operable to rotate through a predetermined arc about and extend radially from the first axis. Multiple racks (300) are arranged around the robotic arm for servicing by the robotic arm. Each rack houses multiple test slots (310) that are each configured to receive a storage device transporter (550) configured to carry a storage device (500) for testing.

Abstract: A method of transferring storage devices within a storage device testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to substantially simultaneously retrieve multiple storage devices presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to substantially simultaneously deliver each retrieved storage device to a respective test slot of the storage device testing system and substantially simultaneously insert each storage device in the respective test slot.

Abstract: A method of supplying disk drives to a disk drive testing system includes placing a disk drive tote, carrying multiple disk drives, in a presentation position accessible to an automated transporter of the disk drive testing system. The method includes actuating the automated transporter to retrieve one of the disk drives from the disk drive tote, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the retrieved disk drive to a test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert the disk drive in the test slot.

Abstract: A method of controlling a temperature of a subject test slot in a cluster of test slots includes evaluating a request for a temperature change for the subject test slot to determine if sufficient power is available to achieve the requested temperature change, and inhibiting the requested temperature change unless or until sufficient power is determined to be available to achieve the requested temperature change.

Abstract: A storage device transporter includes a transporter body having first and second body portions. The first body portion is configured to be engaged by automated machinery for manipulation of the storage device transporter. The second body portion is configured to receive and support a storage device. The first body portion is configured to receive and direct an air flow over one or more surfaces of a storage device supported in the second body portion.

Abstract: A method of transferring disk drives within a disk drive testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to retrieve multiple disk drives presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver each retrieved disk drive to a respective test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert each disk drive in the respective test slot.

Abstract: A disk drive test slot thermal control system includes a test slot including a housing having an outer surface, an internal cavity defined by the housing and including a test compartment for receiving and supporting a disk drive transporter carrying a disk drive for testing, and an inlet aperture extending from the outer surface of the housing to the internal cavity. The disk drive test slot thermal control system also includes a cooling conduit, and a thermoelectric device mounted to the cooling conduit. The thermoelectric device is configured to cool or heat an air flow entering the internal cavity through the inlet aperture.

Abstract: A method of transferring disk drives within a disk drive testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to retrieve multiple disk drives presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver each retrieved disk drive to a respective test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert each disk drive in the respective test slot.

Abstract: A storage device testing system that includes a rack and a vibration management material. The rack includes at least one test slot that is configured to receive a storage device for testing. The test slot is substantially exposed to air on at least one side. The vibration management material is capable of absorbing and/or diffusing air-borne vibration. The vibration management material is disposed so as to attenuate air-borne vibration coupled to the test slot.

Abstract: A method of changing a composition and/or a density of gases inside of a hard disk drive. The method includes placing at least one tube into contact with an interior of a hard disk drive, and exchanging gases through the at least one tube. The exchange of gases occurs essentially simultaneously with another hard disk drive manufacturing process step.

Abstract: A method of supplying disk drives to a disk drive testing system includes placing a disk drive tote, carrying multiple disk drives, in a presentation position accessible to an automated transporter of the disk drive testing system. The method includes actuating the automated transporter to retrieve one of the disk drives from the disk drive tote, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the retrieved disk drive to a test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert the disk drive in the test slot.

Abstract: A storage device transfer station includes a first slot, a second slot, and a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly is configured to receive and support a plurality of storage devices such that the storage devices are vertically stacked and in spaced relation to each other. The conveyor assembly is operable to convey the storage devices between the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: A storage device transporter is provided for transporting a storage device and for mounting a storage device within a test slot. The storage device transporter includes a frame that is configured to receive and support a storage device, and a clamping mechanism associated with the frame. The clamping mechanism is operable to apply a clamping force to a storage device supported by the frame The storage device transporter also includes a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermocouple). The clamping mechanism is operable to move the temperature sensor into contact with a storage device supported by the frame for measuring a temperature of the storage device.

Abstract: A disk drive testing system includes at least one robotic arm defining a first axis substantially normal to a floor surface. The robotic arm is operable to rotate through a predetermined arc about and extend radially from the first axis. Multiple racks are arranged around the robotic arm for servicing by the robotic arm. Each rack houses multiple test slots that are each configured to receive a disk drive transporter configured to carry a disk drive for testing.

Abstract: A test rack for a storage device testing system includes a plurality of test slot carriers. Each of the test slot carriers includes a plurality of test slot assemblies. The test slot assemblies are configured to received and support storage devices for testing. The test rack also includes a chassis. The chassis includes a plurality of carrier receptacles for releasable receiving and supporting the test slot carriers. The test slot carriers are interchangeable with each other among the various carrier receptacles.

Abstract: A storage device testing system that includes at least one rack, test slots housed by each rack, and at least one air mover in pneumatic communication with the test slots. Each test slot includes a test slot housing having an entrance and an exit, with the entrance configured to receive a storage device. The at least one air mover is configured to move air exterior to the racks into the entrance of each test slot housing, over the received storage device, and out of the exit of each test slot housing.

Abstract: A method of transferring disk drives within a disk drive testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to retrieve multiple disk drives presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver each retrieved disk drive to a respective test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert each disk drive in the respective test slot.

Abstract: A storage device testing system includes one or more test racks, and one or more test slots housed by the one or more test racks, each test slot being configured to receive a storage device for testing. The storage device testing system also includes a transfer station for supplying storage devices to be tested. The one or more test racks and the transfer station at least partially define an operating area. The storage device testing system can also include automated machinery that is disposed within the operating area and is configured to transfer storage devices between the transfer station and the one or more test slots, and a cover at least partially enclosing the operating area, thereby at least partially inhibiting air exchange between the operating area and an environment surrounding the test racks.

Abstract: A test slot cooling system for a storage device testing system includes a storage device transporter having first and second portions. The first portion of the storage device transporter includes an air director and the second portion of the storage device transporter is configured to receive a storage device. The test slot cooling system includes a test slot housing defining an air entrance and a transporter opening for receiving the storage device transporter. The air entrance is in pneumatic communication with the air director of the received storage device transporter. The test slot cooling system also includes an air mover in pneumatic communication with the air entrance of the test slot housing for delivering air to the air director. The air director directs air substantially simultaneously over at least top and bottom surfaces of the storage device received in the storage device transporter.

Abstract: A method of supplying storage devices to a storage device testing system includes placing a storage device tote, carrying multiple storage devices, in a presentation position accessible to an automated transporter of the storage device testing system. The method includes actuating the automated transporter to retrieve one of the storage devices from the storage device tote, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the retrieved storage device to a test slot of the storage device testing system and insert the storage device in the test slot.