Abstract: A removable tool for reducing contamination in a cleanroom assembly environment during assembly of a hard disk drive may include a handle assembly and a positive locking assembly. The handle assembly may define a proximal and distal end such that, in use, the proximal end is further away from the hard disk drive being assembled than is the distal end. The positive locking assembly may be configured to lock onto a portion of an upper perimeter of a Motor Base Assembly (MBA) of a hard disk drive and onto a corresponding portion of a lower perimeter of the MBA. The handle assembly and the positive locking assembly may be further configured to enable free access to an interior of the MBA during subsequent assembly steps. The positive locking assembly may be further configured to be selectively releasable without touching the MBA, to thereby enable the removal of the tool.

Abstract: A removable tool for reducing contamination in a cleanroom assembly environment during assembly of a hard disk drive may include a handle assembly and a positive locking assembly. The handle assembly may define a proximal and distal end such that, in use, the proximal end is further away from the hard disk drive being assembled than is the distal end. The positive locking assembly may be configured to lock onto a portion of an upper perimeter of a Motor Base Assembly (MBA) of a hard disk drive and onto a corresponding portion of a lower perimeter of the MBA. The handle assembly and the positive locking assembly may be further configured to enable free access to an interior of the MBA during subsequent assembly steps. The positive locking assembly may be further configured to be selectively releasable without touching the MBA, to thereby enable the removal of the tool.

Abstract: A novel disk drive includes a top cover having a plurality of integral anchor tabs extending towards a disk drive base. Each of the plurality of anchor tabs includes a hooking surface that faces the top cover. The disk drive base includes a plurality of retention cavities, each of the retention cavities including a catching surface that faces away from the top cover. Each of the plurality of anchor tabs protrudes into a respective one of the plurality of retention cavities, and may be deformed so that the hooking surface of the anchor tab is in contact with the catching surface of the retention cavity.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a base, and a spindle motor coupled to the base. The spindle motor includes a hub defining an axis of rotation. The disk drive further includes a disk disposed about the hub and including a disk inner diameter biased against the hub at a contact location of the hub. The disk drive further includes a balancing element including a cylindrical portion disposed about the hub. The balancing element further includes a first cavity defining a first cavity centroid disposed on a same side of the axis of rotation as the contact location, and a second cavity defining a second cavity centroid disposed on a side of the axis of rotation opposite the first cavity centroid. The second cavity centroid is spaced apart from the first cavity centroid in a direction along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for particle monitoring for a head disk assembly (HDA) to detect a head disk interface (HDI) event. A particle monitoring system includes a particle detector, an air sampling device, and a computer. The air sampling device is coupled to and in fluid communication with the particle detector. The air sampling device extends into the HDA to obtain an air sample. The particle detector is used to detect particles contained in the air sample. The computer is coupled to the particle detector and is configured to: monitor the particles detected by the particle detector; and declare an HDI event if the particles detected in the air sample match a pre-defined characteristic.

Abstract: A disk drive head disk assembly having a compact configuration includes an actuator assembly mounted to a base plate through a three point mounting system. The actuator includes a voice coil which engages a magnet assembly having an integrated latch/magnet spacer including a fixed magnetic latch and cantilevered beam crash stop. A magnetic latch pin assembly mounted to the voice coil engages a permanent magnet employed in the fixed magnetic latch. The latch pin assembly includes a movable latch pin which has a degree of lateral movement which allows the latch pin to release from the permanent magnet with a consistent force.

Abstract: A disk drive head disk assembly having a compact configuration includes an actuator assembly mounted to a base plate through a three point mounting system. The actuator includes a voice coil which engages a magnet assembly having an integrated latch/magnet spacer including a fixed magnetic latch and cantilevered beam crash stop. A single piece tape seal having a thick adhesive formed on a tape substrate encompasses the junction between the base and cover of the head disk assembly providing a substantially airtight seal to thereby maintain a desired clean environment within the disk drive.

Abstract: A portable hard disk drive module enclosing all of the operative components of the disk drive is removably received by a receptacle in a microcomputer system. The disk drive module and the receptacle each have an electrical connector and these connectors are coupled when the module is in an operating position within the receptacle. The connectors comprise the sole interface between the operative components of the disk drive and the remainder of the computer system. The receptacle includes a transport mechanism for moving the module from a load position to the operating position and from the operating position to a module unload position. Accordingly, movement of the module between these positions in the receptacle is completely under machine control.

Abstract: A magnetic tape storage and drive apparatus in which the tape stored in the cartridge has a ferrule means attached to the lead end of the tape. The associated drive means includes a leader and threading apparatus for the tape and is used with a pair of spherical recording heads and pressure pads to eliminate the need for accurate tape tension control means.

Abstract: The apparatus and method herein disclosed is to permit modular mounting and packaging of a plurality of data processing devices of different configurations and functions in a standardized wall-like reticulated structure.This structure (10) has front and rear panels (12, 14) containing a plurality of identically configured apertures (11, 13). Covers (22, 23) configured to suit the different functions of the respective devices (17, 18) enclose protruding portions of such devices; but all such covers have identical peripheral dimensions conforming to but somewhat larger than that of the identically configured apertures so that any of the different devices may be mounted in any one of the apertures in the structure. The structures may be arranged in in line or staggered relation or at right angles to form a variety of configurations, but each structure is preferably connected to a respective support panel to provide a T-shaped free standing entity of high stability.