Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising at least one head configured to access a magnetic tape. A plurality of access commands are stored in a command queue, and a wear value is generated for each access command in the command queue, wherein the wear value represents a level of wear on the head or magnetic tape associated with executing the access command. An execution order for the access commands is generated based on the wear values, and at least one of the access commands is executed based on the execution order.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing secure access to a data storage device. A user may move the data storage device (e.g., wave, twist, etc.). The data storage device may determine whether the motions valid and may allow access to the data storage device (e.g., to non-volatile memory of the data storage device) when the motions are valid.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising at least one head configured to access a magnetic tape. A plurality of access commands are stored in a command queue, and a wear value is generated for each access command in the command queue, wherein the wear value represents a level of wear on the head or magnetic tape associated with executing the access command. An execution order for the access commands is generated based on the wear values, and at least one of the access commands is executed based on the execution order.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing secure access to a data storage device. A user may provide tap inputs, such as taps or knocks, on an enclosure of the data storage device. The data storage device may determine whether the tap inputs are valid and may allow access to the data storage device (e.g., to non-volatile memory of the data storage device) when the tap inputs are valid.

Abstract: A tape embedded drive can include tape media for storing data, a first tape reel and a second tape reel, each coupled to one end of the tape media, and a head stack assembly (HSA). The HSA can include a first head assembly having at least one read head and one write head and a second head assembly having a non-operable head incapable of reading or writing. In an embodiment, the first head assembly is configured to be placed along a first side of the tape media and the second head assembly with the non-operable head is configured to be placed along a second side of the tape media opposite the first side of the tape media.

Abstract: A storage system can include a first tape storage drive (TSD), a second TSD, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) where the first and second TSD are coupled back-to-back, with the PCBA between the two. The first TSD can include a first enclosure, a first head assembly, a first actuator, and a first connector. The second TSD can include a second enclosure, a second head assembly, a second actuator, and a second connector. The PCBA can include a first side having a first mating connector configured to connect to the first connector for the first TSD, a second side opposite the first side, the second side having a second mating connector configured to connect to the second connector for the second TSD, and a controller configured to control activation of the first actuator of the first TSD and the second actuator of the second TSD.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing secure access to a data storage device. A user may move the data storage device (e.g., wave, twist, etc.). The data storage device may determine whether the motions valid and may allow access to the data storage device (e.g., to non-volatile memory of the data storage device) when the motions are valid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing secure access to a data storage device. A user may provide tap inputs, such as taps or knocks, on an enclosure of the data storage device. The data storage device may determine whether the tap inputs are valid and may allow access to the data storage device (e.g., to non-volatile memory of the data storage device) when the tap inputs are valid.

Abstract: A hand held data storage apparatus includes a disk-based storage device, an interface configured for data transfer with the storage device, and an enclosure that encapsulates the storage device and the interface, wherein the enclosure is configured with a rectangular mobile phone form factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for managing distributed data storage. A data storage device is configured to operate in at least two modes of operation, including a first mode, in which the data storage device may sync a file directory with a corresponding file directory of a separate data storage device when the data storage devices are connected over a broadcast connection in a first local area network (LAN). In a second mode of operation, the data storage device may connect to a host device over a dedicated point-to-point connection over a second LAN when the data storage device is not connected to the first LAN.

Abstract: An adapter or Data Storage Device (DSD) communicates with a Single Board Computer (SBC). SBC interface circuitry of the adapter or DSD is configured to provide power to the SBC and to send data to and receive data from the SBC. In the case of an adapter, an SBC connector of the SBC interface circuitry is configured to physically contact the SBC when the SBC is connected to the adapter through the SBC connector.

Abstract: A communications cable including a first communications interface configured to be connected to a storage device, a second communications interface configured to receive data and power, a wireless access module configured to be powered by the power received by the second communications interface and to enable wireless access of the storage device, and a cable unit including one or more cables and configured to connect the wireless access module to the first communications interface and the second communications interface, and the first communications interface to the second communications interface.

Abstract: A voice coil for a disk drive includes a spiral formation of winding of an electrically conductive material. This formation has a generally triangular shape with an open center. First and second active leg portions of the formation curve inward of it, and an inactive leg portion curves outward of it. The cross-sectional area of the coil varies along its length with the segments in the inactive leg portion having a smaller cross-sectional area than those of the active leg portions. The voice coil is a laminate with the conductive layer disposed between two electrically insulating layers. It lies fixedly secured to a surface of a base member of the disk drive's actuator. The method of making this laminate includes securing the conductive layer to an insulating layer, removing selected portions of the conductive layer to form the coil, and covering the conductive layer with another insulating layer.

Abstract: An actuator arm assembly for a disk drive is disclosed. The actuator arm assembly includes at least two actuator arms, each having a corresponding suspension and read/write head. A one-piece flex cable is attached to the upper or lower surface of each of these actuator arms, and includes at least one preamp. The flex cable provides an electrical interconnection between the read/write heads of these two actuator arms and a drive electronics board. Both of these actuator arms may be detachably interconnected with a spacer via at least one snap-lock type interconnection to allow for a “no tools” assembly/disassembly of the actuator arm assembly.

Abstract: A disk drive includes an actuator with a shaft and a base with a sleeve that receives the shaft and includes as least one bearing. The shaft extends into the sleeve and through the bearing where it supports the actuator and allows it to pivot in response to electro-magnetic forces. The shaft defines at least one opening for aligning a main body of the actuator together with the shaft and facilitating attachment of the two in proper and secure alignment.

Abstract: An actuator arm for a disk drive includes a flat sheet of material having a predetermined configuration. This arm lies pivotally mounted to a base of the disk drive; and it supports a coil assembly and cable segments as well as other components such as a pre-amp and a damper. The method of making this actuator arm includes the steps of cutting a flat sheet of material to a predetermined configuration and then securing the various components to it.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a base, an actuator pivotally mounted on the base, a motor and a hub for supporting the disk or disks of the drive. A rotatable member disposed on the base includes a latch that cooperates with a hook on the actuator and a magnet that cooperates with a ferromagnetic segment disposed between the rotatable member and the motor. When the motor does not operate, this rotatable member moves to a predetermined position in which the latch engages a hook portion on the actuator. When the motor does operate, the magnetic field that it generates overcomes the force of the magnet and allows the rotatable member to move out of the locking position.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading air-bearing sliders relative to their respective disk surfaces in a data recording disk file includes an elongated rod mounted on the disk file actuator arm for flexing the suspensions and attached sliders away from their respective disk surfaces. The elongated rod is located in the central longitudinal openings of the actuator arm and is movable to a first position by means of a lever when the lever is contacted by a rotatable cam supported on the disk file frame. When the cam is rotated out of engagement with the lever, a spring forces the rod out of engagement with the suspensions, thereby permitting the suspensions to act in the conventional manner to bias the sliders toward their respective disk surfaces. The sliders are thus only loaded and unloaded relative to the disk surfaces when the disks are rotating at a speed sufficient to prevent the sliders from sticking to the disk surfaces.