Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ramp load disc drive storage system having improved loading performance and a reduced likelihood of failure due to stiction and damage caused by contact between a slider and a disc surface during ramp load operations. The slider generally includes wear-resistive pads which allow for improved loading performance and reduce stiction between the slider and a disc surface. The pads also allow the ramp load disc drive storage system to be operated in a ramp load/unload mode or a contact start/stop mode. Additionally, a method of operating a ramp load disc drive is provided where the slider is loaded above a disc surface from a ramp prior to the disc reaching a full operating speed.

Abstract: A combination magnetic disk storage device and filter system for internally recirculating filtered air and reducing foreign particle contamination in the shroud area of a magnetic disk unit. The storage device and system having an air filter placed between an enclosed fixed disk and a removable disk received in a disk cartridge. By spinning the disks for a predetermined time prior to using the disk drive unit, the disks coact with the filter in circulating and filtering the air in the disk housing and the disk enclosures to substantially reduce the particle count to prevent read-write head crashes.

Abstract: An improvement to allow easier detaching of a disk memory module from its magnetic attachment to the spindle of a front loading disk drive. In one such type of drive, manually pulling a door open actuates a track-mounted carrier which lifts the disk module from the spindle, breaking the magnetic attraction between them, and transporting the module to the open door for manual removal. To reduce the force necessary to break the magnetic attraction, this invention employs an actuator fixed to the carrier which engages a crank mechanism when the carrier is being pulled to the opening. The crank mechanism pushes against the underside of the module and assists its breaking loose from the spindle. A spring holds the crank assembly in position to re-engage the actuator when the carrier is in the module-detached position.