Abstract: A media separator plate is provided having a plate main body and a shroud. The plate main body has a continuous, non-interrupted inner circumference and a continuous, non-interrupted outer circumference. The plate main body extends from the inner circumference to the outer circumference and includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The shroud is integrally formed with at least a portion of the outer circumference of the plate main body. The shroud is configured to at least partially surround the plate main body. The shroud extends above the top surface of the plate main body, below the bottom surface of the plate main body and outwardly from the outer circumference of the plate main body.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides improved positional control for an access element moveable adjacent a rotatable surface, such as a data transducing head adjacent a data recording disc in a data storage device. The apparatus comprises a fluidic stripper with one or more cantilevered arms which project proximate a corresponding array of one or more rotatable surfaces. Each arm comprises an edge surface which extends proximate to and in facing relationship with a movement path of an access element across the associated rotatable surface to impede fluidic currents established by rotation of the rotatable surface. Each arm further supports a ramp structure which receivingly supports the access element at a position away from the rotatable surface and proximate the innermost diameter during a deactivated mode when the rotatable surface is stationary.

Abstract: A media separator plate is provided having a plate main body and a shroud. The plate main body has a continuous, non-interrupted inner circumference and a continuous, non-interrupted outer circumference. The plate main body extends from the inner circumference to the outer circumference and includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The shroud is integrally formed with at least a portion of the outer circumference of the plate main body. The shroud is configured to at least partially surround the plate main body. The shroud extends above the top surface of the plate main body, below the bottom surface of the plate main body and outwardly from the outer circumference of the plate main body.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides improved fluidic control includes a circumferentially extending windage plate adapted for placement adjacent a rotatable disc surface. The plate operates to direct fluidic currents established by rotation of the surface. One or more snubber members are supported by the plate to prevent localized contact between the plate and the surface as a result of deflection induced by application of a mechanical shock. Preferably, an access element is moveable along a movement path adjacent the rotatable surface. An air dam comprising a localized increased thickness portion of the plate at a leading or trailing edge of the plate preferably further directs the fluidic flow, and the snubber member-further prevents contact between the air dam and the rotatable surface. The rotatable surface preferably comprises a data recording surface and the access element preferably comprises a data transducing head.

Abstract: A limit stop filter support apparatus for use in controlling fluidic currents and limiting movement of an actuator within a housing, such as in a data storage device. First and second filter retention members extend from a filter support base to confine opposing ends of a filter used to filter fluidic currents within the housing, and a cantilevered limit stop extends from the base to contactingly limit movement of an actuator moveable within the housing. The limit stop preferably comprises a spring member supporting a latch member, the latch member selectively confining the actuator in a parked position. The first and second retention members each preferably include a shroud surface adjacent an outer peripheral edge of a rotatable storage medium to direct the fluidic currents established by rotation of the medium.