Abstract: An expandable and collapsible peripheral device is disclosed, along with methods of manufacturing same. When in an expanded state, the peripheral device may have a length which conforms to the ExpressCard standard, and when in a collapsed state, the peripheral device may have a form factor approximating that of a CompactFlash card. Peripheral devices of the present invention may operate according to standards other than the ExpressCard standard, and may have sizes in the expanded and collapsed positions unrelated to ExpressCards and/or CompactFlash cards.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to transfer specific data files from a disc drive storage system to an output device such as a printer. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a transfer protocol that determines the files stored from a peripheral device and sent to the output device. In another aspect, the transfer program compares the files sent to the output device to a file structure stored on the disc drive and presents the unsent files to the output device for processing.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to transfer data from a peripheral device directly to a disc drive storage system. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a transfer protocol that determines the types, sizes and data location structure for each file. In another aspect, the disc drive includes a file allocation table that stores the file location for the peripheral devices on the disc drive to increase the file transfer efficiency and speed.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to defragment data on a disc drive storage system by optimizing the available physical block address on a media into one or more contiguous physical block addresses then storing the fragmented data into the one or more contiguous block address. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a reserved area on the media to hold fragmented files during the defragmentation process. In another aspect, sectors of the media having faster access time are used to store defragmented files that have a higher incidence of access relative to other files on the media.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to optimize the location of data on a disc drive storage system by optimizing the physical location of the file to allow the read ahead memory cache to operate more efficiently. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a reserved area on the media to hold files during the optimization process. In another aspect, the drive includes an optimization table that stores optimized file access data to further enhance the drive performance.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically isolating an excitation source, such as a disc drive spindle motor, to reduce the generation of acoustic noise by and to suppress the effects of external mechanical shocks upon a disc drive. The disc drive includes a base deck having a central opening, the central opening having an interior surface. A mechanical isolator formed by an annular ring of compliant material is disposed within the central opening of the base portion so that an exterior surface of the mechanical isolator is connected to the interior surface of the central opening in the base portion. The mechanical isolator further includes a central opening having an interior surface to which an exterior surface of an inner support portion is attached, the inner support portion supporting the excitation source. The mechanical isolator serves to isolate the inner support portion from the base portion of the base deck, damping the transfer of mechanical energy between the base portion and the support portion.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to transfer data from a peripheral device directly to a disc drive storage system. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a transfer protocol that determines the types, sizes and data location structure for each file. In another aspect, the disc drive includes a file allocation table that stores the file location for the peripheral devices on the disc drive to increase the file transfer efficiency and speed.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to transfer specific data files from a disc drive storage system to an output device such as a printer. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a transfer protocol that determines the files stored from a peripheral device and sent to the output device. In another aspect, the transfer program compares the files sent to the output device to a file structure stored on the disc drive and presents the unsent files to the output device for processing.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to optimize the location of data on a disc drive storage system by optimizing the physical location of the file to allow the read ahead memory cache to operate more efficiently. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a reserved area on the media to hold files during the optimization process. In another aspect, the drive includes an optimization table that stores optimized file access data to further enhance the drive performance.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus to defragment data on a disc drive storage system by optimizing the available physical block address on a media into one or more contiguous physical block addresses then storing the fragmented data into the one or more contiguous block address. In one aspect, the disc drive uses a reserved area on the media to hold fragmented files during the defragmentation process. In another aspect, sectors of the media having faster access time are used to store defragmented files that have a higher incidence of access relative to other files on the media.