Abstract: A data storage disk drive is provided with a spindle which supports a plurality of disks having at least one magnetic disk surface to form a spindle assembly for rotation of the disk surfaces about a common axis and a rotary actuator which supports magnetic transducers for movement in unison about respective disk surfaces. The disk drive includes a voltage reference tab provided for quick assembly and removal from an actuator comb. The voltage reference tab maintains the magneto-resistive transducers and the magnetic disks at the same reference voltage potential thus minimizing electrical discharge from the transducer to the disk. The voltage reference tab is a copper tab having symmetrical slots about a fastening hole to facilitate the bending operation and to reduce the rate at which heat is conducted during the soldering process. The tab maintains the voltage reference potential between the head and disk through an extension of the flex cable attached to the actuator.

Abstract: A bearing seal assembly for an oscillating actuator, comprises an outer bearing raceway, an inner bearing raceway mounted concentric with the outer raceway, and an annular deformable liquid impermeable membrane having an axial length of not more than one tenth the radius thereof, an inner peripheral edge sealingly secured to the inner bearing raceway, and an outer peripheral edge sealingly secured to the outer raceway for enabling limited relative rotation between the inner raceway and the outer raceway with minimum axial distortion of said membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane is stretched to eliminate surface distortion under torsional stress. Another embodiment illustrates waves molded into the membrane for reducing torsional forces.

Abstract: A lubricant reservoir for a vapor transport type rigid magnetic disk drive lubricant system includes a metal heat sink that presents a finned surface at the side exposed to the outside environment. A second surface within the sealed head-disk enclosure cooperates with a thermal heat transfer resisting wall portion to form a duct. A lubricant reservoir is retained against the heat sink surface within the duct. The reservoir assembly is secured to the head-disk enclosure wall by mounting tape that not only seals the enclosure, but thermally isolates the reservoir assembly from the enclosure wall.

Abstract: The magnetic disk drive chemical breather filter of the present invention affords protection with respect to chemical vapors and gases in addition to trapping particulate pollutants. The chemical filter as described, protects against both organic vapors and inorganic gases. In addition particulate filters are interposed between the chemical filters and both the exterior atmosphere and internal atmosphere. The combined filter is isolated from both external and internal atmosphere by extended length diffusion passages. Both difffusion passages are composed of multiple parallel paths to prevent the blockage of any single path from impairing the functioning of the filter. Chambers formed at each side of the combined filter medium and access thereto by the diffusion passages at the center of one chamber and the periphery of the other enables the length of the air passage through the filter medium to be equal irrespective of the portion of the filter through which the air flow passes.

Abstract: A cartridge filter for an enclosed magnetic disk drive is disclosed which includes a dual media drum type filter element in a recirculating filter assembly that surrounds the breather filter and delivers air from the periphery of the disk stack to the axial entry of the ventilated disk spindle assembly. The cartridge provides an extended media surface within a compact space for frequent cycling of the enclosed air volume through the filter.

Abstract: A flexible magnetic recording disk is nonremovably enclosed in a rigid jacket. A wall of the rigid jacket includes a movable wall-piece which operates as a disk cleaning member. The disk is clamped to a spindle/collet drive assembly while the disk cleaning member is spaced from the adjacent surface of the disk. Only after clamping has been accomplished is the disk subjected to the friction force of the cleaning member.

Abstract: Shown and described is a recirculating air system for a disk drive assembly wherein air moves radially over the disk surfaces, over the transducer carriage at an increased velocity, past the actuator mechanism and through a filter before recirculation is induced by the hub assembly on which the disks are mounted and which functions also as an impeller. The hub-disk assembly also forms an integral part of the drive motor rotor assembly. Also, a breather filter and breather opening communicate with the recirculating air path at the low pressure location of the recirculating path to assure that air entering the system passes through the breather filter.