Abstract: A computer drive bay that accepts hard drive cartridges and has the ability for the user to select between identifying itself to the host computer as either a-removable media device or as a fixed disc to improve data backup operations.

Abstract: A desktop external drive that is configured to accept a removable disc drive cartridge with the direction of insertion in the vertical orientation such that the narrow edge of both the disc drive cartridge and desktop external drive are oriented towards the user.

Abstract: An actuator pivot assembly in a data storage device includes a base, a cover attached to the base, and a shaft mounted on the base and extending upward into a hole defined by the cover. A sheet on top of the cover spans the hole, and an adhesive layer beneath the sheet adheres the sheet to the cover and to the shaft, thereby securing the actuator shaft to the cover, damping vibrations in the actuator pivot assembly, and sealing the hole defined by the cover. These functions are performed while saving space, reducing costs and simplifying assembly of the data storage device.

Abstract: An actuator pivot assembly in a data storage device includes a base, a cover attached to the base, and a shaft mounted on the base and extending upward into a hole defined by the cover. A sheet on top of the cover spans the hole, and an adhesive layer beneath the sheet adheres the sheet to the cover and to the shaft, thereby securing the actuator shaft to the cover, damping vibrations in the actuator pivot assembly, and sealing the hole defined by the cover. These functions are performed while saving space, reducing costs and simplifying assembly of the data storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a solderless electrical connection between a plurality of electrical contact pads on a disc drive printed circuit board (disc drive PCB) and a plurality of electrical contact pads on a external printed circuit board (external PCB). The apparatus and method involve or include a connector which is operable for mounting directly on the disc drive PCB. The connector preferably includes a plurality of electrically conductive pins operable for simultaneously connecting the contact pads on the disc drive PCB to the contact pads on the external PCB when the connector is mounted to the disc drive PCB and the disc drive is mounted to the external PCB.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method and apparatus for coupling a disc to a hub, so as to dampen radial vibrations of the disc. A hub rotates and is coupled to a magnetically encodable disc via a flexible joint. The flexible joint may be made out of a viscoelatic adhesive. There exists no rigid coupling between the disc and the hub, meaning that radial vibrations of the hub result in compression or decompression of the flexible joint, rather than in translation of the disc. The disc may be coupled to the hub by applying a viscoelastic adhesive to a hub, and applying a disc to the viscoelastic adhesive without otherwise rigidly coupling the disc to the hub.