Abstract: A system includes at least two discs that rotate about a central axis. The system also includes an actuator mechanism that is configured to position transducing heads and at least one filter disposed between two discs to filter airflow.

Abstract: An integrated filter for a disk drive includes a recirculation filter, a chemical filter, and a breather filter within a single filter cartridge. The filter are mounted within a support structure that is adapted for easy insertion into a disk drive. The support structure includes a base portion that fits within a recessed pocket in a baseplate of the disk drive. The disk drive includes structures for channeling air flow into the integrated filter structure during disk drive operation.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus is which includes an improved disk clamp/drive spindle interface. Axial positioning of the disk clamp on the drive spindle is restrainably maintained so that an outer peripheral surface of the disk clamp applies a clamping force to one or more storage disks. In one embodiment, the top end of a drive spindle is provided with a plurality of outwardly extending tabs. Correspondingly, a disk clamp is provided with a plurality of tabs which extend inwardly at a central aperture. The disk clamp tabs and drive spindle tabs are provided so that the disk clamp may be axially advanced about the drive spindle during assembly with the disk clamp tabs passing between drive spindle tabs. In conjunction with such assembly, the disk clamp may be deflected or bowed, toward the spindle center axis via the application of a loading force (e.g. by employing an assembly tool that deflects and maintains deflection of the disk clamp during assembly).

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus is which comprises an improved disk clamp/drive spindle interface. Axial positioning of the disk clamp on the drive spindle is restrainably maintained so that an outer peripheral surface of the disk clamp applies a clamping force to one or more storage disks. In one embodiment, the top end of a drive spindle is provided with a plurality of outwardly extending tabs. Correspondingly, a disk clamp is provided with a plurality of tabs which extend inwardly at a central aperture. The disk clamp tabs and drive spindle tabs are provided so that the disk clamp may be axially advanced about the drive spindle during assembly with the disk clamp tabs passing between drive spindle tabs. In conjunction with such assembly, the disk clamp may be deflected or bowed, toward the spindle center axis via the application of a loading force (e.g. by employing an assembly tool that deflects and maintains deflection of the disk clamp during assembly).

Abstract: An integrated filter for a disk drive includes a recirculation filter element, a chemical filter element, and a breather filter element within a single filter cartridge. The filter elements are mounted within a support structure that is adapted for easy insertion into a disk drive. The support structure includes a base portion that fits within a recessed pocket in a baseplate of the disk drive. The disk drive includes structures for channeling air flow into the integrated filter structure during disk drive operation.

Abstract: A recirculation filter is optimally placed within a disk drive to achieve enhanced filtration performance. The recirculation filter is located in a corner of the disk drive proximate to the pivot point of the actuator arm assembly. In a preferred embodiment, air flowing through the recirculation filter then travels through the voice coil motor, providing a source of clean air for cooling the VCM during disk drive operation.