Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving particulate sampling. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a flow direction structure, a flow sampler and a particle collector having a collecting surface. The flow direction structure has interior sidewalls that direct the flow of particulate-laden gas along a flow path. The flow sampler is located in the flow path within the interior sidewalls, and operates with the flow direction structure to sample a portion of the particulate-laden gas at a reduced velocity, while allowing another portion of the particulate-laden gas to exhaust around the flow sampler. The flow sampler operates with the particle collector to direct the sampled portion of the particulate-laden gas to the collecting surface, and to adhere particulates from the particulate-laden gas to the collecting surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving filters and detection of operation thereof. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a fixture having mechanical components that hold a filter. Gas flow componentry operates with the fixture to eject particles from the filter by subjecting the filter to gas flow. A flow metering circuit meters the gas flow, and a particulate counter detects the ejected particles.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving particulate sampling. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a flow direction structure, a flow sampler and a particle collector having a collecting surface. The flow direction structure has interior sidewalls that direct the flow of particulate-laden gas along a flow path. The flow sampler is located in the flow path within the interior sidewalls, and operates with the flow direction structure to sample a portion of the particulate-laden gas at a reduced velocity, while allowing another portion of the particulate-laden gas to exhaust around the flow sampler. The flow sampler operates with the particle collector to direct the sampled portion of the particulate-laden gas to the collecting surface, and to adhere particulates from the particulate-laden gas to the collecting surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving filters and detection of operation thereof. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a fixture having mechanical components that hold a filter. Gas flow componentry operates with the fixture to eject particles from the filter by subjecting the filter to gas flow. A flow metering circuit meters the gas flow, and a particulate counter detects the ejected particles.

Abstract: A particle purge system purges particles from an electronic device. The electronic device is inverted and secured to an interface plate included with the system. A clean purge fluid is injected into an inlet of the interface plate to release and remove particles in the electronic device. The particle purge system agitates the electronic device to enhance the release of particles from components in the electronic device into the purge fluid. At least a portion of the purge fluid that contains the released particles is exhausted through an outlet in the interface plate.

Abstract: A control method is provided for loading a data transfer head to a data storage medium comprising: determining a desired maximum displacement between a parked position of the head and an encroaching position of the head in relation to a selected data storage track of the medium; determining a spin interval associated with a predetermined quantity of medium movement before the head reaches the encroaching position; rotating the data storage medium at a beginning of the spin interval; and moving the actuator during the spin interval from the parked position and at a velocity resulting in the head being displaced at the end of the spin interval a distance that is less than the maximum displacement. A data storage device is contemplated comprising programmed instructions for performing this method for a predetermined number of loading occurrences, or in relation to observing a threshold data transfer error rate.

Abstract: A control method is provided for loading a data transfer head to a data storage medium comprising: determining a desired maximum displacement between a parked position of the head and an encroaching position of the head in relation to a selected data storage track of the medium; determining a spin interval associated with a predetermined quantity of medium movement before the head reaches the encroaching position; rotating the data storage medium at a beginning of the spin interval; and moving the actuator during the spin interval from the parked position and at a velocity resulting in the head being displaced at the end of the spin interval a distance that is less than the maximum displacement. A data storage device is contemplated comprising programmed instructions for performing this method for a predetermined number of loading occurrences, or in relation to observing a threshold data transfer error rate.