US4190870A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disk drive assembly
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1978-07-05
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Granted: 1980-02-26
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Expires: 1998-07-05
Abstract
Abstract A disk drive assembly includes a baseplate housing joined with front and rear covers to enclose a spindle that supports ball bearings and a hub for rotating a stack of magnetic disks. Voice coil actuators are disposed diametrically opposed but offset on each side of a plane bisecting the stack. Pressurizing ports, annular seals and a sealing cap prevent air contamination. Thermally conductive rings contacting the bearings and the housing compensate for temperature differential. Symmetry of the assembly in at least two planes ensures minimal vibration and resonance effects.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond Avina
- 👤 Patrick F. Merrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:09
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B23/00; G11B23/02; G11B23/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A disk storage assembly comprising: a multiplicity of magnetic disks; a number of movable magnetic heads for accessing associated surfaces of said disks; an air-tight housing enclosing said magnetic heads and disks; a rotary spindle disposed centrally within said housing and having a longitudinal axis about which said spindle rotates; means for mounting said disks to said spindle in an array along said axis; means for controlling air flow into and within said housing to prevent contaminated air from circulating in said housing; first ball bearing means located at one end of said spindle, and second ball bearing means located at the other end of said spindle; and metal rings affixed between said housing and said spindle bearing means, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion of said rings has a value substantially that of said spindle bearings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A disk storage assembly comprising: a multiplicity of magnetic disks; a number of movable magnetic heads for accessing associated surfaces of said disks; an air-tight housing enclosing said magnetic heads and disks; a rotary spindle disposed centrally within said housing and having a longitudinal axis about which said spindle rotates; means for mounting said disks to said spindle in an array along said axis; means for controlling air flow into and within said housing to prevent contaminated air from circulating in said housing; first ball bearing means located at one end of said spindle, and second ball bearing means located at the other end of said spindle; and metal rings affixed between said housing and said spindle bearing means, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion of said rings has a value substantially that of said spindle bearings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A disk storage assembly as in claim 1, wherein said bearing means are made of steel, and said housing is made of aluminum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A disk storage assembly as in claim 1 wherein said means for controlling air flow comprises pressurizing ports.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A disk storage assembly as in claim 1, including a sealing cap disposed on one section of said housing for sealing at least one bearing assembly from ambient air.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-02-25 | 1983-08-27 | 1984-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-02-25 | 1987-08-27 | 1988-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-02-25 | 1991-08-27 | 1992-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |