Patent ID: 6342991
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An air gate for increasing torque applied to a wind operated air vane air filter and latch apparatus in a disc drive having a base plate, a spin motor mounted on the base plate rotatably carrying a disc thereon, an actuator assembly adjacent the disc for positioning an actuator arm over a portion of the disc, and a cover on the base plate covering the disc, the spin motor, and the actuator assembly, wherein the latch apparatus has a pivoting latch member extending from one side of a central pivot portion for engaging a portion of the actuator assembly, an air filter support bracket extending from another side of the central pivot portion for holding an air filter in a path of wind generated by the disc rotating on the spin motor, and an air vane member extending from the air filter support bracket above a portion of the disc in the path of the wind generated by the rotating disc, the air gate comprising:a rib member projecting from an underside surface of the top cover above the air vane member downward toward the air vane member operable to increase a pressure differential across the air vane.