Patent ID: 7050256
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A fast erase method for erasing information stored on a magnetic media element in a non-contact manner, the magnetic media element including a magnetic surface affixed to a toroidal conductor, the magnetic surface storing information in a magnetic polarization pattern, the fast erase method comprising the steps of: applying a first alternating current for a predetermined period of time to a planar inductive element operatively disposed in proximity to the toroidal conductor, the first alternating current in the planar inductive element generating an alternating magnetic field; inducing a second alternating current in the toroidal conductor by inductively coupling the alternating magnetic field generated from the planar inductive element; and heating the toroidal conductor by dissipation of the induced second alternating current within the toroidal conductor, the magnetic surface on the toroidal conductor being heated to a predetermined temperature that exceeds the Curie-point of the magnetic surface so that the magnetic polarization pattern of the magnetic surface is disturbed and information stored on the magnetic media element is erased.