Patent ID: 6144178
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A magnetic recording disk drive comprising:a rigid magnetic recording disk;an electrical spindle motor connected to the disk for rotating the disk;a head for reading data from or writing data to the disk;a carrier for supporting the head near the surface of the disk;an actuator connected to the carrier for moving the carrier and supported head across the disk;a disk drive housing providing a substantially sealed gaseous environment for the disk and carrier;a pressure sensor for sensing the gas pressure within the housing;a pump attached to the housing and having an inlet connected to the interior of the housing;an electrical motor coupled to the pump for driving the pump; andpump control circuitry responsive to a signal from the pressure sensor and connected to the pump motor for turning the pump motor on and off to maintain the pressure within the housing within a range of pressures less than the pressure external to the housing.