Maxtor Corporation

Other

Ross Chessman

Mike McNeil

Jim French

Michael McNeil

The present invention is directed to a disk drive that employs a proximity recording interface in which a slider that carries a head is designed to remain in contact with the disk during data transfer operations to achieve a high data density. In particular, the present invention is directed to cleaning debris from a pad on the slider that carries the head. The debris, if allowed to accumulate, can reach a depth at which the head is spaced from the disk at a distance which adversely affects the transfer of data with the disk. In one embodiment, the spin motor of the disk drive is caused to rotate at a lower angular velocity than during normal data transfer operations, preferably using open loop control, while the actuator of the disk drive is used to radially displace the slider and associated head, also preferably using open loop control. For a constant angular velocity of the disk, the change in radial position causes different areas of the pad to be contacted and cleaned by the disk. Additionally, the disk is cleaned of debris that could also affect the ability to transfer data with the disk. Further, the lubricant on the disk surface that facilitates the proximity recording interface and may have migrated is redistributed.

Method for controlling a spin motor in a disk drive during cleaning and read/write operations

Method for cleaning a slider in a disk drive

Method for controlling a voice coil motor in a disk drive during cleaning and read/write operations

The present invention is directed to a disk drive that employs a proximity recording interface in which a slider that carries a head is designed to remain in contact with the disk during data transfer operations to achieve a high data density. In particular, the present invention is directed to cleaning debris from a pad on the slider that carries the head. The debris, if allowed to accumulate, can reach a depth at which the head is spaced from the disk at a distance which adversely affects the transfer of data with the disk. In one embodiment, the spin motor of the disk drive is caused to rotate at a lower angular velocity than during normal data transfer operations while the actuator of the disk drive is used to radially displace the slider and associated head. For a constant angular velocity of the disk, the change in radial position causes different areas of the pad to be contacted and cleaned by the disk. Additionally, the disk is cleaned of debris that could also affect the ability to transfer data with the disk. Further, the lubricant on the disk surface that facilitates the proximity recording interface and may have migrated is redistributed.

Self-cleaning proximity recording interface

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Erie, CO, United States of America

Ross Chessman