A SHUTTERLESS DATA RECORDING CARTRIDGE AND DRIVE FOR USING SAME

摘要

A data recording cartridge that includes a shell that protects a data recording medium from damage and from particulate contamination is disclosed. When the cartridge is in a closed position, the top shell and bottom shell form a seal to exclude particulate matter from the data recording medium. Because the seal encloses the perimeter of the data recording medium, both internally generated and external particulates do not contaminate the data recording medium. A drive for opening and operating the cartridge is also disclosed. Another aspect of the present invention includes a hub having an enlarged center hollow, and a spindle motor having a top protrusion that fits into the enlarged center hollow. A spindle motor top bearing juts into the underside of a cavity created by the protrusion, thereby more efficiently using vertical space.