Gas circulation and filtration apparatus for magnetic disc recording systems

摘要

Apparatus is disclosed for circulating and filtering gas within a magnetic disc recording system. The apparatus includes a base plate which supports a rotating disc and a cover which comprises a control plate adapted to be positioned adjacent to and parallel to the rotating disc. A central opening is formed into the control plate, and a first gas chamber is placed in communication with the central opening through a filter chamber including a filter element. The cover and base plate cooperate to define a second gas chamber in communication with the outer edge of the rotating disc and the control plate. Openings are formed into the filter chamber for allowing gas flow from the second gas chamber through the filter element into the first gas chamber. The gas is circulated and filtered to remove particles suspended in the gas that might damage the gas bearing surfaces of magnetic transducers or the surface of the rotating disc.