Western Digital Technologies Assigned Patent

Western Digital Technologies, Inc., San Jose, CA, has been assigned a patent (12176000) developed by Ryan; Robert P., Mission Viejo, CA, and Malina; James N., Irvine, CA, for “data storage library magnetic disk retain and exchange system.“

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: “A disk media retaining and exchange system configured to accept a disk media assembly including a disk and a ferromagnetic material coupled therewith, includes a spindle motor assembly with a spindle motor and a permanent magnet retainer coupled therewith, whereby the system is configured to retain the disk on the spindle motor by a magnetic force between the ferromagnetic material of the disk media assembly and the permanent magnet retainer of the spindle motor assembly. An electromagnet disk exchange tool may be employed, configured such that energization of coils in close proximity to the disk media assembly overcomes the magnetic force to release the disk media assembly from retention with the spindle motor assembly, and generates another magnetic force between the ferromagnetic material of the disk media assembly and at least one electromagnet of the exchange tool to remove the disk away from the spindle motor for disk exchange.”

The patent application was filed on 2023-07-17 (18/222964).