Load/unload system and method for maximizing disk writeable area
AssigneeHitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
InventorsKarl Flechsig, Donald Gillis, Shozo Saegusa, Reinhard Wolter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for loading a head onto a specified load zone of a disk includes reading positional index information for determining a position of a pre-specified load zone of a disk. When to load a head is determined based on the positional index information so that the head will load onto the load zone, the load zone having an arc of less than 360 degrees. The head is loaded from a ramp onto the load zone at the proper time.
Claims20
A method for loading a head onto a specified load zone of a disk, comprising:
- reading positional index information for determining a position of a load zone of a disk, wherein the positional index information is read at least in part by at least one of an optical sensor and a magnetic sensor;
- determining when to load a head based on the positional index information so that the head will load onto the load zone, the load zone having an arc of less than 360 degrees;
- and
- loading the head onto the load zone based on the determination.
A method for creating a load zone on a disk, comprising:
- creating a load zone marker on the disk, the load zone marker indicating a position of a load zone of the disk;
- reading the load zone marker for determining a position of the load zone on the disk;
- and
- storing the position of the load zone, wherein the head is loaded on the load zone during subsequent load operations.
A magnetic storage system, comprising:
- a magnetic disk having a load zone and a data area, the load zone having an arc of less than 360 degrees;
- at least one head for reading from and writing to the magnetic disk, the head being loaded on the load zone during a load operation;
- a slider for supporting the head;
- and
- a control unit coupled to the head for controlling operation of the head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.