Devices and methods for degaussing magnetic recording storage media
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsSergio A. Montoya, Frederick E. Spada
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Abstract
An improved degaussing system for sanitizing data stored in a magnetic storage device (MSD) includes a magnetic field generating element configured to generate a directional field toward a media tray for retaining the MSD. Heating elements disposed proximate to the media tray heats the MSD to an elevated temperature before or during application of a magnetic field. An insulating element at least partially encloses the heating elements to isolate the magnetic field generating element from the heating element.
Claims20
A degaussing system for sanitizing data stored in a magnetic storage device (MSD), the system comprising:
- a magnetic field generating element configured to apply a magnetic field to the MSD disposed within the system;
- one or more heating elements disposed proximate to the MSD, the one or more heating elements configured to heat the MSD to an elevated temperature for a period of between 30 seconds and 1 hour before or during application of the magnetic field;
- and
- a thermal insulating structure configured to thermally isolate the one or more heating elements from the magnetic field generating element.
(canceled)
An improved degaussing system for sanitizing data stored in a magnetic storage device (MSD), the system comprising a magnetic field generating element configured to generate a directional field toward a media tray for retaining the MSD, the improvement comprising:
- one or more heating element disposed proximate to the media tray, the one or more heating element configured to heat the MSD to an elevated temperature for a duration of between 30 seconds and 1 hour before or during application of a magnetic field;
- and
- a thermal insulating element at least partially enclosing the one or more heating element, the thermal insulating element configured to isolate the magnetic field generating element from the one or more heating element.
A method for sanitizing data stored in a magnetic storage device (MSD), the method comprising:
- disposing the MSD in a media tray of a degaussing system;
- heating the MSD and the media tray to a predetermined temperature for a duration of between 30 seconds and 1 hour;
- after or concurrently with heating, activating a magnetic field generating element to apply a magnetic field to the MSD for a predetermined period;
- cooling the MSD;
- and
- removing the MSD from the system;
- wherein the magnetic field generating element is at least partially encloses a thermal insulating element configured to thermally isolate a heating element that heats the MSD and media tray.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.