Degaussing apparatus with highly uniform magnetic field
AssigneeData Security, Inc.
InventorRobert A. Schultz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Generation of an intense magnetic field to erase high coercivity magnetic media uses delivery of energy to a degaussing cavity. To conserve energy storage and delivery requirements and to obtain a desired magnetic strength generally uniformly within the cavity, strategic placement of supplemental turns at ends of the magnetic field generating coil wound around the cavity can promote uniformity. Construction of at least cavity ends from an adequate quantity of magnetically soft ferrous material can also promote uniformity. A combination of both approaches is possible.
Claims17
An apparatus for applying a magnetic field to a data storage device, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame sized to accommodate a target device, the frame defining a first end and a second end;
- a coil comprising:
- a first layer extending between the first end and the second end,
- a second layer consisting of a first coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the first end and a second coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the second end;
- a first soft ferrous member disposed at least partially in the coil at the first end of the frame;
- a second soft ferrous member disposed at least partially in the coil at the second end of the frame.
A method comprising:
- receiving a target device in a frame sized to accommodate the target device, the frame defining a first end and a second end;
- applying a current to a coil disposed around the frame, the coil comprising:
- a first layer extending between the first end and the second end,
- a second layer consisting of a first coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the first end and a second coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the second end;
- whereby the coil applies a substantially uniform magnetic field to the target device.
An apparatus comprising:
- a means for receiving a target device in a frame sized to accommodate the target device, the frame defining a first end and a second end;
- a means for applying a current to a coil disposed around the frame, the coil comprising:
- a first layer extending between the first end and the second end,
- a second layer consisting of a first coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the first end and a second coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the second end.
An apparatus for applying a magnetic field to a data storage device, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame sized to accommodate a target device, the frame defining a first end and a second end;
- a coil comprising a first layer extending between the first end and the second end,
- a first soft ferrous member disposed at least partially in the coil at the first end of the frame;
- a second soft ferrous member disposed at least partially in the coil at the second end of the frame.
An apparatus for applying a magnetic field to a data storage device, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame sized to accommodate a target device, the frame defining a first end and a second end;
- a coil comprising:
- a first layer extending between the first end and the second end,
- a second layer consisting of a first coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the first end and a second coil portion at least in part overlapping the first layer at the second end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.