An apparatus comprises a spindle to rotate a magnetic recording medium and a magnetic field generator to expose a track of the medium to a DC magnetic field. The magnetic field generator is configured to saturate the track during an erase mode and reverse the DC magnetic field impinging the track during a writing mode. A laser arrangement heats the track during the erase mode and, during the writing mode, heats the track while the track is exposed to the reversed DC magnetic field so as to write a magnetic pattern thereon. A reader reads the magnetic pattern and generates a read signal. A processor is coupled to the reader and configured to determine an anisotropy parameter using the read signal. The apparatus can further comprise a Kerr sensor that generates a Kerr signal using the magnetic pattern.

An apparatus comprises a spindle to rotate a magnetic recording medium and a magnetic field generator to expose a track of the medium to a DC magnetic field. The magnetic field generator is configured to saturate the track during an erase mode and reverse the DC magnetic field impinging the track during a writing mode. A laser arrangement heats the track during the erase mode and, during the writing mode, heats the track while the track is exposed to the reversed DC magnetic field so as to write a magnetic pattern thereon. A reader reads the magnetic pattern and generates a read signal. A processor is coupled to the reader and configured to determine an anisotropy parameter using the read signal. The apparatus can further comprise a Kerr sensor that generates a Kerr signal using the magnetic pattern.

A system and method for dismantling components of electronic media electronic storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives. The components are dismantled in a nondestructive manner so as to be capable of reuse. First devices loosen the various components of the storage device, Second devices are provided for removing components from the storage device. A holding chassis receives the storage device, and moves the storage device for engagement with the first and second devices. A mechanism may be provided for destroying the data containing portion of the electric storage device when it is removed from the storage device. A database of information concerning past and current storage devices including their configurations, component locations and screw/fastener locations is provided along with a scanning system for retrieving information about the storage device being introduced into the system. The scanned information and information from the database is used to control and position the first and second devices and holding chassis.

Three systems for the destruction of the data storage portion of electronic media storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives. One system utilizes a mill cutter with which the hard drive has relative motion in the direction of the axis of the mill cutter to destroy the data storage portion. A second system utilizes a laser to physically destroy the data storage portion. The third system utilizes a chemical solvent to chemically destroy the data storage portion.

An error is determined in a target track of a heat-assisted recording medium. The error triggers an error recovery procedure. The error recovery procedure involves storing data from at least part of an adjacent track that is immediately proximate the target track to another data storage location. The error recovery procedure also involves, for two or more iterations in which a laser power is incrementally changed from a lower power to a higher power, erasing at least part of the adjacent track at the laser power and attempting to recover the target track.

An error is determined in a target track of a heat-assisted recording medium. The error triggers an error recovery procedure. The error recovery procedure involves storing data from at least part of an adjacent track that is immediately proximate the target track to another data storage location. The error recovery procedure also involves, for two or more iterations in which a laser power is incrementally changed from a lower power to a higher power, erasing at least part of the adjacent track at the laser power and attempting to recover the target track.

A method for writing a file from an application of a host onto a tape includes sequentially receiving records forming the file from the application, adding a predetermined number of segments of dummy data (dummy records) subsequently to the plurality of records forming the file such that the records of the file and records of a subsequent file are not included in the same data set, interposing the dummy records between a final record of the file and a head record of the subsequent (next) file, to thereby construct at least one data set that is adjacent to one data set and does not include the records of the file, and writing a data set including the records of the file, a data set (dummy data set) including the final record of the file and the dummy records, and a data set including the subsequent file, onto the tape.

A method for writing a file from an application of a host onto a tape includes sequentially receiving records forming the file from the application, adding a predetermined number of segments of dummy data (dummy records) subsequently to the plurality of records forming the file such that the records of the file and records of a subsequent file are not included in the same data set, interposing the dummy records between a final record of the file and a head record of the subsequent (next) file, to thereby construct at least one data set that is adjacent to one data set and does not include the records of the file, and writing a data set including the records of the file, a data set (dummy data set) including the final record of the file and the dummy records, and a data set including the subsequent file, onto the tape.

Three systems for the destruction of the data storage portion of electronic media storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives. One system utilizes a mill cutter with which the hard drive has relative motion in the direction of the axis of the mill cutter to destroy the data storage portion. A second system utilizes a laser to physically destroy the data storage portion. The third system utilizes a chemical solvent to chemically destroy the data storage portion.

A hard disk drive desledder comprises a support and a cutting member. The support is configured to receive and to support a hard disk drive assembly that includes a hard disk drive and a sled. The cutting member has at least two cutting edges corresponding to respective portions of the sled. The cutting member is movable from a first position spaced apart from the support and a second position adjacent the support to cause the at least two cutting edges to cut portions of the sled to allow the hard disk drive to be removed from the hard disk drive assembly. Related desledding methods are also described.