Abstract

A system and method for reclaiming select components containing rare earth metals of electronic media electronic storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives and destroying the data containing components thereof comprising first devices to loosen various components of the storage device, the components including the components containing the rare earth elements and the data containing portions. 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 section is provided for destroying the data containing portion of the electric storage device when it is removed from the storage device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B02C 18/06 - Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragmentsMincing machines or similar apparatus using worms or the like with rotating knives
• G06F 21/80 - Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure storage of data in storage media based on magnetic or optical technology, e.g. disks with sectors

Abstract

A system and method for physically destroying the data storage portion of electronic media storage devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives and hybrid hard drives that comprises a rotatable milling cutter and a cradle for locating the electronic media storage device in a positioned to engage the milling cutter. An integrated computer is included containing a database of various parameters of different types of hard drives available. A scanning system determines information about the type of electronic media storage device being introduced in the system to be destroyed and conveys the such information to the computer whereby the database may be used to provide information to properly locate the cradle and milling cutter to destroy the data storage portion and for printing out a certificate of destruction specifically identifying the hard drive that has had its data destroyed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B23K 26/382 - Removing material by boring or cutting by boring
• B23C 1/08 - Milling machines not designed for particular work or special operations with a plurality of vertical working-spindles
• B23C 3/00 - Milling particular workSpecial milling operationsMachines therefor
• B23K 26/12 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring in a special environment or atmosphere, e.g. in an enclosure
• B23K 26/142 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring using a fluid stream, e.g. a jet of gas, in conjunction with the laser beamNozzles therefor for the removal of by-products
• B23K 26/384 - Removing material by boring or cutting by boring of specially shaped holes

Abstract

A method and apparatus for destroying data on a hard drive having at least one platter on which data is stored extending from a central hub comprising. The platters are shredded while leaving at least substantially all of said hub unshredded. One or two cutting tools may be used.

IPC Classes  ?

• B02C 19/00 - Other disintegrating devices or methods
• G11B 5/024 - Erasing