Top cover removal machine for disc drives

1. An apparatus for separating a top cover from a base of a disc driving comprising:

a wedge configured to fit between the top cover and the base of the disc drive, wherein the wedge comprises a floating wedge;

an actuator configured to drive the wedge with a sufficient driving force to separate the top cover from the base of the disc drive;

a crowder configured to support the disc drive, wherein the crowder is disposed to oppose the driving force imparted to the disc drive by the actuator; and

a top cover holder configured to remove the top cover.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a controller configured to operate the apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wedge comprises a plurality of wedges.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the crowder comprises features configured to break the gasket bond.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the crowder comprises features configured to hold down the base in opposition to a lifting force imposed on the base by the top cover holder.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the crowder includes at least one additional crowder.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the top cover holder comprises a vacuum suction system.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 including a pneumatic actuator configured to urge the wedge and a controller configured to control operation of the pneumatic actuator.

9. A method of removing a top cover from a base of a disc drive, comprising:

fitting a floating wedge between the top cover and the base of the disc drive and allowing the floating wedge to move into alignment between the top cover and the base;

driving the floating wedge with sufficient driving force to separate the top cover from the base of the disc drive, wherein an actuator provides the driving force;

supporting the disc drive with a crowder disposed to oppose the driving force imparted to the disc drive by the actuator; and

removing the top cover with a top cover holder.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising operating the apparatus with a controller.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the controller operates a pneumatic actuator to drive the wedge.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 including a controller means for controlling operation of the pneumatic actuator means and automating removal of the top cover.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein driving the wedge further comprises driving a plurality of wedges.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising breaking the gasket bond with the crowder.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising holding down the base with the crowder in opposition to a lifting force imposed on the base by the top cover holder.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein supporting the disc drive with a crowder further comprises supporting a disc drive with a plurality of crowders.

17. The method of claim 9 wherein removing the top cover with a top cover holder further comprises removing the top cover with a top cover holder configured to incorporate a vacuum suction system.

18. An apparatus for separating a top cover from a base of a disc drive comprising:

floating wedge means for aligning a tie between the top cover and the base and for separating the top cover from the base of the disc drive by wedegedly engaging the interface between the cover and the base;

crowder means for opposing the wedge and holding the base; and

means for holding and removing the top cover upon separation from the base.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 including a pneumatic actuator means for driving the floating wedge means.