Abstract: An apparatus designed for the testing of a micro-machined mirror that is mounted onto a flying optical head is described. As in the case of normal operation of the head, laser light is coupled into the head using an optical fiber. The light propagates through the head, is emitted from the fiber, reflects off of the steerable mirror inclined at 45 degrees to the fiber axis, and passes through a focusing lens and exits the head. A position sensitive detector (PSD) is placed so as to detect the position of the light spot as it exits the head. Actuation of the mirror's steering capabilities modulates the spot position, which is detected by the PSD and its associated electronics. The profile of the PSD is made small enough to fit in a space between two opposing optical heads on a head stack assembly (HSA) so that the test can be performed immediately prior to the assembly of the disc drive. An array of such PSD's is constructed so that all of heads on an HSA can be tested simultaneously or in a multiplexed manner.

Abstract: A fiber rolling mechanism is provided to rotate a single optical fiber along its axis so as to align markers placed in the fiber to other fiber's relative markers.

Abstract: A magneto-optical (MO) data storage system has a flying optical head supported over a MO storage medium, the flying head having channels or grooves formed therein and optical elements disposed within the grooves for directing an incident light beam to the storage medium and for receiving a reflected light beam from the storage medium. The flying head may comprise a two-piece assembly comprising a slider body which flies over the surface of the storage medium, and a separate optics mounting block formed to receive the optical elements and to be supported on the flying head. Preferably, the slider body is L-shaped and provides an angled surface for receiving a micro-machined mirror aligned with optical elements on the optics mounting block and controllable for deflecting the light beam to and from the storage medium.

Abstract: A method for pattern-etching thick alumina layers in the manufacture of thin film heads (TFH) by using compatible metallic mask layers and a wet chemical etchant. The deep alumina etching facilitates a studless TFH device where the coil and bonding pads are deposited and patterned simultaneously, and vias are later etched through the alumina overcoat layer to expose the bonding pads. The method also enables the etching of scribe-line grooves of street and alleys across the wafer for sawing and machining of sliders. These grooves eliminate most alumina chipping due to stress and damage introduced by the sawing and machining operations. Similarly, pattern-etching of the alumina undercoat facilitates the formation of precise craters for recessed structures. These can improve planarity and alleviate problems related to adverse topography and elevated features of TFH devices.

Abstract: A disc drive has a head disc assembly and a printed circuit board. The head disc assembly has a first connector block with a plurality of first conductors, transmitting signals to and from the head disc assembly. The printed circuit board has a plurality of first electrical pads and a first cutout, the printed circuit board connected to the head disc assembly. A first flexible connection means electrically connects the first conductors of the first connector block of the head disc assembly to the first electrical pads of the printed circuit board, with the first cutout providing wiggle space and permitting accessing, positioning and mating of the first flexible connection means with the first connector block. In a specific embodiment, the first flexible connection means includes a third connector block and a first alignment means.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes curved spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped axial cross section, which are curved on a radius greater than the radius of the central opening of the discs. One or more spring elements are utilized with each disc, and assembly tooling is used to bend the spring elements so that the discs, with the opening of the C-shaped springs engaging the inner diameter of the discs, can fit over the hub of the spindle motor. The assembly tooling is then removed to allow the spring elements to partially straighten, firmly engaging the discs relative to the spindle motor hub in the radial direction. In a first embodiment of the invention, alternative mechanisms are disclosed for establishing the axial positions of the discs.

Abstract: A mounting system attaches head suspensions to actuator head mounting arms of a disc drive actuator. The mounting system includes head suspension mounting plates and features on both the head suspension mounting plates and on the actuator head mounting arms that facilitate snap-fitting or press-fitting of the mating components, as well as features that ensure both accurate alignment and maintenance of the position of the mounted head suspensions in and about the major orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A passive actuator latching system in which a magnetic latch mechanism is mounted on an air damping mechanism. The air damping mechanism is optimized to the moving mass of the actuator and the specified mechanical shock tolerance to allow a relatively weak magnetic latch to resist unlatching due to relatively large short-duration mechanical shocks by providing damped compliance to the latching system during the application of mechanical shocks, and attenuating the shock force experienced at the magnetic interface. Various mechanisms for selecting the direction and magnitude of the damping of the compliance are disclosed.

Abstract: A disc clamping system which exhibits a dual spring rate. The first spring rate is relatively low, allowing the disc clamping system to compensate for variations in dimensional tolerance buildup in the components of the disc stack, and is exhibited by the disc clamping system during initial tightening of the screws used to mount the disc clamp. The second spring rate is relatively high to provide tolerance to mechanical shocks applied in the disc drive's Z-axis, and is exhibited by the disc clamping system when the screws mounting the disc clamp to the spindle motor hub are tightened to a point of contact between contact features on the disc clamp and spindle motor hub.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes one or more axially-extending tubular members inserted radially between the outer diameter of the spindle motor hub and the inner diameter of the discs. Various mechanisms for ensuring a tight radial connection between the spindle motor hub and the discs are disclosed.

Abstract: A ramp loading and unloading system for the heads in a disc drive including an integrated latching mechanism for the disc drive actuator. The flexures that support the heads include ramp contact features which engage the ramps, and at least one of the ramp contact features includes a vertical latching face. At least one of the ramps includes a discontinuity forming a ramp latching face with which the vertical latching face of the ramp contact feature engages to latch the actuator. The ramp structure also includes a pivoting member which is rotated under influence of the actuator to allow the latching faces of the flexure and ramp structure to disengage.

Abstract: A magneto-optical head assembly that includes two load points. The two load points are laterally disposed from and longitudinally aligned with the center of the magneto-optical transducer carried on the head assembly. When contact between the head assembly and an asperity on the disc surface causes vibration of the head assembly in the pitch axis of the head assembly, the vibration is centered closely on the magneto-optical transducer, thus minimizing read/write signal modulation.

Abstract: A spindle motor assembly adapted for rotationally supporting a load about a base includes a rotor rotatably mounted on the base with its outer periphery capable of supporting a load, a stator and a plurality of magnets mounted on the outer periphery of the rotor. The stator includes a plurality of stator laminations with selective portions of the stator laminations forming stator cores. A plurality of magnets are mounted on the outer periphery of the rotor in an operating relationship with the stator cores. A plurality of conductors are wound on the stator cores. The stator includes a resilient covering located around the plurality of laminations and further having a routing means to route the conductors between the stator cores, an attaching means to attach the stator to the base and a connecting means. The connecting means includes a first connector block with a plurality of first conductor pads, with a first end and a second end. Ends of the conductors are connected to the first end of the conductor pads.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing adjacent track interference in a tape drive data storage system which employs a single read/write head controllably movable to any desired one of a plurality of parallel data tracks extending parallel with the length of the tape. The method consists of intentionally introducing azimuths of opposite direction for accesses to adjacent data tracks, with the magnitude of the introduced opposite azimuths being selected to exceed the azimuth range at which the head is capable of reliably reading data. In the apparatus of the invention the actuator used to move the head from track to track is mounted on a pivotable plate member, and the pivoting of the plate member is controlled by a stepper motor driven by control logic responsive to the access command being executed.

Abstract: A disc clamp assembly is provided for securing a plurality of information storage discs to a spindle hub on a disc drive spindle motor assembly. The disc clamp assembly includes a clamping ring and a resilient grip ring. The clamping ring has a raised Inner portion and rests on the information storage disc. The resilient grip ring has an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the spindle hub, a middle portion to receive an axial force and a means for receiving radial force. The middle portion of the grip ring rests on the raised inner portion of the clamping ring. While the means for receiving radial force of the grip ring receives a radial force to radially expand the grip ring, the middle portion of the grip ring receives an axial force and applies the axial force to the clamping ring and the information storage discs. Upon removal of the radial force to the grip ring, the grip ring maintains the axial force applied to the information storage discs by gripping the spindle hub.

Abstract: A disk drive motor spindle hub rotatable about a central shaft has a ceramic hub flange attached to a cylindrical hub portion. The ceramic hub flange has a peripherally raised area on which a first disc rests. Additional discs and spacers are alternatively stacked on top of the first disc. The spacers are made of ceramic material with an inner relieved portion. A ceramic clamp washer with peripherally raised area and an inner relieved portion is stacked on top of the first disc. A ceramic clamp washer with a peripherally raised area and an inner relieved portion and a clamp spring in cooperation with the hub flange apply force to hold the first disc and additional discs in place. The clamp force is applied away from the inner diameter of the discs while portions near the inner diameter of the discs are isolated from the hub flange, spacer and the clamp washer.

Abstract: A disc clamp with a varying peripheral wall height at its outermost diameter. Variation of the peripheral wall height results in a circumferentially varying stiffness modulus of the disc clamp at specific circumferential positions relative to the position of multiple mounting screws which attach the central mounting portion of the disc clamp to the spindle motor hub. Varying the stiffness modulus of the disc clamp circumferentially results in even distribution of the clamping force about the contact surface of the disc clamp.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes a disc mounting ring associated with each disc in the disc stack. The disc mounting ring includes at least one axially extending finger against which a portion of the inner diameter of the disc is brought to bear in an interference fit. In a first embodiment of the invention, the disc mounting ring includes a single finger and that portion of the inner diameter of the disc radially opposite the finger directly contacts the spindle motor hub. In other embodiments of the invention, the disc mounting ring includes a plurality of fingers spaced circumferentially about the ring and the inner diameter of the disc bears on all fingers and has no direct contact with the spindle motor hub.

Abstract: An improved inertial latching system for the actuator in a disc drive. The inertial latching system of the present invention includes an unbalanced inertial member which rotates in response to translational or rotational mechanical shocks applied to the disc drive. The inertial member rotates in either a first or second direction, dependent on the direction of the applied mechanical shock, and includes corresponding first and second contact surfaces for engaging a cooperative feature on the moving portion of the actuator. The contact surfaces are configured to act as camming surfaces which compensate for tolerance clearances in the latching system and provide latching power proportional to the amount of applied mechanical shock. The inertial member also includes a centering mechanism for returning the inertial member to a passive rest position in the absence of and at the termination of applied mechanical shocks.

Abstract: An improved limit stop system for defining the extremes of the range of motion of the actuator of a disc drive. An elongated slot having inner and outer contact surfaces is provided in the bobbin inside the coil of the actuator voice coil motor. A pin member having a compliant portion is assembled through the elongated slot in the coil bobbin and into engagement with stationary components of the disc drive. When the intended extreme of the range of motion of the actuator is reached, either the inner or outer contact surface of the elongated slot contacts the compliant portion of the pin member preventing further motion of the actuator in that direction.