Abstract: A disk drive enclosure includes a cover and a base having a first hole therethrough. A head actuator is pivotably attached to the base by an actuator pivot bearing having a pivot bearing shaft with a lower internally threaded section and a flat annular support surface that is facing and in preloaded contact with a flat mating surface of the disk drive base around the first hole. A bearing member is disposed around the pivot bearing shaft and between the pivot bearing shaft and the bore of the actuator. A first screw has an externally threaded section that is engaged with the lower internally threaded section of the pivot bearing shaft. The first screw has a screw head with an external annular seating surface in contact with and forming a continuous annular seal with an internal annular seating surface of the first hole.

Abstract: An actuator pivot bearing is disposed at least partially within a pivot bearing bore of a disk drive actuator. The actuator pivot bearing includes a fixed inner bearing shaft having a lower portion that is attached to the disk drive base. It may also have a rotatable outer bearing sleeve that is attached to the actuator body. The actuator pivot bearing also includes an adsorptive element (e.g. comprising activated carbon, silica gel, zeolites) disposed between the fixed inner bearing shaft and an inner surface of the pivot bearing bore. In certain embodiments, the adsorptive element may optionally be disposed within an actuator pivot bearing internal cartridge space. A restricted clearance between the rotating and fixed bearing components may partially block a diffusion path from the pivot bearing lubricant to the read head. The adsorptive element may be disposed adjacent that restricted clearance.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a printed circuit board, an integrated circuit coupled to the printed circuit board, and a disk drive base coupled to the printed circuit board. The disk drive base includes a platform, the platform having a first surface elevated towards the printed circuit board and a second surface further elevated towards the printed circuit board relative to the first surface, the platform being generally aligned with the integrated circuit along an axis normal to the first surface.

Abstract: A novel disk drive includes a flex cable having a first end portion fixed to an actuator assembly, a second end portion fixed to a flex cable bracket, and a free portion between the first and second end portions. The free portion joins the second end portion at a flex exit location. The flex cable bracket includes a flex alignment post that protrudes into a corresponding hole in a disk drive base. A distance between the flex exit location and the actuator pivot axis is at least 4 times greater than a distance between the flex exit location and the flex alignment post.