Abstract: An ergonomic tester for an electronic device under test (EDUT). A tester circuit card is disposed within an enclosed chassis for creating a plurality of predetermined test conditions for the EDUT. A monolithic fixture frame formed from a single piece of material provides unitary lateral supports with pivot points for an ergonomic loading handle assembly, a unitary fan support and a unitary base for supporting a monolithic translatable carriage for engaging and positioning the EDUT during loading and testing. A spring-probe block connector assembly is retained by the unitary lateral supports of the monolithic fixture frame to engage a mating connector in the EDUT when loaded. The spring-probe block connector assembly has one or more mechanical locating elements each for engaging a corresponding mechanical locating element in the EDUT.

Abstract: An ergonomic tester for an electronic device under test (EDUT). A tester circuit card is disposed within an enclosed chassis for creating a plurality of predetermined test conditions for the EDUT. A monolithic fixture frame formed from a single piece of material provides unitary lateral supports with pivot points for an ergonomic loading handle assembly, a unitary fan support and a unitary base for supporting a monolithic translatable carriage for engaging and positioning the EDUT during loading and testing. A spring-probe block connector assembly is retained by the unitary lateral supports of the monolithic fixture frame to engage a mating connector in the EDUT when loaded. The spring-probe block connector assembly has one or more mechanical locating elements each for engaging a corresponding mechanical locating element in the EDUT.

Abstract: An ergonomic tester for an electronic device under test (EDUT). A tester circuit card is disposed within an enclosed chassis for creating a plurality of predetermined test conditions for the EDUT. A monolithic fixture frame formed from a single piece of material provides unitary lateral supports with pivot points for an ergonomic loading handle assembly, a unitary fan support and a unitary base for supporting a monolithic translatable carriage for engaging and positioning the EDUT during loading and testing. A spring-probe block connector assembly is retained by the unitary lateral supports of the monolithic fixture frame to engage a mating connector in the EDUT when loaded. The spring-probe block connector assembly has one or more mechanical locating elements each for engaging a corresponding mechanical locating element in the EDUT.

Abstract: A hydrostatic bearing assembly, with an integral rotating-shaft hydrodynamic pump, adapted for use as a stiff zero static-friction actuator pivot bearing for the head-stack assembly of a disk drive data storage apparatus. The zero static-friction pivot bearing avoids all “limit cycling” and “sticking” problems arising from static bearing friction during micro-tracking operations. The motor-driven hydrodynamic pumping element is disposed coaxially to the zero static-friction hydrostatic bearing element in a single assembly adapted for use as an actuator pivot bearing. The hydrodynamic pumping element and the hydrostatic bearing element both use a plurality of spaced-apart radial journal-bearing layers and a plurality of axial thrust-bearing layers to provide stiffness in all directions at any rotational velocity.

Abstract: An in-spindle axial-field motor assembly for a disk storage system includes a stationary baseplate and a cover plate secured to the base to form a housing. Disposed about the cover are cylindrical coils which form a motor stator. The motor assembly includes a rotor having inner and outer hubs disposed within the housing. The inner hub is rotatably mounted and supported by a bearing assembly. The outer hub supports an annular, rigid disk which provides a recording medium for storage of information. An axially-magnetized magnet is disposed between the inner and outer hub with the rotor being positioned between the cover and baseplate such that the net axial force acting on the rotor is minimized during motor operation. Ferromagnetic poles are positioned in the center of each coil to enhance the motor's torque generation capability while implementing an axially force-balanced design.

Abstract: A rotating-shaft hydrodynamic bearing assembly adapted for use in a rotating disk data store. The bearing assembly combines a plurality of spaced-apart radial journal bearings with a two-faced axial thrust plate to provide stiffness against runout at high rotational velocities. Fluid pressure is controlled on both sides of every fluid dement by bounding all radial fluid bearing layers and the dual thrust bearing layers with circumferential undercuts coupled to ambient pressure through a plurality of fluid-filled passages in the rotating shaft. Outward-biased surface-relief patterns are disposed in both axial thrust bearing layers to increase hydrostatic pressure and prevent cavitation in the non-bearing thrust-plate peripheral layer. The fluid bearing layers are disposed in a continuous pressure-controlled fluid film sealed at both ends by surface tension, thereby eliminating sources of air-bubble entrapment.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a disk storage unit includes a hub having a longitudinal axis disposed in a cavity formed between a base and a cover. A pair of balls is disposed within a pair of corresponding sockets with each being aligned opposite one another along a longitudinal axis of the hub. The pair of sockets are affixed to the base and cover plates, respectively, while the pair of balls are affixed to the hub. The clearance space between each ball and socket is filled with a liquid lubricant held in place by a surface tension seal.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a disk storage unit includes a hub having a longitudinal axis disposed in a cavity formed between a base and a cover. A pair of balls is disposed within a pair of corresponding sockets with each being aligned opposite one another along a longitudinal axis of the hub. The pair of sockets are affixed to the base and cover plates, respectively, while the pair of balls are affixed to the hub. The clearance space between each ball and socket is filled with a liquid lubricant held in place by a surface tension seal. At least one of the sockets or balls is threadably attached so as to allow adjustment of the clearance space.