Abstract: A system and method for unloading a transducer assembly to a ramp positioned outside an outer diameter of a disc in a disc drive system directs current generated from the back EMF (electromotive force) of a spindle motor to supplement current provided by a power supply to a positioning coil. The combined current yields increased torque to park the transducer assembly without requiring unnecessary power consumption during normal disc drive operation. The current generated from the back EMF of the spindle motor is enhanced by accelerating the rotation of the spindle motor to exceed the normal operational rotational velocity of the disc drive system. A position detector provides a trigger signal to control the timing of the switch that combines the current from the back EMF and the current from the power supply to the positioning coil.

Abstract: A disc drive is disclosed that incorporates a voice coil motor pole into the drive cover. The disc drive has an actuator assembly mounted adjacent the storage disc that carries a trasducer at one end for transferring data to and from the disc, and a voice coil motor for rotating the actuator arm to position the transducer. The voice coil motor has a movable coil fastened to an opposite end of the actuator arm and a pair of stationary magnets positioned adjacent the voice coil in a side-by-side relation. A cover on the baseplate encloses the actuator assembly and the data storage disc and a portion of magnetically permeable material of the cover forms a top pole for the pair of magnets.

Abstract: In a rotary actuator for positioning a dual gap magnetic head relative to a track on a rotating recording medium, a read gap is positioned in a tunnel margin of a write gap. The tunnel margin defines positioning parameters for the read gap regardless of the skew angle introduced by a rotary actuator. Error due to track misregistration is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention includes a data disc support assembly for supporting a data disc relative to a head so data on a surface of the disc is accessible by the head. The support assembly includes a hub which has first and second axial ends and a flange extending from the second axial end. The flange supports the data disc. A clamp is connected to the hub to rigidly connect the data disc to the hub. The clamp has a first generally annular portion contacting the data disc and a second generally annular portion extending axially away from the hub beyond the first annular portion. The second annular portion is spaced from the data disc by a distance greater than the height of the head.

Abstract: A disc drive for storing and retrieving data from at least one memory storage disc includes a drive base and a spindle motor. The spindle motor includes a rotor hub, a shaft, a bearing unit. The bearing unit rotatably supports the rotor hub about an axis. A controlled resistance electrical pathway is established from the rotor hub to ground to control disc potential and to prevent excess static charge buildup. In one embodiment, the spindle motor includes structural elements made of a conducting plastic having a controlled resistance to establish a controlled resistance electrical pathway from the rotor hub to ground. In a second embodiment, the shaft of the spindle motor includes a conductive contact button electrically connected to the shaft and operatively coupled with a contact shield electrically grounded by an electrical conductor having a controlled resistance.

Abstract: A disc drive for storing and retrieving data from at least one memory storage disc includes a drive base and a spindle motor. The spindle motor includes a rotor hub, a shaft, a bearing unit. The bearing unit rotatably supports the rotor hub about an axis. A controlled resistance electrical pathway is established from the rotor hub to ground to control disc potential and to prevent excess static charge buildup. In one embodiment, the spindle motor includes structural elements made of a conducting plastic having a controlled resistance to establish a controlled resistance electrical pathway from the rotor hub to ground. In a second embodiment, the shaft of the spindle motor includes a conductive contact button electrically connected to the shaft and operatively coupled with a contact shield electrically grounded by an electrical conductor having a controlled resistance.

Abstract: A spindle balancing device (10) for a hard disk drive assembly (12) having a spindle (11) mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis (13) thereof. The balance device (10) includes a rigid, substantially flat weight member (17) formed and dimensioned to movably mount to an end surface (15) of the spindle (10) in superimposed relation thereto, which positions a center of gravity (CG) of the weight member (17) on one side of the longitudinal axis (13). The weight member (17) includes a positioning structure formed to cooperate with a protruding inner lip portion (16) circumferentially extending around the longitudinal axis (13) from the end surface (15) to selectively position the center of gravity (CG) at a predetermined position relative the longitudinal axis (13).

Abstract: A disc drive for storing and retrieving data from at least one memory storage disc includes a drive base and a spindle motor. The spindle motor includes a rotor hub, a shaft, a bearing sleeve, and a bearing unit. The bearing unit is operably coupled to the rotor hub and includes an inner race secured to the shaft, an outer race secured to the bearing sleeve, and bearing balls fitted between the inner race and the outer race. The bearing balls rotatably support the rotor hub about an axis. At least one structural element of the spindle motor has a high resistivity so as to electrically isolate the hub from the base. In another embodiment, the drive base has an interface surface for coupling with the spindle motor. The interface surface includes a layer of high resistivity material. In another embodiment, the bearing ball is made of ceramic or ruby material to improve performance characteristics.

Abstract: A fanny-pack with a shoulder harness allowing a skier to securely, comfortably, and with hands free, carry and transport, to and from ski lifts, skis, poles, and ski accessories. The basic ski carrier comprises a carrier worn around the waist and below the small of the back in combination with a shoulder harness assembly. The skis and poles are mounted rigidly to a locator on the carrier and secured at the top via a quick release strap on the shoulder harness. The entire carrier is lifted, secured around the waist, and the shoulder straps slipped on and adjusted. In this configuration the skis and poles are positioned at a precise angle safely away from making contact with the skier's head and legs while standing or walking. In the preferred embodiment the personal ski carrier is combined with pockets on either side to facilitate carrying essential ski accessories such as goggles, gloves, etc.