Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for measurement and characterization of flying heads for use over disks that comprise non-rigid substrates and/or over disks that exhibit properties such as increased amounts of flutter and/or rotational run-out.

Abstract: A sleeveless rotatable beryllium/aluminum alloy actuator arm for a disk drive for a computer. A rotatable actuator for a magnetic disk drive for a computer is also described. The rotatable actuator includes a sleeveless beryllium/aluminum alloy arm, a suspension attached to a first end of the arm, a transducer attached to the suspension, and a voice coil attached to a second end of the arm.

Abstract: A pivoting armset assembly is disclosed herein that has substantially reduced misregistration due to thermal effects. The armset assembly is useful for an actuator in a magnetic disk drive; the preferred embodiment is an armset assembly in an actuator for reading from, or writing to, one or more magnetic storage disks. The armset assembly, constructed according to the present invention, includes an armset having a smooth bore aligned with the axis of rotation. The assembly further includes a sleeve having a smooth outer perimeter with a size for an interference fit within the smooth bore. An anti-friction material is positioned between the smooth sleeve and the smooth bore. The assembly also includes a bearing disposed within the sleeve, to pivot the arm about its axis.

Abstract: An improved actuator support structure includes a centerpole member having an opening or void disposed at a middle region. The opening improves the rise time of the actuator without diminishing the flux density within the centerpole member. Additional openings are disposed in the centerpole member along opposite sides of the first opening. These additional openings are calculated to optimize the flux density within the centerpole member by slightly restricting the area of the centerpole where the magnetic flux flows.