Patents by Inventor Mark T. Girard

Mark T. Girard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5687597
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the gram load of a suspension with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability includes a clamp, load-engaging member, actuator, laser and control system. The mounting region of a suspension to be adjusted is releasably received and clamped by the clamp. A load beam of the suspension is engaged and supported at adjust positions with respect to the clamp by the load beam-engaging member. The load beam-engaging member is driven and positioned by the actuator. IR light from the laser is directed to the spring region of the suspension by optical fibers. The control system includes a pre-adjust input terminal, memory and a controller. Information representative of a measured pre-adjust fly height gram load value of the suspension is received at the pre-adjust input terminal. Gram load adjust data representative of load beam adjust positions which will cause the suspension W have a desired post-adjust fly height gram load value after the load beam is stressed relieved is stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark T. Girard
  • Patent number: 5682780
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the gram load, static attitude roll and radius geometry of a suspension with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability includes a clamp, load-engaging member, actuator, laser and control system. The mounting region of the suspension to be adjusted is releasably received and clamped by a clamp. A load beam of the suspension is engaged and supported at adjust positions with respect to the clamp by the load beam-engaging member. The load beam-engaging member is driven and positioned by the actuator. IR light from the laser is directed to the spring region of the suspension by optical fibers. The control system includes a pre-adjust input terminal, memory and a controller. Information representatives of a measured pre-adjust fly height gram load, static attitude roll and radius geometry values of the suspension are received at the pre-adjust input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark T. Girard