Abstract: The application discloses an adjustable head stack comb having adjustable first and second comb plates. The adjustable comb plates include at least one tooth segment which cooperatively form a comb having at least one tooth. The first and second comb plates are adjusted to adjust dimensions of the at least one tooth cooperatively formed by the tooth segments of the first and second comb plates. In the embodiments disclosed, a relative position of the first and second comb plates is adjusted to adjust a thickness dimension of the at least one tooth formed by the at least one tooth segments of the first and second comb plates. Also in illustrated embodiments, the comb plates are cooperatively adjusted to adjust an elevation or z-height of the at least one tooth of the comb.

Abstract: A method for picking and placing a clinging part. Gripper fingers spaced apart from each other by a central spacing on each of first and second gripper jaws are provided. The gripper jaws are moved between a grip position in which the gripper jaws grip the clinging part and a release position in which the gripper jaws release and retract from the clinging part. An ejector having a cling resistant part pusher movable in the central spacings is moved between a retracted position in which the part pusher is retracted and contacts the clinging part. and an eject position in which the part pusher ejects the clinging part.

Abstract: A robotic tool picks and places a clinging part in an assembly. Two gripper jaws each have gripper fingers spaced apart from each other by a central spacing. The gripper jaws are movable between a grip position and a release position. The robotic tool also has an ejector. The ejector has a part pusher that is cling resistant and movable in the central spacings between a retracted position, and an eject position in which the cling resistant part pusher ejects the clinging part.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for removing a top cover from a disc drive. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a wedge configured to fit between the top cover and the base of the disc drive. The embodiment further comprises an actuator configured to drive the wedge with a sufficient driving force to separate the top cover from the base of the disc drive. The embodiment further comprises a crowder configured to support the disc drive, wherein the crowder is disposed to oppose the driving force imparted to the disc drive by the actuator. Finally, the embodiment comprises a top cover holder configured to remove the top cover. The present invention includes a method for implementing the steps performed by the embodiment of the apparatus.

Abstract: A robotic tool picks and places a clinging part in an assembly. Two gripper jaws each have gripper fingers spaced apart from each other by a central spacing. The gripper jaws are movable between a grip position and a release position. The robotic tool also has an ejector. The ejector has a part pusher that is cling resistant and movable in the central spacings between a retracted position, and an eject position in which the cling resistant part pusher ejects the clinging part.

Abstract: A disc slip tester for testing disc slip. The tester including a load actuator and load sensor for supplying and measuring test loads. A processor is coupled to the load sensor and is programmed to determine disc slip. Disc slip data is outputted for quality control and performance analysis. A method for analyzing disc slip including supplying a load to a disc in a disc stack and incrementally measuring load and disc displacement and plotting the relationship between load and displacement during test operations.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus for balancing a high precision magnetic disk drive includes a plate having a circular aperture in which three mounting surfaces grip a precision mounting ring on the disk pack to be balanced. The plate is mounted on a pivoting platform so that the pack can be lowered into the aperture, gripped by the mounting surfaces and then flipped into a horizontal position for balancing such that an operator has access to the disk pack to add balancing weights through the circular aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling a pair of high strength magnets and the common pole piece into a unit for use in a disk drive includes a bed with a channel in which the magnets can slide or translate, and a stop centrally located in the channel to prevent execessive impact between the magnets as they slide under the force of mutual attraction toward each other. A recess in the bottom of the channel below the stop is adapted to receive the pole piece, and the attractive force between the pole piece and the magnets firmly attaches the magnets to the pole piece in the desired location after they have been properly positioned with respect to the pole piece by interaction of the stop and channel walls with the magnets.