Abstract: A method of enabling a reliable, motor-to-base merge process is designed for motors that are attached to a base with screws that mount from outside of the base. An assembly fixture receives the motor, which has a tooling hole for circumferentially locating the motor relative to the base. The assembly fixture closely receives the motor and has a tooling pin that engages the tooling hole to prevent rotation of the motor relative to the assembly fixture. During the motor-to-base merge process, the motor is inverted with the tooling pin in the tooling hole. The assembly fixture aligns the threaded screw holes in the motor with the mounting holes on the base.

Abstract: A hard disk hub has a disk-mounting face formed at one end as a truncated conical surface of revolution symmetric about the hub axis. A cylindrical inner hub member is coaxial with the hub body outside diameter and the surrounding mounting face. The inner hub member is adapted to receive a planar disk with a central mounting hole with disk inside diameter fitted around it. The mounting face is disposed at a hub conning angle (?/2+/??) relative to the hub axis. Hub conning angle ? is selected so that a disk mounting force F applied to an inner disk portion surrounding the central mounting opening bends a portion of the disk interior to the hub inside diameter to conform contiguous facing relationship with the conical disk-mounting face. This interior bending portion reduces or eliminates the tendency of the outer disk portion to form an excessive conning angle ?.

Abstract: Thermal pole tip protrusion is caused by materials in and around head slider expanding during write operations till they protrude, leading to contact with the rotating disk surface, altering the flying height and often wearing down part of the disk surface. While well known that read-write heads expand during writing, the inventors who recognized this situation's significance, particularly as flying height decreases and data rates increase, both required for high areal density disk drives. The inventors realized that they could detect the problem at the spin stand level by testing head gimbal assemblies to reliably, and inexpensively, predict the tendency for thermal pole tip protrusion. This leads to selection of head gimbal assemblies, which do not have the thermal pole tip protrusion tendency. The selected head gimbal assemblies have better reliability, as do actuators and disk drives made with the selected head gimbal assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively controlling the gram load on a disk drive suspension assembly and to a disk drive using the present disk drive suspension assembly. The gram load can be actively changed by changing the applied voltage to one or more multi-layer piezoelectric actuators attached to the head suspension. The active gram control system allows the gram load to be changed on a non-permanent basis and to control the gram load to a much finer scale than can be accomplished using conventional techniques. By attaching the first and second ends of the piezoelectric actuator to discrete locations on the load beam, while the portion of the piezoelectric actuator between the first and second ends remains unattached to the load beam, a force non-parallel to the load beam can be applied to the head suspension.

Abstract: A method of limiting movement of a head suspension away from a disk surface, the head suspension used for supporting a head slider over the disk surface in a rigid disk drive, the method comprising the steps of providing a load beam for use in a head suspension, the load beam having a mounting region, a rigid region and a spring region located between the mounting region and rigid region; forming a shock limiter from the same piece of material as the spring region of the load beam, the shock limiter comprising a cantilevered portion overlapping an overlapped portion of the head suspension; forming a head suspension from the load beam; and mounting the head suspension in a bard disk drive suspending a head slider over the surface of the disk, such that when an impact load causes the head suspension to move away from the surface of the disk, the shock limiter limits such movement

Abstract: A disk drive includes an enclosure that defines an exterior surface, the enclosure including a base, a cover and a hinge mechanically coupling the base to the cover such that the hinge forms a portion of the exterior surface of the enclosure. A spindle motor is attached to the base, a disk is mounted to the spindle motor, and a head stack assembly is pivotally coupled to the base. A method of manufacturing a disk drive includes a single molding step to form an enclosure including the base, the cover and a hinge that mechanically couples the base to the cover such that the hinge forms a portion of the exterior surface of the enclosure. The spindle motor may then be attached to the base, the disk or disks mounted to the spindle motor and the head stack assembly may be pivotally coupled to the base.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for coupling a replacement micro-actuator to a drive arm suspension after a micro-actuator, such as a defective micro-actuator, has been detached from the suspension.

Abstract: A switchable shunt has an insulating layer separating conductive lead and spring metal layers. The shunt includes a base region formed on the spring metal layer, one or more arms formed in the conductive lead layer and at least one of the insulating and spring metal layers, one or more pad regions electrically coupled to an arm and formed in at least the conductive lead layer, and one or more gaps. Each arm extends through a gap and is resiliently biased toward a shunted state with the pad region in electrical contact with the base region. The shunt is movable to an electrically open state where the pad and base regions are electrically isolated. A method of making the shunt includes etching the shunt from laminated material and pushing the arm and pad through the gap. The shunt may be operated by applying a force to the arm.

Abstract: A method of using a balance clip in a hard disk drive spindle motor for disk pack balance correction provides the balance clip with one end that is offset from the circular shape of the balance clip. The offset end is located opposite the precise bent tab that provides tooling engagement in the balance clip. The offset end of the balance clip is offset at a radius that is less than the radius of the balance clip, or at a lesser radial offset from the circular shape. The edge of the offset end does not make contact with the groove in which the balance clip is seated. This design eliminates scratching between the offset end and motor hub, and reduces friction and particle generation during clip adjustment in the disk pack balancing process.

Abstract: A fabricating method effective in affixing FPC with high accuracy, simplifying a supporting mechanism of a head supporting member, avoiding mechanical damage to a load beam or a flexible member and promoting performance of adhering FPC to the load beam. Before bending a load beam included in a head supporting member, FPC is affixed on a face of the head supporting member. Thereafter, the load beam is bent.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a load beam including a flexure/slider assembly are provided. A pre-form of a load beam has a base, a side beam extending from the base and a tab extending from the side beam, all substantially in a common plane. The flexure/slider assembly is attached to the base, then the load beam is bent in two locations, between the tab and the side beam, and between the side beam and the base. After bending, the tab and the side beam are substantially orthogonal to one another and both the tab and the side beam are substantially orthogonal to the base so that the base, side beam, and tab form a partial enclosure around the slider.

Abstract: A method of assembling a plurality of disk drives comprising providing an assembly-plate comprising a plate alignment feature (PAF) and a plurality of cells wherein each cell has a cell alignment feature (CAF) and is adapted to receive and retain a disk drive; determining a valid alignment of the assembly-plate in relation to a disk drive assembly device based on PAF; selecting a disk drive for assembly; determining a valid alignment of a selected cell in relation to disk drive assembly device based on CAF of selected cell; placing an initial component of selected disk drive in selected cell wherein the initial component is retained by the cell via a retention feature of cell; repeating the selecting, determining a valid alignment of a selected cell, and placing for each of disk drives; and completing the assembling of each disk drive during which each disk drive remains in its cell.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the pitch static attitude of a slider in an integrated lead suspension head gimbal assembly. The integrated lead suspension includes a load beam, a mount plate, a hinge and a flexure made out of a multi-layer material. The flexure legs and the outrigger leads are simultaneously plastically deformed to define the pitch static attitude. The flexure legs and the outrigger leads are deformed at approximately the same longitudinal location.

Abstract: Disk drive suspension load beam and flexible circuit components are juxtaposed and properly located relative to each other before welding by a series of areally distributed locator structures that intersect across the common plane between the components in aligning relation.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention can be regarded as a method of making disk drives. The method includes providing a frame array. The frame array includes a frame, a plurality of disk drive base portions, and a plurality of tie bars connected between the frame and the disk drive base portions. The method further includes attaching a respective disk drive component to each of the disk drive base portions. The method further includes removing the disk drive base portions from the frame by severing the tie bars.

Abstract: One joint member having a melting point different from that of the other joint member is joined to each bonding pad of a slider and further joined to each bonding pad of a suspension through the other joint member. The slider is exfoliated from the suspension in the state that the one joint member is attached to the slider by heating and melting the other joint member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated lead suspension or component having an integrated circuit (IC) with an array of terminals. The suspension or component is formed from a laminated sheet of material including a spring metal layer and a conductive material layer separated by an insulating layer. The method includes forming an IC window in the spring metal layer, forming integrated conductive leads in the conductive material layer and forming holes in the insulating layer. The IC can then be mounted to the suspension or component in the IC window, and the array of terminals electrically interconnected to the integrated conductive leads through the insulating layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a head stack load comb used in the controlled loading of a head of a head stack assembly (HSA) onto a disk during the assembly of a disk drive. The HSA includes an actuator arm, a head, and a loading surface. The load comb includes a base structure and at least one ramp finger projecting approximately perpendicularly from the base structure. In order to load the head in a controlled manner onto the disk, the loading surface of the HSA is rotated along the ramp finger until the head is in a load position and then the base structure is actuated in a vertical direction such that the ramp finger is correspondingly actuated in the vertical direction towards the disk until the head is loaded onto the disk.

Abstract: A suspension load beam for an actuator assembly of a disk drive includes a bend radius portion with a spring rate that is less than 18 Newtons per meter, a first bending mode that is greater than 3,500 Hertz, and a first torsion mode that is greater than 5,300 Hertz. The method of making this suspension load beam includes cutting a sheet of material to form a flat suspension load beam including a bend radius portion, removing material in the bend radius portion from full thickness, inspecting the bend radius portion to determine its thickness, and removing material from the bend radius portion and/or from the main body of the suspension load beam to compromise the performance difference due to thickness variation in bend radius portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetic read/write head and slider assembly, wherein the assembly has improved heat spreading and dissipation properties and the read/write head exhibits significantly reduced thermal protrusion during operation. The method of fabrication is simple and efficient, involving only the extension of at least one of the conductive mounting pads so that it is in thermal contact with a portion of the slider surface that is directly above the read/write element.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods and apparatus for provision of an efficient, effective, and/or flexible removable HDD cartridge. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for holding a removable assembly (3) is disclosed. The apparatus comprising: a cage (2) to hold the assembly, a cage bracket (1) slideably engaging the cage (2), and a latch (6) coupled to the cage. The cage may include a plurality of slide receptacles (20). The assembly may include a plurality of slides (19) slideably engaging the plurality of slide receptacles (20). The cage bracket may be mountable on an external device. The latch may include a latch cap (9) and a locking lip (11). The locking lip may engage a receptacle (12) on the cage bracket to lock together the cage bracket and the cage.

Abstract: A relative adjustment between an optical disc rotating mechanism and an optical pickup is adjusted by rotating a rotary member against a biasing force of an engaging projection. As the rotary member is rotated, the projection is slid for movement on an inclined surface, changing a relative position between the rotary member and a bottom wall of a subsidiary chassis, causing the subsidiary chassis to have a varied inclination relative to a main chassis. An adjusted condition is maintained by an engaging force between an engaging groove and the engaging projection biased toward the rotary member.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a magnetic head device comprising a slider having a magnetic head element, a suspension structure made of a thin resilient material and having one end supporting the slider and the other end to be attached to another member, and a head IC chip. The head IC chip is mounted on the suspension structure so as to face a magnetic recording disc and at a position spaced from the slider-supporting one end of the suspension structure by an intervening portion of the suspension structure. The position is selected so that the intervening portion is effective to suppress a temperature increase in the head IC chip due to at least thermal conduction through the intervening portion.

Abstract: A compliance mechanism for manipulating a control object by an end effector supported by a robotic arm. The robotic arm is supported by a combination of linear slides for two-axis freedom of movement. A locking arm is attached to the robotic arm and the locking arm is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking arm is biased in the locked position to restrict movement of the robotic arm along the two axes. A plunger extends adjacent the end effector. Upon engagement with an alignment feature associated with the control object, the plunger moves the locking arm from the locked to the unlocked position, thereby introducing compliance along the two axes manipulation of the control object.

Abstract: A spin valve sensor in a read head has a spacer layer which is located between a self-pinned AP pinned layer structure and a free layer structure. The free layer structure is longitudinally stabilized by first and second hard bias layers which abut first and second side surfaces of the spin valve sensor. The AP pinned layer structure has an antiparallel coupling layer (APC) which is located between first and second AP pinned layers (AP1) and (AP2). The invention employs a preferential setting of the magnetic moments of the AP pinned layers by applying a field at an acute angle to the head surface in a plane parallel to the major planes of the layers of the sensor. The preferential setting sets a proper polarity of each AP pinned layer, which polarity conforms to processing circuitry employed with the spin valve sensor.

Abstract: In an aspect, the invention features a method for inserting a disk drive into peripheral bay chassis. A disk drive is received into a base of a disk drive carrier, the base having an uppermost surface and being rotatably attached to a latching mechanism. A lever can rotate between an open position and a closed position, the lever having comprising a lower engagement point and an upper engagement point. The carrier is inserted into a peripheral bay chassis slot while the lever is in an open position. The carrier is secured to the peripheral bay chassis by rotating the lever to the closed position to extend the upper engagement point beyond the uppermost surface of the base and engage the peripheral bay chassis with and to extend the lower engagement point to engage the peripheral bay chassis.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an HAA includes a step of fixing a first lead conductor member onto a suspension, a step of attaching a second lead conductor member to at least one actuator arm, a step of fixing the suspension onto the at least one actuator arm, a step of electrically connecting the first lead conductor member fixed on the suspension with the second lead conductor member attached on the at least one actuator arm, a step of, thereafter, fixing a head slider provided with at least one head element onto the suspension, and a step of electrically connecting the at least one head element with the first lead conductor member.

Abstract: A magnetic head slider with at least one thin-film magnetic head element on a suspension is mounted. This mounting includes electrically connecting the magnetic head slider with the suspension with ball bonding connections. Electrical property of the thin-film magnetic head element is inspected, and then the ball bonding connections are separated when it is judged that the thin-film magnetic head element has defective electrical property. Then, the magnetic head slider is detached from the suspension, and thereafter a new magnetic head slider with at least one thin-film magnetic head element is mounted on the suspension from which the magnetic head slider was detached.

Abstract: A method of measuring and adjusting at least one of a plurality of head suspension assemblies in a head stack assembly is provided, each head suspension assembly having a pivot axis, comprising the steps of stacking a plurality of head suspension assemblies with the pivot axis of each head suspension assembly aligned with the pivot axis of at least one adjacent head suspension assembly, wherein at least one of the head suspension assemblies is rotated about its pivot axis relative to at least one adjacent head suspension assembly so that all of the plurality of head suspension assemblies are not in vertical alignment, measuring at least one parameter of at least one head suspension assembly, then rotating each of the plurality of head suspension assemblies that are not in vertical alignment with the other head suspension assemblies about its pivot axis until the plurality of head suspension assemblies are vertically aligned.

Abstract: A slider/suspension design and assembly method include securing a slider to a suspension assembly for use in a magnetic disk drive data recording device. To this end, a solder fillet bond is applied at the leading edge surface of the slider to provide a structural connection of the slider to the flexure, while also enabling the slider-suspension assembly to be separated without damage during the process. The slider/suspension assembly is initiated by forming a plurality of sliders on a wafer, in such a manner that the trailing edge surfaces of the sliders form the front side of the wafer, and the leading edge surfaces of the sliders form the backside of the wafer. A plurality of thin film data transducing elements and a plurality of electrical contact pads are then formed on the wafer front side.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for supporting a read/write device in an information storage device having an actuator arm having at least one tower protruding from a first surface of the actuator arm, a loadbeam having at least one tower receiving means for receiving the at least one tower, wherein the at least one tower is shaped to extend into the at least one tower receiving means when the loadbeam is joined with the actuator arm, and wherein the tower and tower receiving means are configured such that deforming the at least one tower when within the at least one tower receiving means provides a deformation interference between the at least one tower and the at least one tower receiving means that reduces movement of the tower receiving means relative to the tower.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-piece head suspension for a rigid disk drive. The method includes providing a first layer including a mounting region with an integral boss tower attached to a stiffener by one or more positioning tabs; attaching a second layer including a spring region to an interface between the mounting region and the stiffener; attaching a flexure to the stiffener; and removing the positioning tabs. The flexure can optionally be a portion of the second layer.

Abstract: A method for detaching a suspension assembly adapted to support a head staked to an actuator arm of an actuator block of a disc drive. The method includes the steps of inserting an expandable device having an expandable flanged end, expanding a dimension of the inserted flanged end and moving the device to release the suspension assembly staked to the actuator arm.

Abstract: Methods in accordance with the present invention can be used to assemble or rework a modular rotary actuator assembly for a media data storage device having one or more disks. One such method for assembling a modular rotary actuator assembly includes assembling a module, assembling an arm stack by connecting a first arm with the module, connecting the arm stack to the top surface of a spacer of a mounting block by one or more screws, connecting a second arm with the bottom surface of the spacer by one or more screws, and inserting a bearing arrangement into a bore of the mounting block. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: The method of making a thin-film magnetic head in accordance with the present invention forms a cover layer on an insulating layer about a magnetoresistive film so as to eliminate a protrusion riding on the magnetoresistive film. Then, the protrusion can be eliminated by etching. The part of insulating layer clad with the cover layer is not etched. This can prevent short-circuit from occurring because of thinning the insulating layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving the static attitude of a head suspension assembly by improving the manufacture of electrical interconnects by providing a laterally directed tension on the electrical interconnect during manufacture, thereby substantially inhibiting deformation of the gimbal region of the interconnect and the creation of non-planar slider standoffs.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for calibrating the position of a wafer platform in an ion implanter, and particularly in a medium current ion implanter. The apparatus is constructed by a curvilinear piece formed in a half-circular shape, a pair of linear rods for supporting the curvilinear piece, and at least one cross-bracing rod connected in-between the pair of linear rods for providing rigidity of the apparatus. When the inside peripheral surface of the curvilinear piece intimately engages an outside peripheral surface of the wafer platform of the ion implanter, or when the first and second linear rods fit snugly on the implanter indicative that the wafer platform is properly calibrated at a zero-angle position. When such fitting is not possible, the wafer platform is then adjusted until a snug fitting is made possible.

Abstract: At high frequencies, signal losses may occur in circuit designs employing magnetic isolators. Eddy current losses in the magnetic isolator substrate material are at least partially responsible for this signal loss. As the Eddy current losses may depend on the properties of the substrate, the type of substrate chosen for fabricating a magnetic isolator may be critical for reducing these losses. By fabricating the magnetic isolator on a high performance substrate, the Eddy current losses are reduced and the magnetic isolator provides better output signals at high frequencies.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head suspension assembly includes attaching a slider with a magnetic head to an intermediate flexible circuit. The attached combination is then inserted into a spin stand tester for the testing of electrical performance. If the attached combination fails the test, it is discarded, thereby avoiding the cost of discarding an entire head suspension assembly. On the other hand, if the attached combination passes the test, it is mounted to a load beam to form the head suspension assembly. Thereafter, a flex circuit can be attached to the load beam and intermediate flexible circuit to provide electrical connections to the magnetic head through the intermediate flexible circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments include a slider having a silicon body and at least one carbide pad structure embedded therein. At least one head structure for reading and/or writing data is located on the silicon body. The silicon body includes an air bearing surface on which the head is located. The air bearing surface also includes at least a portion of the carbide pad structure thereon. In one aspect, the metal carbide structure may be made from a material such as titanium carbide, zirconium carbide, vanadium carbide, tungsten carbide, or molybdenum carbide. In another aspect, the head may be located on the air bearing surface between carbide pad structures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing magnetic heads is provided in which a slider and a back yoke are joined to form a magnetic head main body. The main body is then fixedly bonded to a holding member that supports the magnetic head as a single unit. A plurality of such magnetic heads are placed circumferentially on a soft adhesive sheet attached to a cylindrical base block. Touch lapping is then performed to a slider surface of the magnetic heads with a slurry on a surface table. Processing faces of the heads can be positioned flush with the surface table due to an elasticity of the soft adhesive sheet, thereby equally minimizing lapping amounts.

Abstract: (a) A method of manufacturing a magnetic head suspension includes a polyimide precursor layer 2 that is formed over a springy material layer 1, (b) a metal layer 3 for lines is formed over the polyimide precursor layer 2, (c) the metal layer 3 is patterned by the subtractive process to produce lines 4, (d) the polyimide precursor layer 2 is patterned by a photolithographic technique to give the configuration corresponding to a polyimide insulating base layer 5, (e) the patterned polyimide precursor layer 2 is imidated to produce the polyimide insulating base layer 5, and (f) a cover coat layer 6 is formed over the lines 4.

Abstract: A magnetic head positioning apparatus for adjusting the position of a head member relative to its support member by determining the boundary lines for the edge portion of the head body and the center of the pivot in the support member. Luminance variations near the boundary line between areas different in light reflections are derivated so as to determine the position of the boundary line with a high accuracy at a distance shorter than the unit block pitch of the camera photodetectors used to detect the image of the head body and the support member.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for coupling a replacement micro-actuator to a drive arm suspension after a micro-actuator, such as a defective micro-actuator, has been detached from the suspension.

Abstract: A head interconnect circuit for connecting transducer elements of a data head to drive circuitry including an alignment finger on a lead tip for aligning leads relative to connectors or solder pads for electrically connecting heads to drive circuitry. A method for connecting a head interconnect circuit to a printed circuit supported on an head actuator including aligning an alignment finger on the lead tip with a printed surface of a drive circuit for soldering leads on the lead tip to solder pads or connectors on the drive circuit.

Abstract: Transducer suspensions are attached to actuator arms by means of bonding a portion of a thermoplastic actuator arm to the magnetic recording head suspension assembly. The actuator arm has rail portions that provide a channel in which the load beam and base plate flange fit. The rail portions are ultrasonically welded using a clamping ultrasonic horn, which causes melted plastic to flow over the flange The clamping ultrasonic horn causes heat to be applied and focused at prongs to cause the rails to flow and expand onto the flange rigidly connecting the base plate and load beam to the actuator arm.

Abstract: A bottom spin valve sensor employs a seed layer for a nickel oxide (NiO) antiferromagnetic pinning layer for the purpose of increasing magnetoresistance of the sensor (dR/R). The spin valve sensor can be a simple spin valve or an antiparallel (AP) spin valve sensor. In the preferred embodiment the seed layer is tantalum oxide TayOx or copper (Cu).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for maintaining proper alignment of a hard disk micro-actuator and magnetic head with respect to a drive arm's suspension during the curing process of the bonding agent used in their coupling.

Abstract: A head slider of a suspension supports a read/write head for data transfer to and from a data storage disk. A mounting structure is conventionally used for holding the suspension. A positioning finger applies a force to the suspension for and thereby positions a head slider to a static height for simulating the “flying” action of the head slider in the data storage device. A measuring device measures the static height of the head slider and transmits the same to a controller which generates a control strategy for positioning the head slider of the suspension to the fly-height. An embodiment of the invention uses a common mounting assembly for receiving a plurality of suspensions. The use of a common positioning assembly for simultaneously positioning the head sliders of the plurality of suspensions substantially reduces time consumed and improves efficiency.

Abstract: A method for aligning head suspension structures minimize to misalignments between a flexure and a load beam of the head suspension. The load beam and the flexure of the head suspension include a first aperture formed near a load point dimple of the head suspension to provide a reference datum. An elongated alignment aperture is formed in the rigid region of the load beam, and a proximal alignment aperture and a distal alignment aperture are formed in the flexure. The elongated the aperture overlaps at least a portion of the proximal and distal alignment apertures in such a manner that the proximal perimeter edge of the elongated aperture encroaches on the proximal alignment aperture and the proximal perimeter edge of the distal alignment aperture encroaches upon the elongated alignment aperture.