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. Localized heating is applied to the outrigger leads during the process of forming flexure legs to set a stable pitch static attitude, which does not change, by subsequent thermal exposures.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic head construction, a connection method and a connecting device by which excellent electrical connection can be carried out between a core electrode and a substrate land face on a flexure in a magnetic head employing the piggy back system. In order to attain the object of interest, in the present invention, a fine adjustment actuator is arranged between a core and a flexure; a projection portion which is projected from the fine adjustment actuator when viewed from the flexure is provided in the core; a hole is provided in the position, on the flexure, corresponding to the projection portion; only the core is fixed by a support portion provided through the hole portion and a clamp pin without applying any load to the fine adjustment actuator; and while maintaining this fixing state, an electrode and a substrate land are bonded to each other with a wire.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive has a base plate (19) to be attached to a carriage of the disk drive and a load beam (21) consisting of a rigid part (27) and a resilient part (29), to apply load onto a slider. The rigid part and resilient part are separately formed. The rigid part is joined to a first side (29a) of the resilient part. The suspension also has a reinforcing plate (37) to hold and fix a second side (29b) of the resilient part between the reinforcing plate and the base plate. The base plate stably and resiliently supports the load beam. This suspension satisfies required characteristics.

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: Disclosed herein is a method including the steps of cutting a wafer to prepare a row block having a plurality of head elements arranged in a matrix, bonding a plate member to one side surface of the row block, bonding a row tool to another side surface of the row block bonded to the plate member opposite to the one side surface, and cutting the row block to prepare a row bar bonded to the row tool and having a row of the head elements. A bonding apparatus for realizing the above bonding steps is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of affixing head suspension components to one another using an edge weld formed at the edge of one head suspension assembly component positioned in an overlapping fashion relative to another head suspension assembly component, and an apparatus assembled by the method.

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: This invention relates to a testing method for a head IC which makes it possible to simplify checking of the head. The head IC is installed on a head suspension, and probes are placed on terminals of the head suspension to check electric characteristics of the head IC. With this invention, contact of the probes for checking the head IC when the head IC has been installed, but before installing the head, becomes easier.

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 method is provided for assembling an actuator assembly of a disk drive. The method includes providing an actuator arm, providing a suspension arm, fixing a swage plate to the suspension arm, the swage plate including a swage boss extending therefrom, depositing a film lubricant upon at least an outer surface of the swage boss, and attaching the suspension arm to the actuator arm by swaging. A method is also provided for reducing torque out retention values between the actuator arm and the suspension arm when the actuator arm and suspension arm must be separated in a subsequent de-swaging process. This method includes providing an outer surface of the swage boss, and applying a lubricant film coating to the outer surface of the swage boss. A preferred thin film lubricant may be applied by emersion and draining, localized spraying, or various deposition processes.

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: 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 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: An integrated lead suspension includes a solder ball that is placed between a lead wiring pad provided on a flexure of the suspension, and a bonding pad provided on a slider of a head gimbal section. The lead wiring pad and bonding pad are soldered by melting the solder ball. As a result, there is provided a recessed section into which a solder ball is placed by way of surface raised sections, using gravitational force, in the vicinity of the center line of the surface of the lead wiring pad. In this way the position of the solder ball is not displaced from the center line when a bonding pad and lead wiring pad are connected by means of a solder ball.

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 process for directly debonding sliders during single slider processing includes placing the sliders in pockets in a divider with one surface of each slider contacting a tape. A planerization material encapsulates the portions of the sliders which are not in contact with the tape. The planerization material is cured and the assembly is bonded to a process carrier. After ABS are etched into the sliders, the sliders are debonded by heating, cleaned, and inspected. The divider is removed from the carrier with the sliders still attached to the divider by the planerization material. The divider is then sandwiched between two lids to form a shim stack to enhance removal of the planerization material. The planerization material is removed in a hot solvent ultra-sonic bath and the lids are then removed for additional cleaning and inspection of the sliders.

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: 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: A working method of a bar block with a plurality of magnetic head elements and a plurality of pairs of electrode terminals electrically connected to the plurality of magnetic head elements arranged on an element-formed surface of the bar block in at least one line. This method includes a step of pre-laminating an ACF on the element-formed surface of the bar block, a step of bonding a conductive plate member with a plurality of projections located at positions faced to the plurality of pairs of terminal electrodes of the bar block, respectively, on the ACF so that each pair of the terminal electrodes is electrically short-circuited with each other, and a step of, then, working the bar block.

Abstract: In an Integrated Lead Suspension system, it is desired that the stainless steel suspension is grounded to a controlled ground potential. This requires creating a grounding path between the stainless steel suspension and a copper trace layer through a layer of dielectric material that separates the stainless steel suspension and the copper layer. The copper trace layer and subsequently the stainless steel suspension can then be grounded to a controlled ground potential.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic head device exhibiting a good bonded state of a piezoelectric element and a load beam, and excellent reliability. The magnetic head device includes a slider provided with a reproducing element for detecting a magnetic signal recorded on a recording medium, and a recording element for recording a magnetic signal on the recording medium, an elastic supporting member for supporting the slider, and piezoelectric elements mounted on the elastic supporting member, for distorting the elastic supporting member to change the position of the slider. The piezoelectric element and the elastic supporting member are bonded together with a photo-curing and thermosetting epoxy adhesive resin having a Young's modulus of 1 GPa or more at 25° C., and a glass transition temperature of 90° C. or more.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive has a base plate (19) to be attached to a carriage of the disk drive and a load beam (21) consisting of a rigid part (27) and a resilient part (29), to apply load onto a slider. The rigid part and resilient part are separately formed. The rigid part is joined to a first side (29a) of the resilient part. The suspension also has a reinforcing plate (37) to hold and fix a second side (29b) of the resilient part between the reinforcing plate and the base plate. The base plate stably and resiliently supports the load beam. This suspension satisfies required characteristics.

Abstract: Plural magnetic sheets (22) are laminated in circumference direction to form a cylindrical laminated core. Magnetic sheets (22) adjacent to each other have coupling point (25) at an upper section or a lower section and gap (26) on an opposite side of coupling point (25). Coupling point (25) is prepared at upper section (23), then lower section (24), and upper section (23) then lower section (24) alternately. This structure allows assembling a radial laminated core with ease.

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 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: 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: The present invention provides a magnetic head construction, a connection method and a connecting device by which excellent electrical connection can be carried out between a core electrode and a substrate land face on a flexure in a magnetic head employing the piggy back system. In order to attain the object of interest, in the present invention, a fine adjustment actuator is arranged between a core and a flexure; a projection portion which is projected from the fine adjustment actuator when viewed from the flexure is provided in the core; a hole is provided in the position, on the flexure, corresponding to the projection portion; only the core is fixed by a support portion provided through the hole portion and a clamp pin without applying any load to the fine adjustment actuator; and while maintaining this fixing state, an electrode and a substrate land are bonded to each other with a wire.

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 method of attaching a load beam to a head actuator arm. A number of weld holes are provided in the load beam and the actuator arm. A thermoplastic base plate is aligned over the weld holes in the load beam and the actuator arm. A heating tool having a number of pins is clamped over the base plate such that points of the heating tool pins coincide with the number of weld holes. The heating tool is heated such that peaks of thermoplastic base plate material are extruded through the weld holes. The heating tool causes heat to be applied and focused at the points to cause the thermoplastic base plate to flow and expand into the weld holes in both the load beam and the actuator arm, thereby rigidly connecting the thermoplastic base plate and load beam to the actuator arm.

Abstract: A system and method for the physical and electrical coupling of a hard disk micro-actuator and magnetic head to a drive arm's suspension using gold ball bonding (GBB) or solder bump bonding (SBB) to prevent problems of silver paste epoxy, such as physical deformation (viscosity) due to humidity/temperature alteration.

Abstract: A method of wiring a head suspension assembly includes fixing a tube binding a plurality of wires on a suspension assembly, and fixing the wires extending from the fixed tube on the suspension while leading them to a top side of the suspension. The suspension has a tab frame with first and second frames. Each wire led to the top side of the suspension is bonded to the second frame of a tab frame. An insulation film is removed from each connecting portion of the wires to connect the wires to respective connecting pads of the slider. A first frame is bent substantially perpendicular to the suspension, and the second frame is bent substantially perpendicular to the first frame, thereby positioning the wires bonded to the second frame at the connecting pads on the slider. The wires are then ultrasonically welded to the respective connecting pads on the slider.

Abstract: A method for forming a head gimbal assembly in which the head gimbal assembly and a frame are formed from a continuous piece of laminated material comprised of a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. A plurality of electrical lines are formed in the third layer of the head gimbal assembly and a plurality of electrical line extensions are formed in the third layer of the frame. The slider is positioned at an angle to the frame and a plurality of termination pads on the slider are bonded to the electrical lines. The frame is partially separated from the head gimbal assembly and the relative position of the slider to the head gimbal assembly is changed by an amount sufficient to separate the plurality of electrical lines from the plurality of electrical line extensions.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension is formed from a laminate of three materials in a variety of configurations having from three to five layers. The materials are stainless steel, polyimide and copper. Each layer is essentially homogeneous, but may be formed with one or more holes or voids prior to the formation of the laminate. After the copper layer is etched to form a tab which overhangs the steel layer, the suspension is welded to a load beam. The load beam prevents the downward motion of the suspension. The tab acts as a flexure motion limiter for upward motion of the suspension. The voids allow a precise amount of polyimide undercut between the steel and copper layers which otherwise could not be achieved.

Abstract: A method for assembling a slider suspension assembly for use in a disk drive is disclosed. A ceramic slider with an attached recording head is placed on a suspension and is held in alignment by soldering the electrical connections while the epoxy placed between the slider and the suspension hardens. The method results in a much more economical process which does not require the number of expensive tools needed to carry out the conventional process.

Abstract: An integrated lead suspension or flexure having an integrated circuit (IC) mounting region on which an IC chip with an array of solder-covered terminals can be mounted. The suspension or flexure include a stainless steel layer, integrated conductive leads and an insulating layer between the conductive leads and the stainless steel layer. The stainless steel layer has an IC window for receiving an array of terminals of an IC. The integrated conductive leads extend along the stainless steel layer into the IC window, and include an array of bond pads in the IC window corresponding to the array of terminals of the IC to be mounted to the suspension or flexure. The insulating layer extends into the IC window and includes an array of solder mask holes corresponding to the array of conductive lead bond pads.

Abstract: A head slider provided with at least one head element, to be fixed to an actuator for precisely positioning the at least one head element, includes adhering sections to be adhered to the actuator, and recesses for receiving an adhesive. At least one of the recesses is positioned at each of the adhering sections.

Abstract: A working method of a bar block with a plurality of magnetic head elements and a plurality of pairs of electrode terminals electrically connected to the plurality of magnetic head elements arranged on an element-formed surface of the bar block in at least one line. This method includes a step of pre-laminating an ACF on the element-formed surface of the bar block, a step of bonding a conductive plate member with a plurality of projections located at positions faced to the plurality of pairs of terminal electrodes of the bar block, respectively, on the ACF so that each pair of the terminal electrodes is electrically short-circuited with each other, and a step of, then, working the bar block.

Abstract: Disclosed area high accuracy magnetic head registration method, pallet device, and registration jig which make it possible to realize automation of assembly operations and achieve an improvement in operational efficiency and yield. In the registration method, the magnetic heads are placed between the registration member and carriage arms such that the insertion holes of the magnetic heads are substantially opposed to caulking holes of the carriage arms, and in a state that the magnetic heads are placed between the carriage arms and the registration member, the magnetic heads are biased toward the carriage arm side by the registration member to thereby perform registration on the insertion holes of the magnetic heads with respect to the caulking holes of the carriage arms. By using the pallet device corresponding to the above steps, registration accuracy and operational efficiency are improved.

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 head gimbal assembly is provided with a slider that flies above the surface of a disk, and a head for reading/writing data from/onto the surface of the disk. One or more conductive wires are connected to the head and are used to transmit data. A load beam supports the wire(s) thereon and holds the head/slider near a front end of the load beam. Each wire forms a wire loop between the head connecting point edge and the wire fixing point. A predetermined portion of each wire loop is pressed from above on the surface of the load beam, and then pushed toward the head connecting point edge, thereby plastically deforming a section between the head connecting point edge and the predetermined portion of the wire loop.

Abstract: A method for assembling a slider suspension assembly for use in a disk drive is disclosed. A ceramic slider with an attached recording head is placed on a suspension and is held in alignment by soldering the electrical connections while the epoxy placed between the slider and the suspension hardens. The method results in a much more economical process which does not require the number of expensive tools needed to carry out the conventional process.

Abstract: A method for making a suspension system comprising a multiple layer flexure, a load beam and an arm. The load beam extends from the tip of the suspension all the way back to the rear of the arm. Datum holes are located in the load beam such that during assembly all reference points are made from the single load beam piece.

Abstract: An integrated suspension for a slider in a magnetic record system has a simplified structure relatively easy to manufacture. This new integrated suspension is assembled from separate pieces including a load beam a flexure and a mount plate. The flexure includes a flexible member and a conductive lead integrally formed thereon. Since the flexible member is of super-thin type, the flexion of the flexure is minimized by the support using a platform support in an ultrasonic bonding of its conductive lead with a bonding pad of the slider. Besides, to minimize the deflection, an ultrasonic bonding is executed in close order of distance to support portion. Furthermore, a tab extending from the tip of the load beam is used so as not to affect the flexure regarded as a fine piece.

Abstract: A fixture for assembling and testing a read/write head comprised of a head gimbal assembly (HGA) that allows gimbaling along pitch and roll axes and that utilizes an inexpensive spherical gimbal ball pressed into an etched hole in the load beam for providing a highly accurate and measurable pivot location of a slider. The head gimbal assembly includes a suspension of the type supporting a slider, and comprising the suspension. A gimbal opening is formed in the load beam, and extends therethrough so that it receives the spherical gimbal ball for attachment to the load beam. A resilient flexure is secured to the load beam and supports the slider. The backside of the gimbal ball remains visible for the option of optical bonding of the slider to the suspension and for measurement of the slider position relative to the gimbal ball subsequent to the assembly of the HGA. The fixture is comprised of a top plate for holding the suspension assembly and a bottom plate for holding the slider.

Abstract: A support mechanism for magnetic head sliders moves between a read and write position and an offset position. A flexure includes a substrate and a wiring structure that includes an insulating layer on the disk side surface. A conductor layer extends on the insulating layer and a protection layer covers the conductor layer. A load beam is joined to the flexure substrate and constitutes a suspension together with the flexure. An arm is mounted on a rotational shaft and joined to the joining region of the load beam to support the load beam. The conductor layer has slider pads on the distal end portion of the substrate and is connected to the magnetic head of the magnetic head slider, and terminal pads on the substrate. The load beam has an aperture extending from the disk side surface of the load beam to the opposite rear side surface of the load beam.

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.