Abstract: A method for assembling a disk drive includes providing a head stack assembly (HSA), providing a shipping comb for assembling the disk drive, inserting a comb pin of the shipping comb into a locating holes in a HSA to assemble the shipping comb with the HSA together, positioning the HSA and shipping comb on a base cover of the disk drive, installing the HSA on the base cover via a bearing device thereof, rotating the assembled HSA and shipping comb to park the HSA on the ramp and aligning the comb pin with the securing hole, pushing the comb pin into a securing hole to lock the HSA in the base cover, assembling a latch device and a top voice coil magnet on the base cover, and rotating out the shipping comb to a position where the shipping comb is not interfered with the disk drive.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing wireless communication devices for use in tracking or identifying other items comprises a number of cutting techniques that allow the size of the antenna for the wireless communication device. Further, the chip for the wireless communication device is nested so as to be flush with the surface of the substrate of the wireless communication device. Rollers cut the tabs that form the antenna elements. In a first embodiment, a plurality of rollers are used, each one effecting a different cut whose position may be phased so as to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. In a second embodiment, the rollers are independently positionable to shorten or lengthen the antenna element.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for precisely positioning a datum surface of a component. The apparatus has a housing defining a tooling datum surface. A collet is supported by the housing that is selectively operable between a retracted mode and an expanded mode. In the retracted mode a clearing disengagement is defined with the component. In the expanded mode a contacting engagement with the component is defined. The contacting engagement and a simultaneous longitudinal force transferred by the contacting engagement to the component pressingly engage the datum surfaces together. The apparatus further has a bias member exerting the longitudinal force and urging the collet to the retracted mode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hard disk drive includes measuring an imbalance value including an imbalance position with respect to a rotation center of a rotation shaft of the hub, with respect to each of a plurality of disks installed on a hub of a spindle motor to rotate the disks, allowing different imbalance positions of the disks to approach each other in a circumferential direction by applying an impact to the hard disk drive, and correcting the imbalance value by applying an impact to the hard disk drive in a direction opposite to the imbalance positions of the disks approaching each other with respect to the rotation shaft of the hub, to move the imbalance positions of the disks approaching each other in a radial direction of the disks with respect to the rotation center of the rotation shaft of the hub.

Abstract: A disk pack balancing station is disclosed for balancing a disk pack assembly, the disk pack assembly comprising a plurality of components including a plurality of disks coupled to a hub of a spindle motor with at least one disk spacer between the disks. The disk pack balancing station comprises a first biasing arm rotated about a pivot to apply a first biasing force to a first component of the disk pack assembly, and a second biasing arm moved linearly to apply a second biasing force to a second component of the disk pack assembly. This configuration enables the disk pack balancing station to balance a number of different disk pack assemblies, including a disk pack comprising an even number of disks and a disk pack including an odd number of disks.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for adjusting static attitude of a thin film magnetic head attached to a flexure of a head arm assembly. The apparatus has an adjusting unit for bending the flexure, a laser emitter unit for irradiating a laser beam to a bent area of the flexure a measuring unit for measuring a static attitude angle of the thin film magnetic head, and a computer system including a CPU and a memory unit in which adjustment conditions corresponding to static attitude angles of the thin film magnetic head are previously ranked and memorized. The CPU is configured to retrieve from the memory unit a particular adjustment condition corresponding to a measured angle supplied from the measuring unit and supply the retrieved adjustment condition to the adjusting unit, enabling the adjusting unit to bend the flexure based on the retrieved adjustment condition supplied from the computer system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermoplastic polymer composition that exhibits an excellent combination of properties for use in manufacturing shipping combs for use in conjunction with moving actuators for hard disk drives. The thermoplastic polymer composition of this invention is comprised of (1) from 10 weight percent to 90 weight percent polycarbonate, (2) from 1 weight percent to 6 weight percent carbon nanotubes, (3) from 5 weight percent to 85 weight percent of a sulfone polymer, (4) from 0.5 weight percent to 10 weight percent of a functionalized rubbery polymer, and (5) from 0.5 weight percent to 5 weight percent of a lubricant selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene and polyester wax, wherein all weight percentages are based upon the total weight of the thermoplastic polymer composition.

Abstract: A servo track writer (STW) clockhead radius jig is disclosed. One embodiment provides a hard disk drive assembly including a base having a cutaway portion to provide visual access therein. In addition, a disk is mounted in the hard disk drive assembly, this disk having an indicator thereon to indicate a required radius setting for a clockhead.

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 disk processing device holds and rotates a disk with a spindle. Processing tapes are supplied out and wound up by a tape reel unit so as to sandwich and be pressed on both surfaces of the disk through contact rollers. As a crankshaft is rotated, a sliding plate rotates around it and a slidable shaft rotates around a fulcrum part while sliding along the sliding plate such that the contact roller undergoes a reciprocating motion in a radial direction of the disk together with a slider rotatably attached to the slidable shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for manufacturing a magnetic disk unit, the method permitting easy and efficient introduction of a low-density gas into the enclosure. According to one embodiment, an enclosure of the magnetic disk unit has a gas inlet and a gas outlet, each of which is provided with a filter. When the enclosure is filled with helium, the mass flow rate of helium being supplied to the gas inlet is detected and the mass flow rate of helium being supplied to the gas inlet is controlled according to the thus detected mass flow rate of helium.

Abstract: A bending apparatus of a head gimbal assembly includes a suction unit configured to attract the head gimbal assembly, a movement unit configured to move a long tail connected to a terminal part, a stopper against which the moved long tail is butted, a transmission type optical sensor configured to detect that the long tail is positioned to the stopper, a tail holder configured to hold a part of the long tail on a work table, a roller configured to compress the terminal part against the tail holder and to bend the terminal part relative to the long tail at a right angle, and a controller configured to control, based on a detection result of the transmission type optical sensor, a movement of the tail holder to the work table and a movement of the roller to the tail holder.

Abstract: A system is 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. Embodiments may include a system to couple an actuator element to a suspension element comprising: a shim element to be plated at a first location between an actuator element and a suspension element to maintain a relative orientation of the actuator element with respect to the suspension element during a curing process of a bonding agent at a second location between said actuator element and said suspension element.

Abstract: A method and a tool assembly for engaging and disengaging a cardlet housing electronic components from a computer environment. The cardlet, in a preferred embodiment is a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) cardlet. The tool comprises a carrier having a handle on one end and a plurality of retention features and engaging members on an opposing side. The carrier release mechanism is secured to the carrier and the engaging members such that activating the carrier release mechanism moves the engaging members from a first to a second position such that engagement and disengagement of the carrier and said cardlet housing electronic components can be achieved. In addition, a removable latch release member is also secured to the carrier, the release member having a durable tip for engaging and disengaging latches on the computer cardlet without damaging the cardlet or its surrounding sensitive components.

Abstract: In a magnetic head manufacturing method, a floated surface of each block having plural magnetic head elements formed and arranged on a substrate is ground and lapped in a grinding/lapping step. The grinding/lapping step contains an angle adjusting step for adjusting the angle of the floated surface of the block with reference to a magnetic-head-element formed surface of a substrate and grinding the floated surface concerned, and a finishing lapping step of lapping the floated surface at an angle adjusted in the angle adjusting step.

Abstract: A component-holding-tape connecting apparatus for connecting two component holding tapes through a connecting member, by caulking end portions of the respective two component holding tapes and the connecting member in a caulking position. The apparatus includes: (a) a supplying device supplying the connecting members to the caulking position; (b) a holding device holding, in the caulking position, the end portions of the respective two component holding tapes and the connecting member which is supplied by the supplying device; and (c) a caulking device caulking the end portions of the respective two component holding tapes and the connecting member which are held by the holding device, by causing caulking claws of the connecting member, to pierce through each the end portions of the respective two component holding tapes, and deforming the caulking claws. The supplying device includes a rotary body positioning the connecting members one by one in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly (HGA) connector pad alignment jig is disclosed. One embodiment provides an HGA testing jig for holding an HGA, the HGA testing jig including an opening at a location of the HGA connector pads. In addition, an HGA testing apparatus including a disk for testing the HGA and a controller with a plurality of pin connectors for providing control information to the HGA during a testing process. Thus, the present technology provides an alignment adjuster for adjusting the location of the pin connectors with respect to the connector pads to ensure a good electrical connection between the HGA connector pads and the pin connectors.

Abstract: An arrangement of an information storage apparatus is provided. The arrangement includes a first circuit board, a base, a control circuit board, and first and second connectors. The first circuit board includes circuitry for storing information written to or read from an information storage apparatus. The base has a first major surface and a second major surface and is configured with an opening extending from the first major surface to the second major surface. The first major surface is relatively closer to the first circuit board, and the second major surface is relatively distant from the first circuit board. The control circuit board includes control circuitry to control components of the information storage involved in accessing the information storage apparatus. At least one of the first connector and second connector is configured to extend within the opening.

Abstract: An automated system for setting the linear distance from a mounting surface of a pivot cartridge to critical features on actuator arms is disclosed. This distance is set to eliminate the tolerance incurred via normal manufacturing of these components. The system adjusts for every component to customize each actuator and/or pivot assembly to meet the functionality requirements for disk drives.

Abstract: A cradle for a stator bar including: a platform having a length extending at least two-thirds the stator bar; a plurality of clamps arranged along the length of the platform and at least one end turn gripper at each end turn of the stator bar, wherein the end turn clamps are arranged on adjustable arms of the platform, and a coupling at a center of the platform, wherein the coupling engages an elevator device.

Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic domain wall memory apparatus with write/read capability includes forming a plurality of coplanar shift register structures each comprising an elongated track formed from a ferromagnetic material having a plurality of magnetic domains therein, the shift register structures further having a plurality of discontinuities therein to facilitate domain wall location: forming a magnetic read element associated with each of the shift register structures: and forming a magnetic write element associated with each of the shift register structures, the magnetic write element further comprising a write wire having a constriction therein, the constriction located at a point corresponding to the location of one of the plurality of discontinuities in the associated shift register structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to prevent deformation of a gimbal in detaching a head slider from a suspension. In an embodiment of the present invention, after a head slider has been mounted on a suspension, a test on the assembly is conducted. If a defect head slider is found in the test, the head slider is detached from the suspension. The head slider is discarded but the suspension is reused and a new head slider is mounted on the suspension. In detaching the head slider, a pin inserted in a through-hole on the center line of a gimbal tongue latches the gimbal tongue.

Abstract: A robotic tool for assembling a portion of a disk drive includes a movable end effector that includes a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion. The first portion may be configured to engage the actuator assembly and the second portion may be configured to engage the flex circuit connector. A controller may be provided to control the movable end effector, causing the end effector to pick up the head stack assembly in a first configuration, move the second portion of the end effector relative to the first portion thereof so as to articulate the head stack assembly into a second configuration that is different than the first configuration, and place the head stack assembly into the base.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a shipping comb for assembling a disk drive is provided. The shipping comb has a comb block which includes a locking portion having a comb pin hole formed therein, at least one spacer, and a connecting beam to connect the locking portion and the at least one spacer. A comb pin is received in the comb pin hole of the locking portion. The comb pin includes at least two engaging portions. A controlling system has a comb latch selectively engagable with the at least two engaging portions so as to control the comb pin to move in the comb pin hole. In certain example embodiments, a method for assembling a disk drive using the shipping comb is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lockup structure of mobile hard drive, and comprises a base plate for receiving a hard drive, a lock member having a block sheet, a base frame having a through hole for mounting the lock member, and a spiral arm. At a free end of the spiral arm comprises a protruding block for locating into the base plate and a notch for positioning the block sheet of the lock member, and at a fixing end comprises a position block mounted into a shell. Thus, when in locking position, the spiral arm cannot be pushed outwardly and the position block can prevent the base plate from withdrawing from the shell, therefore, a wrong withdrawal will be avoided.

Abstract: A multiple drive array carrier apparatus and associated method is provided with a unitary two-row partition. The unitary two-row partition has a longitudinal end member. A plurality of first support members extend from the end member and support, in turn, a first set of coplanar engagement members. The first engagement members each define apertures configured for passing first fasteners therethrough to affix a first plurality of data storage devices to the first engagement members, defining a first row of data storage devices. A plurality of second support members also extend from the end member and define a second set of coplanar engagement members. Each of the second support members likewise define apertures configured for passing second fasteners therethrough in the same direction as the first fasteners to affix a second plurality of data storage devices to the second support members, defining a second row of data storage devices adjacent to and parallel with the first row.

Abstract: A magnetic detection apparatus can be improved in its product yield. The magnetic detection apparatus includes a resin compact having a the magnet arranged in opposition to an object to be detected for generating a magnetic field, an IC chip with a magnetic detection part built therein for detecting a change in the magnetic field in accordance with movement of the object to be detected, and an IC package in which a lead frame having the IC chip installed thereon is sealed with a resin. A method for manufacturing such a magnetic detection apparatus includes a signal adjustment step for adjusting a signal generated from the magnetic detection part in a state in which the magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection part to correct a deviation of the signal of the magnetic detection part generated in accordance with a relative displacement between the magnetic detection part and the magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for precisely positioning a datum surface of a component. The apparatus has a housing defining a tooling datum surface. A collet is supported by the housing that is selectively operable between a retracted mode and an expanded mode. In the retracted mode a clearing disengagement is defined with the component. In the expanded mode a contacting engagement with the component is defined. The contacting engagement and a simultaneous longitudinal force transferred by the contacting engagement to the component pressingly engage the datum surfaces together. The apparatus further has a bias member exerting the longitudinal force and urging the collet to the retracted mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for precisely positioning a datum surface of a component. The apparatus has a housing defining a tooling datum surface. A collet is supported by the housing, and is thereby selectively operable between an expanded mode and a retracted mode. In the expanded mode, a clearing disengagement is defined with the component. In the retracted mode, a contacting engagement is defined with the component as well as a simultaneous longitudinal force that is transferred by the contacting engagement to the component capable of pressingly engaging the datum surfaces together. The apparatus further has a bias member urging the collet to the retracted mode.

Abstract: The application discloses an assembly tool for installing a disc clamp on a spindle hub. In the illustrated embodiments, the assembly tool includes a head including an inner portion, an intermediate portion and an outer portion configured to install a disc clamp on a spindle motor assembly. In the illustrated embodiments, the inner portion includes a raised portion and datum surface that interface with the spindle hub to align the spindle hub for installation of the disc clamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing RFID labels includes a feeding-roller driving shaft configured to feed a base tape on which a RFID circuit element provided with a tag antenna having directivity with sensitivity to one side higher than that to the other side is arranged, a sensor configured to acquire information relating to directivity of the tag antenna, a lower apparatus antenna for radio communication with the RFID circuit element, and a print head configured to make a print on a cover film to be bonded to the base tape and controls the print head according to the directivity information acquired using the sensor.

Abstract: An electronic component includes a semiconductor chip with a chip topside, an integrated circuit, and a chip backside. The chip backside includes a magnetic layer. The electronic component further includes a chip carrier with a magnetic layer on its carrier topside. At least one of the two magnetic layers is permanently magnetic such that the semiconductor chip is magnetically fixed on the chip carrier.

Abstract: A disk drive unit includes a first cover having a first part of magnet component and a head stack assembly mounted on the first cover; and a second cover assembled with the first cover, which has a second part of magnet component, a spindle motor, at least one disk and a ramp adjacent to the disk; wherein a ramp tool opening is formed on the first cover corresponding to the ramp, through which a ramp tool can extend to hold the head stack assembly in a loading status. The invention also discloses a ramp tool used for assembling the disk drive which has its disk and HSA assembled in two different halves, which includes a tool body; and a holding means extending from the tool body to hold a lift tab of a head stack assembly in a loading status, wherein the lift tab is engaged with a ramp in the disk drive unit.

Abstract: The lapping of a slider is controlled based on an amplitude of a readback signal which is produced from an externally applied magnetic field. A lapping plate is used to lap a slider which includes at least one magnetic head having a read sensor. During the lapping, a coil produces a magnetic field around the slider and processing circuitry monitors both a readback signal amplitude and a resistance of the read sensor. The lapping of the slider is terminated based on the monitoring both the readback signal amplitude and the resistance. Preferably, the lapping of the slider is terminated when the resistance is within a predetermined resistance range and the readback signal amplitude is above a predetermined minimum amplitude threshold or reaches its peak value. Asymmetry can also be measured in the described system, where the lapping process is terminated based on asymmetry as well as resistance and amplitude measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for the production level screening of low flying magnetic heads in the manufacture of disk drive head disk assemblies (HDAs) is disclosed. A test disk is provided and has a plurality of bumps extending from at least one surface thereof. The test disk is rotated to fly a head of a head gimbal assembly selected from the group adjacent the surface of the test disk. An interaction of the head with one or more of the plurality of bumps may be sensed and the head gimbal assembly may be screened out from the group in response to the sensing of the interaction.

Abstract: A device comprises a mounting surface configured to mount a head gimbal assembly (HGA), a housing that pivots relative to the mounting surface, and a mechanism coupled to the housing that deflects the HGA when the housing pivots relative to the mounting surface. For example the mechanism may be a pneumatically actuated finger that pulls the HGA towards the housing. The device may be used to load the HGA on a rotating test disc. Once loaded on the test disc, the HGA is supported only by the mounting surface and an air bearing at an interface of a slider of the HGA and the test disc. Embodiments of the invention may provide precise and repeatable positioning of the HGA because dimensional tolerances and vibrations in the mechanism are not transferred to the HGA once it is loaded on the test disc.

Abstract: A terminal pressing unit collectively presses terminals of a plurality of suspensions constituting a head suspension assembly including the suspensions and an actuator block against terminals of the actuator block. A terminal connecting unit connects the terminals of the suspensions with the terminals of the actuator block.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for easily installing many turns of a coil winding on a stator. Representative method for manufacturing a motor includes preparing the coil wound into a ring-like form and tied, preparing the split core such that the spacing between the pair pole pieces in the circumferential direction of the split core corresponds to the inner dimension of the coil in the circumferential direction of the split core, inserting the tied coil into the two coil receiving parts through the openings and then, deforming the split core such that the spacing between the pair pole pieces is increased to be longer than the inner dimension of the coil.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fixture for magnetizing axially alternating N and S poles defined circumferentially in a portion of an outer periphery of an axially extending, cylindrical, smooth shaft, the fixture including: a hollow cylindrical mandrel formed from a non-magnetic, non-electrically-conducting material; a conductive wire disposed in parallel, circumferential channels defined in an outer surface of the mandrel; a potting compound surrounding the mandrel to secure the conductive wire in place; and a central bore defined axially and centrally through the mandrel and exposing or nearly exposing the conductive wire; and the central bore being sized to accept axially inserted therein the portion of the axially extending, cylindrical, smooth shaft. Methods of using and manufacturing the fixture are also provided.

Abstract: A disassembling tool pushes first and second coupling members out of a process cartridge that also has an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and first and second coupling members for rotatably coupling first and second frames of the cartridge together. The disassembling tool includes first and second base bodies, first and second engagement portions provided on the first and second base bodies respectively, and engageable with the cartridge to position the cartridge when the tool is mounted on the cartridge, and first and second pushing-out portions provided for movement relative to the first and second base bodies, respectively, for pushing out the first and second coupling members, respectively. The first and second engagement portions are provided at a location opposed to the first and second pushing-out portions, respectively, in a movement direction in which the first and second pushing-out portions are moved, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting and merging a head stack assembly with a disc stack of a data storage device. The head stack assembly comprises a cantilevered flexure which supports a transducer at a distal end thereof. A carrier includes a carrier support surface arranged to contactingly support the distal end of the flexure. A merge tool is adapted to merge the transducer with a recording surface of the disc stack. The merge tool includes a merge support surface arranged to contactingly support a medial portion of the flexure while the carrier support surface is disposed between the merge support surface and the transducer. The transducer is merged by aligning the merge support surface with the medial portion of the flexure, and using the merge support surface to displace the distal end of the flexure from the carrier support surface and advance the transducer to a final position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement apparatus for obtaining a suitable position on a suspension where a more miniature magnetic head slider is to be mounted to the suspension, the apparatus including a front camera having a photographing optical axis within a plane parallel to a plane of extension of a suspension and directed to the suspension, and a side camera having a photographing optical axis within the parallel plane and which is different from that of the front camera. Coordinates of a top portion of a convex surface of a dimple formed in the suspension are obtained with these cameras. The resultant coordinates and coordinates of the deepest portion of a recess surface of the dimple are correlated with each other, whereby in actual mounting of the magnetic head slider, the deepest portion of the recess surface of the dimple which is readily recognized is measured.

Abstract: A lapping monitor element that is juxtaposed with a magnetic transducer element having a magnetoresistance effect film to determine the lapping position upon lapping the element height of the magnetic transducer element to a predetermined dimension. The lapping monitor element includes a resistance film to be resistance measured. The resistance film is a metal film of nonmagnetic transition metal or of alloy composed mainly of nonmagnetic transition metal, or a multilayered film where two or more such metal films are laid one upon another. The lapping monitor makes it possible to extremely stabilize the ELG sensor resistance measured values upon lapping as well as to provide a high accuracy MR height control.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for precise lapping of recessed and protruding elements in a workpiece is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system is provided having an air bearing surface with electrical components embedded therein to provide a desired surface dimension thereof. The described system embodiment comprises a non-abrasive lapping plate having a lapping surface with a plurality of grooves therein, a support structure for supporting a workpiece such that an air bearing surface thereof is exposed, and a non-abrasive liquid. When the non-abrasive liquid is dispensed between the air bearing surface and the lapping plate, the lapping plate contacts the air bearing surface such that the air bearing surface is lapped solely by the grooves in the lapping plate. The electrical components of the air bearing surface are lapped such that they are substantially uniform in dimension relative to the air bearing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a clamping mechanism capable of clamping a magnetic disk by an accurate fastening force. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk fastening method includes the steps of: mounting a magnetic disk on a hub structure, setting a thin plate spring having a pressure-bearing part, a flexible part and a disk holding part at a predetermined position relative to the magnetic disk with the disk holding part in contact with a surface of the magnetic disk; pressing the pressure-bearing part by screwing a fastening screw in a threaded hole formed in the hub structure; measuring a deflection by which the flexible part is deflected in the pressure-bearing part pressing step; and stopping pressing the magnetic disk upon the increase of the deflection to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A shipping comb combined with a head stack assembly (HSA) which includes sliders recording data onto or reading data from disks, suspensions having the sliders thereon, and end-taps at front ends of the suspensions, the shipping comb preventing the HSA from being damaged, the shipping comb including a body unit having protruding suspension spacers which are each inserted between middle portions of a pair of suspensions having a pair of sliders facing each other to prevent a collision of the middle portions of the pair of suspensions, and a head unit having protruding end-tap spacers inserted between the end-taps of the pair of the suspensions to prevent a collision of the front ends of the pair of suspensions, and connected to a front end of the body unit with a hinge.

Abstract: Steps for clamping storage media to a motor hub to form a data storage device include; securing the disc clamp with a mounting tool, which subsequently expands a central mounting aperture of the disc clamp for assembly of the disc clamp to the motor hub. Upon eschewing the mounting tool from the disc clamp, the motor hub constrains the disc clamp to develop a clamp force that is imparted on the storage media by an annular rib of the disc clamp to clamp the disc to the motor hub. The disc clamp is generally disc shaped and includes a central mounting aperture and a peripheral portion that includes the annular rib extending in a radial direction from the central mounting aperture. The annular rib pressingly engages the storage media to clamp storage media to the motor hub.

Abstract: A base plate and load beam for an HG assembly are formed in series, stacked, and transferred by a transfer system in the form of the stacked-layer series to undergo the necessary assembly processes such as layer joining, slider attachment, and electrical connections between the terminals thereon. When uncompleted HG assemblies are transferred for each of the manufacturing processes, the uncompleted HG assembly is mounted on the assembly jig such as a tray or a block for transference. For this reason, assembling jigs, the number of which is at least equal to the number of the uncompleted HG assemblies remaining at the respective assembly processes would be needed. Accordingly, the efficiency of work space is reduced, and a rise in manufacturing cost is brought about by the need for the assembling jigs.

Abstract: A device and method for testing a slider of a head-gimbal assembly during disc drive manufacturing. The device includes a test disc, an actuator arm and a control module. The test disc has a first circumferential area for detecting contact between the slider and the test disc and a second circumferential area for burnishing sliders that contact the first circumferential area as the test disc rotates at or above the predetermined velocity. The head-gimbal assembly is affixed to a support, or flexure, on the actuator arm such that the slider is operable to move between an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the test disc. The control module controls rotation of the test disc and movement of the actuator arm, and thus the slider, relative to the test disc. The control module monitors the slider-disc interface for contact therebetween. If contact is detected, the slider is either burnished or the head-gimbal assembly is discarded altogether.

Abstract: The present invention is an object to provide an apparatus or a method making it possible to easily effect connection between additional electrodes, etc. and lead electrodes when performing a processing for achieving a predetermined throat height value or crown processing or the like and making it possible to measure the requisite lapping amount. For achieving the object, a flexible electrode extension sheet is used which consists of a portion for retaining a ceramic bar in which element portions are formed and a portion where there are formed wirings respectively in correspondence with the elements and adapted to be connected to these elements, in which these wirings, which can be easily connected to an external measurement system, are electrically connected to the elements, whereby the lapping amount is easily obtained from the characteristic amount of the elements in the lapping process.