Abstract: A top cover installation station with a feeder assembly and a robotic assembly for installing a top cover with top cover fasteners on a basedeck of a disc drive. The feeder assembly supports top cover wireframe caddies, each caddy containing top covers. A dial assembly transports each caddy into alignment with an elevator assembly that aligns the top cover with an escapement assembly that removes the top cover from the caddy. The robotic assembly has a positioning assembly supporting a pair of Z-axis end effector assemblies, the positioning assembly transporting the pair of effector assemblies to predetermined positions. A first end effector assembly picks and places the top cover adjacent the basedeck and a second end effector assembly grips and secures the top cover onto the basedeck via the top cover fasteners.

Abstract: In assembling a disk recording apparatus, a spindle motor is driven to rotate disks and with the disk recording apparatus supported by a linear guide mechanism for movement with one degree of freedom of translation in a direction substantially in parallel to surfaces of the disks. A measuring mechanism is used to measure vibration in the direction of the one degree of freedom of translation caused by the rotation of a rotating part of the disk recording apparatus. An angular position detecting mechanism is used to detect the angular position of each disk at which vibration of a maximum amplitude is generated. The eccentricity and the direction of eccentricity of the rotating part are analyzed in accordance with the measured vibration and the detected angular position, and the base and the rotating part are moved relatively to correct the eccentricity in accordance with the result of the analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mounting a device such as a spindle rotation motor to a base of a disk drive such as a miniature optical disk drive. In one embodiment, the method employs a tool. More particularly, the method may include mounting the tool to the base. The tool may include first and second substantially parallel surfaces separated by a first distance. The base may include a base surface and a first raised surface, wherein the base surface and the first raised surface are contained in respective, substantially parallel planes that are separated by a second distance. The first surface of the tool may engage the first raised surface of the base when the tool is mounted to the base. The base may also include a base aperture formed through the base surface. This base aperture may be sized to receive a rotation cylinder of the rotation motor. When the rotation cylinder extends through the aperture, the rotation cylinder may engage the second surface of the tool.

Abstract: A method for merging the disc pack, E-block and magnet of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a merge assembly station and moved to a merge slide assembly where calibration measurements of disc pack height and squareness are made at a reference position. The merge slide assembly moves the disc pack from the reference position to a shuttled position, the E-block is moved to an E-block nest assembly where the load arms of the E-block are spread in response to the calibration measurements, and the discs of the disc pack are interweaved between opposing read/write heads of the E-block. A magnet slide assembly positions the magnet to straddle the E-block. The disc pack, E-block and magnet are moved together, maintaining the merged interrelationship, to the basedeck and fastened to the basedeck.

Abstract: A top cover installation station with a feeder assembly and a robotic assembly for installing a top cover with top cover fasteners on a basedeck of a disc drive. The feeder assembly supports top cover wireframe caddies, each caddy containing top covers. A dial assembly transports each caddy into alignment with an elevator assembly that aligns the top cover with an escapement assembly that removes the top cover from the caddy. The robotic assembly has a positioning assembly supporting a pair of Z-axis end effector assemblies, the positioning assembly transporting the pair of effector assemblies to predetermined positions. A first end effector assembly picks and places the top cover adjacent the basedeck and a second end effector assembly grips and secures the top cover onto the basedeck via the top cover fasteners.

Abstract: Apparatus for balancing a rotary object, such as a disc drive disc pack. A balance correction member is provided as a C-shaped ring formed from a length of wire of nominally uniform cross-sectional area. The member has a substantially elliptical shape in an uncompressed state. During installation, the amount of imbalance in the disc pack is measured and a member with an appropriate length is selected and compressed to a substantially circular shape. The compressed member is then placed adjacent the disc pack so that the member expands to compressingly engage an annular recess in the disc pack. The member is preferably installed using an automated dynamic balance correction station as part of a high volume disc drive manufacturing environment.

Abstract: An automated clampring installation station for assembling a disc drive having a hardware dispensing assembly, a presentment assembly, and a positioning and attachment assembly having a transport and affixing assembly and a feature detection assembly. The hardware dispensing assembly stages hardware for pick-up by the positioning and attachment assembly. The component parts presentment places a clampring for pick-up by the positioning and attachment assembly. The feature detection assembly provides orientation information to the components transport and affixing assembly to compensate for orientation of the hardware to the clampring and the subsequent alignment of the hardware and the clampring to the disc drive, and thereafter driving the hardware through apertures in the clampring and in the disc drive to attach the clampring to the disc drive.

Abstract: In manufacturing a disc cartridge having a pair of opposing upper and lower shells, and an information recording medium disc accommodated therebetween, first ends of the shells are coupled, second ends of the shells are coupled when first ends of the shells are coupled, and the disc is inserted from the opened second ends of the shells.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for constructing a segmented annular permanent magnet from a predetermined number of previously magnetized segments of predetermined shape and size comprising a rotateable carrousel, at least two of a plurality of removable ferromagnetic segments, an introducing means and a removing means.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a disc storage system includes a base having a number of subassemblies. A disc pack subassembly is mounted on the base and is configured to support a disc pack and an actuator subassembly is mounted on the base and is configured to support an actuator assembly. A drive mechanism merges the disc pack subassembly together with the actuator subassembly whereby transducer heads in the actuator subassembly are positioned on disc surfaces of the disc pack. At least one of the subassemblies is releasably mounted to the base and the subassembly can be replaced for assembly differing disc storage systems or upon failure of the subassembly.

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: With negative pressure sliders having step bearings, there are variations in flying height resulting from variations in shape factors, such as the step bearing depth. In order to achieve lower flying height, it is considered necessary to reduce the variation in flying height caused by the variation in curvature of the air bearing surface and the variation in flying height caused by the variation in the shapes of the step bearings. The curvature of the air bearing surface of the slider can be observed in the pre-cut row bar condition or in a unit product condition. Shape data of the magnetic head slider can be input, such as the step bearing depth, etc., so as to calculate the predicted flying height of the slider An arithmetic processing unit calculates an adjusted target curvature from the difference between the predicted flying height and the target flying height.

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: An object of the invention is to manufacture sliders having excellent properties with accuracy and to improve the production efficiency and facilitate handling of intermediate products during slider manufacturing steps.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a first station (32), a second station (34), and a third station (36). At the first station (32), raw magnetic material strip (24) is de-reeled from a stock reel (40) and a predetermined amount of the raw magnetic material strip (24) is fed and measured as the magnetic material strip (24) is transported to a winding mechanism (60). In the winding mechanism (60), the magnetic material strip (24) is continuously wound in and through an opening (22) formed in a bobbin (12) to form a wound transformer core. Preferably, a pair of bobbins (12,14) are used and the magnetic material strip (24) is continuously wound through openings (22) formed in each of the bobbins (12,14). After winding the predetermined amount of magnetic material strip (24) through the bobbins (12,14), the magnetic material strip (24) is cut at a predetermined measured location to produce a trailing edge (26) of material (24).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head includes a step of cutting a wafer into bars, each bar having a plurality of thin-film magnetic head sliders which are sequentially coupled with each other, a step of identifying the bar to be worked to generate an identification signal which indicates identity of the bar, a step of obtaining data of the bar in a unit of bar depending upon the identification signal, and a step of processing at least one working of the bar on the basis of the obtained data of the bar.

Abstract: According to a method of manufacturing a magnetic head, a magnetoresistive device is formed on a substrate, a top end portion of the magnetoresistive device is placed in an external magnetic field, and a height of the magnetic head is adjusted by ceasing a polishing operation at an instant when change in resistance of the magnetoresistive device relative to change in the external magnetic field comes up to a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically correcting the dynamic imbalance of a disc pack of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a balance correction assembly station where a rotary positioner lifts and rotates the disc pack to a reference position for the attachment of weighted shims to the disc pack. A shim selector assembly delivers a selected shim, and an end effector transfers the selected shim to a shim attachment assembly. The shim attachment assembly rotates and spreads open the shim so that the disc pack can be receivingly engaged thereby, and the shim attachment assembly releases the selected shim to lockingly engage the disc pack. A flipping assembly reverses the disc pack for placement of another selected shim to the other end of the disc pack, as required.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for merging the disc pack, E-block and magnet of a disc drive, the disc pack conveyed to a first selected position in a merge assembly station and moved to a merge slide assembly where calibration measurements of disc pack height and squareness are made at a reference position. The merge slide assembly moves the disc pack from the reference position to a shuttled position, the E-block is moved to an E-block nest assembly where the load arms of the E-block are spread in response to the calibration measurements, and the discs of the disc pack are interweaved between opposing read/write heads of the E-block. A magnet slide assembly positions the magnet to straddle the E-block. The disc pack, E-block and magnet are moved together, maintaining the merged interrelationship, to the basedeck and fastened to the basedeck.

Abstract: A collet assembly for picking and placing a disc pack in an automated assembly process, the collet assembly having a retractable cylinder that extends to spreadingly engage a segmented collet against a lifting surface of the disc pack to support the disc pack during a lifting operation. The collet assembly is positioned by a positioning assembly to an engaging position adjacent the disc pack. A locking cylinder supports a lower pad and an upper pad on opposing sides of a flange portion of the collet assembly, to provide a fixed mode in a retracted position of the locking cylinder wherein the collet assembly position is fixed relative the positioning assembly, and to provide a compliant mode in an extended position of the locking cylinder wherein the collet assembly is free to compliantly float in a two-axis plane relative to the positioning assembly.

Abstract: A head disk assembly file has a tub-type basecasting with side walls, a floor and a pack of hard disks. The file also comprises an actuator having a set of head gimbal assemblies with magnetic heads. The actuator is secured to the file and is rotatable from a pre-merge position outside of the disks to an inner diameter position near the centers of the disks. A head merge tool comprising a merge comb with fingers interfaces with the file at a home position. In the home position, the merge comb is surrounded by but free of contact with the side walls, the floor and the head gimbal assemblies. The floor has a recess located beneath the merge comb. The recess extends from one side wall to the inner diameter of the disks and provides a clearance for a lowermost finger of the merge comb. A flexible cable extends from the actuator to the floor. A depression in the floor adjacent to the recess accommodates the flexible cable.

Abstract: A mounting portion (protruding portion provided with a through hole) of a magnetic head assembly is fitted into an insertion hole formed at the forward end of a carriage arm, and a thus-produced inlay portion is disposed between adjacent first members having a V-shaped slit. A second member is pushed into the V-shaped slit of each first member and the magnetic head assembly is pressed against the carriage arm by the expanding force of the slit portions of each first member which is produced in proportion to the amount of insertion of the second member, and the magnetic head assembly is held in a fixed state. In this state, a caulking ball is press-fitted into the through hole of the protruding portion with a caulking pin so as to caulk the inlay portion. The magnetic head assembly is pressed against the carriage arm perpendicularly thereto.

Abstract: A disk drive that is the product of modifying a standard computer disk drive to read and write data in parallel with all of its transducer heads at once, rather than serially with only one head at a time. A method and apparatus are disclosed for protecting the disk drive's platters from damage and contamination while working on the interior of the disk drive case. The apparatus includes a hinged cover that replaces a conventional disk drive cover while work is being performed on circuitry within the disk drive case. The hinged cover seals off the platters and the inside of the disk drive case except for the circuitry being worked on.

Abstract: An assembling position-adjusting mechanism of a magnetic disk apparatus able to adjust the azimuth, radial alignment, and index of a magnetic head by adjusting a position thereof during the assembling process of a spindle motor. A positioning head movable in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of a table is provided. A plurality of positioning pins are provided on the bottom of the positioning head. Moving mechanisms are provided in the positioning head so that the bottom surface of the positioning head is movable and rotatable parallel to the top surface of the table. Each positioning pin of the positioning head is inserted into a respective positioning hole of a motor assembly so as to move the motor assembly with a movement of the positioning head so that the spindle motor of the motor assembly is at an appropriate position relative to the magnetic head of the main body of the magnetic disk apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic disk apparatus, a method for assembling an actuator mechanism thereof and an assembling unit of the actuator mechanism, wherein a plurality of head arms are installed integrally onto an arm supporting block and a head assembly is fixed to these head arms by use of arm mounting assembly. Also, an assembling method and assembling unit suitable for installing the head assembly to the head arm in the case that a plurality of head arms are installed integrally onto the arm supporting block. Because a plurality of head arms are installed integrally onto the arm supporting block, its assembling work is simple, the cost is decreased, and still more it is possible to effectively reduce a latent off-track of magnetic head.

Abstract: A method for winding wire on a work and an apparatus therefor are disclosed in which wire an end of which is grasped by a clamp, is hooked with a hook, the hooked wire is inserted into a hole provided in the work and, the clamp is then moved according to the drawing of the wire by the hook wherein to a position opposite the hook, the clamp grasping the end of wire is turned with respect to the work to wind the wire on the work. Therefore, pressure contact of the wire with an edge of the hole is eliminated.

Abstract: An assembly station is provided for use in the assembly of disk drive units of the type used in microcomputers, such as personal computers and the like. The assembly station comprises a main platform having a head fixture and a disk fixture for respectively receiving and supporting a head actuator subassembly and a disk subassembly of a disk drive unit. The disk fixture supports the disk subassembly for sliding displacement into precision registry with the actuator subassembly to accommodate facilitated mounting of a housing base onto the actuator and disk subassemblies. In the preferred form of the invention, the assembly station is further adapted to receive and support additional disk drive components for mounting within the housing base. The platform is adapted for inversion to expose these additional disk drive components through platform openings for relatively simple attachment to the housing base at predetermined positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for weaving a wire through magnetic cores of a memory matrix include a housing accommodating a shaft connected to a rotation drive and having an axial passage and a cavity in its central portion, the interior of the cavity accommodating a spool of wire rotatable about its own axis and about an axis perpendicular to the shaft. The spool is provided with a step electric motor rigidly affixed on the shaft after the spool. At the side opposite to the arrangement of the step electric motor the housing accommodates a pneumatic transport unit having a central passage to allow the wire therethrough arranged in line with the axial passage of the shaft, walls of a guide having passages for feeding compressed gas to and discharging it from the central passage.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing accommodating, in succession of the process procedures, a mechanism for moving and separating magnetic cores and a magnetic head of a unit for orientating the magnetic cores above which there are disposed coordinate lines having the magnetic cores threaded thereon. The mechanism for moving and separating the magnetic cores includes distribution and guide combs spaced from each other and having teeth thereof facing the side of the coordinate lines. Arranged after the guide comb before the magnetic head is a comb for separating the magnetic cores, teeth of this comb having a bevel facing the side of the guide comb. Disposed in close proximity to the coordinate lines is a unit for pneumatically conveying the magnetic cores. All the combs and magnetic head rest in planes perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the coordinate lines and are turned relative to these lines at an angle other than 90.degree.. The housing accommodates a programming mechanism with a control unit.

Abstract: A magnetic bubble memory packaging tool comprising a stationary base having a bias magnet replaceable mounting arm which cooperates with a moveable bias magnet replaceable mounting arm on a moveable base, the latter being coupled to move relative to said stationary base by a spring biased screw arrangement. With the bias magnets positioned on opposite sides of the mounting arms and with the yoke positioned to a compass the arms, and the bias magnets, rotation of the screw increases the bias of the spring urging the arms and magnets in a direction away from each other and into engagement with the inside walls of the yoke. The spring bias is a measure of the pressure with which the bias magnets engage the yoke for bonding and the screw is calibrated so as to select the bias of the spring.

Abstract: Alternate S- and N-poles are disposed on a multipolar erasing head in the direction of a relative movement of the multipolar erasing head to a magnetic recording medium. The multipolar erasing head includes at least one region where the distances between adjacent magnetic poles of the same polarity are successively shortened in the direction for successively erasing the information recorded on the recording medium. A method and apparatus for manufacturing such an erasing head are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for stringing a multiplicity of wires through a memory array in a plurality of directions having means for guiding the wires into the array and for capturing the wires leaving the array and means for providing tension on the wires and for directing and causing the wires to pass through the array in the plurality of directions. The guiding and capture means are adapted both to constrain the wires in a preselected configuration and to permit the wires to be easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing triple coincidence access 3-D memories (requiring 3 inputs for memory access) which, according to the invention, consists in making a flat core matrix threaded along three directions of the Cartesian system, the matrix is then positioned opposite the place of manufacturing a subsequent flat matrix, every matrix is secured in the position provided for it in the 3-D memory being manufactured and in which the subsequent weaving procedure is carried out until the preset number of matrices for the 3-D memory is obtained.

Abstract: A method of making a memory plane of a magnetic decoder comprising threading of transformers of a decoder memory plane by a single wire by means of stringing ferrite cores in a column on a wire which will serve as a bias winding of all transformers, and then arranging the transformers in a specified configuration to form a row extending in one coordinate direction, and threading primary windings of all transformers in one row by a single wire. Several rows are subsequently arranged in a strip of transformers which is threaded by a third wire in a second coordinate direction, and secondary windings are wound for each transformer separately.