Abstract: A baseplate for swaging a head suspension to an actuator arm includes a flange with an opening having a back bore diameter and a boss tower extending from the flange and having an outer diameter. The back bore diameter is less than or equal to about 105% of the outer diameter and greater than or equal to about 90% of the outer diameter.

Abstract: A suspension has a load beam and a flexure having a tongue portion to which a slider is attached. The load beam has a pin insertion hole formed between a proximal portion of the load beam and the slider and an opening formed between a distal portion of the load beam and the slider. A first locating pin is inserted into the pin insertion hole, and a second locating pin into the opening. An extending portion is formed on a distal portion of the flexure. The flexure has a first locating hole in which the first locating pin is inserted and a second locating hole in which the second locating pin is inserted. The second locating hole is formed in the extending portion.

Abstract: A suspension is provided, which comprises: a flexure with elasticity for supporting a head slider having at least one head element; a first load beam having first ribs for reinforcement at both side ends of the first load beam, for supporting the flexure; and a second load beam having second ribs for reinforcement at both side ends of the second load beam, at least a part of the second load beam being overlapped with the first load beam and being fixed to the first load beam, at least a part of the first and second ribs being overlapped with each other.

Abstract: An HGA includes a head slider having at least one head element, a resilient flexure for supporting the head slider to control flying attitude of the head slider, a load beam, supporting the flexure at its top end section, for applying a load in a direction perpendicular to a surface of a recording medium to the head slider, at least one fixing part, formed integral with the load beam, for fixing the load beam to a support arm, and a load-generation part, coupling the at least one fixing part with the load beam, for generating the load. The load-generation part has first at least one leaf spring section formed in a three-dimensionally bent shape and integral with the load beam, the first at least one leaf spring section being located at the rear of the at least one fixing part.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly includes a head, a load beam carrying the head at one end, a resilient member joining the load beam and a carriage, and a pivot bearing provided between the load beam and the carriage and structured so that the load beam is movable in a direction perpendicular to a record medium so that the load beam rocks. The head suspension assembly is structured so that the resilient member has narrow sections for reducing the width of the resilient member to a width smaller than that of both ends of the resilient member that are symmetrical with respect to a centerline of the resilient member. The distal end of the resilient member is joined to the carriage and the resilient member has an opening (hole) in the center thereof. This structure provides a highly shock-resistant and thin head suspension assembly.

Abstract: A swage mount for a recording head suspension comprising a flange, and a hub made of a base metal extending from the flange, and at least an outer surface of the hub is plated with one or more layers of metal which provides increased retention torque, and/or increased cleanliness, and/or increased corrosion resistance. This invention may be used in conjunction with swage mounts that contain surface protrusions that are intentionally created (such as chromium nitride or chromium carbide protrusions) or not intentionally created (such as material inclusions or embedded media particles). In this case the metal plating helps prevent separation of the protrusions from the swage mount, thereby helping to prevent contamination.

Abstract: A suspension includes a multilayered plate member formed by at least three layers laminated together. The modulus of elasticity of neighboring layers of the at least three layers are different from each other. Both side edges of only a part of the layers of the multilayered plate member within a stiffness-required region are bent to form ribs.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a suspension member designed to carry a slider and read/write head elements in a magnetic data storage device. The method includes forming the suspension member into a desired length and width configuration with a nominal thickness dimension. One or more pockets are formed in one or both surfaces of the suspension member. The pockets are treated by way of punch-coining or roll-coining to minimize pocket depth tolerances and introduce hardness and strength into surface areas of said pockets.

Abstract: The disclosed suspension assembly (S) for carrying a magnetic recording head in close following relation to a recording disc includes an improved arrangement for supplying a load to the recording head. The suspension assembly (S) includes a flexible gimbal section (10a) for mounting the recording head and accommodating dampened pitch, roll and transverse movements. The head load arrangement comprises a flexible cantilevered spring tongue (10b) and an elongate rigid load member (20) that extends from the free end of the spring tongue to contact the suspension assembly (S) adjacent the recording head. The load member (20) is configured to cause the spring tongue (10b) to resiliently deflect by a predetermined amount, resulting in a predetermined head load being supplied through the load member to the recording head.

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

Abstract: A low cost, flex head gimbal assembly has a substrate with an attachment region, a flexure region and an integrated gimbal. The flex head gimbal assembly is electrically and mechanically connected to an actuator arm via solder bumps in the attachment region. A stiff plate is attached to the substrate between the attachment region and the flexure region. A flex cable and electrical interconnections extend from the attachment region across the flexure region to the gimbal. Electrical leads extend from the solder bumps to the flex cable. The substrate is bent at the stiff plate to achieve the desired z-height and to impart the pre-load to the assembly.

Abstract: A method for loading single head in a hard disk drive includes the following steps: mounting a head assembly (30) in a baseplate (10) of a hard disk drive, the head assembly comprising an actuator arm (32), a suspension (34) and a HGA, the baseplate engaging a motor (110) and the HGA is positioned close to the motor; biasing the suspension by a mounting tool (50) from the original position, the mounting tool comprising a cantilever arm (52), a pressing head (54) and a supporting rod (56), wherein, the mounting tool rotates to the suspension and gets down to press the suspension; mounting a disk (90) on the motor in the baseplate; and releasing the pressing head from the suspension, loading the HGA of the head assembly to a parking zone of the disk.

Abstract: A magnetic head suspension of the present invention includes a flexure, a load-bent portion, a load beam and a base portion. The base portion has a main body and an embedded body embedded in the main body so as to be positioned in a region where the main body and the load-bent portion overlap with each other. The main body is made of a material having a specific gravity lower than that of the embedded body. The embedded body is made of a material which can be welded to the load-bent portion. The load-bent portion and the embedded body are welded to each other to thereby join the load-bent portion and the base portion to each other.

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

Abstract: A system and method for an improved magnetic head arm assembly (HAA) is disclosed. The HAA includes three principal components, a head gimbal assembly (HGA), a flexible printed circuit (FPC) assembly, and an actuator coil assembly. The design allows for HAA rigidity, yet each of the components is designable and manufacturable independent of one another, in addition to other advantages over current methods.

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. The base plate structure comprises a band portion having conveying holes and positioning holes formed at a predetermined pith respectively in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of the base plates are disposed via connecting portions integrally formed at a predetermined pitch at edges on one side of the band portion.

Abstract: An actuator arm assembly of a hard disk drive. The assembly includes a flexure that is attached to an actuator arm and a head coupled to the flexure. The head is coupled to a pre-amplifier circuit of the drive. The head is also electrically grounded through the flexure and the actuator arm. To improve the reliability of the ground path the flexure has a spring that is contact with a slot of the actuator arm. The spring provides a ground path from the head to the actuator arm.

Abstract: A head suspension for a reverse flow disk drive. The head suspension includes a load beam having a mounting region at a proximal end, a rigid region at a distal end and a spring region between the mounting region and the rigid region. A flexure is mounted on the distal end of the rigid region. A slider is mounted on the flexure. The slider has a proximal end closest to the proximal end of the load beam, wherein the spring region, the rigid region, the flexure and the slider comprise an active portion. One or more read/write heads are located on the proximal end of the slider. A plurality of electrical traces extend along the head suspension to the proximal end of the slider. At least one airflow attenuator is provided that creates a region of reduced airflow velocity proximate at least a portion of the active portion. An actuator assembly and to a reverse flow disk drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive has a base (19) to be attached to a carriage, a load beam (21) having a rigid part (27) and a resilient part (29) supported by the base, to apply load on a data read/write head (13) arranged at a front end (27a) of the rigid part, and a flexure (49) attached to the load beam and supporting the head. The rigid part has a multilayer structure consisting of at least three layers including metal layers (28a, 28b) and a resin layer (28c) interposed between the metal layers. The number of layers of the resilient part is smaller than that of the rigid part.

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: An actuator arm of a magnetic disc drive having a mounting surface includes a mounting block having a sloped mounting surface. A base plate of a head gimble assembly is attached to the sloped mounting surface. The head gimbal assembly is unbent in its free state and is bent upon being loaded onto the disc.

Abstract: A head supporting assembly has high flexibility, while applying a necessary and sufficient pressing force to a head, is excellent in shock resistance, and provides a stabilized pressing force not affected by manufacturing variations, and a head driving assembly and a disk drive apparatus use such head supporting assembly. The head supporting assembly is configured to have a base arm provided with a rotation-supporting portion for supporting a head supporting member for rotation in a direction toward and away from a disk surface and a resilient member having one end thereof connected to an end of a supporting arm and the other end connected to the base arm. The rotation-supporting portion of the base arm is provided at such a position that a head mount is allowed to be displaced relative thereto by pressing of the rotation-supporting portion in the pressing direction.

Abstract: A fine positioning mechanism is provided in a disc drive for driving a head that records data onto and reproduces data from a disc. The mechanism includes a base fixed to an arm and a suspension, the base connecting the suspension to the arm, the arm swinging around a rotary shaft, and the suspension supporting the head. A drive part is located above the base, for deforming the base, the drive part including a shear type piezoelectric element that is polarized in a direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the piezoelectric element, and deforms top and bottom surfaces of the piezoelectric element perpendicular to the thickness direction when voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A load beam is provided with a base plate and a slider. A magnetic head apparatus is fixed to a head arm via a base plate. In a mechanism or structure for supporting such a magnetic head supporting mechanism, an elastically deformable portion is provided between the base plate and the load beam. Thus, a floating structure that allows the load beam to swing is formed about the elastically deformable portion. In addition, a weight of the load beam is balanced with respect to the elastically deformable portion. Furthermore, a contact portion for applying pressure to the load beam is provided on the head arm so that a pressing load to a recording medium would be set by an amount of rotation of the load beam caused by the pressure applied by the contact portion.

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

Abstract: An extending portion extending from the proximal portion of the load beam of a disc drive suspension has a first hole in which a first positioning pin can be inserted and a second hole in which a second positioning pin can be inserted. The first hole has an elongated shape that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the first positioning pin in a width direction. The second hole is a circular large hole that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the second positioning pin in the width direction and an axial direction. A third hole and a fourth hole are formed in a flexure. The third hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the first positioning pin in the axial direction. The fourth hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the second positioning pin.

Abstract: A system and method for an improved magnetic head arm assembly (HAA) is disclosed. The HAA includes three principal components, a head gimbal assembly (HGA), a flexible printed circuit (FPC) assembly, and an actuator coil assembly. The design allows for HAA rigidity, yet each of the components is designable and manufacturable independent of one another, in addition to other advantages over current methods.

Abstract: An extending portion of a load beam is formed having a first hole in which a first positioning pin can be inserted and a second hole in which a second positioning pin can be inserted. The first hole has an elongated shape that allows the extending portion of the load beam to move relatively to the first positioning pin in a width direction. The second hole is a circular large hole that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the second positioning pin in the width direction and an axial direction. A third hole and a fourth hole are formed in a flexure. The third hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the first positioning pin in the axial direction. The fourth hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the second positioning pin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a welded attachment between components for a disk drive head suspension where the material of at least one of the components is not suitable for welding directly to the material of the other component. The method and apparatus include providing at least one insert in an aperture in one component compatible with material of the second component or an insert in the second component to enable the first component to be welded to the second component. The insert may be an interference fit in the aperture or it may be coined to enhance retention. Fully hardened or annealed stainless steel may be used for the insert, and aluminum, ceramic or a polymer or composite may be the material receiving the insert. The aperture may be preformed or formed in by the insert during the operation of punching and installing the insert.

Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a rotatable actuator arm mounted on the base of a disc drive. The actuator arm includes a metallic member seated on a non-metallic body. A proximal end of a load beam is mounted on the actuator arm and a distal end of the load beam supports a head. The actuator assembly also includes a connection between the metallic member and the load beam that secures the load beam to the actuator arm.

Abstract: A disc drive in which an actuator arm and a suspension are each metallurgically bonded to a coupling. The coupling comprises two materials, one of which is metallurgically compatible with the material of the actuator arm and the other is metallurgically compatible with the material of the suspension. The metallugical bonds may be formed using a welding process.

Abstract: A head actuator mechanism and a method of manufacture for that mechanism are disclosed. The head actuator mechanism includes a head gimbal assembly coupled to the top support face of a bearing assembly and an actuator driving mechanism coupled to the opposite support face. The head gimbal assembly includes an actuator arm and a load beam, the actuator arm being mounted to the top support face. The actuator driving assembly includes a driving coil and a coil holder frame. The driving coil is positioned in a magnetic field created by a magnetic block and yoke.

Abstract: An extending portion of a hinge member is formed having a first hole in which a first positioning pin can be inserted and a second hole in which a second positioning pin can be inserted. The first hole has an elongated shape that allows the extending portion of the hinge member to move relatively to the first positioning pin in a width direction. The second hole is a circular large hole that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the second positioning pin in the width direction and an axial direction. A third hole and a fourth hole are formed in a flexure. The third hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the first positioning pin in the axial direction. The fourth hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the second positioning pin.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive has support plate means (3, 7) serving as a carriage arm and a load beam (5). The load beam consists of a rigid part (13) and a resilient part (15), to apply load to a slider (43) of a head. The support plate means (3, 7) consists of at least layered two plates (3, 7). At least one (7) of the plates (3, 7) has a thickness (t2) appropriate for forming precision holes therethrough by etching. A pivot hole (31) is formed through the plate (7). A loose hole (9) larger than and substantially concentric with the pivot hole is formed through the plate (3). The plates (3, 7) have improved flatness, and the pivot hole has improved accuracy.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly for a rigid disk drive. The head suspension has a load beam with a mounting region at a proximal end, a rigid region at a distal end and a tether connecting the mounting region and the rigid region. A hinge structure is located between the rigid region and the mounting region. The hinge structure comprises an interface with first pivot surfaces on the mounting region positively engaged with second pivot surfaces on the rigid region by the tether. A torsional spring is located between the rigid region and the mounting region.

Abstract: A milliactuated disk drive suspension assembly includes a mount plate, a functional end for supporting a transducer-carrying slider, a hinge disposed between the mount plate and the functional end, and a sway compliant region on the mount plate adapted to facilitate displacement of the functional end in a trackwise sway direction relative to the mount plate. A pair of milliactuators can be mounted to span the compliant region in a closely spaced arrangement to develop maximum mechanical advantage between a milliactuator actuating stroke and a transducer sway stroke. The mount plate is free of swage mounting features and is mounted to a disk drive actuator arm using a swageless interconnection that allows the milliactuators to be closely spaced so as to improve their mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A suspension comprises a base plate, a load beam, and a hinge member. An extending portion is provided on the side of the hinge member. A step forming portion is formed between the base plate mounting portion and the extending portion. The step forming portion has a difference in level such that the extending portion is situated inside the base plate mounting portion with respect to its thickness direction. An end portion of the flexure fixed on the extending portion is situated inside the surface of the base plate mounting portion with respect to the thickness direction.

Abstract: An actuator assembly including one or more actuator arms, wherein each of the actuator arms defines a clasp hole and a clamp-opening hole and a slot running between the clasp hole and clamp-opening hole, and optionally, a second slot running from the clasp hole to a distal end of the actuator arm, thereby creating two clasp fingers. A flex suspension assembly is included with a protrusion, such as a boss and a head on a distal end. The flex suspension assembly is coupled to the actuator arm by resiliently increasing the diameter of the clasp hole so as to allow the boss on the flex suspension assembly to be inserted into the clasp hole. With the boss is inserted, the clasp hole is allowed to revert to its original diameter, thereby clamping the boss in the clasp hole. A method for assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the design and manufacturing process of a hard disk drive magnetic head arm assembly (HAA) by welding specific components is disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a component for use in swage mounting that includes a base plate, having a first side and a second side, and a hub which preferably is cylindrically shaped. The hub is primarily comprised of a first material (such as stainless steel), extends from the second side of the base plate, and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface of the hub includes numerous protrusions that are less than approximately 50 microns in height and that are primarily comprised of a second material (such as a carbide or a nitride) which is different from the first material. Preferably, the protrusions are substantially harder (such as at least 50 hardness Vickers harder) than the base material.

Abstract: A suspension for disc drive having a micro actuator mechanism comprises a base plate, a connecting plate having a hinge portion thinner than the base plate, a load beam provided with a flexure, a pair of actuator elements such as PZT, etc. The micro actuator mechanism includes a pivot portion formed between a pair of slits and support walls formed on the connecting plate. The actuator elements are provided individually on the opposite sides of the pivot portion. Each support wall is a bent portion that is formed by raising an edge portion of the connecting plate in the thickness direction of the main portion of the connecting plate.

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

Abstract: An HGA includes a head slider having at least one head element, a resilient flexure for supporting the head slider to control flying attitude of the head slider, a load beam, supporting the flexure at its top end section, for applying a load in a direction perpendicular to a surface of a recording medium to the head slider, at least one fixing part, formed integral with the load beam, for fixing the load beam to a support arm, and a load-generation part, coupling the at least one fixing part with the load beam, for generating the load. The load-generation part has first at least one leaf spring section formed in a three-dimensionally bent shape and integral with the load beam, the first at least one leaf spring section being located at the rear of the at least one fixing part.

Abstract: A method for swaging a suspension assembly to an actuator arm of a data storage device is disclosed. The method includes steps of inserting a deformable tubular stake into an aperture of an actuator arm and inserting an expandable swaging member into a channel of the tubular stake within the aperture of the actuator arm. Thereafter, the method includes the step of expanding the swaging member to deform the tubular stake to swage the tubular stake to the actuator arm of the data storage device.

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

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

Abstract: A method of bonding a magnetic disk drive head suspension to an actuator arm. The actuator arm has a boss hole therein and the suspension includes a base plate with an inside diameter or barrel therein. A thermoplastic cylindrical core is fabricated with a barrel therein. The suspension and actuator arm are clamped together to form a head stack assembly in which the base plate inside diameter is aligned with the boss hole in the actuator arm. The thermoplastic cylindrical core is passed through the base plate inside diameter and the boss hole in the actuator arm. A heating tool, such as an ultrasonic horn is passed through the barrel of the cylindrical core and heated causing the cylindrical core expand and bond to the base plate inside diameter and to the actuator arm boss hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated actuator assembly and the method for making the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is intended for use in miniature personal electronic devices, but could be used in any type of disk drive. The actuator is primarily constructed from strong, stiff, lightweight composite materials. The upper and lower planar elements of the actuator assembly, each comprising multiple composite layers, include a forward portion and a rearward portion. A flexure member, typically positioned between the layers of composite material, allows the forward portion of each planar element to pivot in unison relative to the rear portion of each planar element. In this manner, the position of an optical pick up unit or other read/write device positioned at the distal end of the actuator assembly can be adjusted relative to the surface of a data disk. The composite and flexure planar elements are formed in arrays of multiple component pieces with aligned registration members.

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 magnetic head suspension assembly is fabricated with an integral piece which includes a load beam section, a flexure section, a rest mount section and a leaf spring section between the load beam and rear mount. A tongue extends from the load beam to the flexure and has a down-facing load dimple which contacts the non-air bearing surface of an attached air bearing slider. The flexure includes narrow thin legs adjacent to a cutout that delineates the load beam tongue. The head suspension is characterised by a high first bending mode frequency and low pitch and roll stiffness.