Abstract: A magnetic device includes first and second electrodes and a sensor stack connected to the first and second electrodes proximate a sensing surface of the magnetic sensor. A resistive element is connected to the first and second electrodes in parallel or in series with the sensor stack and adjacent the sensing surface. In some embodiments, the resistive element is configured to generate signals related to changes in its resistance. A controller to respond to the resistive element signals can also be included.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a first layer having a near field transducer positioned in a waveguide cladding; a second layer having a magnetic pole piece; a third layer including a solid immersion mirror; a first lapping guide positioned in the first layer; a second lapping guide positioned in the second layer; and a third lapping guide positioned in the third layer.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly includes a body, an electrically insulative layer supported by the body, a first bond pad defined on the electrically insulative layer, a first electrical contact pad defined on the electrically insulative layer and electrically isolated from the first bond pad, a circuit located adjacent to the electrically insulative layer defining a second bond pad and a second electrical contact pad that are electrically isolated from each other, and an electrically conductive bonding material that electrically and mechanically links the first and second bond pads. After setting, the electrically conductive bonding material biases the first and second electrical contact pads against each other in order to create an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: A substrate transport container is provided. Substrate transport container includes a container and a cover. The container includes an open top portion and a closed bottom portion, each having a perimeter greater than the middle portion of the container. The cover further includes a carrier, which is used for transporting information pertaining to the substrate. The interior of the container includes insert members. The insert includes outer and inner guide rails, compound slanted guides, recessed buttons and catch knobs. The rails are open at the top to provide an easy guide when placing the substrate in the container. The rails then narrow, and along with the compound slanted guides, provide a design that securely holds the substrate in place. The insert is angled such that the outer rim of the substrate will only contact the insert. The insert and container are formed together through a two shot or over molding process.

Abstract: A fluid guide for recirculating fluid through a filter in a data storage device, the data storage device having a disc rotatably supported on a base and operatively imparting a velocity to the fluid surrounding the disc resulting in a generally outwardly spiraling fluid flow. The fluid guide comprises a shroud supportable by the base substantially transversely to the disc comprising a distal surface closely matingly engageable with the disc edge, a vane extending from the shroud substantially parallel to the disc and opposing the base, the vane comprising a leading edge disposed transverse to the disc and within the fluid flow, guiding the fluid toward a proximal end of the shroud beyond the disc edge; and a retaining feature adjacent the shroud proximal end adapted for retaining the filter. Two or more fluid guides are stackable and fixable to the base to interlace the vanes between adjacent discs in a multi-disc stack.

Abstract: A breather filter cartridge in a data storage device contains a filtration media, such as packed granular carbon, in a chamber. The cartridge incorporates a gas diffusion path that traverses through the breather filter casing, interfacing with the chamber along a tubular sidewall and allowing the thickness of the filter top end to be reduced. This permits additional filter media to be packed into the same breather filter height. Alternatively, the same amount of filtration media can accordingly be packed into a thinner breather filter. The top end may also include an outward extending flange, with the chamber extending completely through the flange. A thin film seals the media above the flange, allowing for even more filter media to be packed into a breather filter of identical height.

Abstract: A head disc merge assembly for merging an actuator with a disc stack having a disc, the actuator assembly having a flexure supporting a data transducer head, the head disc merge assembly including a merge comb having a flexure support member to support the flexure away from the disc while positioning the data transducer bead on the disc. A merge comb inspection station is provided having a body with a certification slot. The merge comb is moved into engagement with the certification slot, and successful passage there through indicates that the merge comb has an acceptable clearance condition for continued use at the merge station, while an unsuccessful passage through the certification slot indicates that the merge comb has an unacceptable non-clearance condition, and the electrical continuity check circuit is activated to stop the merge station for replacement of the merge comb.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting a data storage device from fluid-borne contaminants. The device includes a housing in which a rotatable disc is disposed. The housing is formed from first and second rigid housing members. The first housing member is provided with an exterior filter support surface, an opposing interior surface and at least one filter access aperture. A contaminant adsorbent filter is placed on the exterior filter support surface, and a seal is applied to the first housing member to encapsulate the filter. During subsequent rotation of the disc, fluidic currents pass across the interior surface, through the at least one filter access aperture and to the adsorbent filter. Preferably, the filter is installed after the first and second housing members are mated. The filter support surface is preferably formed as part of a recess in the first housing member which projects into the housing.

Abstract: A head stack assembly installation system with a frame supporting a head stack installation tool including a robotic assembly supporting a measurement assembly communicating with a computer hosting an installation software program. The robotic assembly picks and places the head stack assembly into the head disc assembly and the measurement assembly collects and communicates process positions and force parameters to the computer, the computer calculating distance and force data. The installation software program directs and controls enactment of process steps followed by the head stack installation tool to install or abort installation of the head stack assembly based on the position and force data.

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 disc clamp assembly for securing a data storage disc to a drive motor in a disc drive includes a disc clamp having a central portion that can be secured to a drive motor, a raised portion extending around the central portion, and a contact portion extending around the raised portion for pressing down on the disc to secure the disc to the drive motor. The contact portion has an upwardly extending rim, and the rim has at least fifteen spaced apart upwardly extending projections positioned around the rim. A balance ring is seated in the contact portion.

Abstract: Forming a top cover assembly of a disc drive by providing a top cover to a gasket-dispensing device, accelerating a gasket material dispensing head of the gasket-dispensing device over a staging portion of a gasket support portion of the top cover, supplying an uncured gasket material to the accelerating gasket material dispensing head, dispensing a substantially constant increasing thickness gradient of uncured gasket material adjacent the staging portion, discharging a substantially dimensionally uniform bead of the uncured gasket material onto the support surface, applying a substantially constant decreasing thickness gradient of the uncured gasket material adjacent the substantially constant increasing thickness gradient of uncured gasket material and curing the uncured gasket material to form the top cover assembly.

Abstract: A disc storage subsystem includes a housing, at least one disc drive assembly received in a front portion of the housing, first and second controllers, and an intermediate electronic component. The disc drive assembly includes a carrier supporting a disc drive having an Advanced Technology Architecture (ATA) data interface. The first and second controllers each include a data port corresponding to the disc drive. The intermediate electronic includes multiplexing electronics having first and second data communication paths. The first data communication path provides electronic communication between the data port of the first controller and the data interface of the disc drive. The second data communication path provides electronic communication between the data port of the second controller and the data interface of the disc drive. The multiplexing electronics selectively opens and closes the first and second data communication paths in response to at least one control signal.

Abstract: A disc fixing apparatus and associated methodology for fixing a data storage disc in rotation with the hub of a motor that is rotatable around a motor axis of rotation. The disc fixing apparatus comprises a clamp engaging the hub and comprising a reference surface associated with the clamp axis of rotation. A fastener comprising a registration feature cooperates with the reference surface, registering the clamp with the fastener. The fastener is attached to the motor hub fixing the disc and hub in rotation and registering the clamp to the motor axis of rotation. An associated method is provided for fixing a disc in balanced rotation with a rotatable hub of a motor around a motor axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method for forming a disc stack assembly suitable for use in a disc drive. A number of discs are loaded onto a spindle motor hub and a disc clamp assembly is installed to secure the discs to the hub. The disc clamp assembly includes an annular retaining ring and a substantially planar, disc shaped clamp plate. The annular retaining ring is secured within an annular ring recess of the spindle motor hub and deforms the clamp plate so that the clamp plate applies an axially directed clamping force to the discs. The disc clamp includes an annular hat flange. The disc stack assembly is preferably balanced by selectively removing material from the hat flange or by attaching a balance weight to the hat flange.

Abstract: A dampening datum plate assembly for an assembly line for components, the dampening datum plate assembly having a member for moving a component from a conveyor to a datum position at an assembly station, a dampening pin assembly supported at the datum position for absorbing vibrational shock from the component moved by the moving member. The moving member has a plate on which is supported a second dampening pin assembly for absorbing vibrational shock from contact of the plate with the component. Each dampening pin assembly has a replaceable compressible pellet member that absorbs vibrational shock.

Abstract: A fly height detector apparatus and associated method for detecting the fly height of a read/write head spatially disposed from a data storage surface during a data transfer operation. The fly height detector apparatus comprises a receiver circuit measuring the frequency of the read/write head; a perturbation deliverable to the gap between the read/write head and the data storage surface to invoke a dynamic response in the read/write head; and a processor circuit responsive to the receiver circuit to derive a fly height in relation to the dynamic response frequency. The processor circuit comprises a memory in which is stored a numerical model describing a functional interrelationship between the fly height and the read/write head frequency.

Abstract: An interconnect apparatus for connecting a transducer to a flexible connector in an actuator assembly of a data storage device. The actuator assembly has a moveable actuator body and an arm extending from the body. The body defines a longitudinal opening aligned with the arm and associated with the placement of the interconnect apparatus. The interconnect apparatus includes a proximal end fixed to the actuator body and electrically connected to the flexible connector; a distal end fixed to the arm and electrically connected to the transducer; a medial portion electrically connecting the ends, a segment of the medial portion disposed within the actuator body opening; and a retaining member interposed between the medial portion and the actuator body within the opening, fixing the medial portion to the actuator body without using a bonding material.

Abstract: An airstream conditioning apparatus for a data storage device. The data storage device has an enclosure supporting a spinning data disc and an actuator operably interfacing with the data disc in a data transfer relationship. The apparatus comprises a shroud supportable in the enclosure only downstream of the actuator with respect to air currents generated by the spinning disc. The shroud furthermore comprises a fin extending from the shroud in planar alignment with the disc.

Abstract: A disc drive system includes a base with sidewalls, a spindle attached to the base, and at least one disc attached to the spindle. A cover is also included for attaching to the base. The cover and the base form a disc enclosure which encloses the at least one disc, a portion of the spindle, and the actuator assembly. The disc drive system also includes a cover that is the prime acoustical radiator from the disc drive. The cover includes at least one dampening member attached by the adhesive. The dampening member is provided with a cut or slit therein to shift the resonant frequency of the cover. The cut increases area with high value of shear deformation in the adhesive and increases the loss factor.