Abstract: A method for assembling disks in a disk drive apparatus is disclosed, as well as the resultant assembly. The method reduces the occurrence of disk head crashes resulting from penetration of the air bearing on which the disk head rides because of one or more surface irregularities found in the disk surface at or near inner diameter portions of the disk which lead to rippling of the disk surface. The elimination or reduction in size of the surface irregularities is achieved using a flowable filler material that is received by the surface irregularities and remains therein after the disk or disks are clamped to a spindle. The filler material is preferably an adhesive and it reduces any differences in the surface topography of the disk and the accompanying clamping-related parts. Bowing of the disk at its inner diameter portions due to uneven clamping forces is also reduced in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disk drive apparatus for use in computer systems and especially in computer systems where size and weight are of paramount concern, such as lap top computer systems. The preferred embodiment of the disk drive apparatus includes a 21/2" magnetic disk that preferably provides 20 to 40 megabytes of storage within a foot print area of approximately 2.8 inches by approximately 4.0 inches. Further, the disk drive apparatus possesses a height dimension of 0.630 inches or less. This height dimension is achieved, in part, by providing a low profile spin motor to rotate the magnetic disk. The low profile spin motor uses high energy magnets that are preferably made of a material that includes a rare earth, such as neodymium or samarium. The disk drive apparatus also employs a rotary actuator having a voice coil assembly of reduced height that is achieved by using the housing as a flux return path for magnet fields produced by the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus is disclosed for primary use with portable, laptop or other information storage systems. The disk drive apparatus includes one or more about 2.5 inch hard disks. A rotary actuator is utilized and includes an arm assembly having a cam follower member for use in dynamically loading/unloading read/write head(s). The cam follower member moves along a ramp, which forms a cam surface, for loading/unloading. The spin motor assembly of the disk drive apparatus includes a rotor having a clamp ring that enables a more powerful spin motor to be incorporated, as well as facilitating and enhancing the connection of the hard disks to the spin motor. The disk drive apparatus also includes servo electronics responsive to a back emf generated signal for use in the servo operation, which use has the potential to increase the servo bandwidth.