Patents by Inventor A. Erpelding

A. Erpelding has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7572499
    Abstract: A contact magnetic transfer (CMT) master template has a flexible plastic film with a planarized top or upper surface containing magnetic islands separated from one another by nonmagnetic regions. The flexible plastic film is secured at its perimeter to a silicon annulus that provides rigid support at the perimeter of the film. The plastic film is preferably polyimide that has recesses filled with the magnetic material that form the pattern of magnetic islands. The upper surfaces of the islands and the upper surfaces of the nonmagnetic regions form a continuous planar surface. The nonmagnetic regions are formed of chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) stop layer material that remains after a CMP process has planarized the upper surface of the plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Zvonimir Z. Bandic, A. David Erpelding, Jordan Asher Katine, Quang Le, Kim Y. Lee, Jui-Lung Li, Michael J. Rooks
  • Patent number: 7553155
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the production of cement clinker, wherein raw meal is preheated in a heat exchanger and is burnt in a kiln to form cement clinker and the exhaust gases from the kiln flow in succession through the heat exchanger and a catalytic converter, wherein the exhaust gases are analysed before and/or after the catalytic converter arid the preheated raw meal is precalcined in a calciner. Moreover, for the subsequent catalytic exhaust gas purification the provision of a calciner has the advantage that higher exhaust gas temperatures are produced so that a throughput is produced. As a result the required volume of the catalytic converter is reduced and the investment costs are lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Polysius AG
    Inventors: Richard Erpelding, Guenter Driemeier
  • Patent number: 7525767
    Abstract: In a hard disk drive, suspension termination pads meet the flex cable termination pads at an intersecting angle. The width of these pads is approximately the same width as the conductor widths. Alignment robustness is attained by choosing an intersection angle that coincides to the arc that the wireless suspension termination pad array normally traverses during alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Patent number: 7349184
    Abstract: A reference plane is added to the freestanding conductors of a wireless suspension to maintain a continuous reference plane therein. Post processing steps to the flexure are used after the underlying steel has been etched and prior to any forming or welding steps. Two screens are used to add an insulator layer and a conductor layer, such as copper, in the areas of the freestanding conductors. The insulator screen is sized to allow an insulator to overlap the original polyimide. The copper screen for the reference has a slightly longer screen pattern than the insulator screen. The conductor screen is sized such that the reference will overlap the insulator and make contact with the underlying steel at both ends of the freestanding conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Publication number: 20080038682
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the production of cement clinker, wherein raw meal is preheated in a heat exchanger and is burnt in a kiln to form cement clinker and the exhaust gases from the kiln flow in succession through the heat exchanger and a catalytic converter, wherein the exhaust gases are analysed before and/or after the catalytic converter arid the preheated raw meal is precalcined in a calciner. Moreover, for the subsequent catalytic exhaust gas purification the provision of a calciner has the advantage that higher exhaust gas temperatures are produced so that a throughput is produced. As a result the required volume of the catalytic converter is reduced and the investment costs are lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Erpelding, Guenter Driemeier
  • Patent number: 7320174
    Abstract: Methods for creating a ground path between a stainless steel suspension and a copper trace layer in an integrated lead assembly of a disk drive suspension. The invention prevents electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage by providing a means for grounding a lead to a controlled ground potential. Although the lead and suspension are generally separated by an insulating layer such as a polymide layer, connection between the lead and suspension can be made by, for example, creating an opening in the insulation layer and depositing a conductive material such an electrically conductive glue, solder or some other material through the opening to connect the two electrically conductive layers. A rivet may also be used to connect the two electrically conductive layers through a through hole that extends through both electrically conductive layers and the electrically insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Kevin Cowles, A. David Erpelding
  • Patent number: 7293348
    Abstract: A suspension for use in a disk drive is disclosed. The suspension has a hinge and load beam which are separately formed and subsequently joined together. The load beam is formed from a material which has improved damping characteristics. The load beam additionally has ribs constructed in order to balance the mass of the suspension about the torsional rotation axis. The location of the torsional rotation axis can be designed to intersect the head gimbal pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands BV
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Publication number: 20070195463
    Abstract: In a hard disk drive, suspension termination pads meet the flex cable termination pads at an intersecting angle. The width of these pads is approximately the same width as the conductor widths. Alignment robustness is attained by choosing an intersection angle that coincides to the arc that the wireless suspension termination pad array normally traverses during alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: A. Erpelding
  • Patent number: 7160477
    Abstract: A contact magnetic transfer (CMT) master template is made by first adhering a plastic film to a first surface of a silicon wafer. A resist pattern is then formed on the polyimide film and the polyimide is reactive-ion-etched through the resist to form recesses. The resist is removed and a chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) stop layer is deposited over the non-recessed regions of the polyimide, and optionally into the bottoms of the recesses. A layer of magnetic material is then deposited over the polyimide film to fill the recesses. A CMP process is then performed to remove magnetic material above the recesses and above the non-recessed regions and continued until the CMP stop layer is reached. The resulting upper surface of the polyimide film is then a continuous planar film of magnetic islands and regions of CMP stop layer material that function as the nonmagnetic regions of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Zvonimir Z. Bandic, A. David Erpelding, Jordan Asher Katine, Quang Le, Kim Y. Lee, Jui-Lung Li, Michael J. Rooks
  • Patent number: 7158348
    Abstract: An example of a multi-layer structure which may be used for supporting a transducer includes a support layer and an etch stop layer formed from a refractory metal on the support layer. A first electrically conducting layer of copper may be positioned on the etch stop layer. A dielectric layer may be provided on the first electrically conducting layer. A second electrically conducting layer of copper may be provided on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is positioned between the first electrically conducting layer and the second electrically conducting layer. The second electrically conducting layer may include a plurality of separate electrically conducting lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: A. David Erpelding, Klaas Berend Klaassen
  • Patent number: 7150094
    Abstract: A voice coil and actuator yoke assembly is fabricated by deforming the coil to exactly fit the inner perimeter and thickness of the yoke. The comb is placed in a tool that registers the comb with the yoke against the same flat surfaces that will squash the coil. The tooling is closed and placed in an appropriate loading device and the coils are squashed to the precise thickness of the yoke. This eliminates the in-plane tolerances of the current process for bonding a coil into the yoke. The coil perimeter expands as the coil is squashed to form an intimate press fit with the yoke. A low viscosity, high Tg adhesive is then applied to the coil. The low viscosity of the adhesive allows capillary action to fill the voids between the wires and bond the coil to the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands, B.V.
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Patent number: 7110222
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of terminating an integrated lead suspension (ILS) tail to an arm electronics cable allows plated solder material to be utilized on the ILS pads by providing additional degrees of freedom for the solder pads on the ILS tail. The additional degrees of freedom provide additional compliance between the individual pairs of solder pads that form the solder joints. In addition to a cantilever spring action in the ILS tail, the invention comprises designs that allow each individual pad to move independently out of plane of the tail as well as providing a twist capability about its axis such that each pad has its own gimbal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Publication number: 20060163195
    Abstract: A contact magnetic transfer (CMT) master template is made by first adhering a plastic film to a first surface of a silicon wafer. A resist pattern is then formed on the polyimide film and the polyimide is reactive-ion-etched through the resist to form recesses. The resist is removed and a chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) stop layer is deposited over the non-recessed regions of the polyimide, and optionally into the bottoms of the recesses. A layer of magnetic material is then deposited over the polyimide film to fill the recesses. A CMP process is then performed to remove magnetic material above the recesses and above the non-recessed regions and continued until the CMP stop layer is reached. The resulting upper surface of the polyimide film is then a continuous planar film of magnetic islands and regions of CMP stop layer material that function as the nonmagnetic regions of the template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Zvonimir Bandic, A. Erpelding, Jordan Katine, Quang Le, Kim Lee, Jui-Lung Li, Michael Rooks
  • Publication number: 20060165959
    Abstract: A contact magnetic transfer (CMT) master template has a flexible plastic film with a planarized top or upper surface containing magnetic islands separated from one another by nonmagnetic regions. The flexible plastic film is secured at its perimeter to a silicon annulus that provides rigid support at the perimeter of the film. The plastic film is preferably polyimide that has recesses filled with the magnetic material that form the pattern of magnetic islands. The upper surfaces of the islands and the upper surfaces of the nonmagnetic regions form a continuous planar surface. The nonmagnetic regions are formed of chemical-mechanical-polishing (CMP) stop layer material that remains after a CMP process has planarized the upper surface of the plastic film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Zvonimir Bandic, A. Erpelding, Jordan Katine, Quang Le, Kim Lee, Jui-Lung Li, Michael Rooks
  • Patent number: 7054109
    Abstract: A suspension for use in a disk drive is disclosed. The suspension has a hinge and load beam which are separately formed and subsequently joined together. The load beam is formed from a material which has improved damping characteristics. The load beam additionally has ribs constructed in order to balance the mass of the suspension about the torsional rotation axis. The location of the torsional rotation axis can be designed to intersect the head gimbal pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Patent number: 7046483
    Abstract: Flexure leg designs for a gimbal structure in an integrated lead suspension (ILS) in a disk drive system are disclosed. In one design, the flexure leg may include a first conducting layer comprising copper, a second conducting layer comprising copper, and a dielectric layer comprising a polymer disposed between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer. In one aspect, the first conducting layer and the dielectric layer may include a channel extending therethrough. The channel separates the first conducting layer and the dielectric layer into two regions separated from each other by the channel. The channel does not extend through the second conducting layer. In another aspect, the gimbal structure may include a dimple structure separated from a slider by layers of copper and polyimide, with the polyimide layer being formed in direct contact with the dimple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Patent number: 7038885
    Abstract: A suspension for use in a disk drive is disclosed. The suspension has a hinge and load beam which are separately formed and subsequently joined together. The load beam is formed from a material which has improved damping characteristics. The load beam additionally has ribs constructed in order to balance the mass of the suspension about the torsional rotation axis. The location of the torsional rotation axis can be designed to intersect the head gimbal pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: A. David Erpelding
  • Publication number: 20060087768
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically coupling a slider to a wireless suspension is disclosed. The wireless suspension includes a substrate material and at least one standoff coupled to the substrate material. The at least one standoff is configured to be coupled to a slider and is further configured to electrically couple the slider to the substrate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: A. Erpelding, Victor Shum
  • Publication number: 20060044695
    Abstract: A reference plane is added to the freestanding conductors of a wireless suspension to maintain a continuous reference plane therein. Post processing steps to the flexure are used after the underlying steel has been etched and prior to any forming or welding steps. Two screens are used to add an insulator layer and a conductor layer, such as copper, in the areas of the freestanding conductors. The insulator screen is sized to allow an insulator to overlap the original polyimide. The copper screen for the reference has a slightly longer screen pattern than the insulator screen. The conductor screen is sized such that the reference will overlap the insulator and make contact with the underlying steel at both ends of the freestanding conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventor: A. Erpelding
  • Publication number: 20050283971
    Abstract: A voice coil and actuator yoke assembly is fabricated by deforming the coil to exactly fit the inner perimeter and thickness of the yoke. The comb is placed in a tool that registers the comb with the yoke against the same flat surfaces that will squash the coil. The tooling is closed and placed in an appropriate loading device and the coils are squashed to the precise thickness of the yoke. This eliminates the in-plane tolerances of the current process for bonding a coil into the yoke. The coil perimeter expands as the coil is squashed to form an intimate press fit with the yoke. A low viscosity, high Tg adhesive is then applied to the coil. The low viscosity of the adhesive allows capillary action to fill the voids between the wires and bond the coil to the yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Applicant: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B. V.
    Inventor: A. Erpelding