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: Method and apparatus for forming a disc drive actuator assembly. A rigid actuator arm formed of printed circuit board (PCB) material is configured for placement over a rotatable disc. A head-gimbal assembly (HGA) is provided comprising a data transducing head, a flexible suspension assembly and a conductor which is connected to the head and routed along the flexible suspension assembly. A Z-axis conductive adhesive film is used to mechanically and electrically connect the HGA with a distal end of the PCB actuator arm. The Z-axis conductive adhesive film is substantially conductive across the thickness of the film and is substantially nonconductive along the length and width of the film. In a preferred embodiment, the film establishes a grounding path to dissipate electrostatic charge in the HGA. In another embodiment, the film establishes a data signal path for the head.

Abstract: An actuator arm for a disc drive data storage device has an upper outer surface in a first plane, a lower outer surface in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, a peripheral outer surface substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes, and a voice coil embedded within the outer surfaces of the actuator arm. The actuator arm is used in a disc drive containing one or more data storage discs and preferably has a pre-amplifier embedded within the outer surfaces of the actuator arm as well as conductors preferably between the read/write head and the pre-amplifier within the outer surfaces of the actuator arm.

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: Method and apparatus for forming a disc drive actuator assembly. A rigid actuator arm formed of printed circuit board (PCB) material is configured for placement over a rotatable disc. A head-gimbal assembly (HGA) is provided comprising a data transducing head, a flexible suspension assembly and a conductor which is connected to the head and routed along the flexible suspension assembly. A Z-axis conductive adhesive film is used to mechanically and electrically connect the HGA with a distal end of the PCB actuator arm. The Z-axis conductive adhesive film is substantially conductive across the thickness of the film and is substantially nonconductive along the length and width of the film. In a preferred embodiment, the film establishes a grounding path to dissipate electrostatic charge in the HGA. In another embodiment, the film establishes a data signal path for the head.

Abstract: A top cover for disc drives having a hydrodynamic motor configured to prevent contact between the top cover and the motor. Embodiments of the instant invention include a housing having a top cover and a base, at least one data storage disc, at least one head capable of reading the data storage disc and a controller. The top cover includes a plurality of coupling sites, a first indented portion, a second indented portion and a raised portion, wherein at least two coupling sites are aligned such that a substantially linear path between the coupling sites crosses the second indented portion and the raised portion.

Abstract: An actuator arm for a disc drive data storage device has an upper outer surface in a first plane, a lower outer surface in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, a peripheral outer surface substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes, and a voice coil embedded within the outer surfaces of the actuator arm. The actuator arm is used in a disc drive containing one or more data storage discs and preferably has a pre-amplifier embedded within the outer surfaces of the actuator arm as well as conductors preferably between the read/write head and the pre-amplifier within the outer surfaces of the actuator arm.