Abstract: Apparatus and method for moving a control object, such as but not limited to a data read/write transducer adjacent a rotatable magnetic recording medium in a data storage system. In accordance with some embodiments, a compensation value is calculated for a baseline friction model which predicts friction in a positioning system. A modified friction model is generated based on the compensation value and the baseline friction model. A control object of the positioning system is moved from an initial position to a final position responsive to a trajectory profile calculated using the modified friction model.

Abstract: Magnetic data read/write apparatus is disclosed for use in connection with a magnetic data storage disk. The apparatus includes a read/write head mounted onto a positioning device along with several electrical leads that extend from the read/write head to an interconnect pad mounted on the positioning device. The interconnect pad includes an electrically-conducting layer divided into several separate conducting paths corresponding to the number of leads to the read/write head. A portion of each separate conducting path is exposed to facilitate electically-conducting connections to the read/write leads. Additional portions of each separate conducting path is exposed to facilitate electrically-conducting connections to other electrical connectors so as to obviate further manipulation of the leads to the read/write head. The apparatus further includes a flex cable structure having a conducting layer divided into several separate conducting paths corresponding to the conducting paths in the interconnect pad.

Abstract: The head positioner for a Winchester type hard disk drive digital storage system includes a main rotating metal body portion having outwardly extending, integral, head positioning arms. The magnetic heads for reading and writing information on the hard disks are mounted on springy members which are referred to as "load beams". In order to reduce vibration, and to increase the accuracy of positioning of the heads on the disks, the outwardly extending arms from the main metallic body of the head positioner unit extend outwardly from the central axis of rotation for a distance which is substantially greater than the additional outward extent of the spring load beams upon which the magnetic heads are supported. Preferably the outward extent of the rigid arms is in the order of twice the length of the springy load beams. In addition, the bearings for supporting the rotating head positioning assembly are preferably mounted directly to the metallic body of the head positioner assembly.