Abstract: A removable cartridge for magnetic head and disk testers is disclosed. The removable cartridge includes: a base plate; a first end of an actuator rigidly fixed to the base plate; an HGA mounting block rigidly fixed to a second end of the actuator; a first end of a flexure rigidly coupled to the HGA mounting block; and a second end of the flexure rigidly coupled to the base plate.

Abstract: A headstack locator assembly for locating and fixing a headstack on a spinstand and which mitigates the aforementioned prior art limitations. The headstack locator assembly includes a headstack locator received on a fixed locator. The headstack locator connects to a headstack, while the fixed locator is permanently secured to a spinstand. A vacuum is used to clamp the headstack locator to the fixed locator for testing of the headstack. Upon test completion, the headstack locator is released from the fixed locator by applying positive air pressure to the assembly.

Abstract: A headstack locator assembly for locating and fixing a headstack on a spinstand and which mitigates the aforementioned prior art limitations. The headstack locator assembly includes a headstack locator received on a fixed locator. The headstack locator connects to a headstack, while the fixed locator is permanently secured to a spinstand. A vacuum is used to clamp the headstack locator to the fixed locator for testing of the headstack. Upon test completion, the headstack locator is released from the fixed locator by applying positive air pressure to the assembly. More generally, an apparatus and methods for generally locating and reversibly, pneumatically coupling various elements to each other.

Abstract: A headstack locator assembly for locating and fixing a headstack on a spinstand and which mitigates the aforementioned prior art limitations. The headstack locator assembly includes a headstack locator received on a fixed locator. The headstack locator connects to a headstack, while the fixed locator is permanently secured to a spinstand. A vacuum is used to clamp the headstack locator to the fixed locator for testing of the headstack. Upon test completion, the headstack locator is released from the fixed locator by applying positive air pressure to the assembly. More generally, an apparatus and methods for generally locating and reversibly, pneumatically coupling various elements to each other.

Abstract: A headstack locator assembly for locating and fixing a headstack on a spinstand and which mitigates the aforementioned prior art limitations. The headstack locator assembly includes a headstack locator received on a fixed locator, The headstack locator connects to a headstack, while the fixed locator is permanently secured to a spinstand A vacuum is used to clamp the headstack locator to the fixed locator for testing of the headstack. Upon test completion, the headstack locator is released from the fixed locator by applying positive air pressure to the assembly.

Abstract: A headstack locator assembly for locating and fixing a headstack on a spinstand and which mitigates the aforementioned prior art limitations. The headstack locator assembly includes a headstack locator received on a fixed locator. The headstack locator connects to a headstack, while the fixed locator is permanently secured to a spinstand. A vacuum is used to clamp the headstack locator to the fixed locator for testing of the headstack. Upon test completion, the headstack locator is released from the fixed locator by applying positive air pressure to the assembly.

Abstract: A spinstand having a vacuum chuck clamping mechanism for securing magnetic discs includes a cap (9) and a base (10). A disk-to-be-clamped is held between the cap (9) and the base (10). Vacuum, applied through a port (4) in a mounting screw (12) of the base, provides the clamping force. The vacuum is held constant using a circumferential seal (27) on a piston (2) of the cap, which extends into a cylindrical countering bushing (3) extending from the base. In one form, the cap (9) is centered about a spin axis (SA) extending through the base (10), using a hardened pin (1) extending from the cap and a locating bushing (19) affixed to the base. When the cap (9) is inserted into the base (10), the pin (1) prevents a piston (2) in the cap from contacting the inside walls/sealing surface (11) of the centering bushing (3) of the base.