Abstract: An apparatus, method and combination for dissipating vibration from a head suspension of a data storage device. The combination includes a rotating disc in a data exchange relationship with a read/write head supported by a head suspension formed by the method. The method includes the steps of; forming a mounting region and a load beam region each adjacent a bend region; removing material from the bend region to form an aperture, a strut, an isolation aperture and a damping material support structure; and affixing a damping material to the strut and the damping material support structure. The apparatus includes the bend region adjacent both the mounting region and the load beam region, with the damping material attached to the strut as well as to the damping material support structure. The load beam region includes a rigid portion, which supports a flexure upon which a read/write head is attached.

Abstract: A method for attaching a printed circuit card assembly to an actuator assembly in a disc drive comprises forming one or more pins integrally with the actuator assembly, inserting each pin through a corresponding pin opening in the printed circuit card assembly, and attaching the pins to the printed circuit card assembly. The pins may be attached to the printed circuit card assembly by a soldering process, or alternatively, pressure may be applied to a top surface of the pins to cause them to deform over the printed circuit card assembly, thereby securing the printed circuit card assembly to the actuator assembly. A disc drive in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention has an actuator assembly with one or more integral pins and a printed circuit card assembly attached to the integral pins.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for an improved actuator arm assembly in a disc drive. This invention results from the realization that structurally inferior actuator assemblies create low frequency, high amplitude resonances. This invention reduces resonances through the utilization of a voice coil motor overmolding technique that additionally incorporates a stiffening member to increase the rigidity of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A resilient linear latch and crash stop device incorporates a magnetic latch and a linear impact absorbing crash stop into a single composite body made up of a magnet member for contacting a strike plate on the actuator arm, an energy absorbing member, and a latch base body assembled together. The energy absorbing member fastens the magnet member to the base body and absorbs impact energy in a generally linear fashion throughout the range of anticipated impact magnitudes. The energy absorbing member is a generally rectangular elastomeric bellows member formed in place and sandwiched between the magnetic mounting plate and the base body. The elastomeric bellows member has a vertically open tubular passage therethrough that preferably has a bell shaped horizontal cross sectional shape.