Abstract: A skate wheel includes an outer polymeric layer, an inner polymeric layer, and an intermediate layer. The inner polymeric layer has a hardness which is less than the hardness of the outer polymeric layer. The inner and outer polymeric layers are preferably comprised of polyurethane. The intermediate layer is made of a hard plastic or metal that extends through the cross-section of the roller wheel, separating the outer and inner layers. The intermediate layer prevents compression of the harder outer polymeric layer onto the softer inner polymeric layer. This provides a smoother ride while maintaining good precision and speed. The skate wheel may also include a decorative illumination device.

Abstract: A disk drive having vibration dampening elements and a method for dampening vibrations in disk drives. The disk drive includes a pivot assembly rotatably supporting an actuator assembly and a motor for rotating one or more disk-like recording media. One or more components of the pivot assembly and/or the motor have a rubber-like material molded to a portion thereof. The rubber-like material acts to reduce vibrations within the disk drive.