Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes curved spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped cross section, which are curved on a radius greater than the radius of the central opening of the discs. One or more spring elements are utilized with each disc, and assembly tooling is used to bend the spring elements so that the discs, with the opening of the C-shaped springs engaging the inner diameter of the discs, can fit over the hub of the spindle motor. The assembly tooling is then removed to allow the spring elements to partially straighten, firmly engaging the discs relative to the spindle motor hub in the radial direction. In a first embodiment of the invention, alternative mechanisms are disclosed for establishing the axial positions of the discs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing an information storage disc within a disc drive incorporates a rotatable spindle hub and a clamping ring. The clamping ring is positioned between an inner edge of the information storage disc and the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring is a strip of resilient sheet material and defines a series of serpentine shaped curves that alternatively contact the inner edge of the information storage disc and a sidewall of the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring applies a radial force to the information storage disc. In some cases the clamping ring may define a series of equally spaced apart, radially extending, tabs from the top and bottom edges of the clamping ring. The tabs from the top edge contact the top surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc. The tabs from the bottom edge contact the bottom surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a integrated voice coil motor assembly in a head disc assembly of a disc drive, the head disc assembly having a base plate and the top cover enclosing a data storage disc rotatably mounted on a drive motor, and an actuator arm for transferring data to and from the disc. The voice coil motor has a bottom pole attached to the base plate and a top pole integrated with the top cover. A permanent magnet set is positioned between the bottom pole and a top cover and generates a magnetic field between the bottom pole and the top cover. The top pole rests within a recess in an outer surface of the top cover above the bottom pole and provides a return path for the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet set. A voice coil is attached to the actuator arm and positioned within the magnetic field between the bottom pole and the top cover.

Abstract: A data handling system having a voice coil motor having a first magnetically permeable plate and a second magnetically permeable plate is disclosed. The first magnetically permeable plate is coupled to a permanent magnet pair and the second magnetically permeable plate includes a raised plate portion directly opposite the permanent magnet pair. Planar surfaces of the permanent magnet pair and the raised plate portion are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced by an air gap. A voice coil is positioned in the air gap and moves in response to a magnetic interaction between a magnetic field produced by a controlled current through the coil and a magnetic field between the permanent magnet pair and the raised plate portion. The planar surfaces of the permanent magnet pair and the raised plate portion may be substantially identical in shape and surface area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing deflection of an actuator assembly within a head disc assembly in a disc drive during a mechanical shock event. A snubber is fastened to a stationary portion of the head disc assembly and has a snubber body and two or more snubber arms connected to the snubber body. The adjacent snubber arms form slots therebetween. A portion of the actuator assembly may be inserted into each of the slots whereby the snubber arms will reduce the deflective movement of the actuator assembly during a mechanical shock event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a integrated voice coil motor assembly in a head disc assembly of a disc drive, the head disc assembly having a base plate and the top cover enclosing a data storage disc rotatably mounted on a drive motor, and an actuator arm for transferring data to and from the disc. The voice coil motor has a bottom pole attached to the base plate and a top pole integrated with the top cover. A permanent magnet set is positioned between the bottom pole and a top cover and generates a magnetic field between the bottom pole and the top cover. The top pole rests within a recess in an outer surface of the top cover above the bottom pole and provides a return path for the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet set. A voice coil is attached to the actuator arm and positioned within the magnetic field between the bottom pole and the top cover.

Abstract: Method for the removable sealing of a component housing, and apparatus to practice the method using an elastic or conformable sealing band. The present invention teaches a sealing band, preferably elastic, to apply a horizontal seal to the horizontal seam defined by vertically assembled component case elements. The seal is maintained in position over the seam by an alignment element disposed on at least one of the seal and the case. The sealing band is rendered electrically conductive by admixing therewith a conductive material, or by plating thereon a conductive coating. A retaining element may be further added to at least one of the sealing band and the case to minimize tampering with the sealing band once installed.

Abstract: A data handling system having a voice coil motor having a first magnetically permeable plate and a second magnetically permeable plate is disclosed. The first magnetically permeable plate is coupled to a permanent magnet pair and the second magnetically permeable plate includes a raised plate portion directly opposite the permanent magnet pair. Planar surfaces of the permanent magnet pair and the raised plate portion are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced by an air gap. A voice coil is positioned in the air gap and moves in response to a magnetic interaction between a magnetic field produced by a controlled current through the coil and a magnetic field between the permanent magnet pair and the raised plate portion. The planar surfaces of the permanent magnet pair and the raised plate portion may be substantially identical in shape and surface area.

Abstract: An inertial latch apparatus for maintaining an actuator arm in a disc drive in a predetermined position has an elongated inertial beam member pivotally mounted in the disc drive for rotation in a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the actuator arm and a latch member pivotally mounted in the disc drive for rotation between a disengaged position permitting movement of the actuator arm when the latch member is in the disengaged position and an engaged position in interference relation to a portion of the actuator arm to prevent movement of the actuator arm when the drive is subjected to an external shock load. The latch member rotates in only one direction in response to rotation of the beam member in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction from a neutral position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing an information storage disc within a disc drive incorporates a rotatable spindle hub and a clamping ring. The clamping ring is positioned between an inner edge of the information storage disc and the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring is a strip of resilient sheet material and defines a series of serpentine shaped curves that alternatively contact the inner edge of the information storage disc and a sidewall of the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring applies a radial force to the information storage disc. In some cases the clamping ring may define a series of equally spaced apart, radially extending, tabs from the top and bottom edges of the clamping ring. The tabs from the top edge contact the top surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc. The tabs from the bottom edge contact the bottom surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc.

Abstract: Method for the removable sealing of a component housing, and apparatus to practice the method using an elastic or conformable sealing band. The present invention teaches a sealing band, preferably elastic, to apply a horizontal seal to the horizontal seam defined by vertically assembled component case elements. The seal is maintained in position over the seam by an alignment element disposed on at least one of the seal and the case. The sealing band is rendered electrically conductive by admixing therewith a conductive material, or by plating thereon a conductive coating. A retaining element may be further added to at least one of the sealing band and the case to minimize tampering with the sealing band once installed.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes a radially-loaded, snap-fit disc mounting ring associated with each disc. The disc mounting rings include disc contact features for interaction with the inner diameters of the discs, and hub contact features for axially positioning the discs and associated disc mounting rings relative to the spindle motor hub. Various embodiments of the disc mounting ring are disclosed.

Abstract: Method for the removable sealing of a component housing, and apparatus to practice the method using an elastic or conformable sealing band. The present invention teaches a sealing band, preferably elastic, to apply a horizontal seal to the horizontal seam defined by vertically assembled component case elements. The seal is maintained in position over the seam by an alignment element disposed on at least one of the seal and the case. The sealing band is rendered electrically conductive by admixing therewith a conductive material, or by plating thereon a conductive coating. A retaining element may be further added to at least one of the sealing band and the case to minimize tampering with the sealing band once installed.

Abstract: An improved limit stop system for defining the extremes of the range of motion of the actuator of a disc drive. An elongated slot having inner and outer contact surfaces is provided in the bobbin inside the coil of the actuator voice coil motor. A pin member having a compliant portion is assembled through the elongated slot in the coil bobbin and into engagement with stationary components of the disc drive. When the intended extreme of the range of motion of the actuator is reached, either the inner or outer contact surface of the elongated slot contacts the compliant portion of the pin member preventing further motion of the actuator in that direction.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes curved spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped axial cross section, which are curved on a radius greater than the radius of the central opening of the discs. One or more spring elements are utilized with each disc, and assembly tooling is used to bend the spring elements so that the discs, with the opening of the C-shaped springs engaging the inner diameter of the discs, can fit over the hub of the spindle motor. The assembly tooling is then removed to allow the spring elements to partially straighten, firmly engaging the discs relative to the spindle motor hub in the radial direction. In a first embodiment of the invention, alternative mechanisms are disclosed for establishing the axial positions of the discs.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes one or more axially-extending tubular members inserted radially between the outer diameter of the spindle motor hub and the inner diameter of the discs. Various mechanisms for ensuring a tight radial connection between the spindle motor hub and the discs are disclosed.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes a disc mounting ring associated with each disc in the disc stack. The disc mounting ring includes at least one axially extending finger against which a portion of the inner diameter of the disc is brought to bear in an interference fit. In a first embodiment of the invention, the disc mounting ring includes a single finger and that portion of the inner diameter of the disc radially opposite the finger directly contacts the spindle motor hub. In other embodiments of the invention, the disc mounting ring includes a plurality of fingers spaced circumferentially about the ring and the inner diameter of the disc bears on all fingers and has no direct contact with the spindle motor hub.

Abstract: An improved limit stop system for defining the extremes of the range of motion of the actuator of a disc drive. An elongated slot having inner and outer contact surfaces is provided in the bobbin inside the coil of the actuator voice coil motor. A pin member having a compliant portion is assembled through the elongated slot in the coil bobbin and into engagement with stationary components of the disc drive. When the intended extreme of the range of motion of the actuator is reached, either the inner or outer contact surface of the elongated slot contacts the compliant portion of the pin member preventing further motion of the actuator in that direction.