Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a data storage device comprises a sealed housing which encloses a data storage medium. The sealed housing comprises a substantially planar first housing plate with respective length, width and thickness dimensions and a circumferentially extending first peripheral edge, a substantially planar second housing plate with a circumferentially extending second peripheral edge, and a circumferentially extending first sealing member contactingly disposed between the respective first and second peripheral edges. A substantially planar third housing plate extends adjacent the first planar housing plate with respective length and width dimensions substantially corresponding to the length and width dimensions of the first housing plate, and a circumferentially extending third peripheral edge. A circumferentially extending second seal member is contactingly disposed between the second and third peripheral edges to form a hermetic seal for the low density gas.

Abstract: An actuator arm for a rotary actuator assembly of a disc drive comprises a substantially planar sheet of pliable material defining a longitudinal actuator arm having longitudinal edges, a distal end supporting the transducer, a proximal end supporting an actuator coil. Strut means integral with the sheet extends substantially normal to the plane of the sheet along at least a portion of at least one longitudinal edge and the proximal end of the arm to provide rigidity to at least a portion of the arm. In one embodiment, an integral strut portion defines a support for the actuator coil. In another embodiment, integral strut portions extend along opposite longitudinal edges to a location proximal the distal end to define a rigid portion between the strut portions and a flexible suspension region distal to the rigid portion.

Abstract: A device for increasing inertia of a disc drive mounted within a computer system, with the disc drive having a first inertia, is provided. The device comprises a mounting plate securable to the disc drive with the mounting plate having a second inertia. The second inertia of the mounting plate being at least equal to the first inertia of the disc drive. At least one resilient compressible member is securable between the mounting plate and the computer system for isolating movement of the mounting plate relative to the computer system. A method for increasing the inertia of a disc drive mounted within a computer system is also provided.

Abstract: An actuator arm for a rotary actuator assembly of a disc drive comprises a substantially planar sheet of pliable material defining a longitudinal actuator arm having longitudinal edges, a distal end supporting the transducer, a proximal end supporting an actuator coil. Strut means integral with the sheet extends substantially normal to the plane of the sheet along at least a portion of at least one longitudinal edge and the proximal end of the arm to provide rigidity to at least a portion of the arm. In one embodiment, an integral strut portion defines a support for the actuator coil. In another embodiment, integral strut portions extend along opposite longitudinal edges to a location proximal the distal end to define a rigid portion between the strut portions and a flexible suspension region distal to the rigid portion.

Abstract: A stacked actuator assembly includes a hub having an axis of rotation, a first member fixed in a first direction along the axis of the hub, a second member fixed in a second opposite direction along the axis of a hub, an actuator arm coupled about the hub between the first and second members and a spring coupled about the hub between the first and second members. The spring axially clamps the plurality of actuator arms between the first and second members.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a magnetic read/write recording head across a tape storage medium. A linear actuator drives an output shaft which carries a cable connector. A flexible cable is connected with the cable connector at one end and at the other end with an elevator bracket which carries the recording head. The cable is bent through a 90.degree. bend between its ends along an arcuate guide surface. The elevator bracket moves up and down across the tape on guide pins. A spring maintains the cable under tension to translate horizontal extension and retraction of the actuator shaft into corresponding vertical movement of the tape head. The use of a cable reduces the application of moments to the head and avoids applying rotational forces.