Abstract: A disk drive apparatus. The apparatus has a first drive device and a support member coupled to the first drive device. The support member has a tongue portion and a gimbal portion. The tongue portion is coupled the gimbal portion. A fixed drive device is formed within a first portion of the tongue portion. A movable drive device is operably coupled to the fixed drive device and formed within a second portion of the tongue portion. A read/write head is coupled to the movable drive device. A voltage source is coupled between the fixed drive device and the movable drive device to cause movement of the read/write head by forming an interaction between the fixed drive device and the movable drive device.

Abstract: Techniques for preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD) and circuit noise are provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a method to prevent ESD damage during the assembly of computer disk commonly called a hard disk for memory applications. The coating mainly involves a ion-deposition process. Merely by way of example, the present invention is implemented by using filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) with a dissipative crystalline and/or amorphous carbon base thin film coating on a flexible circuit to drain the potential electrostatic charges during circuit assembly and interconnect processes, yet it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability on any electronic apparatus that is susceptible to electrostatic damage and static noise.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for measuring dimple-gimbal separation force for a suspension assembly in a computer disk, commonly called a hard disk drive (HDD), for understanding the impact on suspension dynamic performance. More particularly, the present invention provides readily procedures and methods for measuring the contact force exert between a gimbal and dimple of a HDD suspension assembly. Merely by way of example, the present invention is implemented using such procedures and methods to directly probe the gimbal-dimple contact force, yet it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability on any mechanical apparatus that is small in dimension and structure stiffness, such as, micro actuators and micro electrical and mechanical system (MEMS) devices.

Abstract: An integrated gimbal and PZT structure. The structure includes a substrate, which has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is opposite to the second surface and sandwiches a thickness of material of the substrate. The structure also includes an isolation layer formed overlying the first surface of the substrate and a patterned layer of PZT material overlying the isolation layer overlying the substrate. A tongue portion is formed from a first portion of the substrate for a gimbal structure of a suspension assembly. A spring portion is formed from a second portion of the substrate. The spring portion is coupled between a lower portion of the suspension assembly and the tongue portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microactuator device. The method includes providing a first sheet of material. The first sheet of material includes a plurality of gimbal structure regions. Each of the gimbal structure regions is spatially disposed on the first sheet of material. Each of the gimbal structure regions is capable of removal during a subsequent process. The method also includes providing a second sheet of material. The second sheet of material includes a plurality of actuator devices thereon. Each of the actuator devices is spatially disposed on the second sheet of material. Each of the actuator devices has an attachment surface. The method includes positioning the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material such that at least one of the attachment surface of one of the actuator devices is aligned with at least one gimbal region. The attachment surface of the one of the actuator devices is coupled with the gimbal region to connect the attachment surface with the gimbal region.

Abstract: A method (and apparatus) for operating a disk drive apparatus. The method includes moving a movable member about a fixed position to move a read/write head coupled to a slider to a selected track on a disk. The selected track is at least one of a plurality of tracks. The method includes adjusting a position of the read/write head using an actuating device integrated on the gimbal. The actuating step moves the read/write head relative in a manner normal to the track on the magnetic disk to align the read/write head on the track using a finer and faster alignment of the read/write head than the moveable support member.

Abstract: A method (and apparatus) for operating a disk drive apparatus. The method includes moving a movable member about a fixed position to move a read/write head coupled to a slider to a selected track on a disk. The selected track is at least one of a plurality of tracks. The method includes adjusting a position of the read/write head using an actuating device coupled between the read/write head and the slider. The actuating step moves the read/write head relative in a manner normal to the track on the magnetic disk to align the read/write head on the track using a finer and faster alignment of the read/write head than the moveable support member.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus. The apparatus has a first drive device and a support member coupled to the first drive device. The support member has a tongue portion and a gimbal portion. The tongue portion is coupled the gimbal portion. A fixed drive device is formed within a first portion of the tongue portion. A movable drive device is operably coupled to the fixed drive device and formed within a second portion of the tongue portion. A read/write head is coupled to the movable drive device. A voltage source is coupled between the fixed drive device and the movable drive device to cause movement of the read/write head by forming an interaction between the fixed drive device and the movable drive device.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus. The apparatus has a platter operably coupled to a servo drive device. The servo drive device is adapted to rotate the platter about a fixed axis. The apparatus also has a support member operably coupled to the platter to move the support member about one or more active regions on a surface of the platter. The apparatus has a read/write head including an active portion and a support portion. The support portion is coupled to the support member. The active portion is operably coupled to the platter to read and/or write information to the surface of the platter. A piezo electric actuating material is coupled between the support portion of the read/write head and the support member. A first electrode is coupled to a first side of the piezo electric actuating material. A second electrode is coupled to a second side of the piezo electric actuating material.

Abstract: A fixed support for voice coil motor comprises a coil, hollow plate, opening, structural reinforcement beam, and a plurality of pins. The pins extruding from the hollow plate allows the coil to wind around them. The opening, which locates on the center of the hollow plate, distributes stress concentration around the center. The structural reinforcement beam, which extrudes from an edge of the hollow plate, improves stiffness of the fixed support, thereby allowing the hollow plate to be made thinner.