Abstract: A method is provided for making an assembly that has an integrated suspension, actuator arm and actuator coil. At least one actuator coil layer is located in the actuator arm region. The actuator coil layer is mounted to at least one homogeneous support layer which extends between terminal ends of the assembly for supporting all layers. A hole is provided through all layers in the actuator region at a pivot point for receiving an actuator spindle. In some embodiments of the invention, a transducer coil layer may be integrated in the suspension region and may be located in substantially a common plane with the actuator coil layer. The actuator region may be provided with a silicon base which contains integrated processing circuits which are connected to the transducer coil layer. A device may be carried by the assembly for bending the suspension region with respect to the actuator arm region.

Abstract: A retainer includes a resilient split band with a transition region and a loading region between its top and bottom edges. The loading region of the split band is provided with a plurality of loading domes which extend inwardly and a plurality of tabs which are located in the transition region of the split band adjacent its top edge. Upon assembly, the inner annular edge of the disk is located in the transition region of the split band with the top surface of the disk engaging the bottoms of the tabs. Downward movement of the split band on a spindle hub causes the loading domes to engage a cylindrical hub and cone the split band with its bottom edge located inwardly from its top edge. Pushing downwardly on the tabs causes the disk and the retainer to be forced downwardly on the spindle hub until the bottom edge of the split band engages a hub flange within a recess adjacent the hub.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which has integrated suspension and actuator arm regions. At least one actuator coil layer is located in the actuator arm region. The actuator coil layer is mounted to at least one homogeneous support layer which extends between terminal ends of the assembly for supporting all layers. A hole is provided through all layers in the actuator region at a pivot point for receiving an actuator spindle. In some embodiments of the invention, a transducer coil layer may be integrated in the suspension region and may be located in substantially a common plane with the actuator coil layer. The actuator region may be provided with a silicon base which contains integrated processing circuits which are connected to the transducer coil layer. A device may be carried by the assembly for bending the suspension region with respect to the actuator arm region.

Abstract: A spindle system is comprised or a journal and thrust air bearing. The journal bearing; has two sets of opposing groove areas. The thrust air bearing has two sets of spiral grooves. The thrust air bearing is gimballed to compensate for misaligment. A bias contact member is connected to the rotating member along the axis of rotation and provides electrical grounding, The spindle system is especially applicable to mounting recording disks in a data storage disk drive.

Abstract: A spindle system is comprised of a journal and thrust air bearing. The journal bearing has two sets of opposing groove areas. The thrust air bearing has two sets of spiral grooves. The thrust air bearing is gimballed to compensate for misalignment. A bias contact member is connected to the rotating member along the axis of rotation and provides electrical grounding. The spindle system is especially applicable to mounting recording disks in a data storage disk drive.