Abstract: A rotary matrix switch allows arbitrary selection from among different electrical connection configurations between m input terminals and n output terminals by rotation of a shaft or dial. A rotary shaft has a plurality of contact mechanisms at spaced locations and angular positions. The locations of the contact mechanisms correspond to individual contacts between the input and output terminals. The contact mechanisms may be lobes, indentations, conductive strips, or the like. Rotation of the shaft selectively engages ones of the contact mechanism to connect electrically various input and output terminals. The rotary shaft is removable to allow for the ability to make field upgrades and provide new configurations of connections. One embodiment of the invention can function as a telephone headset adapter, wherein rotation of a shaft allows the user to choose easily from among different handset port wiring configurations.

Abstract: A magnetic crash stop and latch for limiting the motion of a transducer positioner assembly within a disc drive. The disc drive system has a transducer positioner assembly located within a housing for positioning one or more read/write transducers relative to a recording media within the housing. The apparatus includes components for latching an actuator assembly in a disc drive. A parking force is created by selectively attaching a small magnet (or one or two small ferrous metal slugs) to the end of the actuator arm portion of the actuator assembly having the voice coil motor (VCM). The small magnet (or slugs) operating in combination with the fixed magnetics of the VCM produces torque on the actuator assembly when the small magnet passes outside (or the slugs pass inside) of the magnetic field generated by the fixed magnetics. The resultant torque is utilized to move the actuator arm to contact a latch means.

Abstract: A crash stop is provided formed of a cast metal body having a contact surface made of butyl rubber material selected and dimensioned to provide easily controllable impact and shock absorbency characteristics. The adjustment of the limit of motion of the actuator is accomplished by mounting the crash stop to a fixed portion of the actuator or other stationary part of the disc drive in a manner that allows the crash stop to be rotated about an axis that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of motion of the actuator, and providing a contact surface which is an arc of a circle centered on an axis parallel to, but not coincident with, the axis of rotation of the crash stop. Thus, rotation of the crash stop about its mounting axis presents a contact point with the moving portion of the actuator that varies in distance from the mounting axis.

Abstract: A magnetic latching mechanism is provided including a permanent magnet imbedded in and completely surrounded by rubber or other resilient material. This combination is fixedly mounted to the housing or other non-moving portion of the disc drive and a small metal plate of magnetizable material is mounted to the moving actuator mechanism at a position such that it will come into contact with the crash stop and latch mechanism when the actuator is at its desired park position. The rubber or other resilient material provides the desired "soft" contact for the crash stop and the thickness of the rubber at the contact point controls the amount of latching force applied by the magnet to the metal plate. Since the latching action is purely magnetic, there is no solenoid needed to release the latch. When power is applied and the disc has attained the speed necessary to "fly" the heads, the actuator motor is used to overcome the magnetic force of the latch.