Abstract: A load/unload device to remove the slider from the proximity of the magnetic recording surface of a disk in a disk drive whenever the disk is to be stopped. The load/unload device is a ramp-like wedge which extends generally radially from the center of the magnetic disk and to the magnetic recording surface of the magnetic disk. When the slider is moved toward the center of the disk by an actuator mechanism, the end of the load arm supporting the slider, referred to as a tang, will engage the inclined plane of the wedge and lift the slider from the surface of the magnetic disk as the slider is translated closer to the center of the disk. Once the slider has been removed from close proximity of the disk, the tang may engage a trough-like surface on the structure supporting the wedge and will effectively detent the position of the slider through the forces exerted on the tang by the load beam of the actuator.

Abstract: The improved disk drive system has an improved actuator arm assembly where the arms are independently and individually insertable and removable from the actuator member. Furthermore, each arm is individually self-locked into the actuator member without the need for external retaining means such as screws, springs, and rings. Since the arms are individually insertable/removable, the arms can be made very thin thereby allowing easy attachment of the head suspension assembly to the arm without the need for swaging, bonding, welding or screw-in. Since the arms can be made very thin, that provides substantial reduction in disk to disk spacing and therefore, substantial reduction in the overall height of a disk drive system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for clamping disks in a spaced parallel relationship around a circular hub in a disk drive storage system. An annular clamp is provided which includes tabs extending inwardly into the aperture of the annular clamp which define a slightly smaller aperture. When a collapsing force is applied to the annular clamp, these tabs are displaced outwardly such that the annular clamp may be placed over the circular hub. The circular hub includes a lip for receiving the tabs and prohibiting axial movement of the annular clamp in response to a release of the collapsing force. Annular spacers are also disposed around the circular hub between adjacent disks. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each annular spacer includes multiple pads on each side thereof, minimizing any disk distortion which may be caused by spacer size variations.

Abstract: A disk file data disk stack assembly is clamped using a preloaded heat shrink ring that has an interference fit with the assembly hub. In addition to an inner diameter slightly smaller than the cooperating hub surface, the shrink ring has a full or extended outer cylindrical surface and a reduced area inner cylindrical surface and a reduced area axial end surface to permit effective heat transfer to the ring with minimal conductive heat transfer to the hub and clamping element to enable a differential temperature for effecting shrink ring removal when required.

Abstract: A suspension unit has an elastomer air sleeve associated therewith and a low friction ring-like guide is fitted to the bottom of the dust tube of the unit to guide the air sleeve during operation and to prevent abrasion and wear of the air sleeve by the dust tube.

Abstract: A mechanical lock which serves to hold a transducer carriage in a fixed position at all times except when the storage disk is rotating at a speed sufficient to ensure that the transducers are flying at a height sufficient to avoid damage to the disk surface. The lock is disengaged by means of a solenoid and armature.

Abstract: A refrigerator freezer door has an ice service area in its outer face including an actuator for opening a passage closure member. Upon depressing the actuator a switch is closed to energize a power driven ice dispenser in the freezer compartment which discharges ice pieces down a chute and into the passage through the freezer door to the service area. A suction cup positioned on the actuator has an air bleed passageway to delay return movement of the actuator and closing of the closure member until the chute has emptied its ice pieces into the passageway.

Abstract: A vertical sliding closure panel assembly for an appliance such as a refrigerator cabinet for closing a service area located on a food compartment door. The sliding closure panel has its edges formed with inwardly offset integral flanges defining vertical channels for reception of return flanges formed on the frame portions of the assembly providing passageways for the channels. The sliding panel has resilient clip members positioned on its side flanges operative to impart positioning stability so that the panel can be retained at any location between its fully open and fully closed position.

Abstract: A high speed, small diameter disk storage system having a plurality of disk drive devices utilizing disks with a nominal 65 mm diameter rotated at a speed of approximately 10,000 RPM which can be optimally arranged in a four drive system to match the space geometry of the traditional half-high flexible disk drive used in a personal computer.