Abstract: A disc drive head actuator includes a suspension structure and a slider integrated with the suspension structure. The actuator is one of at least two actuator assemblies batch-fabricated on a common substrate. The head actuator may be fabricated using mircofabrication techniques. The head actuator may have a reduced size, including package height relative to conventionally manufactured disc drives. Using mircofabrication and/or batch fabrication techniques provides reduced tolerances, which allows for increased actuation forces and/or reduced power consumption. Some embodiments include four-bar linkage actuators, which increase lateral stiffness of the actuator, allowing for a precise motion of the head relative to a media surface.

Abstract: Ahead suspension assembly for carrying a slider assembly in a disc drive has a beam component having a front end and a rear end, a hinge component near the rear end of the beam component for connecting to an actuation means, and a gimbal component near the front end of the main beam section for carrying a transducing head. At least one of the hinge component and the gimbal component is made from a structural damping material having high stiffness and high damping capacity.

Abstract: An assembly includes a suspension component with a surface extending over a flexible region of the suspension component. The assembly also includes a damping layer disposed in a pattern that extends onto the surface. A sealing layer that is non-friable covers the damping layer. The sealing layer also preferably comprises a shear restraint layer for the damping layer.

Abstract: An actuator arm of a magnetic disc drive having a mounting surface includes a mounting block having a sloped mounting surface. A base plate of a head gimble assembly is attached to the sloped mounting surface. The head gimbal assembly is unbent in its free state and is bent upon being loaded onto the disc.

Abstract: A method is used for moving a transducing head between tracks of a disc in a dual-stage actuation assembly. The dual-stage actuation assembly has a main actuator for coarse positioning of the transducing head and a microactuator for fine positioning of the transducing head. The method comprises accelerating the main actuator during coarse positioning of the transducing head and applying control pulses to the microactuator during coarse positioning by the main actuator to eliminate oscillation of the microactuator during and after coarse positioning.

Abstract: A method is used for moving a transducing head between tracks of a disc in a dual-stage actuation assembly. The dual-stage actuation assembly has a main actuator for coarse positioning of the transducing head and a microactuator for fine positioning of the transducing head. The method comprises accelerating the main actuator during coarse positioning of the transducing head and applying control pulses to the microactuator during coarse positioning by the main actuator to eliminate oscillation of the microactuator during and after coarse positioning.

Abstract: A data storage system including a disc for storing digital information and transducer for retrieving such information. A slider supports a transducers proximate the disc surface and includes a bearing surface generally facing the disc surface for operation of the transducer above the disc surface. The bearing includes raised bearing surfaces, and shock-absorbing pads which are spaced from a base surface and extend to an elevation aligned with or below the bearing surfaces. Shock pads are located to provide a contact interface between the slider and disc surface.