Abstract: A linear servo system including a linear motor with a moving permanent magnet the flux of which interacts with current flow through a stator winding. A position servo loop controls the position of the permanent magnet and preferably includes a position transducer located within the motor air gap. The servo system when used in combination with a disk drive preferably includes a coarse/fine positioning program to first move to the desired disk track area and to then move to the center of the disk track. The motor winding located in the air gap can be made of iron or copper clad iron to reduce the size of the effective air gap.

Abstract: A bearing structure for use in a linear motor or actuator including only a single guide rod in combination with a freely moving ball bearing. When used in a permanent magnet motor, the magnetic flux of the motor is used to preload the ball bearing to maintain a relatively constant bearing loading and to maintain the ball bearing in position.