Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to improved lifetime of a data storage device utilizing an energy assist element. Rather than applying the same current to each energy assist element of a device, each energy assist element has a write current specific to the energy assist element. The unique applied current results in the corresponding energy assist elements having substantially the same temperature during operation. Obtaining substantially the same temperature during operation provides predictable and repeatable device performance and increases the lifetime of the entire data storage device as all energy assist elements should have substantially the same lifetime.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to improved lifetime of a data storage device utilizing an energy assist element. Rather than applying the same current to each energy assist element of a device, each energy assist element has a write current specific to the energy assist element. The unique applied current results in the corresponding energy assist elements having substantially the same temperature during operation. Obtaining substantially the same temperature during operation provides predictable and repeatable device performance and increases the lifetime of the entire data storage device as all energy assist elements should have substantially the same lifetime.

Abstract: Example systems, data storage devices, and methods to provide long-term spacing compensation for heat assisted magnetic recording are described. The data storage device includes a storage medium with data tracks and a head that can be positioned for reading and writing those tracks. The head includes a laser for heat assisted magnetic recording and a fly height actuator. Based on the operation of the laser, both a short-term fly height compensation parameter and a long-term fly height compensation parameter are determined based on different temperature state models. The operating power of the fly height actuator is determined, at least in part, based on the short-term and long-term height compensation parameters.

Abstract: Managing the flying height of a read-write head slider, such as in the context of a short or head switch seek, involves pre-heating the switched-to head while the active head is still performing a data read or write operation. Thus, both the active head and the switched-to head may be heated simultaneously, and once the switched-to head is switched to an active state upon the active head completing its corresponding operation, the switched-to head can immediately begin its operation with minimal or no further delay.

Abstract: A device for detecting disk asperities. The device includes an optical glide head. The glide head is not required to physically contact a disk for detection of the disk asperities. The optical glide head includes a waveguide configured to transmit light onto the disk and receive reflected light from the disk.

Abstract: A head slider for a disk drive storage device. The head slider is adapted to fly at the target height above the disk, reduce contamination by preventing particles from being trapped under the head slider, fly well in helium at low velocity and obtain a manufacturing tolerance so that multiple head sliders may be produced and function properly. The head slider has an internal cavity that is substantially enclosed by the air bearing surface. There are two gaps in the air bearing surface that are misaligned relative to the leading edge. The gaps aid in preventing particles from entering the cavity.

Abstract: A head slider for a disk drive storage device. The head slider is adapted to fly at the target height above the disk, reduce contamination by preventing particles from being trapped under the head slider, fly well in helium at low velocity and obtain a manufacturing tolerance so that multiple head sliders may be produced and function properly. The head slider has an internal cavity that is substantially enclosed by the air bearing surface. There are two gaps in the air bearing surface that are misaligned relative to the leading edge. The gaps aid in preventing particles from entering the cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the helium content of a disk cavity of a hard disk drive is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, an oxygen sensor is placed in the disk cavity to monitor the level of oxygen in the cavity. With the measurement of oxygen in the disk cavity, the level of helium in the cavity is inferred. In one embodiment, if the amount of helium inferred from the oxygen level fell below 90%-95% of the gaseous content of the disk cavity, a user is automatically notified in order to maintain the hard disk drive in a timely manner.

Abstract: A device for detecting disk asperities. The device includes an optical glide head. The glide head is not required to physically contact a disk for detection of the disk asperities. The optical glide head includes a waveguide configured to transmit light onto the disk and receive reflected light from the disk.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for integrated vehicle stability control. Specifically, the hybrid drive system includes a multi-wheeled vehicle, a drop-in electric drive motor, and a master controller. The multi-wheeled vehicle is originally configured for propulsion using an internal combustion engine. That is, the present invention is suitable for powering legacy vehicles. The internal combustion engine capable of driving at least one wheel of the multi-wheeled vehicle. The remaining wheels of the multi-wheeled vehicle are not driven by the internal combustion engine. The drop-in electric drive motor is adapted to independently drive at least one remaining wheel on the multi-wheeled vehicle. The master controller is coupled to the drop-in electric drive motor. The master controller controls speeds of the remaining wheels driven by the electric drive motor to provide propulsion and overall stability management for the multi-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: Magnetic disk drives and associated methods are described for performing an active flying height compensation process for a slider of a magnetic disk drive. For the flying height compensation process, a control system in the disk drive detects a reduction in flying height of a slider in the disk drive. The control system then calculates a compensation heating power to apply to one or more heating elements that are fabricated in the slider to compensate for the reduction in flying height. The control system then applies the compensation heating power to the heating element(s) in the slider to alter the ABS (i.e., generate a protrusion) and increase the flying height of the slider.

Abstract: Magnetic disk drives and associated methods are described for performing an active flying height compensation process for a slider of a magnetic disk drive. For the flying height compensation process, a control system in the disk drive detects a reduction in flying height of a slider in the disk drive. The control system then calculates a compensation heating power to apply to one or more heating elements that are fabricated in the slider to compensate for the reduction in flying height. The control system then applies the compensation heating power to the heating element(s) in the slider to alter the ABS (i.e., generate a protrusion) and increase the flying height of the slider.

Abstract: A shock and vibration resistant hard disk drive has a plurality of fluid damping isolation devices disposed between the drive and a supporting frame. The isolation devices are capsules containing either gasses or liquids enclosed in a flexible membrane that spring back to its original shape after the shock or vibration event has transpired. Variation of fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and pressure allow for custom tuning of the vibration and shock performance. In addition, variation of membrane chemistry and thickness of the membrane also allows for further customization. A fuel cell is provided and the isolation devices may provide the energy source for the fuel cell.

Abstract: A shock and vibration resistant hard disk drive has a plurality of fluid damping isolation devices disposed between the drive and a supporting frame. The isolation devices are capsules containing either gasses or liquids enclosed in a flexible membrane that spring back to its original shape after the shock or vibration event has transpired. Variation of fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and pressure allow for custom tuning of the vibration and shock performance. In addition, variation of membrane chemistry and thickness of the membrane also allows for further customization. A fuel cell is provided and the isolation devices may provide the energy source for the fuel cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method for removing particles from a magnetic head support assembly of a hard disk drive. In one embodiment, a load/unload operation of the magnetic head support assembly is initiated. Particles are dislodged from the magnetic head support assembly by moving it across a physical feature of the load/unload ramp of the hard disk drive. This causes an acceleration of the magnetic head support assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to its normal plane of movement which dislodges the particles. The particles are then conveyed away from the magnetic head support assembly in an airstream generated by the rotation of the disk pack of the hard disk drive.

Abstract: A magnetic storage system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic disk having a load zone and a data area; at least one head for reading from and writing to the magnetic disk; and a slider for supporting the head. The load zone is created by: creating a load zone marker on the disk, the load zone marker indicating a position of a load zone of the disk; reading the load zone marker for determining a position of the load zone on the disk; and storing the position of the load zone. The head is loaded on the load zone during subsequent load operations. Methods are also presented.

Abstract: A disk drive with switchable power levels for the heaters in the sliders is disclosed. The invention includes a switch for the electrical circuit of each heater which selects between two or more voltages to apply to the power control element and the heater with at least a high and a low voltage option. The heater power control circuit dissipates a certain amount of heat as a part of the control process. By having a low voltage option the disk drive can save power and reduce the amount of heat dissipated by the heater control circuit when high power is not required. The programmable switch is controlled by the drive control system. The high power setting can be used during manufacturing testing or otherwise if higher heater power is needed. The low power setting is used for normal operation or to save power.

Abstract: A system and method for loading a head onto a specified load zone of a disk includes reading positional index information for determining a position of a pre-specified load zone of a disk. When to load a head is determined based on the positional index information so that the head will load onto the load zone, the load zone having an arc of less than 360 degrees. The head is loaded from a ramp onto the load zone at the proper time.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for integrated vehicle stability control. Specifically, the hybrid drive system includes a multi-wheeled vehicle, a drop-in electric drive motor, and a master controller. The multi-wheeled vehicle is originally configured for propulsion using an internal combustion engine. That is, the present invention is suitable for powering legacy vehicles. The internal combustion engine capable of driving at least one wheel of the multi-wheeled vehicle. The remaining wheels of the multi-wheeled vehicle are not driven by the internal combustion engine. The drop-in electric drive motor is adapted to independently drive at least one remaining wheel on the multi-wheeled vehicle. The master controller is coupled to the drop-in electric drive motor. The master controller controls speeds of the remaining wheels driven by the electric drive motor to provide propulsion and overall stability management for the multi-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: A shock and vibration resistant hard disk drive has a plurality of fluid damping isolation devices disposed between the drive and a supporting frame. The isolation devices are capsules containing either gasses or liquids enclosed in a flexible membrane. Variation of fluid properties such as density, viscosity, and pressure allow for custom tuning of the vibration and shock performance.