Abstract: A slider burnishing method is introduced, in which the slider is brought into a predetermined surface contact with the rotating disk for a specified period. The predetermined surface contact end the specified time period are selected together with the surface condition of the rotating hard disk, such that smoothened slider surface is abrasively formed. The smoothened slider surface is substantially parallel to the disk surface and thus provides reduced contact pressure during eventual operational contacting. In addition, the smoothened slider surface creates a constant gap together with the disk surface, which enhances the aerodynamic properties of the air bearing surface and stabilizes a small fly height.

Abstract: A disk drive controller controls a vacuum pump to establish a vacuum within a disk drive housing to conserve power while ensuring that the head of the drive does not crash into the disk. The controller compares actual spindle power to a predetermined maximum power threshold and actual fly height to a calibration fly height to control the pump. The calibration values are derived by comparing no-load and loaded values for a parameter, e.g., error rate, disk temperature, and so on.

Abstract: A method for controlling the velocity of an actuator arm in a hard disk drive includes moving the actuator arm to an inner limit or outer limit of motion. Then the power to the actuator coil, which drives the actuator arm, is reduced to zero and the actuator arm is released. Bends in the flexible cable connected to the actuator arm can cause the actuator arm to move toward the outer limit of motion. As the actuator arm moves due to the flexible cable, the velocity contribution of the flexible cable is measured and stored. Thereafter, the velocity of the actuator arm, during emergency power shut off, normal unload of the disk drive, or normal load of the disk drive, is decreased or increased by an amount equal to the cable-induced velocity to compensate for the velocity contribution of the flexible cable.

Abstract: A disk drive having an actuator-activated pumping mechanism is disclosed. The pumping mechanism creates a low pressure operating environment for the disk drive in order to enhance the performance of the drive at higher rotational operating speeds. Through the use of an engaging element, the actuator motor acts to drive a pumping element. This design does not use a separate electrical motor to evacuate the disk drive housing. Instead, the natural motion of the actuator provides the necessary power to drive the pumping element.

Abstract: A magnetic recording disk drive with a magnetoresisitive (MR) read head and a control unit comprising an operating pressure logic function that is responsive to a thermoresistive signal contained in the feedback signal from the MR read head. The thermal conductivity of the air inside of the hard disk drive is effected by the air pressure. Fluctuation in the thermal conductance from the MR read head to its surroundings inside of the hard drive affects the temperature of the MR head, thus affecting the thermoresistivity of the MR read head. Based on a thermoresistive signal, the temperature of the head may be determined, which in turn is applied to determine the pressure, based on a predetermined relationship between the MR read head temperature, internal pressure, and internal operating temperature.

Abstract: A disk drive having an actuator-activated pumping mechanism is disclosed. The pumping mechanism creates a low pressure operating environment for the disk drive in order to enhance the performance of the drive at higher rotational operating speeds. Through the use of an engaging element, the actuator motor acts to drive a pumping element. This design does not use a separate electrical motor to evacuate the disk drive housing. Instead, the natural motion of the actuator provides the necessary power to drive the pumping element.

Abstract: A method for controlling the velocity of an actuator arm in a hard disk drive includes moving the actuator arm to an inner limit or outer limit of motion. Then the power to the actuator coil, which drives the actuator arm, is reduced to zero and the actuator arm is released. Bends in the flexible cable connected to the actuator arm can cause the actuator arm to move toward the outer limit of motion. As the actuator arm moves due to the flexible cable, the velocity contribution of the flexible cable is measured and stored. Thereafter, the velocity of the actuator arm, during emergency power shut off, normal unload of the disk drive, or normal load of the disk drive, is decreased or increased by an amount equal to the cable-induced velocity to compensate for the velocity contribution of the flexible cable.

Abstract: A slider burnishing method is introduced, in which the slider is brought into a predetermined surface contact with the rotating disk for a specified period. The predetermined surface contact and the specified time period are selected together with the surface condition of the rotating hard disk, such that smoothened slider surface is abrasively formed. The smoothened slider surface is substantially parallel to the disk surface and thus provides reduced contact pressure during eventual operational contacting. In addition, the smoothened slider surface creates a constant gap together with the disk surface, which enhances the aerodynamic properties of the air bearing surface and stabilizes a small fly height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing predictive failure analysis using the resistance of a sensor such as a MR, GMR, spin valve or wear sensor. A baseline measurement of resistance for at least one sensor of a disk drive is obtained, subsequent measurements of resistance for the at least one sensor of a disk drive are periodically obtained and the subsequent measurements and the baseline measurement to identify a detrimental change to the at least one sensor are processed. The processing further includes comparing a subsequent resistance measurement for the at least one sensor to the baseline measurement of resistance for the at least one sensor to detect a head/disk interface problem and flagging the file for corrective action when the head/disk interface problem is detected. Alternatively, the processing further includes determining a change in stripe height based upon the difference between the baseline measurement of resistance and the subsequent measurement of resistance.