Abstract: A microactuator comprises a mounting block, a head suspension, a compliant joint for connecting the mounting block to the head suspension, and a piezoelectric element for deforming the compliant joint in order to rotate the head suspension with respect to the mounting block. An encapsulant covers an exposed surface of the microactuator. The encapsulant comprises a self-assembled monolayer formed of an organosilicone or organosilane, where the self-assembled monolayer has a self-limiting thickness of one layer of a molecule.

Abstract: A microactuator comprises a mounting block, a head suspension, a compliant joint for connecting the mounting block to the head suspension, and a piezoelectric element for deforming the compliant joint in order to rotate the head suspension with respect to the mounting block. An encapsulant covers an exposed surface of the microactuator. The encapsulant comprises a self-assembled monolayer formed of an organosilicone or organosilane, where the self-assembled monolayer has a self-limiting thickness of one layer of a molecule.

Abstract: A slider is used in an actuation system and carries a transducing head for transducing data to and from a rotatable recording disc. The slider includes a slider body having a leading edge and a trailing edge and a transducing head positioned proximate the trailing edge of the slider body. An encapsulant comprised of a self assembled monolayer covers exposed surfaces the slider body.

Abstract: A transducing system includes a support assembly for supporting a transducer and a lift tab extending from the support assembly. The lift tab has a surface configured to lift the support assembly carrying the transducer up a load/unload ramp. The surface of the lift tab has a radius of curvature of less than 0.013 inches.

Abstract: A protective coating for a substrate includes a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer overlying the substrate and having gaps where the substrate is not protected by the diamond-like carbon layer. The protective coating also includes a self-assembled monolayer formed in the gaps of the diamond-like carbon layer.

Abstract: A suspension for a storage device includes a metal layer and one or more composite stiffeners bonded to the metal layer to stiffen part but not all of the suspension. The composite stiffeners are made of a composite material and are bonded to the metal layer by an adhesive. Under most embodiments, the composite material has a higher stiffness to weight ratio than a metal.

Abstract: A microactuator used for selectively altering a position of a transducing head carried by a slider in a disc drive system with respect to a track of a rotatable disc having a plurality of concentric tracks. The microactuator is of the type comprising a piezoelectric element. A polymer coating encapsulates all exposed surfaces of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly that includes a bleed resistor applied over a specified area of the reader, writer and ground leads in order to protect from ESD damage is disclosed. The present invention address the need for an ESD protection system that includes a consistent and secure connection with leads, that does not contaminate the drive environment and applies a consistent resistivity to both the reader and writer element by providing a head gimbal assembly with strategically placed bleed resistors that will protect the read element from transient charge produced any time during the fabrication, assembly, testing and shipment of the disc drive.

Abstract: A microactuator used for selectively altering a position of a transducing head carried by a slider in a disc drive system with respect to a track of a rotatable disc having a plurality of concentric tracks. The microactuator is of the type comprising a piezoelectric element. A polymer coating encapsulates all exposed surfaces of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A slider is used in an actuation system and carries a transducing head for transducing data to and from a rotatable recording disc. The slider includes a slider body having a leading edge and a trailing edge and a transducing head positioned proximate the trailing edge of the slider body. An encapsulant comprised of a self assembled monolayer covers exposed surfaces the slider body.

Abstract: A suspension for a storage device includes a metal layer and one or more composite stiffeners bonded to the metal layer to stiffen part but not all of the suspension. The composite stiffeners are made of a composite material and are bonded to the metal layer by an adhesive. Under most embodiments, the composite material has a higher stiffness to weight ratio than a metal.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly that includes a bleed resistor applied over a specified area of the reader, writer and ground leads in order to protect from ESD damage is disclosed. The present invention address the need for an ESD protection system that includes a consistent and secure connection with leads, that does not contaminate the drive environment and applies a consistent resistivity to both the reader and writer element by providing a head gimbal assembly with strategically placed bleed resistors that will protect the read element from transient charge produced any time during the fabrication, assembly, testing and shipment of the disc drive.