Abstract: A suspension system for disk drives is formed out of a multi-layer metal laminate. An etch-retardant layer is received between two outer metal layers at a pre-determined depth from the outer surfaces of the metal layers. Utilizing conventional photo-chemical etching process techniques, the etch retardant layer stops or retards the chemical etching at this pre-determined depth. In this manner, the inherent variably in etch rate is controlled, permitting the formation of finer geometries in the head suspension than would be otherwise possible.

Abstract: An electronic circuit apparatus is provided comprising a component disk drive, and an electronic circuit implementing the component drive for local storage as an alternative to costlier solid state memory, wherein the electronic circuit has at least one function not related to the operation of the component disk drive, and wherein the electronic circuit uses information stored on the component disk drive to perform the non-storage related function. The apparatus is suitable for a plurality of electronic devices and for electronic circuit applications residing in a card enclosure adapted for plugging into an electronic device or computer. In the preferred embodiment, the component disk drive comprises a disk with a single recording surface mounted directly to a flat motor, a low profile actuator assembly including a single suspension supporting an MR head, and means for "parking" the head at the center of the disk.

Abstract: An electronic circuit apparatus is provided for electronic circuits and devices, comprising a component disk drive, a disk controller, and a programmable interface for dynamically adapting the component drive to communicate over a predetermined bus architecture to an external application. The interface is programmed by the disk controller using one of a library of microcode sets stored on the component drive. Alternatively, a microprocessor independent of the disk controller programs the interface from microcode stored in solid state memory. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an application circuit and the programmable interface adapts the component drive for use by the circuit. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a subcircuit that communicates with an external application over a predetermined bus architecture, and the programmable interface adapts the subcircuit for such communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved slider-suspension electrical interconnect assembly and a method of manufacturing the same. The novel integrated suspension may be assembled from separate pieces, including a load beam, a flexure and a mounting plate. The load beam provides rigid structural support of the flexure. The flexure includes a flexible member and conductive leads integrally formed thereon. The flexible member has a gimbal area to which a slider is attached. At least one transducer is attached to the slider for reading data from and writing data to a disk surface. Each of the conductive leads terminates at one end on contact pads on the end face of the slider for electrical connection to the transducer. At the slider termination end, the conductive leads comprise an altered and an unaltered section. The altered section of the conductor has a lower yield strength than the conductor surrounding the altered section, and has a more uniform grain structure than the unaltered section.

Abstract: A spacer structure is proposed, including a transducer parking structure, for use in a disk drive assembly including a housing, a rotatable disk, and an actuator assembly for positioning a transducer relative to the rotating disk. In the preferred embodiment, the spacer structure is adapted for contact with, or ridged mounting to, the housing of a disk drive over a disk. The spacer structure may be further adapted for making contact with the disk surface, e.g. by the provision of a cone-like or needle-like protrusion. The point of contact is preferably made at a substantially planar region at the center of the disk. The planar region may form a part of the spacer structure, and may be coated, textured, or smooth. It may also be stationary with respect to the rotating disk, or may rotate with the disk, enabling the spacer structure to be rigidly affixed. The parking structure may be a recess or cavity, a ramp, a step, or a combination of these structures.