Abstract: A hard disk drive for a computer system including a head disk assembly with a disk platter of approximately one-and-eight-tenths-inch in diameter capable of storing more than forty megabytes. In an embodiment, data tracks on each data surface of the platter are spaced at approximately 2,558 tracks per inch and each data track has approximately 36,000 flux changes per inch. An actuator positions a pair of read/write heads on each platter surface using a voice coil motor to position the heads over a cylinder. A magnetic actuator latch attaches to another magnet on the actuator and locks the heads in a parked position at the innermost diameter of the platter. A spindle motor rotates the platter at approximately 5,400 revolutions per minute. A base plate, with a gasketed surface and a raised lip, hermetically seals with a cover to the base plate such that the platter, the actuator, the actuator latch, and the spindle motor are all contained within. The cover carries a breather filter and recirculating air filter.

Abstract: A magnetic head suspension assembly is fabricated with an integral piece which includes a load beam section, a flexure section, a rear mount section and a leaf spring section between the load beam and rear mount. A tongue extends from the load beam to the flexure and has a down-facing load dimple which contacts the non-air bearing surface of an attached air bearing slider. The flexure includes narrow thin legs adjacent to a cutout that delineates the load beam tongue. The head suspension is characterized by a high first bending mode frequency and low pitch and roll stiffness.

Abstract: A data transducer head mounting structure for a height compacted, low power head and disk assembly of a fixed disk data storage subsystem has an elongated load beam including a head arm attachment end region for attachment to an outward end of an actuator head arm; a leaf spring loading region; flexure attachment region for attachment of a gimbal flexure for mounting a transducer head; a dynamic loading tab formed at the outermost part of the head end region beyond the transducer head; and, a load beam region located between the leaf spring loading region and the dynamic loading tab. In one aspect of the invention a loading ramp structure is positioned adjacent to a peripheral edge of the storage disk and cooperates with the dynamic loading tab. In one independent aspect of the present invention, the load beam region includes two L-shaped flanges facing toward an adjacent data storage surface, and a trussing structure is attached to the outer surfaces of the flanges to enclose the load beam region.

Abstract: A disk drive spindle assembly including a rotatable hub and one or more disks having a central opening slightly larger than the cross dimension of the hub, so that the disk may freely fit over the hub. A flange extends radially outwardly from a lower region of the hub and defines an narrow, vertically extending annular support wall for supporting a disk along a uniform narrow contact region between the hub and the disk. A disk clamp clamps the disk against the support wall contact region. An annular concentric space, preferably defined by an elastomeric spacer structure which aligns the disk relative to an axis of rotation of the hub, spaces the disk away from the hub.

Abstract: A data transducer head mounting structure for a height compacted, low power head and disk assembly of a fixed disk data storage subsystem has an elongated load beam including a head arm attachment end region for attachment to an outward end of an acuator head arm; a leaf spring loading region; a flexure attachment region for attachment of a gimbal flexure for mounting a transducer head; a dynamic loading tab formed at the outermost part of the head end region beyond the transducer head; and, a load beam region located between the leaf spring loading region and the dynamic loading tab. In one aspect of the invention a loading ramp structure is positioned adjacent to a peripheral edge of the storage disk and cooperates with the dynamic loading tab. In one independent aspect of the present invention, the load beam region includes two L-shaped flanges facing toward an adjacent data storage surface, and a trussing structure is attached to the outer surfaces of the flanges to enclose the load beam region.

Abstract: A disk file wherein the actuator(s) for the magnetic head(s) are mounted within and supported by a hollow symmetrical generally ring-shaped base as closely as possible to a neutral plane that divides opposing walls of the base into substantially symmetrical parts. The disk stack is supported with its spindle normal to the neutral plane and its center of gravity substantially coincident with said plane. This substantially eliminates bending of the base out of the plane of the disks resultant from temperature gradients and from reaction forces set up when the voice coil motor actuator moves the head(s).

Abstract: An actuator for a disk file comprises a carriage/arm assembly secured to a coil and movable longitudinally upon energization of said coil. To minimize the amplitude of longitudinal resonance vibration in the actuator upon energization of the coil, the coil is secured to the outer of two concentric overlapping members and the carriage is secured to the inner member. Elastomeric material is disposed radially between and adhered to said concentric members to act as a combination damping means and primary stiffening means for transmitting the major proportion of shear force between said members, and hence, between said coil and carriage. Because stiffness of the elastomeric material varies significantly over the temperature range over which the disk file operates, auxiliary stiffening means is desirably included, preferably in the from of beams which act as springs restraining longitudinal motion between the outer member (and hence the coil) and the carriage.