Abstract: A method for determining the surface distortions of a disk in a spin-stand or single or multiple disk hard disk drive (HDD) utilizing a DFH type write head. A stepwise power curve is supplied to the DFH head, the head is flown over a chosen track on the disk, and the high frequency signal from a HDI sensor is analyzed in order to determine the step of an initial touchdown power and the step of a complete touchdown power as a function of individual sectors in a sector subdivision along a chosen track. The HDI sensor signal is averaged within each step of the power curve between these two steps and a Ratio variable, Ratio=(Max. amplitude)/(RMS amplitude) is calculated for each step and is averaged over each rotation of the disk during the step.

Abstract: Dynamic fly height (DFH) controlled read/write heads using multiple heaters have their heater powers set within a range of ratios that allows minimum clearances to be set between the read-gap and the write-gap and the surface of a disk, thereby providing improved touch-down detection. Determining the correct range of power ratios requires varying the ratio to create an adjustable protrusion profile for the read and write elements in the head and measuring values of the ratio and corresponding values of read gap and write gap clearances that create points of minimum clearance. By adjusting the ratio of power supplied to the heaters, different protrusion profiles can be produced, clearance control for sigma reduction can be obtained and read/write readiness and operation consistency and reliability can be improved.

Abstract: Cehlorosilicate-based phosphors configured to emit yellow-green light in a wavelength ranging from about 500 nm to about 560 nm in response to an excitation source emitting at about 400 nm to about 480 nm, wherein the light emitted by the phosphor has a decay time ranging from about 1 millisecond (1 ms) to about 10 milliseconds (10 ms). The phosphor comprises a compound of the family Ca8-x-yAxEuyMg1-m-nBmMnn(Si1-sCsO4)4R2, where A is at least one divalent cation including Ca, Sr, Ba; B is Zn or Cd, or a divalent metal ion other than an alkaline earth; C is a cation, including at least one of Ge, Al, B, Gd, Ga, and N, and R is an anion, including F, Cl, Br, I, all respectively either individually, or in combinations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to reducing the probability of a slider contacting a surface of a disk. According to one embodiment, a first etch is performed on the slider. Air compression mechanisms are created near each corner associated with a trailing edge of the slider so that the probability that the corners will contact the surface of the disk is reduced.

Abstract: Gimbal designs are provided that minimize adverse dynamic performance of a HDD suspension, particularly subsequent to head-disk-interface (HDI) interactions. The improvement of operational performance can be seen in graphical representations of the vibrational modes of a gimbal mounted slider subsequent to such HDI interactions. Each gimbal design includes a ramp limiter formed as two separated arms connected by one or two transverse bars and a routing of conducting traces that relieves stress and minimally contacts these bars.

Abstract: Gimbal designs are provided that minimize adverse dynamic performance of a HDD suspension, particularly subsequent to head-disk-interface (HDI) interactions. The improvement of operational performance can be seen in graphical representations of the vibrational modes of a gimbal mounted slider subsequent to such HDI interactions. Each gimbal design includes a ramp limiter formed as two separated arms connected by one or two transverse bars and a routing of conducting traces that relieves stress and minimally contacts these bars.

Abstract: In a suspension in a hard disk drive, a gimbal with asymmetric dynamic properties, in which the two halves of the gimbal may have different stiffness distribution or inertia distribution. Structural difference between the two halves, or materials with different stiffness, may cause the different stiffness distribution or inertia distribution. When the suspension vibrates, the different stiffness and/or inertia distribution increase the friction between the gimbal and a load beam of the suspension, and increase the damping of the suspension.

Abstract: In a balanced head gimbal assembly for improved seeking performance, a slider having a magnetic head with a set of read elements to read data and a set of write elements to write data, an air-bearing surface, and a non-air-bearing surface is coupled to a suspension. The suspension includes a loadbeam, a flexure, and a balancing weight. The loadbeam is coupled to an actuator arm. The flexure, coupled to the loadbeam, has a window through which a dimple, coupled to the loadbeam, contacts a dimple contact point. The balancing weight, coupled to the flexure, has a configuration which permits alignment of a center of mass of the head gimbal assembly with the dimple contact point.

Abstract: Gimbal designs are provided that minimize adverse dynamic performance of a HDD suspension, particularly subsequent to head-disk-interface (HDI) interactions. The improvement of operational performance can be seen in graphical representations of the vibrational modes of a gimbal mounted slider subsequent to such HDI interactions. Each gimbal design includes a ramp limiter formed as two separated arms connected by one or two transverse bars and a routing of conducting traces that relieves stress and minimally contacts these bars.

Abstract: In a balanced head gimbal assembly for improved seeking performance, a slider having a magnetic head with a set of read elements to read data and a set of write elements to write data, an air-bearing surface, and a non-air-bearing surface is coupled to a suspension. The suspension includes a loadbeam, a flexure, and a balancing weight. The loadbeam is coupled to an actuator arm. The flexure, coupled to the loadbeam, has a window through which a dimple, coupled to the loadbeam, contacts a dimple contact point. The balancing weight, coupled to the flexure, has a configuration which permits alignment of a center of mass of the head gimbal assembly with the dimple contact point.

Abstract: In a balanced head gimbal assembly for improved seeking performance, a slider having a magnetic head with a set of read elements to read data and a set of write elements to write data, an air-bearing surface, and a non-air-bearing surface is coupled to a suspension. The suspension includes a loadbeam, a flexure, and a balancing weight. The loadbeam is coupled to an actuator arm. The flexure, coupled to the loadbeam, has a window through which a dimple, coupled to the loadbeam, contacts a dimple contact point. The balancing weight, coupled to the flexure, has a configuration which permits alignment of a center of mass of the head gimbal assembly with the dimple contact point.

Abstract: An apparatus with a head gimbal assembly designed to reduce movement and rotation of components of the head gimbal assembly structure is disclosed. One embodiment head gimbal assembly may comprise a flexure including a ramp limiter, a suspension assembly further comprising a suspension tongue, a slider further comprising a magnetic head; and a load beam further comprising a lift tab; and a ramp further comprising a step to engage and support the ramp limiter and support and constrain the movement of the slider. In certain embodiments, the flexure may further comprise a flexure rail located at its end to reduce movement and rotation of the suspension tongue.

Abstract: Gimbal designs are provided that minimize adverse dynamic performance of a HDD suspension, particularly subsequent to head-disk-interface (HDI) interactions. The improvement of operational performance can be seen in graphical representations of the vibrational modes of a gimbal mounted slider subsequent to such HDI interactions. Each gimbal design includes a ramp limiter formed as two separated arms connected by one or two transverse bars and a routing of conducting traces that relieves stress and minimally contacts these bars.

Abstract: A loadbeam is locally stiffened by either, 1. the addition of strategically placed extra material to the loadbeam, 2. not removing material during the etching process to form the loadbeam, or 3. special forming, by crimping or bending, at specific sites on the beam. The use of local stiffening, when placed about the loadbeam dimple or between the dimple and flexure attachment points, with or without additional damping, can significantly improve the dynamical response of the loadbeam and eliminate vibrational modes of a slider mounted on the loadbeam during HDI interactions with disk surface asperities during disk drive operation.

Abstract: Gimbal designs are provided that minimize adverse dynamic performance of a HDD suspension, particularly subsequent to head-disk-interface (HDI) interactions. The improvement of operational performance can be seen in graphical representations of the vibrational modes of a gimbal mounted slider subsequent to such HDI interactions. Each gimbal design includes a ramp limiter formed as two separated arms connected by one or two transverse bars and a routing of conducting traces that relieves stress and minimally contacts these bars.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for damping slider-gimbal coupled vibration of a hard disk drive is disclosed. The method provides a suspension for reaching over a disk. A slider having a read/write head element on a trailing edge (TE) portion is also provided, the slider coupled with the suspension at a gimbal structure. In addition, a damping zone is provided at a stress point on the gimbal structure, the damping zone having a damping material thereon, wherein the damping material reduces vibration of the slider and the gimbal structure.

Abstract: An apparatus with a head gimbal assembly designed to reduce movement and rotation of components of the head gimbal assembly structure is disclosed. One embodiment head gimbal assembly may comprise a flexure including a ramp limiter, a suspension assembly further comprising a suspension tongue, a slider further comprising a magnetic head; and a load beam further comprising a lift tab; and a ramp further comprising a step to engage and support the ramp limiter and support and constrain the movement of the slider. In certain embodiments, the flexure may further comprise a flexure rail located at its end to reduce movement and rotation of the suspension tongue.

Abstract: In a balanced head gimbal assembly for improved seeking performance, a slider having a magnetic head with a set of read elements to read data and a set of write elements to write data, an air-bearing surface, and a non-air-bearing surface is coupled to a suspension. The suspension includes a loadbeam, a flexure, and a balancing weight. The loadbeam is coupled to an actuator arm. The flexure, coupled to the loadbeam, has a window through which a dimple, coupled to the loadbeam, contacts a dimple contact point. The balancing weight, coupled to the flexure, has a configuration which permits alignment of a center of mass of the head gimbal assembly with the dimple contact point.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for producing a head gimbal assembly with minimum dynamic response and air bearing resonance during flight (e.g., head-disk contact), thereby minimizing disruptions in the desired uniformity of flying height, are described. Embodiment head gimbal assemblies may comprise at least one air bearing surface of a slider and at least one suspension assembly wherein the at least one air bearing surface of the slider and the at least one suspension assembly are individually modeled. In addition, one of the at least one air bearing surface of the slider and one of the at least one suspension assembly may be matched to minimize air bearing resonance and system dynamic response.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically controlling the position of a hard drive head is disclosed. The system includes a hard drive slider comprising a first substrate, a second substrate coupled to the first substrate wherein the second substrate comprises a plurality of flexures wherein at least one of the flexures is responsive to an applied current, the flexure expanding in response to the current; and a third substrate coupled to the second substrate comprising vias to provide said current to the flexure. Embodiments of the invention can be used in contact and non contact recording situations and for absorbing mechanical vibrations.