Abstract: A write-inhibit signal is generated by a head-disk interaction sensor during a write process that is integrated with a suspension of a hard disk drive (HDD) when fly-height modulation of the slider is detected during a write process The suspension load beam includes a dimple and a laminated flexure. The laminated flexure includes a surface that is adapted to receive a slider and a surface that is adapted to contact the dimple. The head-disk interaction sensor is fabricated as part of the laminations of the flexure. The head-disk interaction sensor can be an accelerometer that senses an acceleration of the flexure when the slider contacts the disk of the disk drive and/or a pressure sensor that senses a pressure between the flexure and the dimple when the slider contacts the disk. A write-inhibit circuit is responsive to the sensor signal by inhibiting the write process.

Abstract: A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) includes a write-inhibit signal that is generated by a head-disk interaction sensor during a write process that is integrated with a suspension of the HDD when fly-height modulation of the slider is detected during a write process. The suspension load beam includes a dimple and a laminated flexure. The laminated flexure includes a surface that is adapted to receive a slider and a surface that is adapted to contact the dimple. The head-disk interaction sensor is fabricated as part of the laminations of the flexure. The head-disk interaction sensor can be an accelerometer that senses an acceleration of the flexure when the slider contacts the disk of the disk drive and/or a pressure sensor that senses a pressure between the flexure and the dimple when the slider contacts the disk. A write-inhibit circuit is responsive to the sensor signal by inhibiting the write process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a suspension for use with heads that are positioned upstream of the actuator arm in a disk drive. The suspension includes a motion limiter to limit displacement both away from the load beam and towards the flexure proximal end. The suspension also includes traces with connections located on the proximal end of the gimbaled region of the flexure for making electrical contact with a head on a slider.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a disk drive that comprises at least one head carrying assembly that includes an actuator arm, a suspension attached to the actuator arm, and a head carried by the suspension. Each head is positioned upstream of its actuator arm. This reversed-flow orientation reduces head vibration and disk power requirements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a disk drive that comprises at least one head carrying assembly that includes an actuator arm, a suspension attached to the actuator arm, and a head carried by the suspension. Each head is positioned upstream of its actuator arm. This reversed-flow orientation reduces head vibration and disk power requirements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a disk drive that comprises at least one head carrying assembly that includes an actuator arm, a suspension attached to the actuator arm, and a head carried by the suspension. Each head is positioned upstream of its actuator arm. This reversed-flow orientation reduces head vibration and disk power requirements.