Abstract: A data storage disk drive is provided with a spindle which supports a plurality of disks having at least one magnetic disk surface to form a spindle assembly for rotation of the disk surfaces about a common axis and a rotary actuator which supports magnetic transducers for movement in unison about respective disk surfaces. The disk drive includes a disk drive enclosure having die-cast generated predetermined zero draft geometries for mounting the spindle motor shaft and the actuator bearing shaft. The enclosure includes a base casting and a cover casting, each casting including structure for locating and retaining electrical connectors used for connecting to a planar electronics card located outside the drive enclosure. The disk drive includes an effective and easily manufacturable electrical path from a flex circuit to an actuator comb. The disk drive includes a tubular chemical breather filter arranged with integral housing and diffusion channels formed in the cover casting.

Abstract: An actuator structure includes a flexure suspension with a flag appendage having a cantilevered portion extending parallel to the arm-suspension to form a gap therebetween. The flex cable that connects to the device electronics has an elongated portion secured to the side of the arm-suspension assembly presenting termination pads, which extend to the cable edge, along the elongated portion side and in alignment with the gap between arm-suspension and flag. The leads extending from the transducer are fanned out and extend across the gap. The leads are bonded to the arm-suspension and to the lead cantilevered portion immediately adjoining the gap. To terminate the leads, the flag is folded down 90 degrees, bringing the leads into contact with the te nation pads where they are ultrasonically bonded. The flag is then bent toward its original position causing the fine lead wires to separate between the flag cantilever portion bond and the ultrasonically bonded termination.

Abstract: An actuator structure includes a flexure suspension with a flag appendage having a cantilevered portion extending parallel to the arm-suspension to form a gap therebetween. The flex cable that connects to the device electronics has an elongated portion secured to the side of the arm-suspension assembly presenting termination pads, which extend to the cable edge, along the elongated portion side and in alignment with the gap between arm-suspension and flag. The leads extending from the transducer are fanned out and extend across the gap. The leads are bonded to the arm-suspension and to the lead cantilevered portion immediately adjoining the gap. To terminate the leads, the flag is folded down 90 degrees, bringing the leads into contact with the termination pads where they are ultrasonically bonded. The flag is then bent toward its original position causing the fine lead wires to separate between the flag cantilever portion bond and the ultrasonically bonded termination.

Abstract: A data storage disk drive is provided with a spindle which supports a plurality of disks having at least one magnetic disk surface to form a spindle assembly for rotation of the disk surfaces about a common axis and a rotary actuator which supports magnetic transducers for movement in unison about respective disk surfaces. The disk drive includes a disk drive enclosure having die-cast generated predetermined zero draft geometries for mounting the spindle motor shaft and the actuator bearing shaft. The enclosure includes a base casting and a cover casting, each casting including structure for locating and retaining electrical connectors used for connecting to a planar electronics card located outside the drive enclosure. The disk drive includes an effective and easily manufacturable electrical path from a flex circuit to an actuator comb. The disk drive includes a tubular chemical breather filter arranged with integral housing and diffusion channels formed in the cover casting.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an actuator of a data storage system to a housing which uses a single mounting screw. The mounting screw is disposed within an aperture provided on the housing cover and a central bore of the actuator shaft, and secures the actuator shaft to a housing cover and base casting. A mounting boss is disposed on the base casting and adapted for registering with the actuator shaft and receiving the mounting screw. Efficient top-down assembly of standard and small form factor data storage systems is facilitated by employment of the novel actuator mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A Direct Access Storage Device (DASD), either magnetic or optical, wherein the chamber which encloses the disk, actuator and electrical connections is sealed from the outside conditions by disposing a seal or gasket about a connector which is surface mounted on a flex cable and disposing the connector in a passage through the base of the DASD. The flex cable is disposed adjacent the inner surface of the cover, and a tail portion of the flex cable is folded to an orientation to position the tail so that it may be attached to an actuator or similar mechanism within the DASD. The tail is maintained in its proper orientation once inserted into a slot formed into the base member. The slot side walls constrain the tail without the need to have the tail fixedly attached to the base member at any point and thereby easing assembly, disassembly, rework and/or repair of the DASD.