Abstract: A head stack assembly installation system with a frame supporting a head stack installation tool including a robotic assembly supporting a measurement assembly communicating with a computer hosting an installation software program. The robotic assembly picks and places the head stack assembly into the head disc assembly and the measurement assembly collects and communicates process positions and force parameters to the computer, the computer calculating distance and force data. The installation software program directs and controls enactment of process steps followed by the head stack installation tool to install or abort installation of the head stack assembly based on the position and force data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer directed head stack assembly installation system with an installation software stored on recordable media directing the controlling a sequence of head stack installation assembly steps executed by a robotic assembly to pick and place a head stack assembly into a basedeck. The installation software program monitors compliance of the placement operation regarding mechanical resistance encountered by the head stack assembly engaging the basedeck compared to a dynamic force threshold F determined by the equation [F=(f(p)+/?x)] and against the dynamic slope V determined by the equation [V=V=(fn?fn?1)/(pn?pn?1). Upon successful installation of the head stack assembly into the basedeck forming the head disc assembly, the head disc assembly is released from the head stack assembly installation station.

Abstract: Method for controlling installation of a head stack assembly in a disc drive. The head stack assembly is aligned in a head stack installation tool. A base deck assembly is advanced to the head stack installation tool, the base deck assembly having a post supporting a tolerance ring. A robotic assembly is dispatched to pick and press the head stack assembly onto the tolerance ring and post while mechanical resistance and distance traveled parameters by the head stack assembly are measured. The installation is aborted or completed in relation to the mechanical resistance encountered and the distance traveled, thus allowing use of minimum and maximum force thresholds with respect to insertion distance and assuring correct installation of the head stack assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a leak rate test on a device under test (DUT), such as a data storage device housing. A flow meter determines a flow rate for a flow of pressurized fluid. A conduit provides a first portion of the fluid from the flow meter to the DUT, and a bleed orifice removes a second portion of the fluid from the conduit at a selected removal rate. A leak rate for the DUT is obtained in relation to the determined flow rate and the selected removal rate. The bleed orifice raises the determined flow rate through the flow meter to a mid-range value, allowing quick and efficient flow rate testing including for relatively low specified leak rates. A regulator establishes the flow of pressurized fluid and preferably utilizes a variable orifice size to reduce flow oscillations in the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A dampening datum plate assembly for an assembly line for components, the dampening datum plate assembly having a member for moving a component from a conveyor to a datum position at an assembly station, a dampening pin assembly supported at the datum position for absorbing vibrational shock from the component moved by the moving member. The moving member has a plate on which is supported a second dampening pin assembly for absorbing vibrational shock from contact of the plate with the component. Each dampening pin assembly has a replaceable compressible pellet member that absorbs vibrational shock.

Abstract: A disc presentation apparatus executing a method of presenting the disc by using a caddy gripper is disclosed. The disc presentation apparatus includes; a frame supporting an in-feed conveyor advancing a disc caddy with a disc, a caddy escapement securing the disc caddy from the in-feed conveyor and transporting the disc caddy to a caddy feed. The caddy feed includes the caddy gripper secured to a feed elevator, which indexes the disc to a predetermined substantially fixed location and transfers the disc caddy to an out-feed conveyor. The caddy gripper extracts the disc caddy from the caddy escapement and includes; a gripper slide assembly advancing a gripper plate into mating contact with the disc caddy, a caddy locating assembly aligning the disc caddy relative to the gripper plate, and an active jaw assembly engaging a first side of the disc caddy thereby gripping the disc caddy adjacent the gripper plate.

Abstract: A dampening datum plate assembly for an assembly line for components, the dampening datum plate assembly having a member for moving a component from a conveyor to a datum position at an assembly station, a dampening pin assembly supported at the datum position for absorbing vibrational shock from the component moved by the moving member. The moving member has a plate on which is supported a second dampening pin assembly for absorbing vibrational shock from contact of the plate with the component. Each dampening pin assembly has a replaceable compressible pellet member that absorbs vibrational shock.

Abstract: A top cover installation station with a feeder assembly and a robotic assembly for installing a top cover with top cover fasteners on a basedeck of a disc drive. The feeder assembly supports top cover wireframe caddies, each caddy containing top covers. A dial assembly transports each caddy into alignment with an elevator assembly that aligns the top cover with an escapement assembly that removes the top cover from the caddy. The robotic assembly has a positioning assembly supporting a pair of Z-axis end effector assemblies, the positioning assembly transporting the pair of effector assemblies to predetermined positions. A first end effector assembly picks and places the top cover adjacent the basedeck and a second end effector assembly grips and secures the top cover onto the basedeck via the top cover fasteners.

Abstract: A top cover installation station with a feeder assembly and a robotic assembly for installing a top cover with top cover fasteners on a basedeck of a disc drive. The feeder assembly supports top cover wireframe caddies, each caddy containing top covers. A dial assembly transports each caddy into alignment with an elevator assembly that aligns the top cover with an escapement assembly that removes the top cover from the caddy. The robotic assembly has a positioning assembly supporting a pair of Z-axis end effector assemblies, the positioning assembly transporting the pair of effector assemblies to predetermined positions. A first end effector assembly picks and places the top cover adjacent the basedeck and a second end effector assembly grips and secures the top cover onto the basedeck via the top cover fasteners.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder having a component rod assembly with a component key, a component rod and a component load ramp configured to support balance correction members, a vibrator assembly advancing the balance correction members along the component rod assembly to an escapement assembly with an escapement blade allowing one balance correction member at a time to progress onto a component stop which stages and releases the balance correction member into the gravity feed chute that transports the balance correction member to confinement within a component retainer and on to an air activated shutter that dispenses the balance correction member upon activation of a shutter air slide. The vibrator assembly includes a vibration source motor mounted at the center of mass of the vibratory feeder assembly.

Abstract: An automated clampring installation station for assembling a disc drive having a hardware dispensing assembly, a presentment assembly, and a positioning and attachment assembly having a transport and affixing assembly and a feature detection assembly. The hardware dispensing assembly stages hardware for pick-up by the positioning and attachment assembly. The component parts presentment places a clampring for pick-up by the positioning and attachment assembly. The feature detection assembly provides orientation information to the components transport and affixing assembly to compensate for orientation of the hardware to the clampring and the subsequent alignment of the hardware and the clampring to the disc drive, and thereafter driving the hardware through apertures in the clampring and in the disc drive to attach the clampring to the disc drive.

Abstract: A head stack assembly installation system with a frame supporting a head stack installation tool including a robotic assembly supporting a measurement assembly communicating with a computer hosting an installation software program. The robotic assembly picks and places the head stack assembly into the head disc assembly and the measurement assembly collects and communicates process positions and force parameters to the computer, the computer calculating distance and force data. The installation software program directs and controls enactment of process steps followed by the head stack installation tool to install or abort installation of the head stack assembly based on the position and force data.

Abstract: A top cover installation station with a feeder assembly and a robotic assembly for installing a top cover with top cover fasteners on a basedeck of a disc drive. The feeder assembly supports top cover wireframe caddies, each caddy containing top covers. A dial assembly transports each caddy into alignment with an elevator assembly that aligns the top cover with an escapement assembly that removes the top cover from the caddy. The robotic assembly has a positioning assembly supporting a pair of Z-axis end effector assemblies, the positioning assembly transporting the pair of effector assemblies to predetermined positions. A first end effector assembly picks and places the top cover adjacent the basedeck and a second end effector assembly grips and secures the top cover onto the basedeck via the top cover fasteners.