Abstract: A system includes a library compartment, a player and a gas generator. The library compartment houses a plurality of data storage disks. The player is external to the library compartment and comprises a head that is configured to interact with at least one of the plurality of data storage disks. The gas generator is fluidly connected to the player. An embodiment includes a partition between the library compartment and player, the partition including a selectively openable interlock. In an embodiment, the player has a negative fluid pressure relative to the library compartment. A method of controlling an environment in a disk player is also described. The method includes detecting a composition of a fluid environment in the disk player and detecting a pressure of the fluid environment in the disk player.

Abstract: A system includes a library compartment, a player and a gas generator. The library compartment houses a plurality of data storage disks. The player is external to the library compartment and comprises a head that is configured to interact with at least one of the plurality of data storage disks. The gas generator is fluidly connected to the player. An embodiment includes a partition between the library compartment and player, the partition including a selectively openable interlock. In an embodiment, the player has a negative fluid pressure relative to the library compartment. A method of controlling an environment in a disk player is also described. The method includes detecting a composition of a fluid environment in the disk player and detecting a pressure of the fluid environment in the disk player.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include a motor and an output shaft apparatus. The output shaft apparatus may be configured to position a manufacturing component using the motor. The output shaft apparatus may move linearly along a longitudinal axis and/or rotationally about the longitudinal axis. The system may also include an engagement apparatus coupling the motor to the output shaft apparatus. The engagement apparatus may be configured in a linear configuration for linearly moving the output shaft apparatus or a rotational configuration for rotationally moving the output shaft apparatus.

Abstract: A tool may be configured at least with a fastener that can be accessed with a shaped bit. A controller portion of the tool can be arranged to predict bit deflection that enables a tool configuration to be adapted in response to actual bit deflection to conform to the predicted bit deflection.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include a motor and an output shaft apparatus. The output shaft apparatus may be configured to position a manufacturing component using the motor. The output shaft apparatus may move linearly along a longitudinal axis and/or rotationally about the longitudinal axis. The system may also include an engagement apparatus coupling the motor to the output shaft apparatus. The engagement apparatus may be configured in a linear configuration for linearly moving the output shaft apparatus or a rotational configuration for rotationally moving the output shaft apparatus.

Abstract: A tool may be configured at least with a fastener that can be accessed with a shaped bit. A controller portion of the tool can be arranged to predict bit deflection that enables a tool configuration to be adapted in response to actual bit deflection to conform to the predicted bit deflection.

Abstract: A fixture assembly suitable for use in a manufacturing process includes a crowder plate coupled to a datum plate, which is configured to receive a work piece, such as a disc drive system. In some embodiments, the datum plate is configured to gimbal relative to at least a portion of the crowder plate, and substantially maintain a position along first and second directions relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate. The datum plate is also configured to translate in a third direction relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate, where the first, second, and third directions are substantially orthogonal. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a platform coupled to the crowder plate, where the crowder plate may translate in at least one of the first and second directions relative to the platform.

Abstract: The application discloses an assembly tool for installing a disc clamp on a spindle hub. In the illustrated embodiments, the assembly tool includes a head including an inner portion, an intermediate portion and an outer portion configured to install a disc clamp on a spindle motor assembly. In the illustrated embodiments, the inner portion includes a raised portion and datum surface that interface with the spindle hub to align the spindle hub for installation of the disc clamp.

Abstract: A magnetic medium stack assembly includes a hub, a magnetic medium, and a clamp fixing the magnetic medium to the hub. The hub and clamp include engaging flange members that enable the hub and clamp to lock together without the use of external hardware or an adhesive. The clamp applies a substantially uniform compressive force on the magnetic medium, which helps reduce circumferential acceleration.

Abstract: A biasing tool with a main body portion, for biasing a disc relative to a central axis of rotation of a motor hub by steps for biasing the disc adjacent the motor hub. The biasing tool includes; a first and second biasing finger each having a protruding disc engagement region, each biasing finger extending from the main body portion, and an attachment aperture confined within the main body portion accommodating alignment of the biasing tool relative to the disc. The steps include selectively engaging the disc with a disc engagement region of the first or second biasing finger, and aligning a center of rotation of an annular servo track written on the disc with the central axis of rotation of the motor hub by biasing the disc adjacent the motor hub, which forms a common rotational axis for the motor hub and the annular servo track.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing a support member to support a flexible element, such as a shipping comb used to support a flexible suspension assembly of a head-stack assembly (HSA). A robotic end effector configured to insert the support member to bias the flexible element. Prior to said insertion, an inspection assembly verifies at least one physical parameter of the member while the member is supported by the end effector. One or more computerized video images along at least one axis are preferably obtained by the inspection assembly, and machine readable code on the member is preferably decoded from said image(s). The end effector preferably includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers which engage the support member with variable compressive force during insertion. A cleaning assembly preferably cleans the support member prior to insertion, and a subsequent video image is preferably obtained after insertion to verify installation of the member.

Abstract: A fixture assembly suitable for use in a manufacturing process includes a crowder plate coupled to a datum plate, which is configured to receive a work piece, such as a disc drive system. In some embodiments, the datum plate is configured to gimbal relative to at least a portion of the crowder plate, and substantially maintain a position along first and second directions relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate. The datum plate is also configured to translate in a third direction relative to at least the portion of the crowder plate, where the first, second, and third directions are substantially orthogonal. In some embodiments, the fixture assembly includes a platform coupled to the crowder plate, where the crowder plate may translate in at least one of the first and second directions relative to the platform.

Abstract: A magnetic medium stack assembly includes a hub, a magnetic medium, and a clamp fixing the magnetic medium to the hub. The hub and clamp include engaging flange members that enable the hub and clamp to lock together without the use of external hardware or an adhesive. The clamp applies a substantially uniform compressive force on the magnetic medium, which helps reduce circumferential acceleration.

Abstract: The application discloses an assembly tool for installing a disc clamp on a spindle hub. In the illustrated embodiments, the assembly tool includes a head including an inner portion, an intermediate portion and an outer portion configured to install a disc clamp on a spindle motor assembly. In the illustrated embodiments, the inner portion includes a raised portion and datum surface that interface with the spindle hub to align the spindle hub for installation of the disc clamp.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reference point teaching for an articulated member, such as a robotic arm. An end effector is moved to form a witness mark on a medium at a target location. An updated reference point for the end effector is generated in relation to a detected coordinate of the witness mark. The end effector preferably supports a gage with a tapered probe, and a distal end of the probe contactingly engages the medium to form the witness mark. A vision system preferably detects the position of the witness mark after retraction of the end effector away from the mark. The medium preferably comprises paper, and the witness mark preferably comprises a hole punched therethrough. Alternatively, the medium comprises pressure sensitive paper and the mark is formed by the application of pressure thereto. The gage can comprise two probes that make two spaced apart witness marks, as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reference point teaching for an articulated member, such as a robotic arm. An end effector is moved to form a witness mark on a medium at a target location. An updated reference point for the end effector is generated in relation to a detected coordinate of the witness mark. The end effector preferably supports a gage with a tapered probe, and a distal end of the probe contactingly engages the medium to form the witness mark. A vision system preferably detects the position of the witness mark after retraction of the end effector away from the mark. The medium preferably comprises paper, and the witness mark preferably comprises a hole punched therethrough. Alternatively, the medium comprises pressure sensitive paper and the mark is formed by the application of pressure thereto. The gage can comprise two probes that make two spaced apart witness marks, as desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing a support member to support a flexible element, such a shipping comb used to support a flexible suspension assembly of a head-stack assembly (HSA). A robotic end effector is configured to insert the support member to bias the flexible element. Prior to said insertion, an inspection assembly verifies at least one physical parameter of the member while the member is supported by the end effector. One or more computerized video images along at least one axis are preferably obtained by the inspection assembly, and machine readable code on the member is preferably decoded from said image(s). The end effector preferably includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers which engage the support member with variable compressive force during insertion. A cleaning assembly preferably cleans the support member prior to insertion, and a subsequent video image is preferably obtained after insertion to verify installation of the member.

Abstract: Apparatus for a dual powered actuator system. The system comprises a support member supporting an article in movement along a first direction and a second direction. A precision actuator is coupled with the support member and responsive to an input signal to selectively move the support member. A fluid actuator is also coupled with the support member to selectively move the support member. An active fluid regulator provides a first pressure to the fluid actuator in the first direction of the support member and a second pressure to the fluid actuator in the second direction of the support member, wherein the first and second pressures are different. A controller activates the active fluid regulator and the precision actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a light scattering target includes a light source which illuminates a first area of an article with substantially collinear light and a second area surrounding the first area with substantially non-collinear light. An electronic vision system detects a position of a light scattering target within the second area to determine a compliance of said position with a desired position. The substantially collinear light is preferably directed upon the article in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane along which the article is disposed. A shroud member is preferably disposed between the light source and the article, the shroud member having an aperture through which the light from the light source passes to reach the article, and through which at least a portion of the light is reflected back to the vision system. Preferably, the target is a laser textured index mark on a data storage disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for a dual powered actuator system. The system comprises a support member supporting an article in movement along a first direction and a second direction. A precision actuator is coupled with the support member and responsive to an input signal to selectively move the support member. A fluid actuator is also coupled with the support member to selectively move the support member. An active fluid regulator provides a first pressure to the fluid actuator in the first direction of the support member and a second pressure to the fluid actuator in the second direction of the support member, wherein the first and second pressures are different. A controller activates the active fluid regulator and the precision actuator.