Abstract: An end stop assembly for limiting the travel of an actuator in a disc drive, the actuator pivotally supported by an enclosure for movement of a read/write head in data reading and writing relationship to a data disc. The end stop assembly comprises a base plate fixedly positioned within the enclosure, a post extending upward from the base plate and a cantilevered arm extending outward from the post. The arm comprises a proximal end connecting the arm to the post and a distal end for providing contacting engagement with the actuator. Furthermore, the cantilevered arm is displaceable in a rotational direction substantially about the post and deformable in a direction substantially along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A compressive limit stop for limiting travel of an actuator assembly of a data storage device is disclosed. The compressive limit stop separates a first pole piece from a second pole piece of the data storage device, each pole piece adjacent the actuator assembly, the compressive limit stop includes a rigid body with a top flange adjacent the second pole piece and a bottom flange adjacent the first pole piece, an inner portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the top flange disposed between the top and bottom flanges forming a channel between the flanges and a compressive sleeve with an inner wall adjacent each flange while enclosing the channel to form a gap between the inner portion and the inner wall. The compressive sleeve deflects and compresses between the actuator assembly and the inner portion to decelerate movement of the actuator assembly, upon impact of the contact arm with the contact post.

Abstract: A disc drive assembly method for assembling a disc drive having a disc and an actuator with a tab portion disposed at a proximal end and a head on the distal end. The method consisting of rotating the actuator about a central post, contactingly engaging an outer stop. The outer stop comprises a base plate, a post extending upward from the base plate and a cantilevered arm extending outward from the post. The cantilevered arm of the outer stop is displaceable in a rotational direction substantially about the post and deformable in a direction substantially along its longitudinal axis. When the actuator engages the outer stop, the arm of the outer stop is displaced by the actuator tab portion, allowing rotation thereby, merging the heads onto the disc. Once the heads are merged, the outer stop returns to its original position to limit the rotation of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: An actuator latch cooperating with a magnetic assembly for latching an actuator assembly of a data storage device is provided. The magnetic assembly includes a magnet secured to one of a pair of pole pieces. The actuator latch includes a latch body adjacent the magnet assembly; a forward arm extending in a first direction from the latch body, a first ferromagnetic member supported by the forward arm disposed between the pair of pole pieces interacting with the magnet to maintain the actuator assembly in an un-latched position during operation of the data storage device; a trailing arm extending in a second direction from the latch body; and a pair of ferromagnetic members supported by the trailing arm disposed between the pair of pole pieces interacting with the magnet to secure the actuator assembly in a latched position during non-operation of the data storage device.

Abstract: A latch for a disc drive, the disc drive having an actuator pivotally supported for moving an array of read/write heads radially across a data storage disc between a parking zone and a data storage zone, the parking zone providing a parking surface for the read/write heads when the disc drive is non-operational, the latch preventing the actuator from pivoting so that the read/write heads remain in the parking zone while the disc drive is non-operational. The disc drive has a voice coil motor for moving the actuator, the voice coil motor including a magnet assembly having a pair of opposed magnet members supported by opposing poles. The latch is interposed between the poles, having a supporting member that supports a latch pawl pivotally between a latched position and an unlatched position.

Abstract: An inertial spring latch with a contact post is disclosed for use in latching an actuator assembly of a data storage device. The actuator assembly includes a contact arm that cooperates with the contact post to restrict movement of the actuator assembly when the data storage device is in a non-operating mode. The inertial spring latch includes a latch body adjacent the actuator assembly, a forward arm extending in a first direction from the latch body and a spring member extending from the forward arm, the spring member supporting the contact post. The contact post inhibits movement of the actuator assembly by decelerating the movement of the actuator assembly upon impact of the contact arm with the contact post. Both the contact post and the spring member deflect to dampen the energy of motion of the actuator assembly, upon impact of the contact arm with the contact post.

Abstract: A disc drive assembly method for assembling a disc drive having a disc and an actuator with a tab portion disposed at a proximal end and a head on the distal end. The method consisting of rotating the actuator about a central post, contactingly engaging an outer stop. The outer stop comprises a base plate, a post extending upward from the base plate and a cantilevered arm extending outward from the post. The cantilevered arm of the outer stop is displaceable in a rotational direction substantially about the post and deformable in a direction substantially along its longitudinal axis. When the actuator engages the outer stop, the arm of the outer stop is displaced by the actuator tab portion, allowing rotation thereby, merging the heads onto the disc. Once the heads are merged, the outer stop returns to its original position to limit the rotation of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: An end stop assembly for limiting the travel of an actuator in a disc drive, the actuator pivotally supported by an enclosure for movement of a read/write head in data reading and writing relationship to a data disc. The end stop assembly comprises a base plate fixedly positioned within the enclosure, a post extending upward from the base plate and a cantilevered arm extending outward from the post. The arm comprises a proximal end connecting the arm to the post and a distal end for providing contacting engagement with the actuator. Furthermore, the cantilevered arm is displaceable in a rotational direction substantially about the post and deformable in a direction substantially along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An inertial spring latch with a contact post is disclosed for use in latching an actuator assembly of a data storage device. The actuator assembly includes a contact arm that cooperates with the contact post to restrict movement of the actuator assembly when the data storage device is in a non-operating mode. The inertial spring latch comprises a latch body adjacent the actuator assembly, a forward arm extending in a first direction from the latch body and a spring member extending from the forward arm, the spring member supporting the contact post. The contact post inhibits movement of the actuator assembly by decelerating the movement of the actuator assembly upon impact of the contact arm with the contact post. Both the contact post and the spring member deflect to dampen the energy of motion of the actuator assembly upon impact of the contact arm with the contact post.

Abstract: A latching method and a latch for a voice coil motor in a disc drive. The latch has a hub and a latch surface. The latch surface has a rotational latching range in which the latch surface latches the voice coil motor. A first magnetic detent is coupled to the hub and is active when the latch surface is in a first rotational segment in the latching range. A second magnetic detent couples to the hub and is active when the latch surface is in an offset second rotational segment in the latching range. The offset shapes detent torque over the latching range.

Abstract: A compressive limit stop for limiting travel of an actuator assembly of a data storage device is disclosed. The compressive limit stop separates a first pole piece from a second pole piece of the data storage device, each pole piece adjacent the actuator assembly, the compressive limit stop comprising a rigid body with a top flange adjacent the second pole piece and a bottom flange adjacent the first pole piece, an inner portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the top flange disposed between the top and bottom flanges forming a channel between the flanges and a compressive sleeve with an inner wall adjacent each flange while enclosing the channel to form a gap between the inner portion and the inner wall. The compressive sleeve deflects and compresses between the actuator assembly and the inner portion to decelerate movement of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A stop and a disc drive with a stop are provided that limit rotation of a rotary actuator, which moves laterally between an upper magnet bonded to an upper plate and a lower magnet bonded to a lower plate. The stop includes a spacer core that has an upper portion for contacting the upper plate, a lower portion for contacting the lower plate, and a middle portion having a recessed surface. A stop sleeve is press fit to an upper press-fit surface on the upper portion and a lower press-fit surface on the lower portion. The stop sleeve and the recessed surface together define a deflection space.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing manufacturing cost and increasing disc drive actuator assembly stiffness. A post extends from a base deck and supports an actuator assembly and cartridge bearing. In particular, the cartridge bearing comprises a stationary shaft, a bearing supported by the shaft, and a sleeve rotatably supported by the bearing for rotation about the stationary shaft. A first tolerance ring is disposed between an inner surface of the shaft and the post to secure the cartridge bearing in place during assembly. A second tolerance ring is interposed between the cartridge bearing and the E-block to secure the E-block.

Abstract: A bobbin for providing a heat sink for an actuator coil of a voice coil motor, the actuator coil having a plurality of windings arranged about a central aperture, the bobbin having a body member supported within the central aperture of the actuator coil. The body member has a plurality of fins which increase the surface area within the actuator coil to provide enhanced heat dissipation. The bobbin is formed from a thermally conductive, dielectric material to facilitate the dissipation of heat generated in response to the application of current to the actuator coil to reduce the operational temperature thereof while preventing detrimental eddy currents, thereby allowing an increased current flow to effectuate a decrease in seek time.

Abstract: A latch for a disc drive, wherein the disc drive has an actuator that is pivotally supported for moving an array of read/write heads radially across a data storage disc between a parked location and a data storage location, the parked location providing a landing surface for the read/write heads when the disc drive is non-operational, the latch limiting the actuator from pivoting so that the read/write heads remain in the parked location while the disc drive is non-operational. The latch has a base member enabling attachment to the disc drive, the base supporting an inner stop and an outer stop which limit the actuator rotation, the base further supporting a cantilevered latch arm which biases a latch finger to a position whereat the latch finger and the inner stop form a latching groove and the latch finger and the outer stop form an unlatching groove, the actuator being confined by the latching groove in the latched mode and being confined by the unlatching groove in the unlatched mode.

Abstract: An improved crash stop apparatus having an inner crash stop that pressingly engages the actuator assembly of a disc drive when the read/write heads of the actuator assembly approach a desired inner extent of radial travel to prevent further movement of the read/write head beyond the inner extent of travel and furthermore having an outer crash stop that pressingly engages the actuator assembly when the read/write heads approach a desired outer extent of radial travel. The crash stops each have a pin rigidly mounted at a proximal end and having a cantilevered distal portion which is disposed in the path of travel of the actuator. An elastomeric member is disposed between the impacting actuator and the pin. The elastomeric member and cantilevered pin provide a two-stage braking impulse to decelerate the actuator, wherein the first stage compresses the elastomeric member and wherein the second stage deflects the cantilevered pin.

Abstract: A latch for a disc drive wherein the disc drive has an actuator that is rotatably supported for moving an array of read/write heads radially across a data storage disc between a parked location and a data storage location, the parked location providing a landing surface for the read/write heads when the disc drive is non-operational, the latch preventing the actuator from rotating so that the read/write heads remain in the parked location while the disc drive is non-operational. The disc drive has a voice coil motor for moving the actuator, the voice coil motor including a magnet assembly having a pair of opposed magnet members supported by opposing poles. The latch is interposed between the poles, having a base member that pivotally supports a latch pawl between a latched and an unlatched mode. A latch pole is magnetically supported by the poles to urge the latch pawl to the desired mode.

Abstract: An improved spindle motor connector for a disc drive. The spindle motor connector includes a central housing having socket connectors for mating engagement with connector pins of the spindle motor. Electrical leads are connected to the socket connectors and extend radially from the central housing, and spoke arms are connected to the central housing and extend radially from the central housing adjacent the electrical leads. Spacer arms are connected to the spoke arms and maintain the desired spacing between the spindle motor connector pins and a disc drive printed wiring assembly, which is mounted below the spindle motor. The connector pins of the spindle motor are located at an end of and within the axial extent of a spindle motor stator shaft, so that the central housing extends into the end of the stator shaft. The end of the stator shaft extends through a hole in the disc drive printed wiring assembly.

Abstract: An improved sealing apparatus for sealing a disc drive assembly from external contaminants, the sealing apparatus including modifications to a base member and to a top cover member such that these components meet at a clearance gap with the outer surfaces of these components being coplanar in the region of the clearance gap. A sealing element is provided consisting of a planar adhesive film carried on a flexible backing which bridges the clearance gap to seal the interior against external contaminants.

Abstract: An improved disk drive breather vent for communicating air between the interior and the exterior of a sealed disk drive housing, comprising a vent passageway extending through the housing, a long, narrow groove disposed in an interior surface of the housing, and a sealing member adhesively bonded over the long, narrow groove to provide a long, narrow air passage which reduces diffusion of water vapor to and from the sealed disk drive housing as pressure equalization to ambient occurs.