Abstract: A breather filter is assembled within a disc drive by positioning the filter atop a flex circuit bracket on a base plate of the drive. A breather port is formed through a top cover of the disc drive, and an inlet of the breather filter is sealed against the top cover of the drive. Compressing the top cover against the top of the breather filter helps to retain the filter in position between the flex circuit bracket and the top cover without an adhesive connection to the top cover. The connection of the breather filter to the flex circuit bracket allows a top-down assembly of the disc drive so that an adhesive connection between the filter and the top cover of the drive is not required.

Abstract: A magnetic latch for holding a head positioner assembly within a disc drive system. The disc drive system has a head positioning apparatus located within a housing for positioning a plurality of read/write heads relative to a recording media within the housing. The head positioning assembly carries a voice coil motor for precisely controlling the movements of the head positioner assembly. The magnetic latch is positioned within a bumper stop that limits the head positioners movement to hold the head positioner assembly in an orientation where the heads can be effectively parked without damaging the recording media.

Abstract: A magnetic latch for holding a head positioner assembly within a disc drive system. The disc drive system has a head positioning apparatus located within a housing for positioning a plurality of read/write heads relative to a recording media within the housing. The head positioning assembly carries a voice coil motor for precisely controlling the movements of the head positioner assembly. The magnetic latch is positioned within a bumper stop that limits the head positioners movement to hold the head positioner assembly in an orientation where the heads can be effectively parked without damaging the recording media.

Abstract: An improved flexure mounting arrangement for a disc drive system having a head positioning apparatus located within a housing for locating a plurality of magnetic read/write heads relatvie to recording media disposed within the housing. The mounting system includes one or more flexure mounts each having a base, a pair of attachment arms each having a screwhole extending longitudinally therethrough and a flexure support pad. The attachment arms extend from opposite sides of the base and are substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the flexure. A pair of longitudinally extending screws may thus be used to secure the flexure mount to the head positioning apparatus. The flexure support pad is thinner than the base and extends distally therefrom. The top and bottom surfaces of the support pad are adapted to engage separate flexures, thereby allowing the flexure mount to support one or two flexures independently of any other flexures within the disc drive.

Abstract: A magnetic latch for holding a head positioner assembly within a disc drive system. The disc drive system has a head positioning apparatus located within a housing for positioning a plurality of read/write heads relative to a recording media within the housing. The head positioning assembly carries a voice coil motor for precisely controlling the movements of the head positioner assembly. The magnetic latch is positioned within a bumper stop that limits the head positioners movement to hold the head positioner assembly in an orientation where the heads can be effectively parked without damaging the recording media.

Abstract: An improved pivot mechanism for a disc drive system incorporating a rotary actuator. The disc drive system has a head positioning apparatus located within a housing for positioning a plurality of read/write heads relative to a recording media located within the housing. The head positioner assembly includes a pivot housing that is journaled about a pivot mechanism to rotatably coupled the head positioning assembly to the disc drive housing. The pivot mechanism includes a fixed pivot shaft that is supported by the drive housing on both ends and a pair of spaced apart bearings having outer races that are bonded to the pivot housing. The inner bearing races are bonded to the fixed shaft. The outer bearig races are adhesively bonded to the pivot housing under a predetermined preload maintained by a spacer and a pair of Belleville washers that push outward on the outer race during bonding.

Abstract: A combination filter system for an enclosed disc drive in which a breather filter is provided in a central position in the disc drive cover and a recirculating air filter is concentrically positioned about the breather filter. The recirculating filter includes an annular air deflector whereby air flowing from the periphery of the disc housing is filtered and directed towards the spindle, which is positioned in the central opening of the annular air deflector, thereby establishing continuous flow of filtered air within the housing.