Abstract: A printed circuit cable assembly for top down installation in a disc drive or the like in which a printed circuit cable supporting electrical conductor paths has a body portion, a flex portion and an insertion tab connecting the body portion and flex portion. A PCC support member having a support ramp extending into a slotted gap supports the printed circuit cable with the insertion tab extending into the slotted gap so that the flex portion is extended for attachment to a moveable article, such as the head stack assembly of a disc drive. Preferably, the PCC support member has an indexing bore, and the PCC support member with the supported printed circuit cable is mounted to a support member having an indexing post, the PCC support member positioned so that indexing bore is positioned over the indexing post.

Abstract: A printed circuit cable assembly for top down installation in a disc drive or the like in which a printed circuit cable supporting electrical conductor paths has a body portion, a flex portion and an insertion tab connecting the body portion and flex portion. A PCC support member having a support ramp extending into a slotted gap supports the printed circuit cable with the insertion tab extending into the slotted gap so that the flex portion is extended for attachment to a moveable article, such as the head stack assembly of a disc drive. Preferably, the PCC support member has an indexing bore, and the PCC support member with the supported printed circuit cable is mounted to a support member having an indexing post, the PCC support member positioned so that indexing bore is positioned over the indexing post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air guide for use in a disc drive such that air flow can be redirected to improve the efficiency of a filter located within the disc drive. Embodiments of the present invention provide for an air guide having air guide surfaces that, in conjunction with sides of the disc drive housing, are configured to channel air flow off a spinning disc, through a filter, and back into the mainstream air flow. The air guide may be formed as an integral unit with either the inner major surface of the cover or of the baseplate, or both, such that the air guide may extend over part of the disc surface and provide an effective channel for air flow without the need for additional assembly processes during manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low cost voice coil motor for use in a disc drive. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the voice coil motor includes at least one overmold encapsulating an assembly of a magnet and a pole. The overmold thus provides a barrier against outgassing and corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air guide for use in a disc drive such that air flow can be redirected to improve the efficiency of a filter located within the disc drive. Embodiments of the present invention provide for an air guide having air guide surfaces that, in conjunction with sides of the disc drive housing, are configured to channel air flow off a spinning disc, through a filter, and back into the mainstream air flow. The air guide may be formed as an integral unit with either the inner major surface of the cover or of the baseplate, or both, such that the air guide may extend over part of the disc surface and provide an effective channel for air flow without the need for additional assembly processes during manufacture.

Abstract: An actuator and a method for using an actuator in a disc drive having a limited range of rotation wherein an actuator arm for providing motion for reading or writing data to or from media engages a shaft or post fixed within the actuator arm for communicating with the actuator arm by means of clips affixed to the shaft. The clips have flexible wings affixed to the actuator arm whereby the shaft and the actuator arm are held in a fixed relationship allowing the arm to rotate with respect to the shaft while movement between the actuator arm and the shaft other than by rotation is prevented by the shape of the flexible wings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low cost voice coil motor for use in a disc drive. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the voice coil motor includes at least one overmold encapsulating an assembly of a magnet and a pole. The overmold thus provides a barrier against outgassing and corrosion.

Abstract: The shock absorber apparatus for a disc drive is a molded polymeric enclosure adapted to receive and retain a disc drive. One preferred embodiment of the present invention has a shock absorbing material of a first thickness adjacent a critical region of the drive and a second thickness of shock absorbing material adjacent a non-critical region of the disc drive. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness in order to absorb a greater shock load to protect the critical region of the disc drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating vibration in pivot bearing assemblies that is incorporated in a standard pivot bearing assembly without requiring modification of the pivot bearing assembly. Washers are used between the pivot bearing assembly and the base plate of a disc drive upon which the assembly is mounted. In addition, a second washer is positioned on the shaft of the assembly and is held in place by a shoulder screw which fastens the assembly to the base plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting a disc drive with vertical and horizontal compressible elements and for stabilizing the disc drive during use. Shock mounts are affixed to a horizontal surface (i.e. parallel to a data surface) of the disc drive, slowing vertical shock pulses transmitted from the frame to the disc drive. Recessed vertical surfaces are formed on sides of the housing to accommodate additional dampeners, which slow horizontal shock pulses while reducing operating vibration.