Patents by Inventor Zachary A. Pokornowski

Zachary A. Pokornowski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11686294
    Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Miller, Nathaniel K. Behning, Dean E. Myers, Michael W. Davis, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Yasushi Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20230071114
    Abstract: Devices including a substrate and a plurality of coil portions disposed on the substrate. The plurality of coil portions electrically coupled to form a coil structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: John L. Schumann, Nole D. German, Trent A. Johnson, Duane M. Jelkin, Matthew S. Lang, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Forrest A. Cravens, Todd A. Peter, Zachary A. Pokornowski
  • Patent number: 11521785
    Abstract: Devices including a substrate and a plurality of coil portions disposed on the substrate. The plurality of coil portions electrically coupled to form a coil structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: John L. Schumann, Nole D. German, Trent A. Johnson, Duane M. Jelkin, Matthew S. Lang, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Forrest A. Cravens, Todd A. Peter, Zachary A. Pokornowski
  • Patent number: 11414226
    Abstract: A method of making a component includes applying a clamping force to the component, the component coupled to a carrier strip of a panel via a polymeric tab and separating a portion of the polymeric tab from a substrate of the component, thereby causing the component to be detached from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Erich W. Bierbrauer, Scott J. Cray, Peter F. Ladwig, Clark T. Olsen, Zachary A. Pokornowski
  • Publication number: 20220252055
    Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Mark A. Miller, Nathaniel K. Behning, Dean E. Myers, Michael W. Davis, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Yasushi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 11404310
    Abstract: A backside connection access structure and method for manufacturing are described. The method including forming a gold layer over at least a portion of a substrate. The method also including forming a metal layer over the gold layer. And, the method includes forming an opening in the substrate to expose at least a portion of the gold layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Zachary A. Pokornowski, Ronald A. Greeley, Terry W. Zeller, Jeffery G. Ribar, Joel B. Michaletz, John A. Theget
  • Patent number: 11333134
    Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark A. Miller, Nathaniel K. Behning, Dean E. Myers, Michael W. Davis, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Yasushi Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20210223563
    Abstract: A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a rigid interposer circuit; a plurality of flexible circuits configured to attach to the rigid interposer circuit and movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; and a sensor mounting region on the rigid interposer circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Mark A. Miller, Peter F. Ladwig, Douglas P. Riemer, Duane M. Jelkin, John L. Schumann, Zachary A. Pokornowski
  • Publication number: 20210207587
    Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Mark A. Miller, Nathaniel K. Behning, Dean E. Myers, Michael W. Davis, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Yasushi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10957349
    Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Zachary A. Pokornowski, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Jacob D. Bjorstrom
  • Publication number: 20190362745
    Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary A. Pokornowski, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Jacob D. Bjorstrom
  • Publication number: 20190341293
    Abstract: A backside connection access structure and method for manufacturing are described. The method including forming a gold layer over at least a portion of a substrate. The method also including forming a metal layer over the gold layer. And, the method includes forming an opening in the substrate to expose at least a portion of the gold layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary A. Pokornowski, Ronald A. Greeley, Terry W. Zeller, Jeffery G. Ribar, Joel B. Michaletz, John A. Theget
  • Publication number: 20190263550
    Abstract: A method of making a component includes applying a clamping force to the component, the component coupled to a carrier strip of a panel via a polymeric tab and separating a portion of the polymeric tab from a substrate of the component, thereby causing the component to be detached from the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Erich W. Bierbrauer, Scott J. Cray, Peter F. Ladwig, Clark T. Olsen, Zachary A. Pokornowski
  • Patent number: 10373634
    Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Zachary A. Pokornowski, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Jacob D. Bjorstrom
  • Patent number: 10109305
    Abstract: A suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure includes a loadbeam and a flexure attached to the loadbeam. The flexure includes a metal layer with a pair of spring arms, a tongue including a slider mounting surface, and a pair of struts connecting the pair of spring arms to the tongue. The suspension further includes a pair of traces including one or more insulated conductors and being routed around opposite sides of the slider mounting surface, over the pair of struts to a set of terminal contacts on a distal portion of the tongue. The suspension also includes a motor mounted on the flexure, the motor having opposite lateral ends, the motor orientated laterally across the flexure such that the opposite lateral ends of the motor are on opposite lateral sides of the flexure. Electrical activation of the motor rotates the slider mounting surface relative to the loadbeam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob D. Bjorstrom, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Joseph C. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20180061442
    Abstract: A stainless steel dual stage actuated disk drive head suspension baseplate including a plated electrical contact area having nickel and gold. The baseplate can be heat treated. The nickel and gold can be in a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffry S. Bennin, Jacob D. Bjorstrom, Shawn P. Bopp, Reed T. Hentges, Michael T. Hofflander, Richard R. Jenneke, Craig A. Leabch, Mark S. Lewandowski, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Brian D. Schafer, Brian J. Stepien, John A. Theget, John E. Theisen, John L. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20180005653
    Abstract: Embodiments of disk drive head suspensions are described that include a spring metal layer. The spring metal layer includes a base region, support arms extending from the base region, and a slider mounting region. The slider mounting region includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a pair of motor openings. The motor openings are configured to receive motors such that the longitudinal axes of the motors are non-parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slider mounting region. The suspensions include traces that include a base portion on the base region of the spring metal layer, a spring metal-unsupported portion extending from the base region to the slider mounting region, and a slider mounting portion extending from the spring metal-unsupported portion onto the slider mounting region. And, the suspensions include an insulating layer between portions of the spring metal layer and the conductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Zachary A. Pokornowski, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Jacob D. Bjorstrom
  • Publication number: 20170330589
    Abstract: A suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure includes a loadbeam and a flexure attached to the loadbeam. The flexure includes a metal layer with a pair of spring arms, a tongue including a slider mounting surface, and a pair of struts connecting the pair of spring arms to the tongue. The suspension further includes a pair of traces including one or more insulated conductors and being routed around opposite sides of the slider mounting surface, over the pair of struts to a set of terminal contacts on a distal portion of the tongue. The suspension also includes a motor mounted on the flexure, the motor having opposite lateral ends, the motor orientated laterally across the flexure such that the opposite lateral ends of the motor are on opposite lateral sides of the flexure. Electrical activation of the motor rotates the slider mounting surface relative to the loadbeam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jacob D. Bjorstrom, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Joseph C. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 9812160
    Abstract: A stainless steel dual stage actuated disk drive head suspension baseplate including a plated electrical contact area having nickel and gold. The baseplate can be heat treated. The nickel and gold can be in a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffry S. Bennin, Jacob D. Bjorstrom, Shawn P. Bopp, Reed T. Hentges, Michael T. Hofflander, Richard R. Jenneke, Craig A. Leabch, Mark S. Lewandowski, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Brian D. Schafer, Brian J. Stepien, John A. Theget, John E. Theisen, John L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9646638
    Abstract: A suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure includes a loadbeam and a flexure attached to the loadbeam. The flexure includes a metal layer with a pair of spring arms, a tongue including a slider mounting surface, and a pair of struts connecting the pair of spring arms to the tongue. The suspension further includes a pair of traces including one or more insulated conductors and being routed around opposite sides of the slider mounting surface, over the pair of struts to a set of terminal contacts on a distal portion of the tongue. The suspension also includes a motor mounted on the flexure, the motor having opposite lateral ends, the motor orientated laterally across the flexure such that the opposite lateral ends of the motor are on opposite lateral sides of the flexure. Electrical activation of the motor rotates the slider mounting surface relative to the loadbeam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob D. Bjorstrom, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Joseph C. Wheatley