Abstract: A data storage device includes a ramp configured to support at least one head in the data storage device, and a movement mechanism coupled to the ramp and configured to move the ramp from a first position to a second position by at least one of expansion or contraction of at least a portion of the movement mechanism. The data storage device further includes a ramp motion control module operably coupled to the movement mechanism. The ramp motion control module is configured to provide the movement mechanism with a first control signal that causes the movement mechanism to move the ramp from the first position to the second position. The data storage device additionally includes a latch configured to hold the ramp.

Abstract: A data storage system include a disk drive having a rotating ramp assembly that may be moved between an engaged and disengaged position. The rotating ramp assembly may include a ramp extension that is not disposed in overlapping relation to a data storage disk location in the drive when in the disengaged position. However, in the engaged position, the ramp extension may overhang a portion of the data storage disk location. In turn, the head extension may include a ramp surface that allows a head assembly to move to a head parking surface when the rotating ramp assembly is in the engaged position. IN turn, the rotating ramp assembly may be rotated while maintaining the head assembly on the head parking surface, which may be arcuate and extend about at least a portion of the rotating ramp assembly.

Abstract: A data storage device includes a ramp that supports at least one head, and a retraction mechanism that moves the ramp from a non-retracted position to a retracted position. The movement of the ramp is enabled by at least one of expansion or contraction of at least a portion of the retraction mechanism. The data storage device further includes a ramp retraction control module operably coupled to the retraction mechanism. The ramp retraction control module provides the retraction mechanism with a first control signal that causes the retraction mechanism to move the ramp from the non-retracted position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a disk-shaped recording medium having a surface, a motor configured to drive and rotate the recording medium, a head configured to read information from and write information to the recording medium, a ramp mechanism configured to move the head from a position above the surface of the recording medium to a head receded position, and a ramp retracting mechanism configured to move the ramp mechanism from a position above the surface of the recording medium to a ramp retracted position. Each of the head receded position and the ramp retracted position is outside a range of the recording medium in a plan view viewed from above the recording medium in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the recording medium.

Abstract: A comb gripper is disclosed for use in the assembly of a disk drive. The comb gripper may be used to push a comb tower of a shipping comb such that a head stack assembly (HSA) of the disk drive is rotated and a head gimbal assembly (HGA) of the disk drive is coupled to a ramp of the disk drive. The comb gripper may comprise: a first gripper finger that includes a protruding portion; a second gripper finger; and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move the first and second gripper fingers, wherein the actuator is configured to move the protruding portion of the first gripper finger to contact the comb tower and to push the comb tower and the shipping comb such that the HSA is rotated and the HGA is coupled to the ramp.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving loading and unloading of a read or write head onto and off of a disk medium. Particular embodiments may assist in loading a read or write head to, or unloading a read or write head from, a load location over a surface of a disk medium in such a manner that damage to the surface of the disk medium (e.g., load location) is either prevented or minimized. The prevention or reduction of damage may be achieved by ensuring that a read or write head has sufficient clearance over the surface of a disk medium as the read or write head moves over the surface (e.g., as the head moves parallel to the surface) during a head loading or unloading process.

Abstract: A system is provided that increases the spindle stiffness of a disk drive while optimizing power consumption. A multipurpose bearing provides axial stiffness and enhanced stiffness against radial and pitch loads applied to the spindle. When used in combination with a journal bearing, conventional thrust bearings may be eliminated without sacrificing overall stiffness. As a result, the height of the disk drive may be reduced, thereby making the system desirable to be used in smaller electronic devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving loading and unloading of a read or write head onto and off of a disk medium. Particular embodiments may assist in loading a read or write head to, or unloading a read or write head from, a load location over a surface of a disk medium in such a manner that damage to the surface of the disk medium (e.g., load location) is either prevented or minimized. The prevention or reduction of damage may be achieved by ensuring that a read or write head has sufficient clearance over the surface of a disk medium as the read or write head moves over the surface (e.g., as the head moves parallel to the surface) during a head loading or unloading process.

Abstract: A bracket for a hard disc drive combining three separate functions, a ramp, a latch and a connector bracket into a single assembly. The bracket assembly, mounted with ramp and latch, secures and seals the electrical connector connecting the flexible printed circuit on the head side of the actuator. Traditionally, latches are on the coil side of the actuator. Moreover, the combination bracket improves manufacturability while reducing overall cost for the disc drive. The assembly can be purchased complete from a supplier.

Abstract: Various air-actuated components of a disk drive are disclosed. For instance, an air-actuated load/unload ramp may be used by a disk drive and which is movable between a parked position and an operational position. An air-actuated ramp lock may be used by a disk drive to lock a movable load/unload ramp (e.g., one that may move between a parked position and an operational position). Finally, an air-actuated head positioner assembly may be used by a disk drive to lock a head positioner assembly in its parked position. In each of these cases, air currents generated by a rotation of one or more disks used by the disk drive provide the motive force for moving the noted air-actuated component at least generally from one position to another.

Abstract: A head suspension for a hard disk drive is thin from an arm to a head and involves a minimum step between the arm and a load beam. The head suspension includes a load beam that includes a rigid part and a resilient part. The load beam applies load onto a head that is arranged at a front end of the load beam to write and read data to and from a disk arranged in the hard disk drive. The head is connected to read/write wiring patterns of a flexure. The flexure supports the head and is attached to a disk-facing surface of the rigid part. An arm is attached to a carriage of the hard disk drive and is turned around a spindle. The arm supports the resilient part that is attached to a base end of the rigid part. A disk-facing surface of the arm is arranged within the total of thicknesses of the rigid part and head.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a disk drive has a solenoid and spring for turning a ramp mechanism about a rotating shaft. When the drive operates, since the ramp mechanism moves out from the magnetic disk by the force of the solenoid, the outer peripheral edge of a magnetic head that has formerly been unusable can be used as a data read/write region, without the magnetic head interfering with the fins of the ramp mechanism. During a non-operating state of the drive and in case of a power interruption, the force of the spring returns the ramp mechanism to a position at which the magnetic head can be unloaded. This construction allows the storage capacity of the drive to be easily increased without sacrificing the shock resistance of the ramp mechanism.

Abstract: An HGA protecting method and member and method of implementing the protecting method and member in a hard disk drive. The HGA includes an actuator, at least one pair of suspensions coupled to the actuator, a flexure having a stationary end fixed to each of the suspensions and a free end, and a slider attached between the stationary end and the free end of the flexure. The HGA protecting member may include a finger restricting excessive movement of the suspension. The finger may further have a flexure supporting portion supporting the free end of the flexure. The HGA protecting member may also be a removable assembly that may be removed after the HGA after assembly of the hard disk drive is complete.

Abstract: A pallet main body is provided with a block holding member which presses a positioning surface of an actuator block against a block reference surface formed in the pallet main body, and a movable arm. An insertion member, which can be inserted between a plurality of opposing suspensions, is formed at a distal end of the movable arm. As a suspension to which a slider is to be attached contacts a first contact surface formed on the side in contact with this suspension, a distal end of the suspension to which the slider is to be attached is held at a prescribed height from the block reference surface, thereby forming a gap between this suspension and a suspension opposed to this suspension.

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 disk drive unit includes a first cover having a first part of magnet component and a head stack assembly mounted on the first cover; and a second cover assembled with the first cover, which having a second part of magnet component, a spindle motor and at least one disks. The invention also discloses a ramp tool used for assembling the disk drive which has its disk and HSA assembled in two different halves, which includes a tool body; and a holding means extending from the tool body to hold a lift tab of a head stack assembly in a loading status. The invention also disclose a method of assembling such as disk drive unit.

Abstract: A head stack assembly comb (154) for maintaining the heads (44) of a head stack assembly (26) in spaced relation is disclosed. The head stack assembly comb (154) includes a comb body (158) and a latch (218). The comb body (158) engages an upper surface of an uppermost actuator arm (30a) in the head stack assembly (26). The latch (218) engages a lower surface of this same actuator arm (30a). When installing the comb (154), the comb (154) is pivoted relative to the head stack assembly (26). This brings the latch (218) into engagement with the noted actuator arm (30a) and causes the latch (218) to pivot in a first direction against a spring (214), and then in the opposite direction by the action of the spring (214) on the latch (218) to engage the latch (218) with the lower surface of the noted actuator arm (30a).

Abstract: A ramp member is supported on a flying slider in a load/unload mechanism of a recording medium drive. The flying slider receives a lift at its air bearing surface based on airflow generated along the moving recording medium. The flying slider flies above the recording medium. The flying height of the flying slider can be controlled with a higher accuracy in the same manner as a flying head slider utilized to read and write data from and into the recording medium. The slope of the ramp member on the flying slider can accordingly be kept at a predetermined level above the recording medium with a higher accuracy. Even if the extent of the slope is reduced, the load bar is allowed to reliably contact the slope. This leads to expansion of the data zone on the recording medium.

Abstract: A magnetic head parking apparatus of a hard disk drive for parking a magnetic head installed on an actuator includes a deformation member reversibly deformable in a direction in which the magnetic head is separated from a disk by pressing one side of the actuator, and a deformation control unit controlling deformation of the deformation member such that during parking the magnetic head, the deformation member is deformed in the direction in which the magnetic head is separated from the disk. Thus, since the slider is parked in a state of being separated from the hard disk, damage to the magnetic head due to an impact can be reduced. Also, since an additional parking area is not needed to be made in the hard disk, more data space can be secured in the hard disk.

Abstract: Apparatus for merging a disc drive head disc assembly (HSA) with a disc stack. The HSA comprises a flexure which supports a data transducing head and the disc stack comprises a disc having a data storage surface. A merge assembly includes a shipping comb attached to the HSA, the shipping comb having a first alignment member and a first flexure support member. The merge assembly further includes a merge comb having a second alignment member and a second flexure support member. The merge comb is advanced by a robotic arm to a position where the second alignment member engages the first alignment member. This aligns the shipping comb with the merge comb and allows transfer of support of the flexure to the second flexure support member at an elevation suitable to subsequently pass the head in a safe, clearing relationship over the data storage surface.

Abstract: An actuator loading/unloading device includes a block unit disposed at a base of a disc drive to be positioned outside a disc, a lamp member positioned on the block unit so that the lamp member is lifted from or lowered down on the block unit, an actuator being parked on the loading/unloading device by constraining a side end portion of a swing arm of the actuator during loading/unloading of the actuator, a stopper to restrict a lifting range of the lamp member, and a lifting/lowering unit to lift or lower the lamp member between the block unit and the stopper. The lifting/lowering unit includes a magnet inserted into a bottom surface of the lamp member, and an electromagnet inserted into a top surface of the block unit, facing the magnet. As a result, the actuator is stably parked on the disc drive having a compact structure where the actuator cannot be completely escaped from the disc during unloading of the actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a head stack load comb used in the controlled loading of a head of a head stack assembly (HSA) onto a disk during the assembly of a disk drive. The HSA includes an actuator arm, a head, and a loading surface. The load comb includes a base structure and at least one ramp finger projecting approximately perpendicularly from the base structure. In order to load the head in a controlled manner onto the disk, the loading surface of the HSA is rotated along the ramp finger until the head is in a load position and then the base structure is actuated in a vertical direction such that the ramp finger is correspondingly actuated in the vertical direction towards the disk until the head is loaded onto the disk.

Abstract: Compositions and materials for use in load/unload ramps in magnetic disk drive assemblies are disclosed, particularly compositions or materials to improve at least one of the desired characteristics of low wear, low cost, high mechanical stability and high moldability. Thermoplastic polymers, such as acetal homopolyrners, acetal copolymers, polyetherimides, polyphenylene sulfides, and polysulfones, are combined with other compositions, such as polyaramides, to improve the characteristics of a load/unload ramp constructed therefrom. Additionally, another material may be added, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene or perfluoropolyether.

Abstract: A disk drive comprises a recording medium, spinning means, a head supporting device having a support arm disposed in a rotatable manner about a bearing unit in a radial direction as well as a perpendicular direction to a writing surface of the recording medium, and rotating means for rotating the support arm in the radial direction of the recording medium.

Abstract: A magnetic head parking apparatus of a hard disk drive for parking a magnetic head installed on an actuator includes a deformation member reversibly deformable in a direction in which the magnetic head is separated from a disk by pressing one side of the actuator, and a deformation control unit controlling deformation of the deformation member such that during parking the magnetic head, the deformation member is deformed in the direction in which the magnetic head is separated from the disk. Thus, since the slider is parked in a state of being separated from the hard disk, damage to the magnetic head due to an impact can be reduced. Also, since an additional parking area is not needed to be made in the hard disk, more data space can be secured in the hard disk.

Abstract: A head loading ramp structure, located near the inner diameter of the discs of a disc drive, for increasing the load applied to the heads by the head suspension when the heads are moved to a park location near the inner diameter of the discs. In a first embodiment, the ramp structure is stationary and a portion of the disc surface is accessed for normal read/write operations with the increased load applied. In a second embodiment, the ramp structure is moveable and engages the head suspension to increase the load applied to the heads only when the heads are parked during non-operational conditions. The ramp structure optionally includes disc snubber features to reduce disc coning and minimize the axial movement of the ramp structure in response to applied mechanical shocks.

Abstract: A disk storage apparatus has a magnetic head (8) that is completely retracted outside of a disk cartridge, except upon a reading/writing operation. The magnetic head (8) is inserted into the disk cartridge (16) only upon the reading/writing operation. The disk storage apparatus can completely retract a rotation actuator to an outside of a disk cartridge. The disk storage apparatus can be reliably and stably operated and has a reduced overall thickness.

Abstract: A magnetic disk drive having a disk for storing information, a spindle motor for rotating the disk, a head for recording information into the disk and reproducing information from said disk, a suspension supporting a slider provided with the head, a carriage supporting the suspension, a voice coil motor for exerting a rotational torque to the carriage so as to locate the head on the disk, a base and a cover, and a ramp serving as a guide for unloading the head from the disk. A part of the suspension slides over the ramp so as to effect the unloading operation and the position or the posture of the ramp is changed by sliding movement of the part of the suspension over and with respect to the ramp during the unloading operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a highly repeatable loading/unloading pathway for a read/write head of a disk drive.

Abstract: A movable load/unload parking apparatus for a disc drive has an elongated parking member pivotally supported adjacent a data storage disc or stack of discs in the drive. The parking member is operable to move between a first position during drive shutdown and a second position during drive operation. In the first position, a pickup portion of the parking member extends over a peripheral portion of the disc to receive and carry the transducer or transducers beyond the outer diameter of the disc when the actuator rotates the actuator arm outward to a park position. At the same time a crash stop portion of the parking member is repositioned away from the actuator arm to permit the outward rotation. In the second position, the pickup portion of the parking member is positioned beyond the outer diameter of the disc and the crash stop portion is positioned to prevent movement of the actuator arm beyond the outer diameter of the disc.

Abstract: A suspension is cantilevered at the tip end of a carriage arm. A magnetic head is mounted on the free end of the suspension. A lift bar in parallel with the disk surface contacts the suspension from the below. The lift bar may move in the path intersecting the suspension while contacting the suspension. The lift bar thus generates the warp in the suspension. The magnetic head at the free end of the suspension may be kept away from the disk surface as a result of the warp in the suspension. The adjustment of the orientation of the lift bar prevents the suspension from twisting.

Abstract: A magnetic disk drive having a disk for storing information, a spindle motor for rotating the disk, a head for recording information into the disk and reproducing information from said disk, a suspension supporting a slider provided with the head, a carriage supporting said suspension, a voice coil motor for exerting a rotational torque to the carriage so as to locate the head on the disk, a base and a cover, and a ramp serving as a guide for unloading the head from the disk. A part of the suspension slides over the ramp so as to effect the unloading operation and the position or the posture of the ramp is changed by sliding movement of the part of the suspension over and with respect to the ramp during the unloading operation.

Abstract: An actuator loading/unloading device includes a block unit disposed at a base of a disc drive to be positioned outside a disc, a lamp member positioned on the block unit so that the lamp member is lifted from or lowered down on the block unit, an actuator being parked on the loading/unloading device by constraining a side end portion of a swing arm of the actuator during loading/unloading of the actuator, a stopper to restrict a lifting range of the lamp member, and a lifting/lowering unit to lift or lower the lamp member between the block unit and the stopper. The lifting/lowering unit includes a magnet inserted into a bottom surface of the lamp member, and an electromagnet inserted into a top surface of the block unit, facing the magnet. As a result, the actuator is stably parked on the disc drive having a compact structure where the actuator cannot be completely escaped from the disc during unloading of the actuator.

Abstract: A suspension is cantilevered at the tip end of a carriage arm. A magnetic head is mounted on the free end of the suspension. A lift bar in parallel with the disk surface contacts the suspension from the below. The lift bar may move in the path intersecting the suspension while contacting the suspension. The lift bar thereby generates the warp in the suspension. The magnetic head at the free end of the suspension may be kept away from the disk surface as a result of the warp in the suspension. The adjustment of the orientation of the lift bar enables to prevent the suspension from twisting.

Abstract: A magnetic disk drive provided with a loadunload mechanism of the rampload type is disclosed, in which even if loading and unloading operations are frequently repeated, damage to a head due to impingement during the unloading operation is eliminated, and a ramp and the lift-tab of a suspension are less liable to wear, and an operation failure or malfunction due to wear debris is eliminated, thereby providing the drive of high reliability. The ramp is supported for minute displacement, and the posture of the ramp is changed during the unloading operation. The restraining members for restraining the posture of the ramp are provided, and the cushioning members are provided at portions that the ramp and the restraining members come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A head disk assembly includes a disk, a head stack assembly and a ramp-defining structure. The disk has a recording surface surrounded by an outer circumference and the head stack assembly has an actuator pivot axis and a head gimbal assembly. The head gimbal assembly includes a gimbal defining a gimbal axis parallel to and spaced a first distance from the actuator pivot axis, and a lift tab having a lift-surface portion spaced a second, larger distance from the actuator pivot axis. The ramp-defining structure includes a wall extending parallel to the actuator pivot axis, an axis-defining portion defining a retraction pivot axis and a shelf projecting from the wall to define a bearing surface against which the lift-surface portion slides during unloading and loading operations.

Abstract: A head loading ramp structure, located near the inner diameter of the discs of a disc drive, for increasing the load applied to the heads by the head suspension when the heads are moved to a park location near the inner diameter of the discs. In a first embodiment, the ramp structure is stationary and a portion of the disc surface is accessed for normal read/write operations with the increased load applied. In a second embodiment, the ramp structure is moveable and engages the head suspension to increase the load applied to the heads only when the heads are parked during non-operational conditions. The ramp structure optionally includes disc snubber features to reduce disc coning and minimize the axial movement of the ramp structure in response to applied mechanical shocks.