Abstract: A method of forming a disc pack for use in a disc drive is provided. The method includes forming at least one alignment feature between an inner diameter and an outer diameter of each of a plurality of discs. The at least one alignment feature of a first disc of the plurality of discs and the at least one alignment feature of a second disc of the plurality of discs are utilized to substantially vertically align servo patterns on the first disc with servo patterns on the second disc. A disc pack having discs that include alignment features for aligning servo patterns on the discs is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for orienting a head over a disc within a multi-disc servo-track writer preferably uses two gas bearings, an adaptor plate, and an actuator assembly including an E-block and arm/head assembly. Rotation of the E-block, and hence actuator arm/head assembly, can be controlled by the movement of a rotational gas bearing, which is rotated by a motor. The gas bearing provides for reduced friction and, as a result, decreased eccentricity of the head as compared to related art configurations. A translational gas bearing can be used for laterally positioning the actuator assembly for servo track recording.

Abstract: A suspension includes a load beam having a main body and a transducer support element which is movable relative to the main body. A sheet of dielectric material extends along the load beam and carries a plurality of transducer signal traces and a coil. A microactuator is positioned along the load beam and includes a first magnet, the coil and a lever arm. The lever arm is secured to the transducer support element and supports one of the first magnet and the coil. The other of the first magnet and the coil is secured relative to the load beam.

Abstract: Under existence of an impact and a vibration, a throughput and a reliability of a recording and reproducing operation in a magnetic disc apparatus are reduced. Accordingly, a mechanism for fixing a coarse moving actuator at an optional position is provided, at a time of following to a track, a motion of the coarse moving actuator is restricted and a positioning is performed by a fine moving actuator. Even when a vibration and an impact is applied from an external portion during the track following operation, it is possible to prevent the head position from being shifted and it is possible to perform a recording and reproducing operation. Further, it is possible to prevent adjacent data from being erroneously broken.

Abstract: A microactuation system selectively alters a position of a transducing head carried by a slider in a disc drive system with respect to a track of a rotatable disk having a plurality of concentric tracks. The disc drive system includes a load beam and a base for attachment to an actuator arm and a suspension for supporting the slider over the rotatable disc. The microactuation system includes a piezoelectric element attached between the actuator arm and the load beam and a beam connecting a stationary portion of the load beam to a moving portion of the load beam. The piezoelectric element is deformable in response to a voltage applied thereto. The beams are sufficiently compliant to permit movement of the moving portion of the load beam with respect to the stationary portion of the load beam upon deformation of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A micro disc drive assembly includes a wafer-level actuator arm, a wafer-level suspension connected to the actuator arm, and a head-carrying slider supported by the suspension over a rotatable disc. A microactuator motor is located between the actuator arm and the suspension, and is operable to move the suspension with respect to the actuator arm to position the head-carrying slider adjacent to a selected track of the rotatable disc. By forming the actuator arm and suspension at the wafer level, significant size reductions can be made, and the stiffness of the arm and resonant frequency of the disc drive are increased. A main actuator may also be provided in one embodiment, formed at the wafer level and including coils deposited on a wafer substrate, to coarsely position the actuator arm, suspension and head-carrying slider adjacent to the selected track of the rotatable disc.

Abstract: A head carriage assembly is provided. A secondary magnetic driving device situated on a side of a hub portion is of a movable coil type, and includes a movable coil and a magnetic circuit body. The movable coil has an axial line perpendicular to a surface including a rotational center shaft, and is secured to a side surface of the hub portion. The magnetic circuit body 85 is made up of a U-shaped yoke and a permanent magnet. A yoke side surface penetrates through an opening of the movable coil, with a little room being left in the opening. A long side of the movable coil is engaged with the magnetic gap, also with a little room being left. The yoke side surface serves as the iron core of the movable coil. In a tracking operation, the secondary magnetic driving unit is actuated. A point in the movable coil where force is generated is distant from the rotational center shaft, and the torque constant of the point is large.

Abstract: A suspension includes a load beam having a main body and a transducer support element which is movable relative to the main body. A sheet of dielectric material extends along the load beam and carries a plurality of transducer signal traces and a coil. A microactuator is positioned along the load beam and includes a first magnet, the coil and a lever arm. The lever arm is secured to the transducer support element and supports one of the first magnet and the coil. The other of the first magnet and the coil is secured relative to the load beam.