Abstract: A micro-fabricated chip having a stationary structure and a movable structure with a gimbal structure allows pitch and roll motion of the movable structure with respect to the stationary structure. One embodiment of the gimbal structure includes a dimple surface making a rolling-type contact with the stationary structure, and a center bar and a plurality of bar members. An alternative embodiment of the gimbal structure includes a plurality of torsion bar members. Another alternative embodiment of the gimbal structure includes a plurality of flexible members. The micro-fabricated chip can be a passive chip structure or, alternatively, a microactuator having a movable structure that moves in a rotational direction or a translational direction with respect to the stationary structure.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the position of a digital data storage device slider through the use of an electro-thermal micromechanical actuator is disclosed. A movable member is etched into a face of a slider opposite the air-bearing surface of the slider. The movable member is substantially freestanding in relation to the slider, having only a single end connected to the slider. An electrically actuated heater element with two parallel current paths is disposed on the movable member. One of the current paths is substantially narrower than the other current path. When a current is passed through the heater element, the narrower current path heats up more quickly than the wider current path. By varying the current passed through the heater element in a selected manner, a distortion of the movable member is harnessed and used to create a relative motion in the slider body, allowing the slider to be quickly and exactly located over the centerline of a track of a storage device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an actuator includes applying at least one layer of electrically-conductive material and at least one layer of electrically-insulative material to an actuator block, and separating the actuator block into a plurality of actuators, each actuator having at least one actuator finger. The electrically-conductive material and the electrically-insulative material are applied one layer upon another in an alternating manner to the actuator block in at least one actuator finger location. The layer of insulative material is larger in area than the layer of conductive material such that an insulative layer, applied to the actuator block and sandwiching a conductive layer between the insulative layer and the actuator block, at least partially encloses and electrically isolates the electrically-conductive layer by covering the conductive material on at least three sides.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for hard drive damage prevention by improving the shock resistance of a hard disk micro-actuator. The interior angles of the micro-actuator are rounded and structurally supported by a reinforcing material.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus. The apparatus has a first drive device and a support member coupled to the first drive device. The support member has a tongue portion and a gimbal portion. The tongue portion is coupled the gimbal portion. A fixed drive device is formed within a first portion of the tongue portion. A movable drive device is operably coupled to the fixed drive device and formed within a second portion of the tongue portion. A read/write head is coupled to the movable drive device. A voltage source is coupled between the fixed drive device and the movable drive device to cause movement of the read/write head by forming an interaction between the fixed drive device and the movable drive device.

Abstract: A read/write assembly for magnetic hard disks includes at least: one supporting element; one read/write (R/W) transducer; one micro-actuator, set between the R/W transducer and the supporting element; one electrical-connection structure for connection to a remote device carried by the supporting element and connected to the R/W transducer and to the micro-actuator. In addition, a protective structure, set so as to cover the micro-actuator is made of a single piece with the electrical-connection structure.

Abstract: An integrated interface structure for a nested body to provide an electrical connection. The interface structure includes nested bond pads which electrically interface with leads. The nested bond pads are fabricated on a microstructure to provide an interface to drive circuitry for transducer elements of a slider or head supported by the microstructure.

Abstract: A method for preventing operational and manufacturing imperfections in piezoelectric micro-actuators by physically and electrically isolating conductive layers of the piezoelectric material. At least one layer of electrically-conductive material and at least one layer of electrically-insulative material are applied to an actuator finger. The conductive material and the insulative material are applied one layer upon another in an alternating manner. The layer of insulative material is larger in area than the layer of conductive material. An insulative layer, applied to the actuator finger and sandwiching a conductive layer between the insulative layer and the actuator finger, at least partially encloses and electrically isolates the conductive layer by covering the conductive material on at least three sides.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for coupling a replacement micro-actuator to a drive arm suspension after a micro-actuator, such as a defective micro-actuator, has been detached from the suspension.

Abstract: A suspension for a disk drive includes a mount plate adapted to mount to a primary actuator, a functional end portion adapted to carry a slider, and a hinge disposed between the mount plate and the functional end portion. A mounting configuration is provided on the mount plate for mounting the suspension to the primary actuator. A pair of secondary actuators are mounted in longitudinally overlapping relationship with the mounting configuration so as to minimize the impact of the secondary actuators on suspension length. The secondary actuators are operatively connected to the hinge for producing sway displacement of the slider.

Abstract: A suspension for magnetic head, for supporting a magnetic head slider on which a magnetic head for recording/reproduction of information on a magnetic recording medium is mounted, wherein one end of the suspension is fixed to a stator portion fixed to the tip end of a load beam of the suspension, a gimbal portion and a rotor portion oscillatably supported by metallic micro-beams formed by bending are provided on the side of the other end of the suspension, and the magnetic head slider is attached to the gimbal portion, whereby the rotor portion and the magnetic head slider attached to the gimbal portion as one body with the rotor portion can be oscillated in parallel to the surface of a magnetic recording disk, independently of the driving of the slider by a coarse actuator.

Abstract: A framing assembly with lower stiffness design and a method of manufacturing that framing assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, a framing assembly pattern is cut from a piece of a thin planar material, such as metal. The pattern is then bent to form a framing assembly with a base piece, two arms, and supports for a connection plate. In an alternate embodiment, the base piece includes a rear support and a support base. In a further embodiment, excess material surrounding the pattern is cut away so as to allow the most efficient use of the material.

Abstract: A technique for electrically interconnecting a disk drive suspension assembly and a micro-actuator mounting a transducer-carrying slider. A first set of termination pads is provided on a generally planar surface of the micro-actuator, adjacent a front edge portion of the micro-actuator. A set of leads is provided on the suspension assembly so as to extend generally orthogonally to the first set of termination pads and in adjacent relationship therewith. Electrical connections are provided between the first set of termination pads and the suspension assembly leads. A second set of termination pads can be provided on the micro-actuator planar surface adjacent to a front edge portion of the slider and a third set of termination pads can be provided on the slider front edge portion. The second and third sets of termination pads are then electrically connected.

Abstract: A process for the fabrication of devices that integrate protected microstructures, comprising the following steps: forming, in a body of semiconductor material, at least one microstructure having at least one first portion and one second portion which are relatively mobile with respect to one another and are separated from one another by at least one gap region, which is accessible through a face of the body; and sealing the gap. The sealing step includes depositing on the face of the body a layer of protective material, in such a way as to close the gap region, the protective layer being such as to enable relative motion between the first portion and the second portion of the microstructure.

Abstract: A microactuator comprises a stator, a rotor and an operator coupling the rotor to the stator. The operator comprises a four-block magnet array supported by either the stator or rotor, and first and second coils supported by the other of the stator or rotor. Current in one coil alters magnetic flux linkage to move the rotor along a first axis. Current in the other coil alters magnetic flux linkage to move the rotor along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The microactuator is applied to the slider of a disc drive to position the head at a selected flying distance adjacent the disc medium, and to position the head relative to a track on the medium.

Abstract: A bidirectional electrostatic rotary microactuator has two sets of fixed electrodes, one set for driving the microactuator counterclockwise and the other set for driving it clockwise, and a rotatable frame that has movable electrodes attached to its outer wall and interleaved between the fixed electrodes. A layer of insulating material is located between the outer wall to which the movable electrodes are attached and the remainder of the frame so that the movable electrodes are electrically isolated. The frame is maintained at ground electrical potential and the movable electrodes at a fixed non-zero electrical potential. The microactuator is driven by applying a plus or minus voltage to one set of fixed electrodes and the opposite voltage to the other set, while maintaining the movable electrodes at a fixed non-zero voltage. The microactuator is usable as a secondary actuator in a disk drive for fine positioning the read/write head.

Abstract: A technique for electrically interconnecting a disk drive suspension assembly and a micro-actuator mounting a transducer-carrying slider. A first set of termination pads is provided on a generally planar surface of the micro-actuator, adjacent a front edge portion of the micro-actuator. A set of leads is provided on the suspension assembly so as to extend generally orthogonally to the first set of termination pads and in adjacent relationship therewith. Electrical connections are provided between the first set of termination pads and the suspension assembly leads. A second set of termination pads can be provided on the micro-actuator planar surface adjacent to a front edge portion of the slider and a third set of termination pads can be provided on the slider front edge portion. The second and third sets of termination pads are then electrically connected.

Abstract: A microactuator design and fabrication method for an improved magnetic microactuator incorporating mechanical stroke limiters and integrated connections between the flex on suspension and slider. The stroke limiters, also referred to as bumper system, and integrated connections enable low power, mechanically robust operation of the microactuator during high seek operations. In addition, improved head gimbal assembly yield results due to the integrated head connections formed on the microactuator.

Abstract: A microactuator comprises a motor element including a stator and a rotor capacitively coupled to the stator; an actuator element having a circular structure; and a transmission structure interposed between the motor element and the actuator element to transmit a rotary movement of the motor element into a corresponding rotary movement of the actuator element. In particular, the transmission structure comprises a pair of transmission arms identical to each other, arranged symmetrically with respect to a symmetry axis of the microactuator. The transmission arms extend between two approximately diametrically opposed regions of the rotor to diametrically opposed regions of the actuator element.

Abstract: A rotary positioning stage which enables a high speed and high precision positioning. The rotary positioning stage includes an arc-like portion 7a for forming an arc with respect to a rotation shaft 10, a rotary stage 2 on which a workpiece 5 can be mounted, a pulley 12 contacting the arc-like portion 7a, first positioning means 3 for positioning the workpiece 5 by rotating the rotary stage 2 via the pulley 12, second positioning means 4 for positioning the workpiece 5 by slightly moving the first positioning means 3 in a straight line-like manner in a tangent line direction at a contact point between the arc-like portion 7a and the pulley 12, wherein the straight line motion of the first positioning means 3 is converted into a rotational motion of the rotary stage 2 to position the workpiece 5.

Abstract: A bidirectional electrostatic rotary microactuator has two sets of fixed electrodes, one set for driving the microactuator counterclockwise and the other set for driving it clockwise, and a rotatable frame that has movable electrodes attached to its outer wall and interleaved between the fixed electrodes. A layer of insulating material is located between the outer wall to which the movable electrodes are attached and the remainder of the frame so that the movable electrodes are electrically isolated. The frame is maintained at ground electrical potential and the movable electrodes at a fixed non-zero electrical potential. The microactuator is driven by applying a plus or minus voltage to one set of fixed electrodes and the opposite voltage to the other set, while maintaining the movable electrodes at a fixed non-zero voltage. The microactuator is usable as a secondary actuator in a disk drive for fine positioning the read/write head.

Abstract: An in-situs pitch and/or roll attitude adjustment system. The in-situs adjustment system includes a flexure element having an energizable dimension differential. The flexure element is coupled to a suspension assembly and slider and is energizable to supply a flexure force to the slider to adjust pitch or roll attitudes of the slider.

Abstract: A suspension for magnetic head, for supporting a magnetic head slider on which a magnetic head for recording/reproduction of information on a magnetic recording medium is mounted, wherein one end of the suspension is fixed to a stator portion fixed to the tip end of a load beam of the suspension, a gimbal portion and a rotor portion oscillatably supported by metallic micro-beams formed by bending are provided on the side of the other end of the suspension, and the magnetic head slider is attached to the gimbal portion, whereby the rotor portion and the magnetic head slider attached to the gimbal portion as one body with the rotor portion can be oscillated in parallel to the surface of a magnetic recording disk, independently of the driving of the slider by a coarse actuator.

Abstract: An integrated gimbal and PZT structure. The structure includes a substrate, which has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is opposite to the second surface and sandwiches a thickness of material of the substrate. The structure also includes an isolation layer formed overlying the first surface of the substrate and a patterned layer of PZT material overlying the isolation layer overlying the substrate. A tongue portion is formed from a first portion of the substrate for a gimbal structure of a suspension assembly. A spring portion is formed from a second portion of the substrate. The spring portion is coupled between a lower portion of the suspension assembly and the tongue portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microactuator device. The method includes providing a first sheet of material. The first sheet of material includes a plurality of gimbal structure regions. Each of the gimbal structure regions is spatially disposed on the first sheet of material. Each of the gimbal structure regions is capable of removal during a subsequent process. The method also includes providing a second sheet of material. The second sheet of material includes a plurality of actuator devices thereon. Each of the actuator devices is spatially disposed on the second sheet of material. Each of the actuator devices has an attachment surface. The method includes positioning the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material such that at least one of the attachment surface of one of the actuator devices is aligned with at least one gimbal region. The attachment surface of the one of the actuator devices is coupled with the gimbal region to connect the attachment surface with the gimbal region.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting an actuator to a suspension element is disclosed. The actuator is electrically coupled using a silver paste. The silver paste is further covered by a coating application to provide structural support. A step, attached to either the actuator base or the suspension tongue, provides further structural support and maintains a gap between the actuator and the suspension element.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing computer storage media surface contaminant accumulation and for preventing impact-related head/slider damage.

Abstract: A suspension for disc drive having a micro actuator mechanism comprises a base plate, a connecting plate having a hinge portion thinner than the base plate, a load beam provided with a flexure, a pair of actuator elements such as PZT, etc. The micro actuator mechanism includes a pivot portion formed between a pair of slits and support walls formed on the connecting plate. The actuator elements are provided individually on the opposite sides of the pivot portion. Each support wall is a bent portion that is formed by raising an edge portion of the connecting plate in the thickness direction of the main portion of the connecting plate.

Abstract: A disc drive includes a disc mounted to a motor, an access arm, and a slider connected to the access arm. A comb-type microactuator is mounted on the slider and a transducer is mounted to the microactuator such that actuation of the microactuator moves the transducer relative to the slider.

Abstract: A protective member, which covers a sensor portion, is positioned on a slider so that this sensor portion is in close proximity to the slider flying surface. Furthermore, a step is formed on the surface of this slider on the side opposite the flying surface at a location separated from the protective member. Then, an actuator is either mounted on the flat portion which was made thin by the formation of the step, or an actuator is stored and affixed within a slot created in line with the formation of the step. Furthermore, a suspension is bonded to a surface of this actuator on the side opposite the slider, and a head assembly is configured.

Abstract: A micro-actuator that reduces suspension tongue stiffness and a method of manufacturing the micro-actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, the micro-actuator has a base piece with two arms extending from the base piece. The electric contact pads for the arms are situated on the exterior of the arms at the end opposite the base piece. In one embodiment, the electric contact pads are electrically coupled to the same connection plate that the magnetic read/write head is coupled to, reducing the number of connection traces.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the process of attaching a hard disk micro-actuator to a slider device with a bonding agent such as epoxy, the slider having design characteristics to avoid various problems associated with bonding said components with a bonding agent such as epoxy.

Abstract: A microactuator is built at the slider level to achieve high resolution positioning of a transducing head with respect to a track of a rotatable disc having a plurality of concentric tracks in a disc drive system. The slider includes a main body carried by a flexure. A stator portion extends from the main body, and a plurality of beams extend from the stator portion, the beams being flexible in a lateral direction. A rotor portion is connected to the stator portion by the plurality of beams, forming a gap between the stator portion and the rotor portion. The rotor portion carries the transducing head. A plurality of stator electrodes are formed on the stator portion, and a plurality of rotor electrodes are formed on the rotor portion to confront the stator electrodes across the gap.

Abstract: A framing assembly with lower stiffness design and a method of manufacturing that framing assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, a framing assembly pattern is cut from a piece of a thin planar material, such as metal. The pattern is then bent to form a framing assembly with a base piece, two arms, and supports for a connection plate. In an alternate embodiment, the base piece includes a rear support and a support base. In a further embodiment, excess material surrounding the pattern is cut away so as to allow the most efficient use of the material.

Abstract: A read/write assembly for magnetic hard disks includes at least: one supporting element; one read/write (R/W) transducer; one micro-actuator, set between the R/W transducer and the supporting element; one electrical-connection structure for connection to a remote device carried by the supporting element and connected to the R/W transducer and to the micro-actuator. In addition, a protective structure, set so as to cover the micro-actuator is made of a single piece with the electrical-connection structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microactuator having a cavity into which a slider is inserted. Overhanging the cavity are flexible tabs, which are deformed once the slider is inserted. The tabs allow the slider to be aligned in the slider cavity. The tabs also create a mechanical and electrical connection between the slider and the microactuator.

Abstract: A technique for electrically interconnecting a disk drive suspension assembly and a micro-actuator mounting a transducer-carrying slider. A first set of termination pads is provided on a generally planar surface of the micro-actuator, adjacent a front edge portion of the micro-actuator. A set of leads is provided on the suspension assembly so as to extend generally orthogonally to the first set of termination pads and in adjacent relationship therewith. Electrical connections are provided between the first set of termination pads and the suspension assembly leads. A second set of termination pads can be provided on the micro-actuator planar surface adjacent to a front edge portion of the slider and a third set of termination pads can be provided on the slider front edge portion. The second and third sets of termination pads are then electrically connected.

Abstract: An actuator of a magnetic disk has a laminated construction of piezoelectric flat sheet in which there are two polarized regions separated by a non-polarized region and the polarization direction and the direction of applied magnetic fields are the same as the thickness direction of the piezoelectric flat sheet. The actuator is fixed in such a manner as to bridge the top surfaces of the suspension and suspension-supporting member of the magnetic disk, and is coated with a resin material. The actuator enables vertical vibrations and dust generation which occur in association with the movement of the supporting member to be reduced and the accuracy of head positioning to be improved.

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 hard disk read/write unit is formed in a monolithic body of semiconductor material, including a suspension structure, a coupling or flexure element integral with the suspension structure, and a microactuator, integral with the coupling. The monolithic body has a first portion accommodating integrated electronic components, and a second portion, accommodating the coupling and the microactuator. The coupling is formed from a central region, accommodating the microactuator; an annular region, separated from the central region by a first trench, and from the suspension by a second trench; a first pair of suspension arms, extending between the central region and the annular region, along a first axis; and a second pair of suspension arms, extending between the annular region and the suspension structure, along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A microfabricated slider assembly used in a disc drive is disclosed. The slider assembly has a slider body having a stator and a rotor, wherein the rotor and the stator are integrally formed from a single substrate. The rotor has a head supporting portion movable both laterally and vertically in relation to the stator to facilitate positioning the transducer head accordingly. The slider assembly also has a microactuator for actively moving the rotor. In one embodiment, the slider assembly has microactuators for actively moving the rotor both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head has a media opposing surface which is adapted to be opposed to a recording medium, and includes a sacrificial layer, on a substratum that has a surface for forming the media opposing surface having at least one rail. A tracking mechanism or loading/unloading mechanism can be provided on the slider. An electrostatic actuator suitable for driving such a mechanism includes a stationary section having a plurality of teeth parallel to each other, a movable section having a plurality of teeth parallel to the teeth of the stationary section, a support spring for supporting the movable section so that the movable section can be moved with respect to the stationary section in the tooth width direction.

Abstract: A sealed micro-actuator device for positioning a slider in a disc drive comprises a micro-actuator body, which includes a stator, a rotor, and a motor for moving the rotor with respect to the stator. The micro-actuator device includes means for sealing the micro-actuator body to prevent debris from reaching the motor. In a preferred embodiment, the means for sealing comprises a plurality of cavities formed in the micro-actuator body and an injection molded polymer seal with a plurality of protrusions that extend into the plurality of cavities. A first subset of the plurality of protrusions make contact with the stator, thereby holding the means for sealing in place. A second subset of the plurality of protrusions extend into cavities formed in the rotor. The second subset of protrusions does not contact the rotor.

Abstract: An electrical connection structure having connection elements which electrically connect a movable part to a fixed part of a microelectromechanical device, for example a microactuator. The movable part and fixed part are separated by trenches and are mechanically connected by spring elements, which determine, together with the connection elements, the torsional rigidity of the microelectromechanical device. Each connection element is formed by multiple sub-arms connected in parallel and having a common movable anchorage region anchored to the movable part, and a common fixed anchorage region anchored to the fixed part, whereby the mechanical resistance of the connection elements is negligible. The sub-arms have a width equal to a sub-multiple of the width necessary in case of a single connection element for the latter to have a preset electrical resistance, which is determined in the design.

Abstract: A disc drive system includes a recording disc rotatable about an axis, a slider carrying a transducing head for transducing data with the disc, an a dual-stage actuation assembly supporting the slider for positioning the transducing head adjacent a selected radial track of the disc. The dual-stage actuation assembly includes a coarsely movable support structure and a microactuator. The microactuator includes a microactuator frame attached to the support structure which includes a stator and a rotor. The rotor is operatively attached to the slider an is movable with respect to the stator in a first horizontal plane parallel to the surface of the disc. A magnetic circuit is arranged to move the microactuator rotor and the slider in the first horizontal plane generally parallel to the surface of the disc, the circuit being partially formed on the microactuator frame and partially formed on the support structure.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly, particularly useful in a disc drive that incorporates a head/microactuator assembly and dynamic loading and unloading of the head/microactuator assembly into and out of operative engagement with a disc. The head suspension includes a gimbal that that mounts the head/microactuator assembly via the microactuator, and thus allows the head assembly to be microstepped by the microactuator. The gimbal further includes reverse bending features providing increased pitch attitude compliance, and limiting features which interact with cooperative lifting features on the rigid beam of the head suspension to control the static attitude extremes of the head assembly during dynamic unloading of the head/microactuator assembly from operative engagement with a disc.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly of a hard disk drive includes a rod beam coupled to an end portion of an actuator arm capable of pivoting in a direction following tracks of a disk, a slider supported at an end portion of the rod beam for reading and writing data from and on the disk, a micro actuator including first and second magnetic members installed at the rod beam and the slider, respectively, and being moved by an electromagnetic force between the magnetic members to allow the slider to minutely move with respect to the rod beam, and a connection device for elastically connecting the first magnetic member and the second magnetic member.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the position of a digital data storage device slider through the use of an electro-thermal micromechanical actuator is disclosed. A movable member is etched into a face of a slider opposite the air-bearing surface of the slider. The movable member is substantially freestanding in relation to the slider, having only a single end connected to the slider. An electrically actuated heater element with two parallel current paths is disposed on the movable member. One of the current paths is substantially narrower than the other current path. When a current is passed through the heater element, the narrower current path heats up more quickly than the wider current path. By varying the current passed through the heater element in a selected manner, a distortion of the movable member is harnessed and used to create a relative motion in the slider body, allowing the slider to be quickly and exactly located over the centerline of a track of a storage device.

Abstract: An integrated interface structure for a nested body to provide an electrical connection. The interface structure includes nested bond pads which electrically interface with leads. The nested bond pads are fabricated on a microstructure to provide an interface to drive circuitry for transducer elements of a slider or head supported by the microstructure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic x-y stage driver for a nano data storage system and a method for fabricating the coils of the same are provided. In the electromagnetic x-y stage driver, a cantilever tip array fixedly provided a medium for recording data to write data to or read data from each cell of the medium. Four coils are formed to be integrated with the medium in front of, behind, to the left of and to the right of the medium to move the medium. Four supporting beam are installed to an x-y stage body onto which a medium structure composed of the medium and the four coils is loaded such that the four supporting beam are connected to the four corners of the medium structure to support the medium structure. Four driving beams connect the upper portions of the supporting beam to the four corners of the medium structure to allow the medium structure to move in an x or y direction. Stiffeners are disposed at the four sides between the supporting beam to prevent the medium structure from rotating.