Abstract: A recording disk drive comprises a recording disk. A head slider is supported at the tip end of a resilient suspension so as to face the recording disk. An elastic member is located behind the head slider at a position spaced from the head slider. When an impact is applied to the recording disk drive, the resilient suspension may warp to move the tip end away from the recording disk. The elastic member receives the tip end of the suspension. It is possible to restrain the warp of the suspension, namely, the movement of the head slider. Less resilience can be stored in the suspension. Accordingly, even when the stored resilience causes the tip end of the suspension to collide against the surface of the recording disk, a smaller impact of the head slider against the recording disk may allow less damage to the recording disk or the head slider. Shock resistance to the recording disk drive can be improved.

Abstract: Apparatus in a disc drive for improving resistance of a disc drive disc stack to radially directed mechanical shocks. A disc is disposed about a rotatable spindle motor hub. Opposing first and second disc support members (such as a disc clamp, disc spacers, or a hub flange) circumferentially extend about the outer hub surface and cooperate to apply a clamping force to the disc to secure the disc relative to the spindle motor hub. The disc support members each comprise a circumferentially extending ring of high friction material having a contact surface that axially extends toward the disc. The clamping force applied to the disc is localized at the rings and at nodes extending from the disc support members so that respective gaps are formed between the disc and remaining portions of the disc support members, thereby reducing radial disc slip, increasing disc dampening, and reducing the likelihood of disc coning and warping.

Abstract: A disk clamp has a data position in a recording track that is resistant to positional deviations even after temperature cycling is conducted. The distribution of data positions can be centered in the vicinity of the center position. A disk top clamp and hub are made from materials that are stable in terms of chemical properties over a temperature range in which the disk recording apparatus is used and have such a coefficient of elasticity that a clamping force required to clamp the recording disks while the disk recording apparatus is in use can be obtained from the tightening force to tighten the screws. The material of the top clamp and the hub has a thermal expansion coefficient that is close to that of the recording disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disc clamp for use with a disc stack assembly where the disc stack assembly is designed for rotation about an axis. The disc clamp includes a set of openings defined by a body, such that each opening has line symmetry about a line of reflection that intersects the axis. The disc clamp also includes a set of flanges, each which extends from the body into one of the openings. The disc clamp is made such that the set of openings has rotational symmetry about the axis and the set of flanges is rotationally asymmetrical about the axis.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for multiple computer storage drives mounts at least one drive so that it may be swung out for easy access to the drive and to its cable connectors. The mechanism comprises a drive cage mounting bracket, a hinge, and appropriately adapted chassis, so that the mounting bracket is hingeably connected to the chassis to swing open for access and to swing closed for operation. The bracket is adapted so that, when in the open position, the cable connector of at least one mounted drive is distal from the hinge and chassis and thus easily accessible. A preferred embodiment provides for releaseably locking the bracket in the closed position. Furthermore, the bracket preferably mounts a hard drive so that it is suspended within the airspace above the computer motherboard for easier cooling.

Abstract: A disk drive having spacers to compensate for disk warpage is described. The spacers are positioned on opposite sides of a disk with each spacer contacting the disk a different radial position relative to the center of the disk. The offset contact areas result in displaced moments on the disk, with respect to each other, when the spacers are clamped to the disk. The moments generated by the clamped spacers provide a torque on a warped disk to improve its flatness.

Abstract: A method of writing data to multiple disks on a servo track writing machine comprises the steps of providing a cylindrical disk stacking tool comprising a base and a spindle, loading a first disk onto the spindle in alignment with the base, loading a second disk onto said spindle in alignment with the first disk, placing the loaded disk stacking tool on the servo track writing machine, and simultaneously writing data to the disks with the servo track writing machine. As many disks as desired may be so written to. The disk stacking tool further includes a clamp for locking the disks in place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing an information storage disc within a disc drive incorporates a spindle motor, a rotatable spindle hub, a disc clamp and a disc clamp nut. The disc clamp is positioned on the rotatable spindle hub to clamp the information storage disc to the spindle motor. The disc clamp defines a middle annular raised portion for accepting a predetermined pre-load force to compress the disc clamp down onto the information storage disc. The pre-load force is perpendicular to the disc clamp, and is applied symmetrically around a spindle motor axis of rotation. The disc clamp nut includes a flat engagement surface that secures the pre-loaded disc clamp to the hub. The pre-load force is released once the disc clamp nut is positioned so as to secure the disc clamp to the hub of the disc drive spindle motor. A series of substantially parallel engagement surfaces on the disc clamp nut, disc clamp and hub ensure that the pre-load force is uniformly applied to the information storage disc.

Abstract: A shaft having a diameter A is press-fitted into the central hole of the boss. A tapered portion is formed around one end of the shaft, which is inserted to the center hole, such that a dimension in the extending direction of the shaft is R. The boss includes a cylindrical recess formed concentrically with the center hole on one end face thereof facing a side from which the shaft is inserted such that a dimension in the extending direction of the center hole thereof is larger than R, and such that a diameter thereof is A<B≦1.05A. The cylindrical recess includes a first side wall linearly extending from the end face of the boss and a second side wall subsequent to the first side wall, which is tapered inwardly in order to serve as an insertion guide member against which the tapered portion of the shaft is to be abutted when the shaft is inserted into the center hole.

Abstract: A disc clamp made from a shape memory alloy is configured for tight fit between an upper ledge of a spindle hub and the upper surface of a disc when the disc clamp is in an austenitic phase. In a martensitic phase, the disc clamp is configured for easy assembly over the spindle hub. The disc of the present invention provides for uniform distribution of clamping forces on the disc, and avoids the need for threaded holes in the spindle hub.

Abstract: A recording disk apparatus comprises a recording disk supported by a rotation axis. A clamp is fixed at the tip end of the rotation axis by screws so as to urge the recording disk against a flange at the base end of the rotation axis. The screws are disposed along an imaginary circle concentric to the rotation axis so as to fix a plane body of the clamp at the tip end of the rotation axis. A rigidity reduction mechanism reduces rigidity of the plane body at an intermediate area relative to screw bore areas, which intermediate area defined between the screw bore areas along the imaginary circle. The rigidity reduction mechanism serves to suppress the undulation of the magnetic disk.

Abstract: A spindle motor is disclosed which allows more excellent abrasion resistance and productivity exhibited by making the thrust to be integrally formed at driving shaft and by making each of kinetic pressure-generating grooves that generate fluid kinetic pressure in axial direction to be formed at different formation position from each other that may be less influenced than ever by force of friction with fluid material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing an information storage disc within a disc drive incorporates a rotatable spindle hub and a clamping ring. The clamping ring is positioned between an inner edge of the information storage disc and the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring is a strip of resilient sheet material and defines a series of serpentine shaped curves that alternatively contact the inner edge of the information storage disc and a sidewall of the rotatable spindle hub. The clamping ring applies a radial force to the information storage disc. In some cases the clamping ring may define a series of equally spaced apart, radially extending, tabs from the top and bottom edges of the clamping ring. The tabs from the top edge contact the top surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc. The tabs from the bottom edge contact the bottom surface of the information storage disc at an inner diameter of the information storage disc.

Abstract: A method for storing and removing data storage discs from a disc drive assembly. Embodiments of the invention include determining the zero location, storing the discs to the disc drive and unpacking the discs from the disc drive, wherein the step of storing the discs includes locating the discs around a center disc by alternating between placing discs above and below the center disc, and wherein the step of unpacking the discs includes removing the discs around a center disc by alternating between placing discs above and below the center disc.

Abstract: A vibration-reducing device is provided for high-speed rotational body, wherein a hanging means and a weight body are arranged to transfer the vibration from the reading device to the weight body at designed angular speed. The vibration of the reading device and the housing thereof will be greatly reduced to ensure the stability of data accessing.

Abstract: A disk drive apparatus is which comprises an improved disk clamp/drive spindle interface. Axial positioning of the disk clamp on the drive spindle is restrainably maintained so that an outer peripheral surface of the disk clamp applies a clamping force to one or more storage disks. In one embodiment, the top end of a drive spindle is provided with a plurality of outwardly extending tabs. Correspondingly, a disk clamp is provided with a plurality of tabs which extend inwardly at a central aperture. The disk clamp tabs and drive spindle tabs are provided so that the disk clamp may be axially advanced about the drive spindle during assembly with the disk clamp tabs passing between drive spindle tabs. In conjunction with such assembly, the disk clamp may be deflected or bowed, toward the spindle center axis via the application of a loading force (e.g. by employing an assembly tool that deflects and maintains deflection of the disk clamp during assembly).

Abstract: A method of automatically measuring the dynamic imbalance of a disc stack of a disc drive assembly, the disc stack conveyed to a first selected position in a balance measure assembly station where a rotary positioner lifts and rotates the disc stack above a sensor to locate an electrical lead of the disc drive motor. The disc stack is positioned in a reference position to position the electrical leads a for powering the disc drive motor. The disc stack is then conveyed to a second selected position where a motor power assembly clamps and powers the motor and discs. A balance head assembly measures the magnitude and phase angle of the dynamic imbalance of the disc stack and records the measurement to a production control computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration damped spacer articles having good force (torque and/or pressure and/or stress) retention, and disk drives having a damped spacer article and a rotatable storage article inserted therein.

Abstract: An information handling system, such as a disc drive, including a base, a disc stack rotatably attached to the base, and an actuator assembly movably attached to the base. The disc stack assembly includes a spindle hub rotatably coupled to the disc drive. The spindle hub has an axis of rotation about which the disc stack assembly rotates. The spindle hub includes a cylindrical portion. The disc stack assembly also includes a clamp, a disc spacer, and a disc coupled to a spindle hub. The disc spacer has an opening therein dimensioned to receive the cylindrical portion of the spindle hub. The disc spacer is asymmetrical and positioned to counter balance a mass offset in the disc stack assembly. The asymmetrical disc spacer also includes a registration surface. The registration surface is on the outer perimeter of the disc spacer. The disc spacer has a center of mass offset from the axial centerline of the opening. The disc spacer is used to counter the center of mass offset of the disc stack assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration damped spacer articles having good force (torque and/or pressure and/or stress) retention, and disk drives having a damped spacer article and a rotatable storage article inserted therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for clamping discs in a disc stack assembly to provide even distribution of clamping force upon the discs. A teeth lock ring disposed atop a disc stack includes an annular member with a central opening for passing over a spindle motor hub. The teeth lock ring further includes a plurality of grooves and wedge shaped portions alternatively and circumferentially disposed about an inner diameter. Corresponding teeth on the spindle motor hub lock into each of the plurality of grooves. The circumferentially extending wedge shaped portions secure within corresponding grooves on the spindle motor hub. The teeth lock ring effectively compresses a clamp to provide uniform contact between the clamp and a top most disc to prevent disc waviness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the effects of disc flutter or noise in a disc drive incorporates damping material or rings that are clamped or sandwiched against mounted information storage disc at a distance from a hub portion of a spindle assembly. The damping rings are positioned between a disc clamp and a bottom annular flange of the hub portion so as to engage and reduce vibrations in the mounted information storage disc or discs. The damping rings can be retained in grooves defined in the disc clamp, bottom annular flange and top and bottom surfaces of an annular disc spacer. Alternatively, the damping rings can be reatined on tubular sidewalls defined on the disc clamp, bottom annular flange of the hub portion and annular disc spacer. The arrangement of damping rings absorbs energy transmitted by vibrations in information storage disc and thus minimizes the effects of disc flutter in a disc drive.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention are directed to a disc drive assembly having a housing including a base section and a top section, wherein the base section and the top section mate to form an internal environment. The disc drive assembly further includes a hub assembly motor having a hub, wherein the hub is a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end and wherein the first end is tapered. The hub is further capable of supporting a storage data disc. Additionally, in preferred embodiments, at least one head capable of reading the data storage disc disposed within the internal environment of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing axial and radial displacement of discs in a disc drive having a spindle motor hub rotatable about a central axis. The hub includes a substantially cylindrically shaped mounting surface at a selected radius about the central axis. The disc spacer comprises a substantially circular body having an inner surface at a first radius greater than the radius of the mounting surface, and a plurality of inwardly-facing spindle contact features projecting from the body. Each of the spindle contact features has a spindle contact surface at a second radius less than the radius of the mounting surface, with the spindle contact surfaces being operably configured to bear against the mounting surface when the disc spacer is coupled to the spindle motor hub. Preferably, intermediate portions of the body between adjacent spindle contact features deform to urge the spindle contact features toward the mounting surface.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes a compression spring member located between adjacent discs in the disc stack. The compression spring member has a circular cross-section, and forms a wave shape such as a sinsoidal wave shape encircling the hub of the spindle motor. When the discs are positioned in an intended relationship relative to the hub, high and low peaks on the compression spring member engage chamfers adjacent the bore of the discs, and act to center the discs relative to the spindle motor hub to prevent shifting of the discs relative to the spindle motor hub due to applied mechanical shocks and differential thermal expansion of disc stack elements.

Abstract: A magnetic disk substrate support member of glass or ceramic for supporting at least one magnetic disk substrate. The support member defines a contact surface which is flat to within 3 &mgr;m or less. The support member and the magnetic disk substrate mutually define a contact area in which the support member and the magnetic disk substrate define a ratio of between 50% and 95%. The support member may be a spacer or a shim. The magnetic disk substrate may be arranged on a substantially cylindrical hub and fixed to a rotary shaft via the spacer or shim and supported by a clamp.

Abstract: A storage-disk drive motor miniaturized and made thinner by eliminating the conventional thrust plate for the rotor-hub thrust dynamic pressure-generating bearing, and by employing only one rotor-hub radial dynamic pressure-generating bearing. The motor is inner-rotor type wherein the rotor magnet is radially inward of the stator. To maintain thrust bearing rigidity absent the thrust plate, the stator/bracket and the rotor magnet are configured such that magnetism between them imparts a energizing force to the rotor hub biasing it axially, and at the same time, specially striated dynamic-pressure-generating grooves in the rotor hub bearings generate thrust to balance this energizing force. Due to the special rotor-hub bearing configuration, the means for venting the lubricant retained in the bearing micro-gaps are modified accordingly.

Abstract: A clamping structure for disk drive for receiving a disk includes a spindle hub, a spacer, and a clamp ring. The spindle hub has a flange at a first end thereof. The flange has a first protruding portion. The discs are stacked on the first protruding portion. The first spacer is interposed between adjacent ones of the disks. The clamp ring is fixed to a second end of the spindle hub. The clamp ring has a second protruding portion for biasing the disks toward the flange of the spindle hub. In a process of forming a holder arm of the disk drive, the tip of a holder arm is contoured by wire cutting method after the holder armed is roughly formed from a metal body. In the wire cutting method, a voltage is placed between the metal body and the wire. The tip of the holder is contoured by the wire by bringing the wire into contact with the metal body.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes a radially-loaded, snap-fit disc mounting ring associated with each disc. The disc mounting rings include disc contact features for interaction with the inner diameters of the discs, and hub contact features for axially positioning the discs and associated disc mounting rings relative to the spindle motor hub. Various embodiments of the disc mounting ring are disclosed.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a disk drive base, a spindle motor, a first disk and a disk clamp. The rotary hub of the spindle motor includes a generally cylindrically-shaped hub wall and a hub flange including an inner annular surface adjacent to the hub wall, an outer annular surface and a flange land portion integrally formed with the hub flange. The land portion is positioned between the annular surfaces and defines a disk contact surface projecting above the annular surfaces, the disk contact surface being substantially centered on the hub flange. The first disk is supported by the disk contact surface to form a clearance between the annular surfaces and the first disk. A second disk may be coupled to the spindle motor and an annular disk spacer may be positioned between the disks. The annular disk spacer includes a first spacer surface facing the first disk and a second spacer surface facing the second disk.

Abstract: An information handling system, such as a disc drive, includes a base, a disc stack rotatably attached to the base, and an actuator assembly movably attached to the base. The disc stack assembly includes a spindle hub rotatably coupled to the disc drive. The spindle hub includes a cylindrical portion as well as a flange on one end of the spindle hub. At least one disc and a disc spacer are clamped to the spindle hub. The disc spacer includes at least one disc contact surface. In some instances the disc spacer may have two disc contact surfaces. In the disc contact surface also has channel or groove therein. The channel or groove is annular and continuous so that no localized stress or a minimum amount of localized stress will be produced. The channel or groove is dimensioned so that a specific coefficient of friction is produced between the disc spacer ring and the surface of the disc. The disc contact surface may have more than one channel or groove therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing static and dynamic balance in a disc drive having three recording discs. A spindle motor hub includes an outer surface which circumferentially extends about a central axis at an outer radius less than a disc inner radius. A groove is formed in the hub to provide a groove inner surface having a groove radius less than the hub outer radius. The groove radius is selected to be twice the hub outer radius minus the disc inner radius. First and third discs are loaded onto the hub and shifted to bring respective disc inner surfaces into abutment with the hub outer surface at a first angular location. The second, intermediate disc is loaded onto the hub and shifted to bring the disc inner surface into abutment with the groove inner surface at a second angular location opposite the first angular location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double grooved spacer for reducing coning of discs. A double grooved spacer includes a body portion with a plurality of spring flanges radially extending therefrom to form an inner radial groove and an outer radial groove. The body portion in conjunction with the plurality of spring flanges form a generally I-shaped cross-section. The double grooved spacer further includes circumferentially extending contact nodes disposed on the spring flanges so that the clamping force is localized at selected positions on the discs and the double grooved spacers to provide uniform distribution of the clamping force within the disc stack.