Multiple-modular actuators having a common axis of rotation

• US 6,678,120 B2
• Filed: 04/05/2001
• Issued: 01/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James Bryant Money
• Original Assignee: James Bryant Money
• Inventors: Money, James Bryant
• Primary Examiner(s): EVANS, JEFFERSON A
• Application Number:
  US09/827,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20020060885A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,013 Days
• Field of Search: 360/264.1, 360/264.4, 360/264.5, 360/265, 360/265.9, 360/265.8, 360/264.2, 360/264.7, 360/266.1
• US Class Current: 360/264.4
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/5521 across disk tracks spiral track following G11B5/596
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/5526 Control therefor; circuits, track configurations or relative disposition of servo-information transducers and servo-information tracks for control thereof G11B5/556 takes precedence

Abstract

Disclosed is a multiple rotary actuator assembly consisting of a plurality of modular actuators, wherein each modular actuator is mounted to and rotates independently about a common pivot shaft. Modular actuators consist of Integrated and Data arms, upon which multiple read/write transducers are mounted, for the recording and recovery of digital data. An integrated arm also contains a spiral conductor pattern that interacts with a multi-gap voice coil motor, to provide the necessary torque to rapidly position the modular actuator.

Claims

1. A multiple-modular rotary actuator assembly comprising:

an integrated arm including a thin ceramic arm having a spiral conductor pattern, a conductor interconnect pattern for IC and flex cable attachment, and a metal pad for mounting read/write head assemblies;

a data arm including a thin ceramic arm having a conductor interconnect pattern for IC and flex cable attachment and a metal pad for mounting read/write head assemblies;

a shaft;

multiple modular actuators wherein each modular actuator is mounted to and rotates independently about said shaft, and each modular actuator includes a least one of said integrated arm and any number of said data arms and said arms are assembled in combination with a ceramic bearing sleeve,

wherein the spiral conductor patterns interact with a multi-gap voice coil motor to provide torque to each of said modular actuators.