Gordon A Harwood

Title: Gordon A. Harwood: Innovator in Hard Disk Drive Technology

Introduction

Gordon A. Harwood is a notable inventor based in Longmont, Colorado, recognized for his contributions to hard disk drive technology. With a total of 2 patents, Harwood has made significant advancements in the field, particularly in the design and functionality of disk drive actuators.

Latest Patents

Harwood's latest patents include a "Monostable Active Latch for a Disk Drive Actuator." This innovative apparatus is designed for use in hard disk drives, featuring a housing, a rotating data storage disk, and an actuator that positions a read/write head. The active latch utilizes a permanent magnet to engage the actuator when it is in the landing zone, allowing for precise control over the actuator's movement. Another significant patent is the "Acceleration Sensing Write Disable System Utilizing Actuator Arm Coil." This system includes a detection circuit that senses the back electromotive force (emf) of a voice coil, generating a shock detection signal to disable the write gate of the disk drive when necessary.

Career Highlights

Gordon A. Harwood has worked at Maxtor Corporation, where he has played a crucial role in developing innovative technologies for data storage solutions. His work has contributed to enhancing the reliability and performance of hard disk drives.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Harwood has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Harold J. Beecroft and Robert L. Metz. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that has led to significant technological advancements.

Conclusion

Gordon A. Harwood's contributions to hard disk drive technology through his patents and collaborations highlight his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing the field. His work continues to influence the design and functionality of data storage solutions today.