Miniscribe Corporation

Wayne Phillips

Richard Rupp

David Normen

An apparatus for supporting a read/write head at a selected one of a plurality of substantially circular, concrete data tracks and for absorbing the rebound shock of a rotary actuator, the apparatus including a head actuator assembly having at least one read/write head mounted thereon, an actuator housing, and a stationary coil coupled to the head actuator. At least one permanent magnet is fixedly mounted relative to the head actuator. Upper and lower magnetic plates support the permanent magnet and each has at least two cavities which are substantially aligned with, but displaced off-axis from, the cavities of the other plate. At least two crash stops are provided, one to limit pivoting movement of the head actuator at the inner diameter of the hard disk and the other to limit movement of the head actuator at the outer disk diameter. Each of the crash stops is insertably retained within the corresponding cavities of the magnetic plates to preload the crash stops to provide a stopping force immediately upon impact with the carriage. Each crash stop is formed as a steel pin and includes a central generally cylindrical material which reduces the rebound shock of the head actuator after it strikes either of the crash stops.

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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Wayne Phillips