The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 01, 2010
Filed:
Feb. 08, 2006
Michael T. Murray, Longmont, CO (US);
Shawn A. Ruden, Longmont, CO (US);
John W. Rigsby, Longmont, CO (US);
Michael T. Murray, Longmont, CO (US);
Shawn A. Ruden, Longmont, CO (US);
John W. Rigsby, Longmont, CO (US);
Seagate Technology LLC, Scotts Valley, CA (US);
Abstract
Method and apparatus for installing a support member to support a flexible element, such as a shipping comb used to support a flexible suspension assembly of a head-stack assembly (HSA). A robotic end effector configured to insert the support member to bias the flexible element. Prior to said insertion, an inspection assembly verifies at least one physical parameter of the member while the member is supported by the end effector. One or more computerized video images along at least one axis are preferably obtained by the inspection assembly, and machine readable code on the member is preferably decoded from said image(s). The end effector preferably includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers which engage the support member with variable compressive force during insertion. A cleaning assembly preferably cleans the support member prior to insertion, and a subsequent video image is preferably obtained after insertion to verify installation of the member.