Patent ID: 6317296
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A magnetic parking device for a disk drive having a data storage medium mounted on a base, means for reading information from and writing information to the data storage medium, and an actuator assembly, including an actuator body and means for positioning the actuator body, mounted on said base for selectively positioning the means for reading information from and writing information to with respect to the data storage medium, comprising:a magnetically permeable capture member provided on the actuator body, wherein said magnetically permeable capture member is pivotably mounted on the actuator body, said magnetically permeable capture member having a face portion, said face portion comprising two coplanar surfaces and a recess portion,a magnet for providing a first magnetic field including a first magnetic flux;a magnetic field containing member defining a path of said first magnetic flux and including an air gap providing a portion of said first magnetic flux extending a predetermined distance into a capture region adjacent the capture member, the capture member being in the capture region when the actuator body is parked;means for generating a second magnetic field in said field containing member, said second magnetic field having a polarity opposite said first magnetic field and having associated therewith a second magnetic flux having opposite direction to that of said first magnetic flux of said first magnetic field to neutralize the capture region; andcontrol means for generating control signals directing data storage and retrieval, said control means including a first control interface coupled to the means for positioning the actuator body and a second control interface coupled to the means for generating said second magnetic field, wherein said first control interface is adapted to begin providing a movement current to the means for positioning the actuator body at a time when said second control interface begins to provide a field generating current to the means for generating said second magnetic field.