A data storage device includes at least one data storage disc, at least one head supported by a rotatable actuator arm, an elevator configured to move the rotatable actuator arm in a z direction, a first vertical guide post, a ramp assembly configured to support the head on a movable ramp, and a bracket attached to the movable ramp. The at least one head is configured to communicate with the at least one data storage disc when positioned over the at least one data storage disc. The movable ramp is moveable in a z direction parallel to the first vertical guide post. The bracket is engageable to the rotatable actuator arm so that the bracket moves along the first vertical guide post in unison with z direction motion of the rotatable actuator arm via the elevator, and the bracket is disengageable from the rotatable actuator arm.

In one aspect, a data storage device includes a disc, an arm, a head, a linear driver, and an elevator. The disc has a read/write surface defining an x-y plane. The arm has a head end that is movable relative to the disc. The head is configured to interact with the read/write surface. The linear driver is configured to move the arm along a substantially straight line in the x-y plane. The elevator is configured to move the arm in a z direction. In another aspect, rather than a linear driver, the data storage device includes a rotary actuator and a pivot actuator. The arm includes a first portion and a load beam. The rotary actuator is configured to move the first portion about a first pivot axis; the pivot actuator is configured to move the load beam about a second pivot axis relative to the first portion.

A load/unload ramp includes a body with ramps, load/unload surfaces, and a vertical wall. The ramps include outer grooves positioned between the ramps. The load/unload surfaces extend from the respective ramps. The vertical wall includes channels extending through the vertical wall. In embodiments, the channels are positioned between the load/unload surfaces.

A load/unload ramp includes a body with ramps, load/unload surfaces, and a vertical wall. The ramps include outer grooves positioned between the ramps. The load/unload surfaces extend from the respective ramps. The vertical wall includes channels extending through the vertical wall. In embodiments, the channels are positioned between the load/unload surfaces.

A data storage device includes a stack of discs mounted on a spindle and a pivot block rotatably mounted around a shaft. The data storage device also includes an arm having first and second ends, with the first end supporting a head and the second end movably attached to the pivot block. The data storage device further includes an ultrasonic piezoelectric actuator that moves the arm along the pivot block to enable the head to interact with data storage surfaces of the discs.

A data storage device includes a stack of discs mounted on a spindle and a pivot block rotatably mounted around a shaft. The data storage device also includes an arm having first and second ends, with the first end supporting a head and the second end movably attached to the pivot block. The data storage device further includes an ultrasonic piezoelectric actuator that moves the arm along the pivot block to enable the head to interact with data storage surfaces of the discs.

A magnetic tape device includes: a magnetic head; a head actuator that holds the magnetic head; and a tape lifting mechanism including a lifter arm. The lifter arm comes into contact with the magnetic tape to separate a magnetic tape from the magnetic head. The tape lifting mechanism moves the lifter arm in a push-out direction in conjunction with the head actuator moving in a first direction. The tape lifting mechanism moves the lifter arm in a retreating direction in conjunction with the head actuator moving in a second direction. The lifter arm pushes out the magnetic tape to separate the magnetic tape from the magnetic head, in response to the lifter arm moving in the push-out direction. The lifter arm separates from the magnetic tape to bring the magnetic tape into contact with the magnetic head, in response to the lifter arm moving in the retreating direction.

According to one embodiment, a suspension assembly includes a support plate including a distal end and a proximal end portion, a wiring member including a gimbal portion and provided on the support plate, and a magnetic head mounted on the gimbal portion. The gimbal portion includes a first end portion located on a side of the proximal end portion with respect to the magnetic head and welded to the support plate, a second end located on a side of the distal end portion with respect to the magnetic head and welded to the support plate, a tongue portion on which the magnetic head is mounted, located between the first end portion and the second end portion, and supported so as to be displaceable relative to the support plate, and a limiter opposing the tongue portion with a gap.

A brake crawler for an elevator-type hard disk drive generally includes a first and second set of clamp arms vertically arranged, each of the first and second sets of clamp arms being capable of exerting a clamping force on a shaft or slider via activation or deactivation of an actuator element associated with each set of clamp arms. The brake crawler further includes an actuator element disposed between the first and second set of clamp arms which allows for movement of the first set of clamp arms away from the second set of clamp arms upon a change in state of the actuator element. Via a specific sequence of activating and deactivating various of the actuator elements associated with the brake crawler, the brake crawler is capable of inch worm-type movement up and down the shaft.

A brake crawler for an elevator-type hard disk drive generally includes a first and second set of clamp arms vertically arranged, each of the first and second sets of clamp arms being capable of exerting a clamping force on a shaft or slider via activation or deactivation of an actuator element associated with each set of clamp arms. The brake crawler further includes an actuator element disposed between the first and second set of clamp arms which allows for movement of the first set of clamp arms away from the second set of clamp arms upon a change in state of the actuator element. Via a specific sequence of activating and deactivating various of the actuator elements associated with the brake crawler, the brake crawler is capable of inch worm-type movement up and down the shaft.