Alvin James Cox

US Patent:

6702592, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Oct 16, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/690526

Inventors:

Brian L. Harden - Norman OK
Leon J. Valley - Piedmont OK
Alvin E. Cox - Yukon OK

Assignee:

Seagate Technology LLC - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

H02K 1100

US Classification:

439 78, 439507, 439948, 439926, 310 71

Abstract:

An improved interconnection assembly is disclosed suitable for use, for example, in completing an electronic signal path between a printed circuit board (PCB) and an internal component within a head disc assembly (HDA) of a disc drive. The (PCB) has a primary side suitable for mounting surface mount devices and a secondary side facing a basedeck of the disc drive. The interconnection assembly comprises a conductive pin provisioned within a pin aperture in the PCB and a connector provisioned within a connector aperture in the HDA. The pin is inserted and secured within the pin aperture using primary side operations. A distal end of the conductive pin includes an electrical contact surface at the distal extent of the pin and which intersects an axis of insertion in the pin aperture. The electrical contact surface contacts the connector when the PCB is mated with the HDA.

US Patent:

20030036296, Feb 20, 2003

Filed:

Apr 18, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/126806

Inventors:

Alvin Cox - Yukon OK, US
Gary Oldham - Choctaw OK, US

Assignee:

Seagate Technology LLC - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

H01R004/66
H01R013/648

US Classification:

439/108000

Abstract:

A method is provided for attaching a connector with connector tails to a printed circuit board (PCB) having contacts. The method includes steps of: supplying and supporting the PCB; applying solder paste to the PCB contacts; inserting mounting hardware through the connector holes; presenting the connector to the PCB in a position above and parallel to the PCB; lowering the connector to align the mounting hardware with PCB orifices; pressingly engaging the connector tails against the PCB contacts to make the connector tails coplanar; tightening the mounting hardware to secure the connector to the PCB; and soldering the connector tails to the PCB contacts. In one embodiment, the mounting hardware is a rivet. In another embodiment, the mounting hardware is a nut and bolt. In yet another embodiment, the mounting hardware is electrically non-conductive.

US Patent:

54988403, Mar 12, 1996

Filed:

Apr 20, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/230395

Inventors:

Mark S. Maggio - Bethany OK
David S. Allsup - Oklahoma City OK
Alvin E. Cox - Yukon OK
Tom Metzner - Oklahoma City OK
Steven Eckerd - Oklahoma City OK
Loren Skarky - Bethany OK

Assignee:

Seagate Technology, Inc. - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

H05K 118

US Classification:

174260

Abstract:

A transducer signal terminator for providing electrical connections between a plurality of read/write transducer lead wires and a preamplifier includes a substrate having a plurality of layers and has a plurality of intermediate strips attached to the substrate. A plurality of head pads are located on the substrate to provide interconnection points between the lead wires and the substrate. Each intermediate strip is placed on the substrate such that each of a plurality of holes therein is aligned with one of the head pads on the substrate. An electrical connection is then formed between each head pad and a corresponding conductive pad of the intermediate strip.

US Patent:

61357820, Oct 24, 2000

Filed:

Apr 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/302640

Inventors:

Alvin E. Cox - Yukon OK
Housan Dakroub - Oklahoma City OK

Assignee:

Seagate Technology, Inc. - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

H01R 1200

US Classification:

439 65

Abstract:

A low inductance electrical compression connector for a disc drive interconnecting conductors of a flex circuit to conductive traces on a PCB, the electrical compression connector having a dielectric housing with a plurality of spaced apart insulator portions and conductive compression contacts disposed between the insulator portions. The insulator portions, the dielectric housing and the conductive compression contacts form open ended deflection cavities disposable above the PCB. First ends of the conductive compression contacts and solderable to conductive traces on the PCB, while second ends of the conductive compression contacts are pre-load spring contacts disposable above respective deflection cavities. Inserting the conductors of the flex circuit beneath the pre-load spring contacts into the deflection cavities causes the pre-load spring contacts to engage the conductors of the flex circuit to secure the flex circuit against the printed circuit while providing electrical contact.

US Patent:

62703757, Aug 7, 2001

Filed:

Jun 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/596823

Inventors:

Alvin E. Cox - Yukon OK
Housan Dakroub - Oklahoma City OK
Steven S. Eckerd - Oklahoma City OK

Assignee:

Seagate Technology LLC - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

H01R 1224

US Classification:

439493

Abstract:

A low inductance electrical spring connector for a disc drive interconnecting the conductors of a flex circuit support and seal apparatus to conductive traces on a PCB, the electrical spring connector having a dielectric housing with a plurality of spaced-apart insulator portions, and a plurality of conductive spring contacts disposed between the insulator portions. The dielectric housing forms an open ended insertion cavity disposable below the flex circuit support and seal apparatus. First ends of the conductive spring contacts are solderable to conductive traces on the PCB, while second ends of the conductive spring contacts are contact surfaces disposed in the insertion cavity. Inserting the conductors of the flex circuit adjacent the contact surfaces into the insertion cavity causes the contact surfaces to engage the conductors of the flex circuit to secure the flex circuit support and seal apparatus while providing electrical contact between the head-disc assembly and the printed circuit board.

US Patent:

61295795, Oct 10, 2000

Filed:

Apr 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/303202

Inventors:

Alvin E. Cox - Yukon OK
Housan Dakroub - Oklahoma City OK
Steven S. Eckerd - Oklahoma City OK

Assignee:

Segate Technology Inc. - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

H01R 1224

US Classification:

439493

Abstract:

A low inductance electrical spring connector for a disc drive interconnecting the conductors of a flex circuit support and seal apparatus to conductive traces on a PCB, the electrical spring connector having a dielectric housing with a plurality of spaced-apart insulator portions, and a plurality of conductive spring contacts disposed between the insulator portions. The dielectric housing forms an open ended insertion cavity disposable below the flex circuit support and seal apparatus. First ends of the conductive spring contacts are solderable to conductive traces on the PCB, while second ends of the conductive spring contacts are contact surfaces disposed in the insertion cavity. Inserting the conductors of the flex circuit adjacent the contact surfaces into the insertion cavity causes the contact surfaces to engage the conductors of the flex circuit to secure the flex circuit support and seal apparatus while providing electrical contact between the head-disc assembly and the printed circuit board.

US Patent:

61684597, Jan 2, 2001

Filed:

Apr 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/303206

Inventors:

Alvin E. Cox - Yukon OK
Steven S. Eckerd - Oklahoma City OK
Housan Dakroub - Oklahoma City OK

Assignee:

Seagate Technology LLC - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

H01R 1224

US Classification:

439495

Abstract:

A flex circuit support and apparatus (148) for a disc drive (100) comprising a flex circuit (150) with a conductor portion (154), a rigid dielectric support bracket (156), and a compressible, deformable resilient dielectric gasket seal (174), and extends through a connector aperture (162) of a basedeck (104). The support bracket (156) has a base portion (158) and a connector portion (160) vertically extending bi-directionally from the base portion (158). The gasket seal (174) is secured between the basedeck 104 and the support bracket (156). The connector portion 160 supports the conductor portion (154) of the flex circuit (150) and extends through the connector aperture (162). The support bracket (156) and the attached flex circuit (150) is secured to the basedeck (104) in a conventional manner through the use of fasteners (161). The flex circuit support and seal apparatus (148) conducts electrical signals between read/write heads (132) of the disc drive (100) and an electrical spring connector on a printed circuit board (152). The support bracket (156) may include a flex circuit tensioning portion (166) and a strain relief portion (168).

US Patent:

62365312, May 22, 2001

Filed:

Jul 13, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/352459

Inventors:

David S. Allsup - Oklahoma City OK
Maureen A. Aragon - Edmond OK
Alvin E. Cox - Yukon OK
Matthew G. Duvall - Oklahoma City OK
Carrie R. McKie - Oklahoma City OK
Stephen R. Genheimer - Mustang OK

Assignee:

Seagate Technology LLC - Scotts Valley CA

International Classification:

G11B 555

US Classification:

360 9701

Abstract:

A disc drive is provided with rotatable discs and an actuator assembly having heads adjacent the discs. A flex circuit assembly providing electrical connection between the heads and the disc drive circuitry comprises flex strips routed on the actuator assembly from the heads and a flex affixed on the actuator assembly. A flex support snubber mounted on the side of the actuator assembly has a body portion with a plurality of arms extending therefrom. Each pair of the arms form a groove so that the arms are disposed above and below discs while the discs extend into the grooves. A plurality of slits are interposed between the grooves to support the flex strips therein. An opposite end of the flex support snubber curves to form a U-shaped snubber bend for turning and guiding a dynamic portion of the flex.