Abstract:
A rigid disk drive information storage device (1, 4) includes a rigid disk (10) having an outside diameter of about 33-34 mm, with a housing having a footprint with a width of about 35 mm and utilizing a rotary actuator (15) for positioning read/write recording elements (5) across the surface of the disk (10). The disk storage devices (1, 4) includes a footprint with length of about 50.8 mm, and includes in one embodiment dynamic head loading apparatus for loading the read/write recording elements (5) into operative relationship with the disk (10). In another embodiment the rigid disk drive (1, 4) utilizes contact start stop loading and unloading of the read/write recording elements (5). An inertial latch (16) prevents rotation of the actuator (15) when the drive (1, 4) is subjected to a rotational force. Back electromotive force generated by spin motor windings is used during power down to unload the read/write recording elements (5) from the disk surface and latch the actuator (15) in parked position.