International Business Machines Corporation

Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.v.

Alan P Giorgi

Norman Kermit Frater

Oscar Jaime Ruiz

Robert Waltman

Paul Marion Green

Garth Wade Helf

Eric Christian O'Brien

Qin Pan

Anthony L Smith

A method is presented for controlling process delay times between a) thin film deposition and lubricant application, and b) lubricant application and abrasive polishing. Applicants have discovered that for certain lubricants, a minimum delay time after the overcoat has been deposited before the lubricant is applied increases the number of disks passing the glide test after abrasive polishing. In addition, applicants have discovered that for certain lubricants, the abrasive polishing should take place within a maximum time window following the application of the lubricant. A computerized work-in-progress tracking system is preferably used to implement the method of the invention.

Control of process timing during manufacturing of magnetic thin film disks

A suspension system comprises a load beam connecting a transducer element to a support member. The load beam has a stiffener member which forms an enclosed interior chamber. The stiffener member adds rigidity to the suspension. The transducer element is connected to the load beam by a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly is comprised of a plurality of thin plate members which are stacked together. The result is a low profile suspension system.

Transducer suspension system

A head suspension assembly comprises a load beam, flexure, and a transducer assembly. The transducer assembly is attached to a gimbal section of the flexure. A flexible section comprising two legs, supports the gimbal section. Two longitudinal grooves are etched into the center portions of each of the legs. A flexure is obtained which provides for adequate vertical bending, while at the same time provides rigidity to prevent horizontal bending.

Etched suspension system

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Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Alan P Giorgi