International Business Machines Corporation

Michel P Robert

Nobuyuki Kitazaki

Devendra S Chhabra

Ferdinand Hendriks

Mats Anders Engwall

Karl Gong

Larry Joe Gilliland

Roy P Crawford

For a slider having convex curvature along its length, or 'crown', a method for reducing fly height variation due to crown by shifting the peak of the crown toward the leading end, and the resultant slider structure. In a preferred method, peak shifting is accomplished in a slider with symmetrical crown by affixing a suspension to the bonding surface of the slider near the leading end. The bonding process creates a displacement force upon the slider to effect the shift. An alternative approach reshapes a row of sliders prior to rail shaping, e.g., by sand or bead blasting.

Method of manufacturing a slider/suspension having an improved crown

Slider having shifted crown peak for reduced fly height sensitivity

A slider for providing an air bearing between a transducer and a moving recording surface includes a platform having a first surface with a leading edge opposite a trailing edge and a lateral axis between the leading and trailing edges. A plurality of projections extend from the first surface. At least one of the projections is disposed between the leading edge and the lateral axis and another of the projections is disposed between the trailing edge and the lateral axis. Each of the projections includes a second surface and a recess facing the leading edge. The recesses are bounded on their sides by shrouds that limit air bearing leakage. The recesses provide lift and stability to the slider when the recording surface is moving and always remain out of contact with the recording surface. To limit stiction, only the second surface of the projections is in apparent contact with the recording surface when the recording surface is stationary.

Air bearing slider having projections that provide minimal actual

An integrated bearing and pump assembly is formed by positioning a hydrodynamic pump coaxially with respect to a hydrodynamic bearing. The integrated assembly provides pressurized fluid for use within the device incorporating the bearing. The hydrodynamic pump comprises a secondary hydrodynamic bearing incorporated into the primary bearing assembly. The secondary bearing is optimized for high flow pumping applications rather than the high pressure, zero flow requirements of the primary bearing. When the bearing assembly is rotated, fluid flow is provided.

Hydrodynamic pump

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

Michel P Robert