The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 21, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 20, 1996
Yong Shen, Milpitas, CA (US);
Chyu Jiuh Torng, Pleasanton, CA (US);
Daniel A Nepela, San Jose, CA (US);
Read-Rite Corporation, Milpitas, CA (US);
Abstract
A magnetic head assembly includes a read head having an active central region and two inactive side regions contiguously formed relative to the central region. The central region includes a magnetoresistive (MR) transducer for enabling active sensing of data recorded on a magnetic medium. Protective layers encapsulate the central region and separate it from the side regions, such that diffusion and electromigration are reduced. Each end region includes a longitudinal bias layer, and a multilayered conductive section. The longitudinal bias layer may be formed of alternating layers of antiferromagnetic material and layers of soft magnetic material and/or hard magnetic longitudinal bias. The multilayered conductive section includes conductive leads that do not contact either the MR element or the soft bias layer. The conductive layers are interlayered between a plurality of spacers that provide structural support to the conductive section, and that increase the overall mechanical hardness of the conductive section. Some or all of the protective layers as well as the spacers of the conductive sections may be made from selected refractory materials.