Abstract: A load mechanism for loading and unloading magnetic heads relative to a magnetic disk includes a rotatable comb-like structure having lift pins for coacting with the head supporting flexures to maintain the heads securely spaced from the surfaces of the disks during the unload mode and to allow the heads to assume the transducing position during the load mode.

Abstract: A head lifter for a disk drive is electromagnetically actuated in order to securely remove the head/flexure assembly from the surface of the disk in order to avoid damage. The lifter operates in a fashion similar to a pair of scissors such that the motion of the armature in the electromagnetic loop produces motion in the opposite direction by the lifting arms thus accomplishing the lifting function. The lifting arms are specially shaped so as to securely retain the flexures away from the disk surface regardless of the relative location of the lifting arms with respect to the flexure. The lifting mechanism is provided with a magnetic shield which preserves the reliability of the data recorded on the disk. The lifting is accomplished by a spring which insures safe lifting in a power off condition. During normal operation of the disk drive, the electromagnetic loop draws a very low current in order to reduce the power requirements and further provide magnetic shielding.