Abstract: A magneto-resistive (MR) head has an MR layer in a space formed by shield layers by providing a distance enough to protect magnetic flux, flowing through the MR layer from a recording medium through a gap formed by the shield layers, from leaking out to the shield layers. A flux guide is provided between the MR layer and the gap, and has an end magnetically connected to the MR, extending over an effective area of the MR head, and another end having a width a little narrower than a width of track of the recording medium. A side of the MR layer, opposite to the side connected with the flux guide layer is placed in a narrow space formed at a corner of the space. Magnetic flux leaked from the gap due to a sense current flowing through the MR layer is eliminated by making a current flow through a recording coil layer or through an electrically conductive layer placed in the space.

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.

Abstract: A disk playback apparatus comprises a stocker including a plurality of shelves for compact disks, a pallet disposed adjacent to the stocker, a lift stage for moving the stocker up and down so that a selected one of the shelves is located in a position higher than the pallet for a predetermined distance, a loader capable of reciprocating between an unloading position on the stocker side and a loading position on the pallet side, and a lifter in the loader. As the loader moves from the unloading position toward the loading position, the lifter lowers and feeds the disk on the selected shelf to the pallet while drawing out the disk from the stocker. As the loader moves from the loading position toward the unloading position, the lifter raises and returns the disk on the pallet to the selected shelf while pushing back the disk toward the stocker.