Abstract: Described are probe assemblies that include multiple layers, including at least one layer of probe bodies; suspension assemblies and components thereof, e.g., head gimbal assemblies, that include a probe assembly as described; and methods of using the probe assemblies and suspension assemblies.

Abstract: Described are probe assemblies that include multiple layers, including at least one layer of probe bodies; suspension assemblies and components thereof, e.g., head gimbal assemblies, that include a probe assembly as described; and methods of using the probe assemblies and suspension assemblies.

Abstract: A self-loading disc head-slider has a slider body, with a leading slider edge and a trailing slider edge, and first and second raised rails. Each raised rail has a leading rail edge, inside and outside rail edges and a bearing surface. A cavity dam extends between the first and second raised rails. A subambient pressure cavity trails the cavity dam, between the first and second raised rails. A stepped leading taper extends from the leading slider edge to the bearing surfaces of the first and second raised rails. The stepped leading taper is formed of first and second steps. The first step is positioned along the leading slider edge. The second step wraps around the leading rail edges of the first and second raised rails and extends along a portion of the inside and outside rail edges of the first and second raised rails. The first and second steps have a step height of 0.05 to 1.5 microns.

Abstract: A self-loading disc head slider includes a slider body with leading and trailing slider edges, first and second side edges, and a length along a slider center line, from the leading slider edge to the trailing slider edge. First and second raised rails are positioned on the slider body, generally along the first and second side edges, respectively, and terminate prior to the trailing slider edge. The first and second raised rails form first and second bearing surfaces. A raised center pad is positioned along the trailing slider edge at the slider center line and forms a third bearing surface. A cavity dam is positioned rearward of the first and second raised rails and has a forward section, which is positioned forward of the raised center pad, and first and second leg sections, which extend rearward from the forward section on respective sides of the raised center pad. A subambient pressure cavity trails the cavity dam and extends on respective sides of the raised center pad.

Abstract: An information handling system, such as a disc drive includes a base, a disc rotatably attached to the base, and an actuator attached to the base. The disc drive also includes a slider attached to the actuator. The slider has an air-bearing surface which includes a first rail, a second rail, a cavity positioned between the first rail and the second rail, and at least one contact protection feature positioned near at least one corner of the air bearing surface. The contact protection feature may be located at or near the trailing edge. In other embodiments, the contact protection feature may be located at or near the leading edge of the slider. The contact protection feature includes a trench bordered by three side with an open end facing the leading edge of the slider.