Abstract: Servo patterns for patterned media. The servo pattern includes specification of cylinder/track ID with and without a Gray code. The servo pattern space is minimized by the optimum usage of the islands. This is achieved by island allocation rules to take advantage of non-magnetic island. The island allocation also provides for easier lift-off. Logic is used to encode and decode the Gray code. Further, the Gray code is designed to stabilize the magnetic island/non-magnetic island ratio to allow for easier manufacture.

Abstract: Mirror-image patterns for use one patterned media. Methods are implemented to create a mirror-image on the top and bottom of a media disk. These mirror images simplify the creation of electronics for patterned media. Further, the methods allow for a single e-beam master disk to be used to create the stamper for the top and the bottom of the media disk.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is presented for deep etching of features on a surface. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having a surface selected to undergo a feature etching process and coating the substrate surface with a protective layer and an imprintable layer. The coated substrate is then subjected to a feature imprinting and etching process. Subsequent to the feature etching process, exposed portions of the protective layer are removed, exposing a well-defined, topographically patterned substrate. In addition, an apparatus for undergoing a feature etching process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a substrate, an imprintable layer selected to undergo an imprinting process, and a protective layer positioned between the substrate and the imprintable layer.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for increasing data storage density in patterned media. One or more deposition sources may apply magnetic material to one or more recesses formed in a substrate, each recess having opposing sidewalls that are effectively coated by the deposition sources. The top surface of the substrate may subsequently be planarized to remove magnetic material from such surface, thereby isolating one or more recordable magnetic regions formed on each sidewall. In this manner, the present invention may provide at least two recordable regions for every recess formed in a substrate.

Abstract: A bit patterned magnetic media design for reducing the amount of magnetic material located in the trenches between topographic features is disclosed. An intermediate non-magnetic layer is deposited on the topography prior to depositing the functional magnetic layer on the topographic substrate features. The non-magnetic layer increases the width of the land regions that will ultimately support the functional magnetic layer. The non-magnetic layer also reduces the amount of trench deposition that can occur in the subsequent deposition of the magnetic recording layer. By eliminating most of the magnetic trench material, the amount of magnetic flux and readback interference produced by the trench material is reduced to an acceptable level.

Abstract: A system method and apparatus for determining a position error signal (PES) for servo tracking in a data recording system using a data track. The PES is determined using a sensor array that includes a plurality of sensors offset from one another by certain predetermined distances in a direction perpendicular to the track direction. Correlation functions can be determined for pairs of sensors in the sensor array based on the signals read by the sensors. The results of these correlation functions can then be used to determine a PES by using a look up table or computational processor.

Abstract: A system for tracking and segregating repeated defects on media disks as tabled data in disk drives is disclosed. The disks have the same defects as the sub-master from which they are formed. Likewise, the sub-masters have the same defects as the master from which they are formed which, in turn, are passed down to the disks themselves. This information is recorded in the disk drives to avoid read/write operations in the affected sectors of the disks. In addition, the order and production quantities of sub-masters and disks made are tracked since replication performance decays over time.

Abstract: Watermarks for patterned magnetic media. The watermarks are used to demonstrate the unauthorized replication of a patterned magnetic media. The watermarks include a dibit, a pattern in an open region, shifting of data, shifting of a sync mark and large length scale perturbations. Also described are methods to determine if a watermark appears on a patterned media.

Abstract: Servo patterns for patterned media. The servo pattern includes specification of cylinder/track ID with and without a Gray code. The servo pattern space is minimized by the optimum usage of the islands. This is achieved by island allocation rules to take advantage of non-magnetic island. The island allocation also provides for easier lift-off. Logic is used to encode and decode the Gray code. Further, the Gray code is designed to stabilize the magnetic island/non-magnetic island ratio to allow for easier manufacture.

Abstract: A structure for preventing Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage to a magnetoresistive sensor during manufacture. The structure includes a switching element that can be switched off during testing of the sensor and then switched back on to provide ESD shunting to the sensor. The switch can be a thermally activated mechanical relay built onto the slider. The switch could also be a programmable resistor that includes a solid electrolyte sandwiched between first and second electrodes. One of the electrodes functions as an anode. When voltage is applied in a first direction an ion bridge forms across through the electrolyte across electrodes making the resistor conductive. When a voltage is applied in a second direction, the ion bridge recedes and the programmable resistor becomes essentially non-conductive.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for utilizing a “shadow mask” approach to fabricate servo patterns on high density patterned media. The apparatus may include a deposition mask having a plurality of apertures generated by a conventional lithographic process. Material may be deposited onto a substrate through the deposition mask apertures from at least one deposition source oriented at unique deposition angles. In this manner, each aperture may correspond to multiple deposition locations. Apertures may be precisely dimensioned and positioned to create servo pattern features from the resulting deposition locations. The deposition mask may also include a plurality of bit pattern apertures adapted to direct a material to a plurality of deposition locations on the substrate, the deposition locations forming a bit pattern concurrent with formation of a servo pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for accessing discontinuous media tracks. The apparatus, in one embodiment, accesses discontinuous media tracks of a storage medium having one or more independently formed storage regions thereon. Each storage region may include a set of track segments. A memory may be provided to store track offset information for each storage region. A mapping module may collect track offset information, calculate a physical offset between adjacent storage regions, define a track, create a table, and store the track offset information in the memory. The apparatus may further include a tracking module to sense a position of a head relative to a centerline of a track segment within a current storage region, access offset information, and align a storage head with a closely aligned track segment within a subsequent storage region. Consequently, discontinuous media tracks may be accessed by a storage access device.

Abstract: A data storage cartridge having an data storage device, such as an encased magnetic disk drive assembly, is, in one embodiment, of generally an exterior dimensional form factor of a tape cartridge having a leader block with a hole therethrough for engagement by a threading pin. To distinguish the cartridge from a tape cartridge, the cartridge shell comprises a blocking portion at the location of the leader block hole. A transfer station both identifies the cartridge and indicates the presence of the cartridge at an end of travel in a cartridge receiver, employing an optical source and an opposed sensor directed toward the leader block hole when a cartridge is at the end of travel. In another embodiment, an encased magnetic disk drive assembly is supported and mounted in a cartridge shell by a shock mount.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and storage library for storing data. A data storage cartridge includes a data storage device and the data storage device includes a storage medium and a power supply. A transfer station includes an interface capable of mating with the data storage cartridge to perform data transfer operations with respect to the storage medium in the data storage device. A gripper assembly includes an interface capable of engaging the data storage cartridge and supplying power to the data storage device power supply. The gripper assembly further includes movement electronics for moving the data storage cartridge to the transfer station and inserting the data storage cartridge in the transfer station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting read sensors from damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD) during manufacturing are described. Two electrical connections are formed and utilized for ESD protection: one primarily for early protection of the sensors (i.e. prior to cutting and lapping the wafer to form the ABS) and the other primarily for later protection of the sensors (i.e. after cutting and lapping the wafer to form the ABS). The first electrical connection is created between the read sensor and the first and second shields, and is severed when the wafer is cut and lapped along the ABS. The second electrical connection is formed between the sensor leads and the first and second shields, and is exposed on an outside surface of the magnetic head. The second electrical connection is severed late in the manufacturing process, preferably by laser-deletion.

Abstract: A lapping monitor for monitoring the lapping of a lapping surface of a body having at least one transducer which has a height that has to be lapped. The lapping monitor has a lap unit for lapping the lapping surface, at least one lapping indicator mounted close to the transducer to indicate the height of the transducer and a control block in the body at a certain distance from the lapping indicator or indicators. It is also possible to use a property of the transducers themselves, e.g., their resistance, to indicate their height. The control block receives indication of the height of the transducers being lapped from the lapping indicators or from the transducers via an electrical connection. The control block is further equipped with test contacts for establishing an external connection.

Abstract: A dual speed hard drive system with an actuator retract system capable of retracting the actuator at approximately the same speed and power in both speed modes. In one embodiment, the control of resistance is used to control the amount of back-emf current supplied to the voice coil motor. In another embodiment, the circuit selectively restrict which spindle motor winding is allowed to supply back-emf current to the voice coil motor. In yet another embodiment, a voltage or a current regulator is used to control the current flowing into the voice coil motor. In all three embodiments, the amount of back-emf current supplied to the voice coil motor is proportional to the power and speed at which the actuator is being retracted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for protecting read sensors from damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD) during manufacturing are described. Two electrical connections are formed and utilized for ESD protection: one primarily for early protection of the sensors (i.e. prior to cutting and lapping the wafer to form the ABS) and the other primarily for later protection of the sensors (i.e. after cutting and lapping the wafer to form the ABS). The first electrical connection is created between the read sensor and the first and second shields, and is severed when the wafer is cut and lapped along the ABS. The second electrical connection is formed between the sensor leads and the first and second shields, and is exposed on an outside surface of the magnetic head. The second electrical connection is severed late in the manufacturing process, preferably by laser-deletion.

Abstract: A shock mount structure facilitates shock absorption for a device. An outrigger, preferably two wing-like outriggers at diametrically opposite sides of the device, is mounted to the device at an attachment point, and is positioned between two contacting force absorbing members, distributing the shock force to the force absorption members, and supporting the device against slippage with respect to the force absorption members. Leaf spring tabs are formed within the cartridge shell, spaced from an edge of the cartridge shell to allow their flexure. The force absorption members are positioned between the device and the leaf spring tabs, contacting the tabs, such that the tabs assist in absorbing shock force directed at the leaf spring tabs.

Abstract: A shock mount structure facilitates shock absorption for a device. An outrigger, preferably two wing-like outriggers at diametrically opposite sides of the device, is mounted to the device at an attachment point, and is positioned between two contacting force absorbing members, distributing the shock force to the force absorption members, and supporting the device against slippage with respect to the force absorption members. Leaf spring tabs are formed within the cartridge shell, spaced from an edge of the cartridge shell to allow their flexure. The force absorption members are positioned between the device and the leaf spring tabs, contacting the tabs, such that the tabs assist in absorbing shock force directed at the leaf spring tabs.