Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensing element used for sensing magnetic transitions includes relatively thick shields and substantially thinner shields between the thick shields and the MR element. The output pulse waveform resulting from the MR element sensing a magnetic transition is improved permitting a higher linear density. The thick shields can comprise the legs of an inductive write transducer with the thin shields and MR element interposed for the read function. Another read/write head embodiment can include a separate write tranducer with the thin shields and the MR element placed between one of the legs of a write transducer and a third magnetic shield formed from either a thick magnetic layer or a magnetic substrate.

Abstract: A straight line whose azimuth angle is to be measured, such as the angle of a gap of a magnetic head assembly relative to a disk radius, is imaged on an evaluation plane via a lens and a pair of deflecting mirrors, the first of which is semi-transparent. The mirrors are each inclined at a different angle from a common pivot line. The angular difference is such that the images do not touch and only one end portion of each image from the mirrors lies in the image field. The lateral spacing of these end portions is a function of the azimuth angle. A mask blocking out the center portion of the image may be used to assist in the end portion definition.

Abstract: A magnetic head arm assembly has a suspension for an air bearing head slider that includes a substantially rectangular flexure with two parallel flexible narrow fingers and relatively stiff crosslegs, and a central finger to which the slider is attached. A load beam is fastened to the flexure so as to engage a load protuberance formed with the central finger. Flexibility of pitch around a longitudinal axis and roll around an orthogonol axis are provided thereby. Stiffness and rigidity against radial, circumferential and yaw motions are also realized.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium, such as a magnetic recording disk, having a magnetic recording layer that contains ferromagnetic and nonferromagnetic particles dispersed in a binder. The nonferromagnetic particles are disposed in the binder to be substantially equal to the thickness of the coated layer, and are of a material having a greater hardness than that of the binder.