Abstract: A flexible disk file employs a pivotable head arm which supports a grooved magnetic head. The magnetic head is formed with an asymmetric groove so that skew of the head relative to the rotating flexible disk surface is compensated.

Abstract: A batch fabricated multi-element head is made from interlocking ferrite parts to form a low contoured surface for interfacing with a magnetic medium, such as a flexible disk. On another surface, a multi-turn conductive coil is formed by thin film process and cooperates with a flux path bar to define the magnetic flux field.

Abstract: Aluminum-based alloy films and metallization layers that are patterned by reactive ion etching (RIE) are passivated by etching surface portions of the films or layers with a phosphoric-chromic mixture to remove contaminants and then oxidizing the exposed surface portions in an oxygen atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a novel ferrite magnetic head assembly utilizes two ferrite pieces having extending fingers of closely similar dimensions that are joined in interleaving fashion and bonded to a ceramic substrate. The resultant assembly is sliced to provide closure sections for multi-track magnetic heads. Each closure section is joined to a ferrite wafer such that the wafer and closure section define a transducing gap therebetween.

Abstract: A conductive wire useful with a magnetic head assembly is formed from a zirconium/copper alloy core, which is plated with a corrosion resistant conductive metal, such as gold. The wire is preferably covered with insulation, such as polyurethane.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly has conductive strips that serve as bypass paths to discharge static electrical charges at a distance from the effective magnetic pole pieces and transducing gap.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive head assembly comprises a silicon substrate, a magnetoresistive element mounted on the substrate, and sapphire members formed around said substrate in a sandwich type configuration. The portion of the head which interacts in transducing relation with a magnetic medium is so configured as to realize improved wear characteristics as well as good heat dissipation with low thermal noise.

Abstract: A readout signal detection circuit comprises a data signal detector which senses changes in voltage of the signal waveform relative to signal peak amplitude; a threshold detector for sensing signal peak magnitudes that exceed a preset magnitude; a differentiator to locate signal peak position; and logic circuitry to test the validity of a linear readout signal applied to the detectors and the differentiator in parallel. A ramp timer provides a delay and fixed period during which the readout signal is checked for validity.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly includes a ferrite core sandwiched between two ceramic layers. Alumina films are deposited by sputtering on the sides of the ferrite core and on the ceramic layers in one structure, and on the ferrite core only in another structure, which are then bonded to form an integral head assembly. Slots to provide flying height control are formed in the air bearing surface of the ceramic layers. The process of making the assembly includes the steps of sputter etching the ferrite and ceramic prior to the deposition of the alumina.

Abstract: A magnetic head mount assembly for accessing data tracks recorded on a magnetic medium includes a mounting post, an arm element which engages the post, and a yoke on which circuit elements are disposed. An end portion of the post is slotted to receive electrical leads for connection to the magnetic head, which is supported by an air bearing slider positioned over the slotted end portion. The arm element is preferably frustoconical to reduce mass and weight, thereby enhancing access time.

Abstract: A preloaded head arm assembly comprises a lightweight, low inertia frustoconical arm support to which a magnetic head is mounted at one end. The other end of the head arm support is coupled to an end of a rotatable shaft, on which the arm support can be pivoted. An electrical coil which is disposed within a magnetic field supplied by permanent magnet means is fastened to the other end of the shaft. The pivotable magnetic head arm assembly may be vertically adjusted to control flying height and angularly adjusted relative to the surface of a magnetic disk to correct for azimuth variations.

Abstract: A flying magnetic head assembly includes a head suspension formed with spaced resilient sections for providing opposing angular motions, so that the head slider mounted to the suspension maintains a parallel relation to the surface of a magnetic medium, as the suspension and slider are moved aerodynamically into flying transducing relation with the medium.

Abstract: In the process of sputter deposition of targets on target electrodes, a gallium-indium eutectic alloy is employed to form a floating bond between the target material and the target electrode. Relatively high radio frequency (r.f.) power density is used to increase the deposition rate without cracking the target.

Abstract: A magnetic head arm suspension assembly which supports air bearing head sliders and magnetic transducers comprises a rigid load beam coupled to a box-like arm through a spring element which has flexible legs. The load beam is seated in a recess in the arm, so that the centerlines of the load beam and of the spring are coincident. In this manner, the sliders and magnetic transducers, which are mounted to the suspension assembly, are loaded in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface of a moving storage medium and maintained in a parallel plane relative to the planar surface of the medium.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head assembly incorporates a nonconductive magnetic substrate which serves as a first pole piece and a thin film magnetic layer for the second pole piece. A magnetoresistive (MR) element is disposed between the pole pieces. During the write mode, the MR element serves as a partial write turn to enhance the write signal current applied to a conductor means. During the read mode, the conductor means serves as a magnetic shield, and the transducing gap is effectively narrowed.

Abstract: A magnetic head slider is formed from a mixture of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and TiC, having a fine grain composition of average particle size less than 5 microns. The ratio of aluminum oxide to titanium carbide of the mixture is in the range of 60-80% to 40-20%. The ceramic head slider has lower porosity and improved machining and wear characteristics.

Abstract: An improved electronic velocity measurement device for an accessing type disk drive combines a differentiated cyclically discontinuous displacement (position error) signal (PES) with integrated motor current signals to produce an accurate continuous velocity signal over the entire range of displacements of a linear actuator. Differentiation of the displacement signal is achieved by low bandwidth differentiator circuitry that is corrected for periodic reversal of the displacement signal by a unique fill-in signal derived from integrated motor current. In a specific embodiment, the fill-in signal is derived by the use of a second differentiator using a second displacement signal in space quadrature with the primary displacement signal.

Abstract: A thin film inductive head is formed with nickel-iron binary alloy or nickel-iron-X ternary alloy pole pieces characterized by negative magnetostriction having a saturation magnetostriction coefficient in the range of -1.times.10.sup.-6 to -5.times.10.sup.-6.

Abstract: Data recognition apparatus includes a temporary storage to hold three data bits, a readable storage to store eight different sequences which are expected to occur, and a comparison means to find the closest match of the contents of the temporary storage with the readable storage at each bit time. Error detection and error correction are realized as each bit is recognized three times sequentially. The apparatus may use surface acoustic wave and charge coupled device filter banks, and analog to digital conversion plus data processor comparison.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head assembly has a multi-turn electrical conducting coil, which is formed by deposition in an elliptical pattern. By virtue of the elliptical pattern, the coil turn portions between the back gap closure and transducing gap of the thin film head are relatively narrow, whereas the coil turn portions furthest from the transducing gap are widest. Corners and sharp ends are eliminated. Electrical resistance effects are thereby minimized and signal output is enhanced.