Patents Examined by Jefferson A Evans
  • Perpendicular magnetic recording head having coil portions above a main pole and provided with different cross-sectional shapes and method of manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 8035920
    Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording head and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The perpendicular magnetic recording head that includes a main pole, a return yoke, and coils that surround upper and lower parts of the main pole in a solenoid shape so that the main pole generates a magnetic field for recording information onto a recording medium, wherein a portion of the coils that pass above the main pole comprises a plurality of first coils and at least one second coil having a cross-sectional shape different from that of the first coils, and the second coil is formed across upper regions of two first coils adjacent to each other among the first coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-won Na, Kook-hyun Sunwoo, Joo-ho Lee, Jae-chul Shim
  • CPP device with an enhanced dR/R ratio
    Patent number: 8031441
    Abstract: A CPP-GMR spin valve having a composite spacer layer comprised of at least one metal (M) layer and at least one semiconductor or semi-metal (S) layer is disclosed. The composite spacer may have a M/S, S/M, M/S/M, S/M/S, M/S/M/S/M, or a multilayer (M/S/M)n configuration where n is an integer ?1. The pinned layer preferably has an AP2/coupling/AP1 configuration wherein the AP2 portion is a FCC trilayer represented by CoZFe(100-Z)/FeYCo(100-Y)/CoZFe(100-Z) where y is 0 to 60 atomic %, and z is 75 to 100 atomic %. In one embodiment, M is Cu with a thickness from 0.5 to 50 Angstroms and S is ZnO with a thickness of 1 to 50 Angstroms. The S layer may be doped with one or more elements. The dR/R ratio of the spin valve is increased to 10% or greater while maintaining acceptable EM and RA performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kunliang Zhang, Min Li, Moris Dovek, Yue Liu
  • Dual sided tape storage device and dual sided tape drive
    Patent number: 8027122
    Abstract: A data storage device is provided with a housing having an access opening, a pair of tape reels and dual sided data tape. The access opening is adjacent to a tape path for access of each tape side. A tape drive is provided with a pair of read/write heads, each having a first position to receive the tape, and a second position for engaging one side of the tape for performing a read/write function. A method is disclosed for reading and/or writing data with a data storage device by providing a housing having an access opening, a pair of tape reels, and dual sided tape. The data storage device is loaded to a tape drive having a pair of read/write heads that are actuated to engage the data tape sides. The tape is conveyed along the pair of read/write heads while a read/write function is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Vanderheyden, Richard H. Dee, Peter R. Coburn, William T. Veno
  • Apparatus to prevent sticking of spindle motor and hard disk drive having the same
    Patent number: 8023224
    Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a base, a cover coupled to an upper portion of the base to accommodate a plurality of parts between the cover and the base, a spindle motor including a FDB (fluid dynamic bearing) having an FDB fixing portion fixed to the base and an FDB rotation portion partially inserted in an inside of the FDB fixing portion and which rotates with respect to the FDB fixing portion, a hub to support a disk, having an end portion coupled to the FDB rotation portion, and which rotates with the FDB rotation portion and a power generation portion to generate power to rotate the hub, and an anti-stick portion provided with at least one of the cover and the spindle motor and which prevents the FDB rotation portion from being restricted as the FDB rotation portion partially contacts the FDB fixing portion by an impact applied to the spindle motor when the disk rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Rae Cho
  • Tunneling magnetic sensing element including free magnetic layer and IrMn protective layer disposed thereon and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 8023233
    Abstract: A tunneling magnetic sensing element includes a pinned magnetic layer whose magnetization direction is pinned in one direction, an insulating barrier layer disposed on the pinned magnetic layer, a free magnetic layer whose magnetization direction varies in response to an external magnetic field disposed on the insulating barrier layer, and a first protective layer composed of iridium-manganese (IrMn) disposed on the free magnetic layer. Consequently, a high rate of change in resistance is obtained and the magnetostriction of the free magnetic layer is low, compared with a tunneling magnetic sensing element which is not provided with a first protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Nishimura, Ryo Nakabayashi, Naoya Hasegawa, Masamichi Saito, Yosuke Ide, Masahiko Ishizone
  • Vertical magnetic recording head device with the return yoke layer having thick portions
    Patent number: 8018680
    Abstract: A vertical magnetic recording head device includes: a magnetic layer that includes a main magnetic pole exposed from a surface facing a recording medium; a return yoke layer that is provided on the magnetic layer with a non-magnetic layer interposed therebetween; and coil layers that apply a recording magnetic field to the magnetic layer and the return yoke layer. In the vertical magnetic recording head device, the return yoke layer includes thick portions that extend in a height direction in edge regions arranged in a track width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Toma, Hiroshi Kameda, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Toru Takahashi
  • Head stack assembly with spacers to partition drive arms
    Patent number: 8018688
    Abstract: A head stack assembly of a disk drive unit includes a head arm assembly (HAA) having a head gimbal assembly, a drive arm to be connected with the head gimbal assembly; wherein the drive arm comprises a securing portion, a connection portion and a spacer connecting the securing portion with the connection portion. At least one undercut is formed on the spacer of the drive arm to strengthen the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Kamigama, Yiu Sing Ho, Canhua Chen
  • CPP magnetic recording head with self-stabilizing vortex configuration
    Patent number: 8018690
    Abstract: A CPP MTJ or GMR read sensor is provided in which the free layer is self-stabilized by a magnetization in a circumferential vortex configuration. This magnetization permits the pinned layer to be magnetized in a direction parallel to the ABS plane, which thereby makes the pinned layer directionally more stable as well. The lack of lateral horizontal bias layers or in-stack biasing allows the formation of closely configured shields, thereby providing protection against side-reading. The vortex magnetization is accomplished by first magnetizing the free layer in a uniform vertical field, then applying a vertical current while the field is still present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tai Min, Pokang Wang, Min Li, Otto Vogeli
  • Data storage tape for minimized damage
    Patent number: 8014102
    Abstract: A data storage device has a cartridge with tape having data and landing zones. One of the landing zones is aligned with a head during stopping of advancement of the tape to minimize damage. A data storage system is provided with a data storage device with data and landing zones, a read/write head, a motor for driving the tape and a processor for identifying the landing zone locations. A method for minimizing damage to data tape conveys base film along a coating head while intermittently dispensing a magnetic layer and a rougher coating layer to form landing zones. A method for minimizing damage to data storage tape provides a cassette with tape having intermittent data and non-data regions, that is inserted into a tape drive and a read or write function is performed. The tape is advanced to align a non-data region with a head and advancement is discontinued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Kientz, Mark L. Watson
  • High density array system with active movable media drawers
    Patent number: 8009385
    Abstract: A storage system is provided having at least one storage unit, the storage unit including an electrical power source, a communication source and a cover that defines, at least in part an interior space. The storage system operates with a media blade that comprises a plurality of data storage elements, the media blade moveable in a drawer like motion though a cooperating opening in the cover. The storage system further includes a motion accommodating conductor apparatus connecting the plurality of data storage elements to the electrical power source and the communication source such that power from the electrical power source and communication from the communication source may be provided to the media blade without interruption when the media blade is moved in the drawer like motion outward from at least partially within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Spectra Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Thomas Starr, Walter Wong, Michael Edward Figaro, Ronald Gregory Duren, Matthew John Ninesling, Joshua Daniel Carter, Scott Edward Bacom
  • Method for increasing storage capacity and a transducer configuration incorporating the same
    Patent number: 8009388
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing storage capacity of a disc drive by physically skewing a transducer in relation to a slider supporting the transducer. The physical skew angle of the transducer is configured to provide a predetermined zero skew position on the medium, which is capable of providing an increased storage capacity to the medium. To ascertain this zero skew position, a storage density or storage capacity of the medium may be ascertained for each of various zero skew positions on the medium. A desired storage density or capacity level is selected according to storage capacity requirements and the corresponding zero skew position is ascertained. The corresponding zero skew position may be implemented by physically skewing a transducer relative to a slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Chee Fong Oh, Swee Chuan Gan, Lihong Zhang
  • Perpendicular magnetic recording write head with trailing shield having throat height defined by electroplated nonmagnetic pad layer and method for making the head
    Patent number: 7995307
    Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording write head has a magnetic write pole (WP) and a trailing shield (TS). The TS has a height (TS-HT) and a throat height (TS-TH) in a direction perpendicular to the ABS, with TS-TH being less than TS-HT. Nonmagnetic material is located between the TS and the WP and separates the TS from the WP. The nonmagnetic material includes a gap layer and a nonmagnetic electroplated “bump” or pad between the WP and the TS. The pad has a front edge generally parallel to and recessed from the ABS so that the TS-TH is generally equal to the distance from the ABS to the pad's front edge. An electrical lapping guide (ELG) is formed adjacent to the write head, with the back edge of the ELG being defined in the same process step that defines the location of the recessed front edge of the electroplated pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Yi Zheng
  • Magnetic head with protective films
    Patent number: 7990659
    Abstract: A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a substrate; a sensor formed above the substrate; a second shield formed above the sensor and the substrate; a first insulation layer positioned between the substrate and the sensor; a second insulation layer positioned between the sensor and the second shield; and a nonmagnetic, non-electrically insulative layer formed between the substrate and the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Glenn Biskeborn, Calvin Shyhjong Lo, Jason Liang, Teya Topuria
  • Perpendicular magnetic write head with stepped write pole for reduced MCW dependency on skew angle
    Patent number: 7990652
    Abstract: A magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic data recording having a notched write pole for reduced magnetic core width (MCW) dependence on skew. The write pole is configured with a notch that can extend to or slightly beyond the flare point of the write pole, and is formed on the leading portion of the write pole. The notch can have a notch depth, as measured from the ABS of 50-200 nm or about 120 nm. The notch can have a notch height, measured in the down track direction that is 40-90 nm or 20-90 percent of the write pole height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Wen-Chien David Hsiao, Yimin Hsu, Quan-chiu Harry Lam, Yansheng Luo, Vladimir Nikitin, Changqing Shi
  • Discrete track magnetic media with domain wall pinning sites
    Patent number: 7986493
    Abstract: A magnetic recording medium with domain wall pinning sites including a substrate, a soft magnetic underlayer, and a magnetic recording layer overlying the soft magnetic underlayer. In one embodiment the magnetic recording layer has at least two grooves providing a track having first and second sidewalls formed by the grooves. The sidewalls provide a plurality of pinning sites formed between the sidewalls for pinning magnetic domain walls in the track. At least one of the pinning sites includes a first indentation in the first sidewall and a paired second indentation in the second sidewall. In one embodiment data can be stored within the magnetic recording layer by positioning a write head adjacent the track and inducing at least two magnetic domains defining a domain wall. The domain wall migrates to one of the pinning sites in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Dieter Weller, Timothy J. Klemmer, Kim Y. Lee
  • Perpendicular magnetic recording head and perpendicular magnetic recording/reproducing head with at least one shield layer having a substantially arched portion
    Patent number: 7983010
    Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording head according to the present invention is composed of a first magnetic layer having a main magnetic pole exposed at a facing surface opposite a recording medium, a second magnetic layer adjacent to the first magnetic layer with an intermediary non-magnetic layer disposed therebetween, and a coil layer for applying a recording magnetic field to the first magnetic layer. Since the second magnetic layer has a shape including a substantially arched portion in its cross section along a height direction, it becomes possible to keep an Edge Write magnetic field in a low level and improve external magnetic field resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Toma, Hiroshi Kameda, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Toru Takahashi, Sumihito Morita
  • Magnetic head slider having multiple step portions
    Patent number: 7978435
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head of a disk device has a slider and a head portion disposed on the slider. The slider has a facing surface opposed to a surface of a rotatable recording medium and is flown by an airflow. The facing surface of the slider has a first direction extending in a direction of the airflow and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The slider includes a negative-pressure cavity, a leading step portion, a leading pad which protrudes from the leading step portion, a recess which is formed in that part of the leading step portion which is situated on an upstream side of the leading pad with respect to the airflow and defines a first step portion and a second step portion which individually extend in a direction across the first direction and are spaced in the first direction, and a trailing step portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Mitsunobu Hanyu
  • Tunnel magnetoresistive effect element having a tunnel barrier layer of a crystalline insulation material and manufacturing method of tunnel magnetoresistive effect element
    Patent number: 7978443
    Abstract: A TMR element includes a lower magnetic layer, an upper magnetic layer, and a tunnel barrier layer of crystalline insulation material sandwiched between the lower magnetic layer and the upper magnetic layer. The lower magnetic layer includes a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer sandwiched between the first magnetic layer and the tunnel barrier layer. The second magnetic layer is formed from a magnetic material containing at least one of Fe, Co and Ni.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Miura, Takumi Yanagisawa
  • Thin-film magnetic head with shield layer profile having obtuse or rounded corners, magnetic head assembly, magnetic disk drive apparatus and manufacturing method of thin-film magnetic head
    Patent number: 7978438
    Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head provided with at least one MR read head element includes a lower shield layer, an upper shield layer, and an MR layer formed between the lower shield layer and the upper shield layer. A profile of the upper shield layer, appeared at an ABS, has obtuse or rounded upper corners at end edges of the upper shield layer along a track-width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Ohta, Kosuke Tanaka, Takayasu Kanaya, Kazuki Sato, Yasufumi Uno, Tetsuya Kuwashima
  • Magneto-resistive effect device of CPP type having shield layers coupled with ferromagnetic layers
    Patent number: 7974048
    Abstract: The invention provides a magneto-resistive effect device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, having a magneto-resistive effect unit, and a first shield layer and a second shield layer located and formed such that the magneto-resistive effect unit is sandwiched between them, with a sense current applied in a stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Shimazawa, Daisuke Miyauchi, Yoshihiro Tsuchiya, Takahiko Machita, Shinji Hara