Abstract: A read/write head for a disk drive having a shorting conductor from a shield of the read element to a conductor that runs from the write element to an external electrical contact pad. This allows for the measurement of the electrical isolation between the read sensor and the read shield via the external contact pads. Such a capability allows the electrical isolation to be measured both during the lapping process and subsequent to the heads being diced into separate sliders. This shorting conductor may be in the form of an internal shorting stud or in the form of an interim conductor that passes through the parting zone between adjacent heads. In the latter case, the shorting conductor is broken when the heads are diced so that a head of this embodiment can only be measured for electrical isolation prior to dicing.

Abstract: A read/write head for a disk drive having a shorting conductor from a shield of the read element to a conductor that runs from the write element to an external electrical contact pad. This allows for the measurement of the electrical isolation between the read sensor and the read shield via the external contact pads. Such a capability allows the electrical isolation to be measured both during the lapping process and subsequent to the heads being diced into separate sliders. This shorting conductor may be in the form of an internal shorting stud or in the form of an interim conductor that passes through the parting zone between adjacent heads. In the latter case, the shorting conductor is broken when the heads are diced so that a head of this embodiment can only be measured for electrical isolation prior to dicing.

Abstract: A read/write head for a disk drive having a shorting conductor from a shield of the read element to a conductor that runs from the write element to an external electrical contact pad. This allows for the measurement of the electrical isolation between the read sensor and the read shield via the external contact pads. Such a capability allows the electrical isolation to be measured both during the lapping process and subsequent to the heads being diced into separate sliders. This shorting conductor may be in the form of an internal shorting stud or in the form of an interim conductor that passes through the parting zone between adjacent heads. In the latter case, the shorting conductor is broken when the heads are diced so that a head of this embodiment can only be measured for electrical isolation prior to dicing.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for reducing magnetic spacing loss in a magnetic recording head. The recession of the transducer relative to the substrate at the air bearing surface is decreased by applying a coating of sacrificial material such as diamond-like carbon to the upper surfaces of the substrate, the transducer, and the encapsulation material such as alumina prior to final kiss lapping. The recession due to the alumina being softer than the substrate is greatly reduced since the DLC is kiss-lapped.

Abstract: The suspension of a disk drive incorporates controlled attachment of the gimbal to the slider. The gimbal has at least one wall or enclosure formed on its contact surface which receives a desired amount of adhesive or solder paste. The wall or enclosure confines the adhesive or paste to an exact location and also controls the amount of adhesive or paste that contacts the slider upon assembly. This controlled attachment between the gimbal and slider enhances performance of the read/write head attached to the slider. Use of a meltable solder paste also allows the suspension to be reworked by improving the ability to separate the slider from the gimbal after initial assembly. The contact surface of the gimbal may be modified to include a metallic strip which contacts the adhesive. Use of an electrically conductive bonding material in combination with the metallic strip assists in dissipating electric static which may build up on the read/write head.

Abstract: A tool, and associated method, for batch processing the definition of air bearing surfaces on rows comprising a plurality of sliders is disclosed. The tool has a main body member having a length defining a y-axis direction, a width defining an x-axis direction, and a thickness defining a z-axis direction. The main body member has a top surface defining an upwardly facing z-axis base surface. The main body also defines a y-axis alignment reference surface, and an x-axis alignment reference surface. The rows are positioned on the tool for processing, where the upper surface of the platform engages the lower surface of the plurality of rows to provide proper z-axis positioning on the tool. The y-axis alignment reference engages one longitudinal side of an anchor row to provide proper y-axis positioning, and the x-axis alignment reference surface abuts the second end of the plurality of rows to provide proper x-axis positioning. The top surfaces of the rows lie in a common plane.

Abstract: A tool for batch processing the definition of air bearing surfaces on rows comprising a plurality of sliders is disclosed. The tool has a main body member having a length defining a y-axis direction, a width defining an x-axis direction, and a thickness defining a z-axis direction. The main body member has a top surface defining an upwardly facing z-axis base surface. The main body also defines a y-axis alignment reference surface, and an x-axis alignment reference surface. The rows are positioned on the tool for processing, where the upper surface of the platform engages the lower surface of the plurality of rows to provide proper z-axis positioning on the tool. The y-axis alignment reference engages one longitudinal side of an anchor row to provide proper y-axis positioning, and the x-axis alignment reference surface abuts the second end of the plurality of rows to provide proper x-axis positioning. The top surfaces of the rows lie in a common plane.