Abstract: A magnetic recording device makes use of an “anchored” conductive stud which is securely attached within its surrounding insulator materials. The conductive stud is formed over a conductive layer which is coupled to or part of a read or a write head element of the magnetic recording device. The conductive stud has a top stud portion and a bottom undercut portion formed over the conductive layer. In one illustrated embodiment, the bottom undercut portion has a width that is greater than the width of the top stud portion. Since an insulator is formed around the conductive stud and over its bottom undercut portion, a secure coupling between the conductive stud and the conductive layer is provided. Preferably, the conductive layer is made of copper (Cu), the conductive stud is made of gold (Au), and the insulator is alumina (Al2O3). A seed layer may be formed between the conductive stud and the conductive layer. A method of making the conductive stud using a photolithography process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to build rounded forms on a substrate by means of a masking layer covering at least parts of a substrate by applying the masking layer in a predetermined thickness to the substrate, such that the layer fixedly adheres to the substrate, performing a photo step, developing the masking layer, contracting the masking layer when adhering to the substrate by an irreversible shrinking process with predefined process control parameters, performing the etching process with a shrunk masking layer and etching at least in part through the shrunk masking layer.

Abstract: A load/unload mechanism for magnetic disks is described which allows the magnetic heads of a disk drive to be loaded and unloaded at highest possible speed in a secure manner and without collision with the surface of the disk. The slider is lifted off directly in the vicinity of the flexure without causing abrasion between the suspension of the slider and the load/unload element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic head suspension in a magnetic disk storage with a record carrier moved relative to the magnetic head and separated therefrom by an air cushion. The head suspension assembly with suspension arm 3, flexure 19 and slider 30 is fixed to an arm portion 1 at a point where arm portion 1 is provided with a ramp 2. This ramp eliminates prebiasing the suspension arm 3. The free end of the suspension arm 3 is provided with a raised portion 5. The elements 25, 26 fixing the tongue 27 to the flexure 19, in particular the bracket 25 with the attached tongue 27 on which the slider 30 is arranged, are substantially recessed in the raised portion 5 of the suspension arm 3. As a result, there is a noticeably reduced overall height.

Abstract: An air bearing slider for supporting a transducer is provided with a pair of rails having an air bearing surface with a continuously curved part with its greatest width at the leading end of the slider. In the rear area of the slider the air bearing surfaces are of equal width. The invention furthermore provides a mechanical grinding process using a grinding wheel having two grinding disks separated by a spacer disk and provided with bevelled grinding surfaces on its inner sides. Either by advancing the turning grinding wheel parallel to the surface of the slider from the trailing towards the leading end up to a certain point or in accordance with another embodiment by tilting the slider slightly towards the advance motion and continuously advancing the grinding wheel, the continuously curved air bearing surface portions are provided in a simple and efficient manner.