Abstract: The start-up of a rotating disk file is controlled by first moving the sliders (30, 32, 40, 42) supporting the read/write heads radially outwardly from the inside diameter (20) of the disks (10, 12, 14) by applying a voltage from voltage source (70) to voice coil motors (34, 44), sensing the position of the sliders (30, 32, 40, 42) on the disk surfaces with a position sensor (80), initiating rotation of the disk drive motor (18) when the sliders (30, 32, 40, 42) have moved a dewetting distance, and terminating radial translation of the sliders (30, 32, 40, 42) when the disk drive motor (18) has reached operating speed and the sliders (30, 32, 40, 42) are riding on a bearing of air above the disk surfaces. The instrumented radial translation of the sliders (30, 32, 40, 42) overcomes the stiction forces at the slider-disk interface without damage to the read/write heads, the disks (10, 12, 14) or the slider suspensions (36, 38, 46, 48).

Abstract: The air bearing surface of a self-loading magnetic head slider has two side rails and a recessed section therebetween. The air bearing surface has a cylindrical or parabolic crowned shape to effectuate very small spacing between the trailing end of the slider, which supports magnetic transducer means in flying relation to a moving magnetic medium.