Abstract: An apparatus for detecting surface variations on a rotating disc includes a slider, suspension assembly, first surface variation sensor, second surface variation sensor, and a controller. The slider is adapted to fly over the disc. The suspension assembly is coupled to the slider to position the slider over the disc. The first surface variation sensor is disposed on the slider, and provides a first sensor signal based upon slider contact with one of the surface variations. The second surface variation sensor is disposed on the slider and spaced from the first surface variation sensor. The second surface variation sensor provides a second sensor signal based upon slider contact with the surface variation. The controller receives the first and second signals and calculates a position of the surface variation based upon the first and second sensor signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring magnetic recording head transducer to disc surface spacing and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. A slider body of a read/write head has first and second rails forming portions of an air bearing surface of the slider body. First and second cavities are formed in the first and second rails of the slider body at the air bearing surface. First and second capacitance plates are positioned within the first and second cavities, respectively, such that a surface of each of the first and second capacitance plates is substantially coplanar with at least portions of the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head for use in a disc drive system including a rotating disc has a slider body and a transducer on the slider body for reading and/or writing data from and/or to the disc. A piezoelectric sensor is provided on the slider body and produces a signal representing a level of interference between the slider body and the rotating disc. A method of predicting a head crash includes establishing a nominal level of interference between the magnetic recording head and the rotating disc and establishing a threshold interference level difference. The level of interference between the magnetic recording head and the rotating disc represented by the signal provided by the piezoelectric sensor is monitored during operation of the disc drive system. A predicted head crash is indicated when the level of interference between the magnetic recording head and the rotating disc is different from the nominal level of interference by more than the threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is a glide height test slider for detecting asperities and irregularities on a surface of a rotating disc. A slider body has a plurality of edges defining its outer boundaries. The slider body has a piezoelectric element on at least one of its surfaces, and the piezoelectric element does not extend outside the outer boundaries of the slider body. First and second confronting conductors are patterned on the piezoelectric element so that an electric field generated by the piezoelectric element in response to a strained force due to vibration of the slider body induces a voltage between the first and second conductors representative of the vibration. The piezoelectric elements may be a separate element bonded to the slider body, or the slider body may be formed of a piezoelectric material to form the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: An optical data storage system and a method of assembling the same are disclosed. The storage system includes an optical disc having a data surface, a transducing mechanism including an objective lens, a slider positioned adjacent the data surface, and a lens mount coupled to the slider and to the objective lens and supporting the objective lens relative to the slider. The lens mount forms an aperture in which the objective lens is at least partially inserted. First and second slots formed in the lens mount provide lateral access to the objective lens in the aperture for adjusting a position of the objective lens within the aperture.

Abstract: A high resolution, low noise glide height test slider is provided to detect irregularities on a surface of a rotatable disc. A slider body is arranged to be supported by a support structure in predetermined spaced relation to the surface of the disc as it is rotating. A piezoelectric element on the slider body senses vibration forces acting on the slider body. The slider is electrically isolated from external noise sources.

Abstract: A head slider for use in a disc drive data storage system includes a slider body substrate having a cavity formed therein. A transducer is positioned in the head slider such that walls of the cavity in the slider body substrate protect the transducer from contact with asperities on a surface of a data storage disc.

Abstract: An integrated connector board for a head of a disc drive including a base having a lead, connector pad and insertion connector formed on the base, the lead connector pad and insertion connector being electrically coupled to define a circuit. The connector pad is adapted for connection to a pin type connector terminal and the elongated insertion connector is adapted for connection to an insertion type connector terminal for providing a connector board adapted for use with insertion type connector terminals and pin type connector terminals.

Abstract: A device for testing smoothness of a rotatable disc is disclosed. A slider body has a trailing edge surface and an air-bearing surface for gliding over a surface of the disc when the disc is rotating. A piezoelectric sensor is formed in the slider body, and a thermal asperity sensor is formed in the slider body and at least partially exposed to the air-bearing surface. A plurality of conductive vias extend from the trailing edge surface of the slider body into the slider body to contact the piezoelectric and thermal asperity sensors. A plurality of conductive bond pads are disposed on the trailing edge surface in contact with respective conductive vias.

Abstract: A data storage system head slider and a method of making the same are disclosed. The head slider includes a slider body and an accelerometer formed integrally with the slider body. In preferred embodiments, the accelerometer includes a cavity formed in the slider body. A structural beam extends over the cavity such that the structural beam deflects in response to acceleration of the head slider. A piezo transducer formed on the structural beam provides a transducer output signal indicative of a magnitude of the acceleration of the head slider.

Abstract: An optical storage system includes an optical disc for storing information in an optical reading format. An optical transducer is carried on a slider proximate a data surface of the optical disc and is used for transducing information on the disc surface. A mesa is provided on an air bearing surface of the slider and electrical conductors are provided which extend around the mesa.

Abstract: An asperity height sensing head and method of using the same are disclosed. The head includes multiple magnetoresistive (MR) sensors carried by a first rail of a slider adjacent to the air bearing surface (ABS) and positioned a distance L.sub.p from each other. Asperity height estimating circuitry coupled to each of the multiple MR sensors detects a number N of the MR sensors which exhibit a change in resistance as a result of contact between the ABS and a first asperity on the surface of the disc. The asperity height estimating circuitry estimates the height H.sub.A of the first asperity as a function of the number N, as a function of the pitch angle .theta..sub.p , and as a function of the distance L.sub.p.

Abstract: An electrical lap guide (ELG) for use in lapping a bar of magnetic transducer carrying sliders to a desired height is disclosed. A first lapped or analog ELG element is positioned in a first dice lane on the bar between first and second sliders. A first electrical connection is positioned on a surface of the first dice lane for coupling the first ELG element to external circuitry. A second reference ELG element is positioned in the first slider at a position recessed from the lapped surface. A second electrical connection is positioned on the first slider for coupling the second ELG element to external circuitry.