Abstract: The invention concerns a coating produced by conversion treatment of an outer surface of a semiconductor metal support component (12) and comprising an inner layer (11) adhering to the support component (12) and accepting differential expansion constraints relative thereto, and an outer layer (19) having low solar absorptivity characteristic ? and the inner (11) and outer (10) layers having jointly a high hemispheric emissivity characteristic ? such that the ?/? ration is less than about 30%, and preferably less than 20%, the outer (10) and inner (11) layers consisting of different ceramics from one layer to the other and derived from crystalline forms different from the semiconductor metal or alloy of the metal support component (12). The invention is applicable to radiative outer surfaces of space vehicles.

Abstract: Platform comprising a principal member containing a read and/or record transducer for a data carrier and a suspension device connected on the one hand to the said principal member and on the other hand to means of supporting the platform.In accordance with the invention, the platform is characterized in that is comprises means for modifying the flow of air around all or part of the principal member and of the suspension device. A protective fairing of walls envelope the principal member to minimize turbulent effects on the transducer.

Abstract: A magnetic head slider assembly comprising a body supporting at least one transducer for reading and/or recording the information contained in a data carrier. At least a part of the surface of the body which faces the data carrier is constituted by an extremely thin lubricating monomolecular layer with polar termination. The thickness of the layer is such that the ratio of the thickness to the flight height of the surface or height of the body is less than a thousandth.

Abstract: A fly off transducer platform or carrier according to the invention comprises a carrier for supporting at least one read/write transducer for a data carrier and at least one skid defining a flight surface comprising a first surface which provides the said platform with its lift when it is flying above the said data carrier and a second, bevelled surface situated at the front of the flight surface with reference to the direction of movement of the data carrier in relation to the transducer carrier. The bevelled surface includes a rim at the leading edge thereof, and said rim, transversely to the said direction of movement, is greater at the front edge of the said bevelled surface than its rear such that an increased bevel surface area is provided to enhance lift.

Abstract: A fly off transducer platform or carrier according to the invention comprises a platform for supporting at least one transducer for reading and writing from and onto a data carrier such as a magnetic disc which is driven past the transducer in a given direction and sense. The platform has on its face adjacent the data carrier at least one air gap carried by a skid whose major dimension is parallel to the said given direction. The front face of the said skid, with reference to the said sense of movement of the data carrier, forms a diverter blade to force any unwanted contaminant material to at least one side of the said skid and thus prevents this material from collecting at the air gap.