Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to a tape head comprising a first module and a second module joined together along a seam. The first module comprises a plurality of data heads disposed in a first row parallel to the seam, and the second module comprises a plurality of data heads disposed in a second row parallel to the first row. The first row and the second row are spaced apart a distance of about 50 ?m to about 175 ?m. A via is disposed at a media facing surface (MFS) along a portion of the seam. The via has a length less than a width of the MFS and equal to or greater than a length of the first and second rows of data heads. The via is configured to create a vacuum effect to pull a magnetic media against the media facing surface when the tape head reads and writes data to the magnetic media.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to a tape head assembly narrower than the width of a tape, wherein the tape head assembly comprises one or more heads, wherein each of the one or more heads comprise a curved surface comprising a first beveled wing, a second beveled wing, and a flat-lapped surface disposed between the first beveled wing and the second beveled wing. The first beveled wing and the second beveled wing each comprise outer corners recessed from a top surface of the flat-lapped surface such that there is no interaction between the outer corners of the beveled wings and the tape.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a head assembly in a data storage device. The data storage device may include magnetic media embedded in the device or magnetic media from an insertable cassette or cartridge (e.g., in an LTO drive), where the head assembly reads from and writes to the magnetic media. During device operation, the magnetic media moves across the head assembly. The magnetic media experiences higher contact stress at certain points or portions of the head assembly. A sensor guard is coupled to the head assembly. The sensor guard comprises at least one chamfered surface or at least one stepped surface to decrease the contact stress between the magnetic media and the head assembly during device operation. The at least one chamfered or stepped surface may be disposed on a leading edge of the sensor guard.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head and a tape drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises a first same gap verify (SGV) head assembly comprising a first media facing surface (MFS) and a plurality of first write transducer and first read transducer pairs, and a second SGV head assembly comprising a second MFS and a plurality of second write transducer and second read transducer pairs. During operation, when a tape or magnetic media moves in a first direction over the tape head, the tape contacts the second MFS and is spaced from the first MFS, and when the tape moves in a second direction opposite the first direction over the tape head, the tape contacts the first MFS and is spaced from the second MFS. As such, the tape contacts only one edge of either the first or second MFS during operation.

Abstract: A data storage device configured to access a magnetic tape wound around a first reel and a second reel is disclosed, wherein the data storage device comprises at least one head configured to access the magnetic tape. A distortion of the magnetic tape is measured, and the magnetic tape is rewound so that the first and second reels have a respective first and second radius of the wound magnetic tape based on the measured distortion.

Abstract: A data storage device configured to access a magnetic tape wound around a first reel and a second reel is disclosed, wherein the data storage device comprises at least one head configured to access the magnetic tape. A distortion of the magnetic tape is measured, and the magnetic tape is rewound so that the first and second reels have a respective first and second radius of the wound magnetic tape based on the measured distortion.

Abstract: A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, wherein the head comprises a laser configured to heat the disk while writing data to the disk. A write power is applied to the laser in order to write data to the disk during a write operation. A determination is made as to whether the laser power should be in an off state after the write operation. After the write operation, the laser power is gradually decreased to the off state based on a first decrease function.

Abstract: Techniques of the present invention include detecting a touchdown between a read/write head of a disk drive and a surface of a magnetic disk using multiple touchdown sensors located at an air-bearing surface (ABS). The multiple sensors increase the likelihood that a touchdown event—i.e., a portion of the ABS of the head contacting the underlying magnetic disk surface—will be detected. During touchdown, the portion of the head contacting the magnetic disk generates frictional heat which changes a characteristic (e.g., the electrical resistance) of at least one of the sensors located at the ABS. When the sensors are connected to a detection circuit, the changing characteristic may be monitored to identify a touchdown event. The touchdown sensors may be, for example, electrically connected in either series or parallel to the detection circuit. Thus, as long as the electrical resistance of one of the sensors is changed, a touchdown event may be detected.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes a slider having a media-facing surface; and a device coupled to the slider and being selectively extendible for selectively contacting a magnetic medium at a frequency of between about 200 and about 600 kHz. Other magnetic heads and methods of use are described according to additional embodiments.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a magnetic head includes a slider having a media-facing surface; and a device coupled to the slider and being selectively extendible for selectively contacting a magnetic medium at a frequency of between about 200 and about 600 kHz. Other magnetic heads and methods of use are described according to additional embodiments.

Abstract: A head slider for a disk drive storage device. The head slider is adapted to fly at the target height above the disk, reduce contamination by preventing particles from being trapped under the head slider, fly well in helium at low velocity and obtain a manufacturing tolerance so that multiple head sliders may be produced and function properly. The head slider has an internal cavity that is substantially enclosed by the air bearing surface. There are two gaps in the air bearing surface that are misaligned relative to the leading edge. The gaps aid in preventing particles from entering the cavity.

Abstract: Techniques of the present invention include detecting a touchdown between a read/write head of a disk drive and a surface of a magnetic disk using multiple touchdown sensors located at an air-bearing surface (ABS). The multiple sensors increase the likelihood that a touchdown event—i.e., a portion of the ABS of the head contacting the underlying magnetic disk surface—will be detected. During touchdown, the portion of the head contacting the magnetic disk generates frictional heat which changes a characteristic (e.g., the electrical resistance) of at least one of the sensors located at the ABS. When the sensors are connected to a detection circuit, the changing characteristic may be monitored to identify a touchdown event. The touchdown sensors may be, for example, electrically connected in either series or parallel to the detection circuit. Thus, as long as the electrical resistance of one of the sensors is changed, a touchdown event may be detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a head slider air bearing surface (ABS) in hard disk drives that mitigate fly height deviations. The invention mitigates these problems by providing an ABS of the head slider with elongated asymmetrical features that extend substantially parallel to the direction of the airflow caused by the rotating magnetic disk, in one or both of the inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) positions of the head slider with respect to the magnetic disk. The head slider may be produced with a two step etch process, as opposed to a three step etch process. By reducing the number of etching steps, the head slider of the invention can be produced at lower costs and in less time as fewer masks and chamber pump-down steps are required.

Abstract: A head slider for a disk drive storage device. In general, the head slider should fly at the target height above the disk without crashing onto the hard disk. The head slider has an outside flange that encloses a plateau and an inside flange that encloses a plateau. The two plateaus may have the same surface area or the outside plateau may have a greater surface area. Because of the design of the outside flange, the likelihood that the head slider will crash on the hard disk is reduced.

Abstract: A head slider for a disk drive storage device. In general, the head slider should fly at the target height above the disk without crashing onto the hard disk. The head slider has an outside flange that encloses a plateau and an inside flange that encloses a plateau. The two plateaus may have the same surface area or the outside plateau may have a greater surface area. Because of the design of the outside flange, the likelihood that the head slider will crash on the hard disk is reduced.

Abstract: A head slider for a disk drive storage device. The head slider is adapted to fly at the target height above the disk, reduce contamination by preventing particles from being trapped under the head slider, fly well in helium at low velocity and obtain a manufacturing tolerance so that multiple head sliders may be produced and function properly. The head slider has an internal cavity that is substantially enclosed by the air bearing surface. There are two gaps in the air bearing surface that are misaligned relative to the leading edge. The gaps aid in preventing particles from entering the cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a slider designed to reduce fly height sigma. According to one embodiment, a slider includes an air bearing surface, a front shallow step pad, a rear shallow step pad, and rear side pockets. The front shallow step pad and the rear shallow step pad are at a first level deeper than the air bearing surface. The rear side pockets are at a second level deeper than the air bearing surface. The rear side pockets are in close proximity to rear corners of the slider.

Abstract: A slider for use with disk drive data storage devices includes a topography that defines features of the slider. The features facilitate in controlling peak pressure, providing stiffness, and/or inhibiting lubricant accumulation on the slider. For example, the features include an air bearing surface and a cavity disposed in front of the air bearing surface. The cavity is closed on all sides by sidewalls.

Abstract: An air bearing surface for a head assembly for a data storage device comprises at least one air bearing pad. At least one channel is recessed within the at least one air bearing pad. The at least one channel is formed with an open top and is located entirely within boundaries of the at least one air bearing pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a head slider air bearing surface (ABS) in hard disk drives that mitigate fly height deviations. The invention mitigates these problems by providing an ABS of the head slider with elongated asymmetrical features that extend substantially parallel to the direction of the airflow caused by the rotating magnetic disk, in one or both of the inner diameter (ID) and outer diameter (OD) positions of the head slider with respect to the magnetic disk. The head slider may be produced with a two step etch process, as opposed to a three step etch process. By reducing the number of etching steps, the head slider of the invention can be produced at lower costs and in less time as fewer masks and chamber pump-down steps are required.