Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bearing surface on a slider having a center split pressurization feature which minimizes the effects of altitude or change in ambient air pressure on the flying characteristics of the slider. After a cavity dam and a subambient pressurization cavity is the center split feature. The center split feature is located proximate the centroid of the slider body and the bearing surface. The center split feature has, at least, three levels including a first center split level a second center split level and a third center split level. The first center split level is at the same level as the bearing surface level and is located closest to the centroid. The second center split level is located forward of, in the direction of air flow, the first center split level. The second center split level is also recessed from the first center split level to the same level as the first recessed level.

Abstract: A slider for a data storage device is disclosed. The slider includes a bearing pad or surface having a raised bearing surface, a stepped bearing surface and a recessed pressure cavity or cavities. The recessed pressure cavity or cavities provides a reduced raised bearing surface area to reduce stiction and shape sensitivity. The recessed pressure cavity or cavities include a recessed cavity surface which is recessed from the raised bearing surface of the bearing surface or pad and a cavity step to the raised bearing surface.

Abstract: A head slider having a slider body with a disc facing surface and a bearing plane is provided. A first recessed area and a second recessed area are positioned on the disc facing surface and recessed from the bearing plane. A rail on the disc facing surface has a channel that includes a first side edge proximate the first recessed area and a second side edge proximate the second recessed area. The channel is isolated from the first recessed area and open to the second recessed area.

Abstract: A slider for a data storage device is disclosed. The slider includes a bearing pad or surface having a raised bearing surface, a stepped bearing surface and a recessed pressure cavity or cavities. The recessed pressure cavity or cavities provides a reduced raised bearing surface area to reduce stiction and shape sensitivity. The recessed pressure cavity or cavities include a recessed cavity surface which is recessed from the raised bearing surface of the bearing surface or pad and a cavity step to the raised bearing surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bearing surface on a slider having a center split pressurization feature which minimizes the effects of altitude or change in ambient air pressure on the flying characteristics of the slider. After a cavity dam and a subambient pressurization cavity is the center split feature. The center split feature is located proximate the centroid of the slider body and the bearing surface. The center split feature has, at least, three levels including a first center split level a second center split level and a third center split level. The first center split level is at the same level as the bearing surface level and is located closest to the centroid. The second center split level is located forward of, in the direction of air flow, the first center split level. The second center split level is also recessed from the first center split level to the same level as the first recessed level.

Abstract: A head slider having a slider body with a disc facing surface and a bearing plane is provided. A first recessed area and a second recessed area are positioned on the disc facing surface and recessed from the bearing plane. A rail on the disc facing surface has a channel that includes a first side edge proximate the first recessed area and a second side edge proximate the second recessed area. The channel is isolated from the first recessed area and open to the second recessed area.

Abstract: An AAB slider has a leading edge generally impinging fluid flow due to movement of a medium relative to the slider. A cavity dam defines a continuous air bearing surface that extends over a region between the sides of the slider and between at least one sub-ambient cavity and the leading edge. Step level slots in the air bearing surface at the leading edge admit fluid into the region of the air bearing surface. Side rails on the slider extend rearward from the cavity dam to form the sub-ambient cavity. The air bearing surface is characterized by the absence of a channel adjacent the leading edge that extends between the sides of the slider. A center rail extends rearward from the cavity dam to the trailing edge and supports a transducer. The arrangement is such that airflow to the transducer is minimized, thus minimizing particulate matter from accumulating on the trailing edge slider features, including the transducer.