Abstract: A data structure and method are disclosed for transferring object attributes between platforms in a distributed computing environment. The method includes creating an application description file. The application description file includes a type ID and an object name. The type ID references a type information file. The application file includes an attribute data block and the attribute data block contains data for attributes that are included in the object. The attribute description file is transferred to a platform that includes the type information file and the type information file includes a memory offset map that determines a sequence of attribute data storage in the attribute data block. Thus, the object attributes are received by the platform and the type information file provides a memory offset map for individual attributes in the attribute description file.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly includes a read head having an active central region and two inactive side regions contiguously formed relative to the central region. The central region includes a magnetoresistive (MR) transducer for enabling active sensing of data recorded on a magnetic medium. Protective layers encapsulate the central region and separate it from the side regions, such that diffusion and electromigration are reduced. Each end region includes a longitudinal bias layer, and a multilayered conductive section. The longitudinal bias layer may be formed of alternating layers of antiferromagnetic material and layers of soft magnetic material and/or hard magnetic longitudinal bias. The multilayered conductive section includes conductive leads that do not contact either the MR element or the soft bias layer.

Abstract: A magnetoresitive transducer has an insulating gap layer of variable thickness. The transducer includes a magnetoresistive layer disposed in an active region, and a first magnetic shield layer disposed in the active region and a field region. An insulating layer is spaced between the magnetoresistive layer and the magnetic shield layer. The insulating layer is thinner in the active region than in the field region. The probability of other layers bridging through the insulating layer in the field region is substantially reduced. The method of forming the transducer includes depositing a first insulating layer above the magnetic layer, and then selectively etching the first insulating layer by forming an opening in the active region having a cross-sectional profile sloping inwardly toward the magnetic shield layer. Thereafter, an insulating layer is deposited atop the first insulating layer having the opening.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly includes a magnetoresistive (MR) read sensor dielectrically disposed between a magnetic shield layer and a first pole layer. A write transducer comprises an inductive coil having a plurality of windings dielectrically disposed between the first pole layer and a second pole layer. The magnetic shield layer partially overlaps portions of the coil windings. A nonmagnetic layer is coplanar with the magnetic shield layer. A reduced coupling area between the magnetic shield layer and the coil decreases the mutual inductance applied to the magnetic coil by the magnetic layer, resulting in the coil having better response to write current and being capable of operating at wider frequency ranges. The first pole layer includes a unique shape having a narrow mid-section integrally formed between the wider end sections.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive transducer is formed with a trilayer structure including a soft adjacent magnetic layer (SAL), a spacer layer and a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element. The SAL and part of the spacer layer extend continuously across the transducer structure. The MR sensor element has end portions that partially abut hard permanent magnetic (PM) films and partially abut conductive leads formed over the PM films. The transducer structure minimizes the problem of electrical shorting and achieves significant improvements in magnetic performance of the active MR region and signal readout.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive read transducer includes a magnetoresistive (MR) layer having end regions spaced by a central active regions. A pair of hard-magnetic layers provide the longitudinal magnetic bias to the magnetoresistive layer. Each of the hard-magnetic layers is disposed in contact with one of the end regions of the magnetoresistive layer. In addition, a pair of electrical leads provide the bias current to the magnetoresistive layer. Each of the electrical leads is also disposed in contact with one of the end regions of the magnetoresistive layer. This arrangement enable the transducer of the present invention with the most optimal design. In essence, electrical current directly passes through the central active region of the magnetoresistive layer via the electrical leads as a low electrical resistance path. Magnetic flux of the longitudinal bias directly passes through the central active region of the magnetoresistive layer with a reduced probability of magnetic discontinuity.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive transducer includes a magnetoresistive layer having end portions spaced by a central active portion. The longitudinal bias for the magnetoresistive layer is cooperatively furnished by a pair of hard magnetic bias regions. Each of the two hard magnetic bias regions includes a plurality of magnetized layers and each bias region is disposed in contact with one of the end portions of the magnetoresistive transducer. The magnetic flux required for the magnetoresistive layer to maintain a single domain state is adequately provided by the hard magnetic bias regions. In one embodiment, a substantially uniform thickness for the entire transducer is achieved, allowing the longitudinal bias to be continuously supplied to the magnetoresistive layer. In another embodiment, thinner hard magnetic bias regions provide improved step coverage for the second read gap thereby increasing yield. Also the thinner hard magnetic bias regions provide a significant increase of planarization of the write poles.