Methods and apparatus to detect surface characteristics on magnetic read/write heads
US7982987B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/40
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting predetermined surface characteristics in head gimbal assemblies to improve hard disk drive reliability. The predetermined surface characteristics include head slider protrusions such as scratches or contamination that can cause damage to the head or disk in hard drives. By detecting these protrusions, those drives with an increased chance of failure can be removed from a test group, thereby increasing the quality and reliability of the remaining disk drives. The invention provides a method of detecting these protrusions that is a more practical option than using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to inspect each head slider.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.