Patent · US Active

Contact detection

US8730611B2 · kind B2 · utility

6Cited by
17References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 28, 2011
Grant dateMay 20, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 16, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11B2220/2516
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method of detecting a contact between a transducing head and a storage medium is provided. The method applies an input signal, having a select power level and known frequency, to an actuator for actuating the head. An output signal is obtained in response to the input signal. At least one signal component is extracted from the output signal at the same or a harmonic of the same known frequency as the input signal applied to the actuator. Whether the at least one extracted signal component indicates a contact between the head and the medium is determined. The power level of the applied wave pattern is increased incrementally until the extracted signal component indicates a contact between the head and the storage medium.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.