Appeal No. 1999-0037 Page 2
Application No. 08/611,657
(HGAs). HGAs carry transducers that write data to and read
data from the
surfaces of the discs. An HGA includes a hydrodynamic (e.g.,
air) bearing slider and a gimbal. The gimbal provides a
resilient connection that allows the slider to pitch and roll
while following the topography of the disc.
A conventional "catamaran" slider includes a pair of
raised side rails that face the surface of the disc and form
air bearing surfaces. As the disc rotates, the disc drags air
under the slider along the air bearing surfaces. As the air
passes beneath the side rails, skin friction on the air
bearing surfaces causes the air pressure between the disc and
the air bearing surfaces to increase which creates a
hydrodynamic lifting force that causes the slider to lift and
fly above the surface of the disc.
The appellant's slider features a slider body with a
leading edge, a trailing edge, and a length measured from the
leading edge to the trailing edge. First and second
longitudinal bearing surfaces are positioned on the slider
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