Appeal No. 1999-0037 Page 7
Application No. 08/611,657
trailing portion 70 have widths 74 and 76,
respectively. Widths 74 and 76 may be equal to one
another or different from one another. Waist
portion 68 widens from leading portion 66 to a
maximum width 78 and then narrows from maximum width
78 to trailing portion 70. Maximum width 78 is
greater than widths 74 and 76 and is positioned at a
distance 80 from leading edge 50.
...
Distance 80 is preferably between about 1/4 to
3/4, more preferably between about 1/3 to 3/4, and
most preferably between about 1/3 to 1/2 the length
58 of slider 36. In these ranges, maximum width 78
is positioned about or slightly forward of the
slider midpoint. Air is pressurized by leading
taper 72 and then enters the wide area in waist
portion 68. Most of the high pressure developed on
waist portion 68 leaks along inside edge 82 before
entering the narrow trailing portion 70. Therefore,
more air with high pressure concentrates at the
slider midpoint and does not contribute to pitch
stiffness. Thus, the hydrodynamic features of
slider 36 provide a very compliant air bearing which
is particularly useful for proximity recording.
(Spec. at 8-9.)
Reading the claims in light of the specification, the
limitations recite that the respective waists of two
longitudinal bearing surfaces are wider than the leading and
trailing portions of the surfaces and have a maximum width at
a position between 1/3 and 2/3 the length of the associated
slider body.
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Last modified: November 3, 2007