Appeal No. 2001-2565 Page 2
Application No. 09/173,497
mounted to an end of a suspension arm so that each it may be positioned as desired.
The opposite end of each suspension arm is coupled together at a voice coil motor.
(Id.)
When the HDD is powered-up, its read/write heads must transition from resting
on surfaces of the platters to "flying" on a cushion of air above the surfaces. (Id.) Upon
such power-up, however, the friction between each head and its corresponding platter
must be overcome. (Id. at 3.) Once the heads are flying, moreover, a drag torque is
created. The drag torque reduces the rotational speed of the platters and, hence, slows
use of the HDD. (Id.)
In contrast, the inventive read/write head assembly includes a read/write head
and an electrostatic head lifter.1 The electrostatic head lifter positions the read/write
head in an upward position, (id., fig. 5), or a downward position. (Id., fig. 6.) In the
upward position, a spring holds the head is above an associated platter. (Id. at 8.)
Because the head does not rest on the platter, no friction therebetween must be
overcome upon power-up. (Id. at 9.) In the downward position, charge plates lower the
head closer to the associated platter for reading or writing, which increases drag torque.
1Although another embodiment of the assembly uses an electromagnetic head
lifter, the claims on appeal specify the electrostatic head lifter.
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