Patent ID: 8243398
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A magneto-resistive (MR) device for reading at least one of a legacy data and a present data magnetically recorded on at least one legacy track and a least one present track, respectively, on magnetic media, the device comprising: a first MR read element configured to read the legacy data from the media; first and second permanent magnets for positioning the first MR read element therebetween to stabilize the first MR read element while reading the legacy data from the media; a second MR read element positioned adjacent to the second permanent magnet and configured to read the present data from the media; and a third permanent magnet positioned adjacent to the second MR read element and opposite to the second permanent magnet such that the second and the third permanent magnets cooperate with one another to stabilize the second MR read element while reading the present data from the media; wherein the at least one legacy track is arranged to a width that is greater than a width of the at least one present track.