Patent ID: 6075683
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A direct access storage system comprising:a disk drive having a first annular surface adapted for rotation;a transducer head mounted to a slider having an air bearing surface facing said first annular surface and having a subambient pressure generating region wherein lift is generated upon relative movement of said slider and said first annular surface;a data storage region within said first annular surface, said data storage region having a substantially smooth surface wherein a selected amount of lift is generated upon relative movement of said slider and said data storage region; andan idling region within said first annular surface, said idling region having a plurality of depressions therein comprising a plurality of channels aligned with a direction of rotation of said first annular surface for passing air to said subambient pressure generating region wherein said plurality of channels are grouped on a radially inwardly portion of said first annular surface and wherein each channel has a selected depth which is greater than the depth of an adjoining channel which is radially outward therefrom wherein a transition region between said idling region and said data storage region is provided wherein an amount of lift greater than said selected amount of lift is generated upon relative movement of said slider and said idling region, resulting in a greater separation between said transducer head and said first annular surface within said idling region.