Patent ID: 7054257

Claim:
A read/write component for a data storage device, the read/write component comprising: a lever means is configured as a cantilever and comprises two laterally disposed leg portions, connected at respective corresponding ends to the support structure, and first and second bridging portions each interconnecting the two leg portions; the lever means configured as the cantilever and a support structure, the lever means being connected to the support structure for substantially pivotal movement and providing first and second current paths between a pair of electrical supply lines on the support structure via which the lever means is connectable, in use, to power supply means operable in a write mode and a read mode; a write-mode heater provided on the lever means in the first current path; a read/write tip provided on the write-mode heater; a read-mode heater provided on the lever means in the second current path; and decoupling means arranged to inhibit current flow to the write-mode heater via the first current path in use when the power supply means is operated in the read mode; the first bridging portion comprises the write-mode heater and the second bridging portion comprises the read-mode heater; the leg portions and the first bridging portion define the first current path, and the leg portions and the second bridging portion define the second current path; and the decoupling means is located on the lever means.