Patent ID: 7193805

Claim:
A disk drive that comprises: a data storage disk that comprises a first data storage surface; and a head positioner assembly that comprises a slider that extends along a reference axis that defines a longitudinal extent of said slider, wherein said slider comprises: upper and lower surfaces, wherein said lower surface projects toward said first data storage surface of said data storage disk; a leading edge and a trailing edge which is longitudinally spaced from said leading edge relative to said reference axis, wherein said data storage disk moves relative to said slider in a direction which is at least generally from said leading edge of said slider to said trailing edge of said slider; and first and second sides which are laterally-spaced relative to said reference axis, wherein said lower surface of said slider comprises: an air bearing surface system disposed within a reference plane; and a first wear pad comprising a first wear pad surface that defines a distal end of said first wear pad, wherein said first wear pad surface is separate from and not part of said air bearing surface system, wherein at least a portion of said first wear pad surface is planar and is disposed at an angle relative to said reference plane in which said air bearing surface system is disposed, and wherein said first wear pad surface has a surface area of no more than about 100 μm 2 ; a second wear pad comprising a second wear pad surface, wherein said first wear pad is disposed on said second wear pad surface, and wherein said first and second wear pad surfaces are vertically offset by a distance of at least about 1 micro-inch; and a head carried by said slider and comprising a first sensor component that protrudes toward said first wear pad surface, wherein said first sensor component is disposed at or only slightly recessed from said first wear pad surface.