Stabilizer device having an edge configuration for stabilizing the interface between a transducer and a moving medium

A stabilizer device for stabilizing the magnetic interface between a magnetic storage medium and a magnetic head, said medium supported for movement in a nominal plane and advanced in a predetermined direction in relation to the magnetic head, said stabilizer comprising:

• a stabilizing block having a cavity in which the magnetic head is supported;
• a circumferential flat air bearing surface around said cavity on the side of said stabilizing block facing said medium;
• a curved edge on at least the side of said circumferential surface that faces the advancing storage medium, said edge comprising in cross section an arcuate segment defined by a radius that intersects a cross section of said air bearing surface at an included angle of less than 90.degree., thereby forming an abrupt transition between said curved edge and said air bearing surface over which said medium is deflected out of the nominal plane and thrust upon said magnetic head.

A magnetic head stabilizer for stabilizing the movement of a magnetic record advanced in a predetermined direction in relation to a magnetic head mounted in the stabilizer, said stabilizer comprising:

• a leading curved surface disposed so that it contacts the advancing record medium before the medium reaches the magnetic head, said curved surface having a cross-section that generally corresponds to the circumference of part of a circle;
• and
• a flat air bearing surface having a cross section that aligns with a chord of said circle and consequently meets said leading curved surface at an abrupt transition that facilitates contact between the magnetic head and the record.