Interchangeable sample stage with integral reference surface for magnetic-head suspension measuring instrument

Abstract

An interchangeable clamp plate is designed to receive and hold a magnetic-head suspension in a predetermined position in a test clamp of a pitch and roll measuring instrument. The clamp plate comprises a support plate for securing the swage mount of the suspension to a predetermined reference plane and a reference surface integrally formed coplanarly with the support plate in a position within the normal operating range of the optics of the instrument. Each kind of suspension being tested is mounted on a clamp plate conforming to its specific geometry that is adapted for installation in the test instrument prior to measurement. As a result of this configuration, once the instrument is calibrated with respect to the reference surface coplanar with the swage mounting surface, measurement accuracy is inherently maintained during testing. Upon switching to a different kind of suspension, a new clamp plate with a similar integral and coplanar reference surface is installed in the instrument's clamp and used to recalibrate it before test measurements are performed on the new suspension.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.