SLIDER LIFTER
A slider lifter (10) for a read-write head, comprising a support structure (12), a flexure arm (14) and a resilient means (16) cantilevered from the support structure, and a shape memory alloy element (24) operatively connected between the support structure (12) and the resilient means (16), wherein the shape memory alloy element (24) has a martensitic condition and an austenitic condition. The shape memory alloy element (24) in one of the martensitic and austenitic conditions cooperates with the resilient means (16) to elastically deform the flexure arm (14) from an undeformed position to a deformed position. The shape memory alloy element (24) in the other of the martensitic and austenitic conditions cooperates with the resilient means (16) to both move away from the flexure arm (14), thereby allowing the flexure arm (14) to return towards its undeformed position. It is preferred that when the resilient means (16) moves away from the flexure arm (14), the flexure arm (14) and the resilient means (16) are not in contact. This allows the flexure arm (14) to return to its completely undeformed position.