Abstract: According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a housing, a plurality of magnetic recording media disposed in the housing in a multi-layered manner with intervals therebetween and a plurality of spacer rings, one of the spacer rings being disposed between each adjacent pair of the magnetic recording media. At least one of an uppermost magnetic recording medium and a lowermost magnetic recording medium includes a substrate having a rigidity higher than that of substrates of the other magnetic recording media, and one or more of the plurality of spacer rings is in contact with the magnetic recording media including the substrate having the higher rigidity, and has a thermal expansion coefficient different from a thermal expansion coefficient of the other spacer rings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a data storage device interior components and/or data storage device housing components that include one or more solid-state deposition layers, and related methods of applying solid-state material to said components via solid-state deposition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a data storage device interior components and/or data storage device housing components that include one or more solid-state deposition layers, and related methods of applying solid-state material to said components via solid-state deposition.

Abstract: A suspension for a disk device includes a load beam, a flexure and first and second damper members. The load beam includes a first surface, a second surface and first and second openings. The flexure includes first and second outriggers. The first outrigger includes a first branch portion through the first opening, a distal end thereof being interposed between the second surface and the first damper member. The second outrigger includes a second branch portion through the second opening, a distal end thereof being interposed between the second surface and the second damper member.

Abstract: A wearable audio device includes a body configured to be worn on or abutting an outer ear of a user. The body is configured to contact at least one of the outer ear and the portion of the head that abuts the outer ear. The body comprises at least at a first portion proximate the upper region of the outer ear helix and a second portion proximate the otobasion inferius. At least one of the first and second portions of the body are configured to change shape upon application of a predetermined stimulus. An acoustic module is carried by the body and is configured to locate a sound-emitting opening proximate the user's ear when the body is worn on or abutting the ear of the user.

Abstract: A flexure is provided along a first surface of a load beam. The flexure includes a tongue on which a slider is mounted, a first outrigger arm, and a second outrigger arm. A first damping member is provided in a first outrigger root portion. The first damping member adheres to both the load beam and the first outrigger root portion in a first aperture portion including a first aperture formed in the load beam. A second damping member is provided in a second outrigger root portion. The second damping member adheres to both the load beam and the second outrigger root portion in a second aperture portion including a second aperture.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a disk device includes two magnetic disks opposing each other at intervals of 1.2 to 1.5 mm, and at least two suspension assemblies movable respectively between the two magnetic disks. Each of the suspension assemblies includes a base plate, a load beam extending from the base plate, a tab extending from a distal end of the load beam, a wiring member on the load beam and the base plate, including a gimbal portion, and a magnetic head on the gimbal portion, abutting on a dimple of the load beam via the gimbal portion. The ratio of a distance from a bendable location of the load beam to a center of the dimple with respect to a distance from the center of the dimple to a tip of the tab is 2.8 to 3.8.

Abstract: A data storage device can employ a gimbal tongue flexure suspended from a load beam with a transducing head mounted to the gimbal tongue flexure. The transducing head can be separated from a magnetic recording medium by an air bearing. At least one active or non-active damper may be positioned on a strut of the gimbal tongue flexure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anchor for anchoring to an elevated worksite. The anchor includes a shock absorbing portion configured to progressively distort under sudden loading, the shock absorbing portion having one or more serpentine shaped members each defining one or more serpentine shaped curves visible from a front view of the shock absorbing portion, the shock absorbing portion having a curved profile defining one or more curves visible from a side view of the shock absorbing portion. The curved profile is configured to progressively distort under sudden loading so as to provide a first level of shock absorption, and the serpentine shaped curves are configured to progressively distort under sudden loading to provide a second level of shock absorption.

Abstract: A magnetic head device which has strong joint strength in an arm and a suspension and high accuracy of a size and a shape is provided. The magnetic head device comprises an arm, a suspension overlapping with a leading end part of the arm, a slider located at a leading end part of the suspension, and a first joint part that is placed between the leading end part of the arm and the suspension and that joins the arm and the suspension, the first joint part including Sn or a resin adhesive.

Abstract: Described is a multi-directional roof anchor. The anchor is shaped so as to progressively distort under sudden load. The anchor has a generally planar structure, in which a first fixing region for fitment, either directly or indirectly, to a roofing material is provided. The anchor also includes a second attachment region for attaching devices, apparatus or equipment to the anchor, and a third shock absorbing region provided between, and integral with, the first and second regions. The third region includes one or more shock absorbing portions, shaped so as to provide gradual or progressive absorption of a sudden load applied to the anchor. The absorption is provided either by the third region alone or the third region in combination with one or both of the other two regions. Advantageously, the anchor has the ability to absorb such load when applied to it from any direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a gimbaled flexure having a dual stage actuation structure. The flexure comprises a gimbal which includes a pair of spring arms, a pair of struts, and a tongue between the spring arms. A motor is mounted on the gimbal. The motor comprises a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. The bottom side of the motor faces the flexure. A stiffener is mounted on the top side of the motor. At least one layer of adhesive is located between the stiffener and the motor and bonded to the stiffener and the motor. The gimbaled flexure includes a slider mounting for attaching a slider, such as to the tongue. The motor bends the struts to move the slider mounting about a tracking axis while the stiffener limits the degree of bending of the motor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a head suspension includes a punching process, a positioning process, and an affixing process. An objective part on the head suspension to which a damper 73 is affixed includes a discontinuous section 72. The punching process punches a damper material into the damper 73 whose shape corresponds to the shape of the objective part excluding the discontinuous section 72. The positioning process positions the damper 73 to the objective part so that the damper 73 avoids and surrounds the discontinuous section 72, and the affixing process affixes the damper 73 to the objective part. The method secures a uniform damping effect among manufactured head suspensions and improves the yield of dampers and head suspensions without deteriorating the functions and performances of the head suspensions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a suspension assembly including a load beam and an electric wiring member is provided. The load beam has a thin plate-like shape that extends from a base part toward a distal end. The electric wiring member extends from the base part toward the distal end to be overlapped with a first surface of the load beam and includes a wire formed thereon. A protrusion that protrudes on the first surface side is provided at a position avoiding the electric wiring member on the load beam, as seen in a plan view.

Abstract: A flexure tail is provided in a flexure including a metal base and a conductive circuit portion. The flexure tail includes a tail pad portion. In the tail pad portion, tail electrodes to are arranged. At the tail pad portion, a stub which remains after a test pad portion is cut off is formed. The stub includes conductors to which are left uncut. The conductors to which are left uncut are electrically connected to the tail electrodes to, respectively. The stub includes a bent portion. The bent portion is formed by bending a frame portion of the tail pad portion, and forms an angle of 30° or more with respect to a circuit board. The tail electrodes to are joined to terminals to of the circuit board.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoing problems by providing a suspension assembly used in a storage device to support a transducer head, wherein the suspension assembly comprises a base plate for attaching to an actuator arm and a moving portion movably attached to the base plate. The base plate is fixed and/or clamped to the actuator arm and the moving portion adapted to rotate about a center of rotation. The moving portion is adapted to have a center of mass of its moving mass substantially close to its center of rotation. In one implementation, a counter-weight is attached to the moving portion to move the center of mass of its moving mass substantially close to its center of rotation to minimize inertial loads to the system during suspension actuation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disk drive head suspension having a plated load point dimple. An aperture is etched into the spring metal member. A photoresist mask having an opening with load point-defining side walls and a load point diameter is formed over a portion of a spring metal member including the aperture. Metal is plated onto the spring metal member and into the aperture in the opening to form a load point having the load point diameter on the spring metal member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a suspension for a disk drive includes providing and assembling an actuator coupling plate, a bend region, a load beam, and a head receiving gimbal. The load beam has a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis that bisects the first end and the second end. The load beam is coupled to the gimbal proximate the first end and includes a base region proximate the second end, the base region having a first lateral section to one side of the longitudinal axis and a second lateral section to another side of the longitudinal axis. The first and the second lateral sections define a gap therebetween, and the base region has a bridge extending across the gap. A constraint layer overlays the gap and the bridge.

Abstract: A base material has a vibration damper provided detachably on a liner through an attaching surface. An apparatus is used when punching the vibration damper piece from the base material. The punched vibration damper piece is attached on an objective portion of a semi-finished head suspension. The apparatus includes a hollow punch and a punch drive mechanism. The hollow punch has a tooth portion at a distal end and a hollow internal surface that has a holding force larger than an attaching force of the vibration damper to the liner. The hollow punch punches the vibration damper piece out from the base material to hold the vibration damper piece on the hollow internal surface. The punch drive mechanism drives the hollow punch backward and forward in a punching direction, so that the vibration damper piece is punched with the tooth portion without punching out the liner.

Abstract: An Extended Circuit Integrated Suspension (ECIS) design and manufacture thereof, to allow for circuit elements to be disposed onto the load beam on the opposite side of the flexure circuit. An Extended Circuit Integrated Suspension (ECIS) may include a load beam; a flexure circuit comprising a plurality of traces; and a connection portion which connects the load beam laterally to the flexure circuit. The load beam, the flexure circuit, and the connecting portion may be formed as a single component from a single panel, and the connection portion is oriented so that the connection portion is folded to place the flexure circuit onto a first side of the load beam. Applications for the use of the extended circuit are many, and a semi-collocated micro-actuator (SCLMA) is illustrated for example.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a suspension substrate capable of supplying electric power easily to an assisting element fitted thereto. The object is attained by providing a suspension substrate comprising a metal supporting substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metal supporting substrate, and a wiring layer formed on the insulating layer, wherein the metal supporting substrate has, in a recording element mounting region for mounting a recording element, an opening for arranging and fitting thereinto a heat assisting element, wherein the wiring layer has a heat assisting wiring layer having a terminal section for supplying electric power directly to the heat assisting element.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a suspension having a DSA structure on a gimbaled flexure. The suspension comprises a loadbeam and flexure attached thereto. The flexure comprises a pair of spring arms, a tongue located between the spring arms and structurally supported by the pair of spring arms, and a pair of struts. The struts are positioned respectively between the pair of spring arms and the tongue. The longitudinal axes of the struts are offset with respect to each other. The suspension further comprises a slider and a motor mounted on the flexure. The motor has a longitudinal axis that is parallel with the axes of the struts and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the loadbeam. Electrical activation of the motor bends the pair of struts to move the slider.

Abstract: A flexure 11 has a substrate 13 made of a thin conductive metal plate, a base insulating layer 31 made of flexible resin formed on the substrate, wiring patterns 15 formed on the base insulating layer and connected to a slider mount 17, and a cover insulating layer 33 formed over the wiring patterns. The flexure 11 is substantially coated with a conductive polymer layer 39 having a thickness in the range of 18 to 130 nm. The flexure 11 prevents electrostatic accumulation and ion migration that are trade-offs.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly has a flexure forming a part of a suspension configured to extend along a surface of a recording medium. A flexible substrate is provided on the flexure. A slider is mounted onto at least a part of the flexible substrate so as to oppose the surface of the recording medium, and is configured to generate near field light from an introduced light flux. A light supply portion is mounted on the flexure and is provided between the flexure and the slider. The flexible substrate has an end surface forming a mirror surface that faces an end surface of the light supply portion and is inclined with respect to an optical axis of the light supply portion. The light supply portion is optically coupled to the slider via the mirror surface of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a magnetic head supporting suspension includes forming a load beam blank having a load beam with a dimple formed therein, and a frame portion with a positioning part formed therein; and forming a flexure blank having a flexure and a frame portion. A fitting portion in the flexure blank is fittable to the positioning part. An anti-rotation portion is formed on the load beam blank or a member attached to the load beam blank. A receiving portion in the flexure blank is fittable to the anti-rotation portion. The load beam blank and flexure blank are superposed with the positioning part fitted to the fitting portion. The anti-rotation portion is fitted to the receiving portion, and the flexure is fixed to the load beam. The load beam and flexure are thereafter separated from the frame portions.

Abstract: A terminal structure includes an insulating layer hole formed through an insulating layer, a ground via that passes through the insulating layer hole and electrically connects a wiring layer formed on the insulating layer and a metal layer formed under the insulating layer to each other, and a terminal face defined on a surface of the metal layer and bonded through a conductive adhesive to an electrode of a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a suspension substrate such that design freedom of a wiring layer is improved while restraining the upsizing in accordance with an increase in a wiring layer. The present invention solves the problem by providing a suspension substrate comprising a metal supporting substrate, a first insulating layer, a first wiring layer, a second insulating layer, and a second wiring layer laminated in this order, characterized in that the first wiring layer has a functional element wiring layer connected to a functional element, and the second wiring layer has a signal transmission wiring layer comprising a pair of wiring layers and connected to a recording and reproducing element.

Abstract: A magnetic head suspension includes a supporting part, a load bending part, a load beam part and a flexure part, and is configured so that a condition of L1?0.3*L and 0.6*L?L2 is satisfied assuming that a length of the leaf spring in a suspension lengthwise direction that extends from a distal edge of the supporting part to a proximal end portion of the load beam part is represented by “L”, a distance in the suspension lengthwise direction from the distal edge of the supporting part to the proximal side-bending line is represented by “L1” and a distance in the suspension lengthwise direction from the distal edge of the supporting part to the distal side-bending line is represented by “L2”.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a suspension assembly that includes a load beam and a laminated flexure. The laminated flexure includes a structural layer, a dielectric layer, and an electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive layer includes a plurality of flexure bond pads. The structural layer includes a tongue and a flexure bond pad shelf. The flexure bond pad shelf underlies each of the plurality of flexure bond pads. The flexure bond pad shelf is separate from the tongue in the structural layer so that the structural layer nowhere connects the flexure bond pad shelf to the tongue. A fine actuator may be disposed on and bonded to the tongue to produce relative motion between the head and the tongue. With the flexure bond pads bonded to the plurality of head bond pads, the fine actuator may also produce relative motion between the flexure bond pad shelf and the tongue.

Abstract: Each of side edges of a main body portion of a load beam part includes a proximal end region inclined at a first inclination angle so as to come closer to a suspension longitudinal center line as it goes from proximal to distal sides, and a distal end region inclined at a second inclination angle smaller than the first inclination angle so as to come closer to the center line as it goes from a proximal side connected via an inflection point to a distal end of the proximal end region to a distal side.

Abstract: An Extended Circuit Integrated Suspension (ECIS) design and manufacture thereof, to allow for circuit elements to be disposed onto the load beam on the opposite side of the flexure circuit. An Extended Circuit Integrated Suspension (ECIS) may include a load beam; a flexure circuit comprising a plurality of traces; and a connection portion which connects the load beam laterally to the flexure circuit. The load beam, the flexure circuit, and the connecting portion may be formed as a single component from a single panel, and the connection portion is oriented so that the connection portion is folded to place the flexure circuit onto a first side of the load beam. Applications for the use of the extended circuit are many, and a semi-collocated micro-actuator (SCLMA) is illustrated for example.

Abstract: A load beam of a head suspension has a rigid part and a resilient part supported with a base to be attached to a carriage arm. The load beam applies a load onto a head supported at a front end of the rigid part. The load beam includes a load bend formed in each of a pair of legs that extend from widthwise sides of a base end of the rigid part and form the resilient part. The load bend is formed by bending the leg along a bend line that is defined on the leg and extends in a width direction of the load beam. The bend lines on the legs are positionally shifted from each other in a length direction of the load beam.

Abstract: A load beam part main body portion's side edges include a proximal end region inclined at a first angle and a distal end region inclined at a smaller second angle. Where “L” is a distance in a suspension longitudinal direction between a supporting part's distal end portion and a dimple, a distance “a” in the same direction from the supporting part's distal end portion until an inflection point between the proximal end region and the distal end region satisfies 0.44L?a?0.78L. A support plate's side edges fixed to the load beam part main body portion's lower surface is located, in the suspension width direction, inward from a virtual line connecting the proximal end region's proximal end and the distal end region's distal end and outward from the proximal end region and the distal end region, and extends, in the suspension longitudinal direction, across the inflection point.

Abstract: In a disk drive suspension including a baseplate, a load beam, and a flexure, the suspension comprises a recess formed in one surface of the load beam relative to the thickness thereof, a damping material contained in the recess, and a lid portion superposed on the damping material so as to cover at least a part of the recess. The lid portion is formed of a part of a flexure. The flexure is an example of a suspension constituent member.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive with a load beam having continuous rails and a distal lift tab. A dimple is positioned proximal to the lift tab, either on the load beam or the gimbal, the dimple providing a pitch axis and a roll axis for the slider. The suspension also includes at least one tab member fixed in relation to the load beam, where each of the at least one tab member is aligned with or is distal to the dimple. The at least one tab and a portion of the gimbal define a gimbal limiter that is aligned with or distal to the dimple. The at least one tab member extends either longitudinally or laterally from the load beam at or distal to the dimple.

Abstract: Multi-layer ground plane structures and methods of manufacture for integrated lead suspension flexures. A flexure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an insulating layer, a plurality of traces on the insulating layer and a stainless steel base layer on the side of the insulating layer opposite the traces. The stainless steel base layer includes one or more void portions with voids in the base layer opposite the insulating layer from the traces and one or more backed portions with the base layer backing the traces. A plurality of patterned and transversely-spaced first conductive ground planes are located opposite the insulating layer from the traces at the void portions and backed portions of the stainless steel base layer. A continuous gold second conductive ground plane is located opposite the insulating layer and the first ground planes from the side of the insulating layer adjacent to the traces at the void portions and backed portions of the stainless steel base layer.

Abstract: Provided that a distance between a distal edge of a supporting part and a dimple is represented by L1, a load beam part is bended around a first bending line within a center region away from the distal edge of the supporting part by more than or equal to 0.4*L1 and less than or equal to 0.6*L1 and also around a second bending line positioned closer to a proximal side in the suspension longitudinal direction than the first bending line. Paired leaf springs are bended around a third bending line. The second bending line is positioned within a proximal region within 0.22*L1 from the distal edge of the supporting part, and no paired flange portions exist at an area at which the second bending line is positioned.

Abstract: A flexure tail of a head gimbal assembly (HGA) is aligned with a flex cable of a head stack assembly (HSA). At least one solder ball is adhered to a bond pad on the flex cable. The solder ball is entered into a first alignment hole in the flexure tail while the solder ball is solid.

Abstract: A flexure has a metal base plate, an insulating layer formed on the metal base plate, a wiring pattern formed on the insulating layer, a read-write head connected to a first end of the wiring pattern, and terminals for external connection that are adjacent to each other and are connected to a second end of the wiring pattern. The flexure includes a hole formed through the insulating layer in the vicinity of respective one of the adjacent terminals and an exposed part being a part of the metal base plate that is exposed through the hole to the terminals. A distance between the respective one of the adjacent terminals and the exposed part exposed through the hole in the vicinity thereof is shorter than a distance between the adjacent terminals.

Abstract: An electrical connection structure for a piezoelectric element and a head suspension with the piezoelectric element employing the electrical connection structure are provided. The electrical connection structure fixes and connects a terminal of a wiring member to an electrode of the piezoelectric element, which is arranged to face the terminal, with a conductive adhesive so that no peeling due to thermal expansion occurs between the terminal and the conductive adhesive. The electrical connection structure includes a through hole formed through the terminal and a connection part formed around the through hole on an opposite side of a piezoelectric element on the terminal. The conductive adhesive is applied and solidified so that the conductive adhesive extends between a surface of the connection part and a surface of the electrode of the piezoelectric element through the through hole.

Abstract: A load beam part main body portion's side edges include a proximal end region inclined at a first angle and a distal end region inclined at a smaller second angle. Where “L” is a distance in a suspension longitudinal direction between a supporting part's distal end portion and a dimple, a distance “a” in the same direction from the supporting part's distal end portion until an inflection point between the proximal end region and the distal end region satisfies 0.44 L?a?0.78 L. A support plate's side edges fixed to the load beam part main body portion's lower surface is located, in the suspension width direction, inward from a virtual line connecting the proximal end region's proximal end and the distal end region's distal end and outward from the proximal end region and the distal end region, and extends, in the suspension longitudinal direction, across the inflection point.

Abstract: Interconnections for attaching a suspension assembly to an arm of an actuator or positioning device are disclosed. In illustrated embodiments, the interconnection includes one or more weld connections formed along opposed side seams of overlapping portions of the arm and head suspension assembly. In illustrated embodiments, the weld connections are formed along side surfaces generally transverse to upper and lower surfaces of the arm. In another embodiment, a groove pattern is formed, for example via a laser etching process, in an overlapping portion of the head suspension assembly or arm and an epoxy is inlayed in the groove to connect the head suspension assembly and arm. Illustrated embodiments also include multiple connections including, for example, a swage connection and a weld or other connection.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a head suspension includes a punching process, a positioning process, and an affixing process. An objective part on the head suspension to which a damper 73 is affixed includes a discontinuous section 72. The punching process punches a damper material into the damper 73 whose shape corresponds to the shape of the objective part excluding the discontinuous section 72. The positioning process positions the damper 73 to the objective part so that the damper 73 avoids and surrounds the discontinuous section 72, and the affixing process affixes the damper 73 to the objective part. The method secures a uniform damping effect among manufactured head suspensions and improves the yield of dampers and head suspensions without deteriorating the functions and performances of the head suspensions.

Abstract: An method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element easily and surely forms polymer coatings on peripheral end faces of the piezoelectric element without deteriorating a yield of the piezoelectric element. The method includes steps of cutting a piezoelectric element out from a base piezoelectric material plate so that peripheral end faces are formed to define a peripheral shape of the piezoelectric element, and forming polymer coatings on at least objective areas of the peripheral end faces of the piezoelectric element by vapor deposition polymerization, respectively.

Abstract: A suspension for supporting a magnetic head is provided with a load beam formed of a thin-plate spring. A recess for accommodating a damper is formed in the load beam. The damper is affixed to a bottom surface of the recess.

Abstract: A disk drive head suspension includes a load beam designed for damping of torsion and sway resonance modes. The load beam includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and the proximal end portion includes a proximal edge. The load beam also includes a strain-inducing feature that is formed into an upper planar surface of the load beam and extends from the proximal edge of the load beam. A flexure is attached to and supported by the load beam for carrying a magnetic head slider. A hinge attached to the load beam and to the base mounting structure, the latter of which is for coupling the head suspension to a disk drive actuation system. A damping element is on the load beam at the proximal end portion that spans across the strain-inducing feature and is adjacent to the proximal edge of the load beam.

Abstract: A support assembly includes a base layer, a circuit defined along the base layer, and a first material molded on at least a portion of the base layer. The first material substantially forms a shape of at least a portion of the support assembly. Further disclosed is a molded suspension assembly. The molded suspension assembly includes a thin and elongate metallic substrate and a non-metallic material molded along at least a portion of one side of the metallic substrate. The non-metallic material interlocks with the metallic substrate. The molded suspension assembly includes a transducer support area at or near a first end of the molded suspension assembly.

Abstract: A method of testing a fitted state of a pair of piezoelectric elements fitted to form an actuator between a base member and a movable member, the piezoelectric elements in the actuator being arranged side by side in opposite polarity and being electrically connected in parallel with each other, and when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements, minutely moving the movable member relative to the base member in a direction in which the piezoelectric members are arranged side by side. The method detects changes in capacitance of the piezoelectric elements with respect to changes in bias voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements, the bias voltage being changed within a predetermined range, and determines a fitted state of the piezoelectric elements according to a characteristic of the detected capacitance changes. The method correctly and easily determines whether or not the piezoelectric elements are correctly fitted to the actuator.

Abstract: A suspension is provided with a load beam and a flexure including a tongue on which a slider is mounted. A limiter is formed by cutting and raising a part of the tongue. The limiter includes a bent portion and arm. The tongue has an opening that is left after the limiter is cut and raised. The opening and limiter are formed along a center line of the tongue. A distal end of the dimple is in contact with a back surface of the slider through the opening.

Abstract: A suspension for a disk drive includes a gimbal, a load beam and a constraint layer. The gimbal is configured to receive a head. The load beam has a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end. The load beam is coupled to the gimbal proximate the first end and includes a base region proximate the second end, the base region having a first lateral section to one side of the longitudinal axis and a second lateral section to another side of the longitudinal axis. The first and the second lateral sections define a gap therebetween, and the base region has a bridge section extending across the gap between the first lateral section and the second lateral section. The constraint layer overlays at least a portion of the base region.