Abstract: A method of detaching a head suspension component from a locating and transport structure where the head suspension component is integrally connected to the locating and transport structure by a tab having a reduced tensile strength with respect to each of the head suspension component and the locating and transport structure. The method includes applying a tensile load to the tab to cause the tab to fracture, so that the head suspension component is detached from the locating and transport structure.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical interconnect on an integrated lead suspension or suspension component of the type having a stainless steel layer, a conductive lead layer and an insulator layer separating the stainless steel and conductive lead layers. An aperture is formed through only the insulator layer to expose the stainless steel layer at an interconnect site. An interconnect mask is applied around the interconnect site. A first conductive material is electroplated onto the stainless steel layer at the interconnect site to form a plated interconnect between the spring metal layer and the conductive lead layer. The mask is then removed. An electrical interconnect between the stainless steel and conductive lead layers including an aperture only through the insulator layer and an electroplated conductive material interconnect extending between both the spring metal layer and the conductive lead layer.

Abstract: A headlift on a distal end of a load beam of the type for use in a disk drive suspension, including two distally extending rails transversely spaced from each other, a cross member extending between the first and second rails, and a tab extending from the cross member. The headlift may include arms extending transversely from each rail that engage with each other and with an offset formed in the load beam. In one embodiment, the headlift is integrally formed from the same piece of material as the headlift. In a second embodiment, the headlift is formed from a polymer and attached to the load beam. The method of manufacture, in one embodiment, includes providing a unitary flat load beam member and folding the load beam member and attaching portions of the headlift to the load beam to form the headlift. Alternatively, the load beam may be formed with a structural surface that interfaces with a mounting portion of the headlift.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively applying a voltage to one major surface of a pair of piezoelectric motors (PZTs) on a disk drive head suspension with a primary plane of a load beam of the head suspension parallel to the major surfaces of the PZT elements electrically insulated from the load beam. Electrical connections to the PZTs are made via wires, solder, conductive epoxy or electro-mechanical attachment of a plated surface of the PZT with a bond pad on an electrically isolated substrate. Lead extensions or separate pieces may be used to connect to the PZTs. The PZTs may be located on a major surface of the load beam, or may be assembled in a pre-fabricated motor assembly before being installed in the head suspension. Apertures in the load beam and other layers permit physical installation of the PZT motors and enable electrical connection to the PZTs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively applying a voltage to one major surface of a pair of piezoelectric motors (PZTs) on a disk drive head suspension with a primary plane of a load beam of the head suspension parallel to the major surfaces of the PZT elements electrically insulated from the load beam. Electrical connections to the PZTs are made via wires, solder, conductive epoxy or electro-mechanical attachment of a plated surface of the PZT with a bond pad on an electrically isolated substrate. Lead extensions or separate pieces may be used to connect to the PZTs. The PZTs may be located on a major surface of the load beam, or may be assembled in a pre-fabricated motor assembly before being installed in the head suspension. Apertures in the load beam and other layers permit physical installation of the PZT motors and enable electrical connection to the PZTs.