Abstract: An apparatus, method and combination for dissipating vibration from a head suspension of a data storage device. The combination includes a rotating disc in a data exchange relationship with a read/write head supported by a head suspension formed by the method. The method includes the steps of; forming a mounting region and a load beam region each adjacent a bend region; removing material from the bend region to form an aperture, a strut, an isolation aperture and a damping material support structure; and affixing a damping material to the strut and the damping material support structure. The apparatus includes the bend region adjacent both the mounting region and the load beam region, with the damping material attached to the strut as well as to the damping material support structure. The load beam region includes a rigid portion, which supports a flexure upon which a read/write head is attached.

Abstract: An improved head gimbal assembly for supporting a head in a disc drive assembly. The improved head gimbal assembly including a gimbal spring adapted to support a slider and provide desired flexure characteristics for the slider to pitch and roll while limiting dimple separation. The gimbal spring including spaced struts formed of elongated straight members. The struts are shaped to define a generally increasing spring constant along a substantial length of the struts extending from a distance proximal of extended ends of the struts adapted to support a slider to opposed ends of the struts.