Abstract: A head suspension load beam having a longitudinal axis, first and second edges, and first and second opposite side surfaces. The load beam includes a central rail structure extending along at least a part of the longitudinal axis. The load beam also includes a first elongated partially etched portion in the first side surface of the load beam extending along a substantially entire length of the first edge of the load beam, as well as a second elongated partially etched portion in the first side surface of the load beam extending along a substantially entire length of the second edge of the load beam.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly including a stainless steel hinge member, an integrated lead flexure and a polymer stiffener member. The stainless steel hinge member includes a proximal mounting region, a beam region having a load point dimple, and a spring region between the mounting and beam regions. The integrated lead flexure is attached to the hinge member and has a slider bond pad engaged by the load point dimple. The stiffener member is molded onto the beam portion of the hinge member and attached by rivets extending through apertures in the hinge member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for controlling the contour of a feature in a transition area made by etching a substrate. This process includes applying a patterned resist mask to the substrate to form a plurality of mask openings and mask land areas. The mask land areas are sized and spaced to a control the contour of a feature on the substrate.

Abstract: A gimbal and load beam apparatus for a head suspension for a disk drive having lateral arms with dielectric and conductor layers without metal backing to provide for low pitch and roll stiffness while also having a structural layer attached to the gimbal at proximal and distal locations for high lateral stiffness. The structural layer may be formed of stainless steel and can serve as the load beam and spring region for the head suspension.

Abstract: A base plate for a head suspension assembly having a pair of side rails including spring portions. The base plate including first and second portions connected by the pair of side rails and separated by an opening, with the spring portions positioned adjacent to the opening. The base plate configured to receive a microactuator spanning the opening with the microactuator causing relative movement between the first and second portions of the base plate at the spring portions of the side rails, so as to provide fine manipulation of a head slider mounted to the head suspension assembly.

Abstract: A gimbal and load beam apparatus for a head suspension for a disk drive having lateral arms with dielectric and conductor layers without metal backing to provide for low pitch and roll stiffness while also having a structural layer attached to the gimbal at proximal and distal locations for high lateral stiffness. The structural layer may be formed of stainless steel and can serve as the load beam and spring region for the head suspension.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly for a rigid disk drive. The head suspension has a load beam with a mounting region at a proximal end, a rigid region at a distal end and a tether connecting the mounting region and the rigid region. A hinge structure is located between the rigid region and the mounting region. The hinge structure comprises an interface with first pivot surfaces on the mounting region positively engaged with second pivot surfaces on the rigid region by the tether. A torsional spring is located between the rigid region and the mounting region.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly for a rigid disk drive. The load beam has a mounting region at a proximal end, a rigid region at a distal end and a spring region connecting the mounting region and the rigid region. A pair of rails extend along a portion of the rigid region. The rigid region has a railed region and a non-railed region adjacent to the spring region. A stiffener is attached to the load beam in a multi-layered structure. The stiffener has a proximal portion extending along at least a portion of the non-railed region without extending into the spring region, and a distal portion extending along 50% or less of a length of the railed region closest to the spring region.