Abstract: An actuation assembly includes a movable actuator arm, a suspension assembly, a slider, and means for attaching the slider to the gimbal. The actuator arm supports the suspension assembly, which includes a gimbal carrying a gimbal bond pad that is electrically isolated from the gimbal. The slider includes an air bearing surface and a gimbal opposing face opposite the air bearing surface. The means for attaching the slider to the gimbal provide a direct contact between the gimbal and the slider and elevate a plane of the gimbal opposing face with respect to the gimbal bond pad. The means for attaching the slider to the gimbal is integral with the gimbal.

Abstract: An actuation assembly for use in a disc drive having a recording disc rotatable about an axis and a slider supporting a transducing head for transducing data with a disc. The actuation assembly supports the slider to position the transducing head adjacent a selected radial track of the disc. The actuation assembly includes a movable actuator arm and a load beam supported by the actuator arm. A gimbal for supporting the slider and having a slider opposing face is connected to a distal end of the load beam. The gimbal has at least one standoff extending from the slider opposing face toward the disc with the standoff providing a direct contact between the gimbal and the slider.

Abstract: A magnetic disc drive includes a magnetic disc having a surface for storing information. The disc drive includes a drive chassis which forms an electrical ground. A head assembly reads and write information on the disc surface. An armature extends across the disc surface and positions the head assembly over the disc surface. A gimbal assembly at the end of the armature couples to the head assembly. Electrically conductive metal paths extend between the head assembly and the gimbal assembly, thereby coupling the head assembly to electrical ground.