Abstract: A head gimbal assembly includes a slider and novel gimbal that may reduce crown sensitivity to temperature without substantially sacrificing the ability of a bond between the gimbal tongue and slider to resist applied forces and torques. The gimbal has a tongue that includes at least one weakening region. The weakening region extends more in a direction perpendicular to the length of the slider than it does in a direction parallel to the length of the slider. A bonding surface of the slider is attached to the tongue in a first bonding region that extends closer to a leading end of the slider than the weakening region does, and in a second bonding region that extends closer to a trailing end of the slider than the weakening region does. The gimbal can be used in a head gimbal assembly of a magnetic hard disk drive or other information storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides unamount head/arm subassemblies and read-write head stack assembly for a disk drive, and a servowriter having the head stack assembly. Each head/arm subassembly is assembled and aligned individually so that multiple head/arm subassemblies can be installed on a mounting block to build the head stack assembly with all heads being properly aligned. In addition, each head/arm subassembly can be disassembled independently, facilitating easy rework on individual defect head.

Abstract: A magnetic disc apparatus having a magnetic disc on which information is recorded, a magnetic head and a magnetic head supporting mechanism. The magnetic head supporting mechanism includes a slider having the magnetic head mounted thereon, a load beam having an arm mounting portion and a pivot, and a gimbal having a mounting portion on which the slider is mounted, two flexible finger portions spaced from the load beam and supporting the mounting portion so that the slider is rotatable with respect to the pivot, and a base end portion which is joined to the load beam. The load beam has two openings formed therein in proximity to the pivot which enable viewing of a back surface of the mounting portion which is opposite to a surface of the mounting portion of the gimbal on which the slider is mounted.

Abstract: A method of assembling a head gimbal assembly. The method comprises a series of steps which include: stacking a base plate, a load beam, and a flexure to form a three-layered stacked series with at least a bottom layer being a base plate series; joining portions of the load beam to the base plate, and the flexure to the load beam in the three-layered stacked series to make a suspension section; attaching a slider to the flexure in the suspension section to make a head gimbal assembly; load-bending a hinge portion formed in the head gimbal assembly; and heating the hinge portion in order to adjust a bending load on the hinge portion at a predetermined bending angle to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A suspension for disc drive has a base portion including a base plate, a load beam, a pair of hinge members, a wired flexure, etc. The wired flexure has a metal base and a wiring portion on the metal base. The hinge members are fixed overlapping the rear end portion of the load beam and the front end portion of the base plate. The wired flexure extends through a gap between the hinge members and ranges over the load beam and the base plate.

Abstract: An externally wireless laminated suspension for a hard disk drive are disclosed. In one embodiment, the externally wireless laminated suspension has an insulating layer to electrically isolate a first and second electrical trace from a conductive support layer. The second electrical trace crosses over the first electrical trace. The first electrical trace may be made of a first part on one side of the second electrical trace and a second part on the opposite side of the electrical trace. A conductive island area may be patterned into the support layer. The conductive island area may electrically couple the first part of the first electrical trace to the second part. The number of crossover points that the first electrical trace has may equal the number of crossover points that the second electrical trace has.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a disk, and a head stack assembly (HSA). The HSA includes a preamplifier; an actuator assembly that defines an actuator arm; a load beam supported by the actuator arm, the load beam defining a registration feature. A flexure is coupled to the load beam, the flexure defining an opening that is centered on the registration feature and including a plurality of conductive formations. The conductive formations include a plurality of conductive flexure connection pads that collectively define a center point; a plurality of conductive traces to electrically couple the plurality of flexure connection pads to the preamplifier, and a conductive feature disposed away from and aligned with the center point, the conductive feature at least partially surrounding the opening within the flexure. A slider is coupled to the plurality of flexure connection pads for reading and writing to the disk.

Abstract: A load beam for a disk drive suspension in which the radius of the perimeter transition between the load beam portion and the load beam spring portion is increased to ensure the stress encountered when the load beam is bent from its normal range, for installation into a disk drive, for example, from a previously typical 0.002 inch to 0.010 inch, is distributed sufficiently that the load beam spring portion is subject to only elastic, not plastic deformation. Thus, the gram loads exerted by the load beam spring portion are reliably consistent.

Abstract: A method for loading single head in a hard disk drive includes the following steps: mounting a head assembly (30) in a baseplate (10) of a hard disk drive, the head assembly comprising an actuator arm (32), a suspension (34) and a HGA, the baseplate engaging a motor (110) and the HGA is positioned close to the motor; biasing the suspension by a mounting tool (50) from the original position, the mounting tool comprising a cantilever arm (52), a pressing head (54) and a supporting rod (56), wherein, the mounting tool rotates to the suspension and gets down to press the suspension; mounting a disk (90) on the motor in the baseplate; and releasing the pressing head from the suspension, loading the HGA of the head assembly to a parking zone of the disk.

Abstract: A head suspension or head suspension component for supporting a head slider over a rigid disk in a dynamic storage device and a method of manufacturing. The head suspension includes a head suspension component and a compliant locating feature formed within the head suspension component. The compliant locating feature includes a plurality of spring beam tabs defined by an aperture and positioned to extend toward an opening. The compliant feature is preferably configured to receive a tapered cylindrical pin through the opening for precisely locating the head suspension component relative to a desired reference while the spring beam tabs are engaged by the tapered pin. The head suspension component may include two or more compliant locating features, and the head suspension may include two or more components that each include one or more compliant locating features.

Abstract: A base plate and load beam for an HG assembly are formed in series, stacked, and transferred by a transfer system in the form of the stacked-layer series to undergo the necessary assembly processes such as layer joining, slider attachment, and electrical connections between the terminals thereon. The base plate structure comprises a band portion having conveying holes and positioning holes formed at a predetermined pith respectively in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of the base plates are disposed via connecting portions integrally formed at a predetermined pitch at edges on one side of the band portion.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the pitch static attitude of a slider in an integrated lead suspension head gimbal assembly. The integrated lead suspension includes a load beam, a mount plate, a hinge and a flexure made out of a multi-layer material. Localized heating is applied to the outrigger leads during the process of forming flexure legs to set a stable pitch static attitude, which does not change, by subsequent thermal exposures.

Abstract: To be capable of precisely positioning a head on a track of a high-density disk rotated at high speed in the disk drive, a head suspension has a plate (3) to be attached to a carriage of the disk drive and turned around a spindle, a load beam (5) having a rigid part (11) and a resilient part (17) and supported by the plate, a front end of the rigid part applying load on a head (13) that writes and reads information to and from the disk, a flexure (7) supporting the head, and an extension (15) having a length (L2) and extending from the plate along the rigid part of the load beam toward the head. The flexure is supported at least by the extension of the plate, and at least supporting the flexure.

Abstract: A load beam is provided with a base plate and a slider. A magnetic head apparatus is fixed to a head arm via a base plate. In a mechanism or structure for supporting such a magnetic head supporting mechanism, an elastically deformable portion is provided between the base plate and the load beam. Thus, a floating structure that allows the load beam to swing is formed about the elastically deformable portion. In addition, a weight of the load beam is balanced with respect to the elastically deformable portion. Furthermore, a contact portion for applying pressure to the load beam is provided on the head arm so that a pressing load to a recording medium would be set by an amount of rotation of the load beam caused by the pressure applied by the contact portion.

Abstract: An extending portion extending from the proximal portion of the load beam of a disc drive suspension has a first hole in which a first positioning pin can be inserted and a second hole in which a second positioning pin can be inserted. The first hole has an elongated shape that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the first positioning pin in a width direction. The second hole is a circular large hole that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the second positioning pin in the width direction and an axial direction. A third hole and a fourth hole are formed in a flexure. The third hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the first positioning pin in the axial direction. The fourth hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the second positioning pin.

Abstract: An extending portion of a load beam is formed having a first hole in which a first positioning pin can be inserted and a second hole in which a second positioning pin can be inserted. The first hole has an elongated shape that allows the extending portion of the load beam to move relatively to the first positioning pin in a width direction. The second hole is a circular large hole that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the second positioning pin in the width direction and an axial direction. A third hole and a fourth hole are formed in a flexure. The third hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the first positioning pin in the axial direction. The fourth hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the second positioning pin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a welded attachment between components for a disk drive head suspension where the material of at least one of the components is not suitable for welding directly to the material of the other component. The method and apparatus include providing at least one insert in an aperture in one component compatible with material of the second component or an insert in the second component to enable the first component to be welded to the second component. The insert may be an interference fit in the aperture or it may be coined to enhance retention. Fully hardened or annealed stainless steel may be used for the insert, and aluminum, ceramic or a polymer or composite may be the material receiving the insert. The aperture may be preformed or formed in by the insert during the operation of punching and installing the insert.

Abstract: An extending portion of a hinge member is formed having a first hole in which a first positioning pin can be inserted and a second hole in which a second positioning pin can be inserted. The first hole has an elongated shape that allows the extending portion of the hinge member to move relatively to the first positioning pin in a width direction. The second hole is a circular large hole that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the second positioning pin in the width direction and an axial direction. A third hole and a fourth hole are formed in a flexure. The third hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the first positioning pin in the axial direction. The fourth hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the second positioning pin.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a drive housing, an actuator arm mounted to the drive housing, a head suspension assembly secured to the actuator arm, a spindle secured to the drive housing, a storage disk positioned on the spindle and a spacer positioned on the spindle. The actuator arm includes a suspension mounting side and the spindle includes a disk mounting surface. A actual measured distance along a first axis between the suspension mounting side and the disk mounting surface is measured. The spacer is positioned between the disk mounting surface and the storage disk. The spacer has a spacer height along the first axis that is based upon the actual measured distance.

Abstract: A vibration-canceling mechanism includes a vibration transfer member of a plane shape inserted between a vibration-origination system having a plurality of resonance frequencies and an object to which vibrations are applied from the vibration-origination system. The vibration transfer member has a plurality of resonance frequencies equal to or near the plurality of resonance frequencies of the vibration-origination system. The vibration transfer member has a plurality of pairs of arm sections for coupling one end section of the vibration transfer member with the other end section of the vibration transfer member. The one end section of the vibration transfer member is fixed to the vibration-origination system and the other end section of the vibration transfer member is fixed to the object so that apparent vibrations of the object are substantially canceled by resonances of the vibration transfer member.

Abstract: A vibration-canceling mechanism includes a vibration transfer member. At least part of the vibration transfer member is inserted between a vibration-origination system having at least one resonance frequency and an object to which a vibration is applied from the vibration-origination system. The vibration transfer member has a resonance frequency equal to or near the at least one resonance frequency of the vibration-origination system. One end section of the vibration transfer member is fixed to the vibration-origination system and the other end section of the vibration transfer member is fixed to the object so that an apparent vibration of the object is substantially canceled by a resonance of the vibration transfer member.

Abstract: A vibration-canceling mechanism includes a vibration transfer member of a plane shape inserted between a vibration-origination system having at least one resonance frequency and an object to which a vibration is applied from the vibration-origination system. The vibration transfer member has a resonance frequency equal to or near the at least one resonance frequency of the vibration-origination system. One end section of the vibration transfer member is fixed to the vibration-origination system and the other end section of the vibration transfer member is fixed to the object so that an apparent vibration of the object is substantially canceled by a resonance of the vibration transfer member.

Abstract: A system and a method for increasing suspension resonance frequencies of a head suspension assembly of a disc drive includes, in one example embodiment, attaching a base plate to an actuator arm assembly of the disc drive such that the base plate including the actuator arm assembly are in actuating relationship with a rotating disc of the disc drive. A two-piece suspension member having a first and second pieces is attached to the base plate. A gimbal is attached to the two-piece suspension member such that a predetermined bendable area is formed between the first and second pieces and on the gimbal having a stiffer preload bend radius. A stiffer preload bend radius provides a higher stiffness-to-mass ratio without increasing the spring rate of the head suspension assembly to increase suspension resonance frequencies of the head suspension assembly to fall outside a bandwidth of a servo drive to reduce off-track motion of the head suspension assembly during track follow-and-seek operations of the disc drive.

Abstract: Problems aligning a slider with a dimple post in manufacture of head gimbal assemblies for disk drive suspensions are obviated by defining left and right optically readable indicia that are visible when the dimple post is not and that serve as a reference for positioning apparatus rather then the dimple post itself.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly in a rigid disk drive having a load beam with a mounting region, a rigid region and a spring region located between the mounting region and rigid region. The mounting region includes an integral boss tower having attachment features. A method of making a multi-piece head suspension for a rigid disk drive is also disclosed. The method includes providing a first layer including a mounting region with an integral boss tower attached to a stiffener by one or more positioning tabs; attaching a second layer including a spring region to an interface between the mounting region and the stiffener; attaching a flexure to the stiffener; and removing the positioning tabs. The flexure can optionally be a portion of the second layer.

Abstract: A head suspension for supporting a head slider over a rigid disk in a dynamic storage device having a component that includes a compliant feature adapted to engage a first pin and a datum engaging surface spaced from the compliant feature. The component being locatable relative to a datum by manipulation of the component with respect to the datum and a first pin to cause the first pin to engage and deflect the compliant feature when the datum engaging surface of the component is engaged and positioned with respect to the datum. The head suspension also including a second component having a pin engaging feature and possibly a datum engaging surface alignable with the compliant feature and datum engaging surface of the first component, respectively. The pin engaging feature of the second component being compliant or non-compliant.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive has a base plate (19) to be attached to a carriage of the disk drive and a load beam (21) consisting of a rigid part (27) and a resilient part (29), to apply load onto a slider. The rigid part and resilient part are separately formed. The rigid part is joined to a first side (29a) of the resilient part. The suspension also has a reinforcing plate (37) to hold and fix a second side (29b) of the resilient part between the reinforcing plate and the base plate. The base plate stably and resiliently supports the load beam. This suspension satisfies required characteristics.

Abstract: A head suspension or head suspension component for supporting a head slider over a rigid disk in a dynamic storage device and a method of manufacturing. The head suspension includes a head suspension component and a compliant locating feature formed within the head suspension component. The compliant locating feature includes a plurality of spring beam tabs defined by an aperture and positioned to extend toward an opening. The compliant feature is preferably configured to receive a tapered cylindrical pin through the opening for precisely locating the head suspension component relative to a desired reference while the spring beam tabs are engaged by the tapered pin. The head suspension component may include two or more compliant locating features, and the head suspension may include two or more components that each include one or more compliant locating features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated actuator assembly and the method for making the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is intended for use in miniature personal electronic devices, but could be used in any type of disk drive. The actuator is primarily constructed from strong, stiff, lightweight composite materials. The upper and lower planar elements of the actuator assembly, each comprising multiple composite layers, include a forward portion and a rearward portion. A flexure member, typically positioned between the layers of composite material, allows the forward portion of each planar element to pivot in unison relative to the rear portion of each planar element. In this manner, the position of an optical pick up unit or other read/write device positioned at the distal end of the actuator assembly can be adjusted relative to the surface of a data disk. The composite and flexure planar elements are formed in arrays of multiple component pieces with aligned registration members.

Abstract: A method for aligning head suspension structures minimize to misalignments between a flexure and a load beam of the head suspension. The load beam and the flexure of the head suspension include a first aperture formed near a load point dimple of the head suspension to provide a reference datum. An elongated alignment aperture is formed in the rigid region of the load beam, and a proximal alignment aperture and a distal alignment aperture are formed in the flexure. The elongated the aperture overlaps at least a portion of the proximal and distal alignment apertures in such a manner that the proximal perimeter edge of the elongated aperture encroaches on the proximal alignment aperture and the proximal perimeter edge of the distal alignment aperture encroaches upon the elongated alignment aperture.

Abstract: An extending portion of a hinge member is formed having a first hole in which a first positioning pin can be inserted and a second hole in which a second positioning pin can be inserted. The first hole has an elongated shape that allows the extending portion of the hinge member to move relatively to the first positioning pin in a width direction. The second hole is a circular large hole that allows the extending portion to move relatively to the second positioning pin in the width direction and an axial direction. A third hole and a fourth hole are formed in a flexure. The third hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the first positioning pin in the axial direction. The fourth hole has an elongated shape that allows the flexure to move relatively to the second positioning pin.

Abstract: A method manufactures a head suspension for a disk drive. The method includes a first step of forming a semi-finished suspension (55) having a base plate (37), a rigid part (27) solidly joined with the base plate through a bridge (57), and a positioning hole (63) formed through the bridge. This positioning hole is aligned with a positioning hole (51) formed through part of a flexure (41). A second step of the method fixes a resilient material (31) to the base plate and rigid part of the semi-finished suspension so that the base plate may resiliently support the rigid part through the resilient material. A third step of the method aligns the positioning hole of the flexure with the positioning hole of the bridge and fixes the flexure to the rigid part. A fourth step of the method cuts off the positioning-hole-formed part of the flexure and the bridge including the positioning hole. This suspension is compact and the load beam and flexure thereof are correctly positioned to secure balance.

Abstract: There is disclosed a disc drive suspension in which a first reference hole and spring portion, and a second reference hole and spring portion are formed in a load beam of the suspension. A third reference hole and spring portion, and a fourth reference hole and spring portion are formed in a flexure. When a first positioning pin of a positioning jig is inserted into the first and third reference holes, the first and third spring portions abut on the first positioning pin, and the load beam and flexure are thereby urged in an axial direction. When a second positioning pin is inserted into the second and fourth reference holes, the second and fourth spring portions abut on the second positioning pin, and the load beam and flexure are thereby urged in the axial direction, and are both positioned.

Abstract: A microactuator is attached to a first face of a coupling formed on a suspension, so that an R/W transducer projects from an opposite face. A hole in the coupling permits passage of an adhesive mass interposed between a rotor of the microactuator and the R/W transducer. A strip of adhesive material extends between a die accommodating the microactuator and the coupling, and externally surrounds the microactuator. The coupling acts as a protective shield for the microactuator, both mechanically and electrically. The coupling covers the microactuator at the front, and prevents foreign particles from blocking the microactuator. In addition, the coupling electrically insulates the R/W transducer, which is sensitive to magnetic fields, from regions of the microactuator biased to a high voltage. With the coupling, the strip forms a sealing structure, which in practice surrounds the microactuator on all sides.

Abstract: A height reduced rotary voice coil actuator assembly includes an E-block defining one or more vertically aligned short tines. Fastened to each short tine are one or two elongated tine extenders. The tine extender-short tine connection occurs outside the region above and below the data storage disks. A peg-leg load beam having tabs adapted to receive wires having no protective plastic tubing is connected to each tine extender. The wires are bonded directly to the tabs and provide electrical communication between data transducer heads located on the load beam and drive electronics. A swage boss formed in the tine extender faces outwardly in the same direction as a data transducer head assembly supported by the peg-leg load beam. Each short tine is substantially coplanar with an associated data storage disk and lies beyond the outer periphery thereof. The resulting in-line rotary actuator achieves substantial vertical or Z height compaction.

Abstract: A mounting system attaches head suspensions to actuator head mounting arms of a disc drive actuator. The mounting system includes head suspension mounting plates and features on both the head suspension mounting plates and on the actuator head mounting arms that facilitate snap-fitting or press-fitting of the mating components, as well as features that ensure both accurate alignment and maintenance of the position of the mounted head suspensions in and about the major orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A head suspension for a rigid disk drive comprising one or more tapered processing holes in the load beam. The tapered processing holes can be located in the rigid region, the flexure or the mounting region. The tapered processing holes have a first diameter at a first surface of the load beam and a second diameter at a second surface of the load beam, wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter. A method of processing a head suspension for a rigid disk drive is also disclosed. A processing tool is operatively engaging with the tapered processing hole to perform one of mechanically or optically locating, measuring. mounting, and/or aligning a suspension arm or components thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming a swagable metal actuator arm tip having a metal swage plug for ceramic actuator arms, the method comprising the formation of a metal swage plug within a tip opening in an actuator arm, the metal insert being an appropriate metal in either solid, thixoformable solid, or liquid (molten) form. The insert, once formed or adhered within the tip opening, constitutes the metal swage plug. There are six basic methods by which the metal insert can be formed or adhered into the tip opening to form the metal swage plug: cold forming, die casting, pressure infusion casting, forging, thixoforming, or the use of adhesives.

Abstract: A head suspension for a disk drive has a base plate (19) to be attached to a carriage of the disk drive and a load beam (21) consisting of a rigid part (27) and a resilient part (29), to apply load onto a slider. The rigid part and resilient part are separately formed. The rigid part is joined to a first side (29a) of the resilient part. The suspension also has a reinforcing plate (37) to hold and fix a second side (29b) of the resilient part between the reinforcing plate and the base plate. The base plate stably and resiliently supports the load beam. This suspension satisfies required characteristics.

Abstract: A method manufactures a head suspension for a disk drive. The method includes a first step of forming a semi-finished suspension (55) having a base plate (37), a rigid part (27) solidly joined with the base plate through a bridge (57), and a positioning hole (63) formed through the bridge. This positioning hole is aligned with a positioning hole (51) formed through part of a flexure (41). A second step of the method fixes a resilient material (31) to the base plate and rigid part of the semi-finished suspension so that the base plate may resiliently support the rigid part through the resilient material. A third step of the method aligns the positioning hole of the flexure with the positioning hole of the bridge and fixes the flexure to the rigid part. A fourth step of the method cuts off the positioning-hole-formed part of the flexure and the bridge including the positioning hole. This suspension is compact and the load beam and flexure thereof are correctly positioned to secure balance.

Abstract: A flexible conductor is mounted to a suspension comprising a flexure and a load beam using a flowable adhesive-passing channel at a locus of flexible conductor attachment to the suspension and a flowable adhesive forced into the channel in a manner forming a crown of the adhesive over and around the channel inlet, and hardening the adhesive in bonding relation with the flexible conductor and the suspension, the adhesive crown mechanically locking the suspension load beam, flexure and flexible conductor in their desired alignment.

Abstract: A height reduced rotary voice coil actuator assembly includes an E-block defining one or more vertically aligned short tines. Fastened to each short tine are one or two elongated tine extenders. The tine extender-short tine connection occurs outside the region above and below the data storage disks. A peg-leg load beam having tabs adapted to receive wires having no protective plastic tubing is connected to each tine extender. The wires are bonded directly to the tabs and provide electrical communication between data transducer heads located on the load beam and drive electronics. A swage boss formed in the tine extender faces outwardly in the same direction as a data transducer head assembly supported by the peg-leg load beam. Each short tine is substantially coplanar with an associated data storage disk and lies beyond the outer periphery thereof. The resulting in-line rotary actuator achieves substantial vertical or Z height compaction.

Abstract: In a suspension provided with a load beam and a flexure, a circular first reference hole is formed in a portion of the flexure nearer to one end thereof than the center, while an oval second reference hole is formed in a portion of the flexure nearer to the other end. The load beam is provided with first and second burred holes corresponding to the first and second reference holes, respectively, in position. Each burred hole has a flange portion on its inner peripheral portion, projecting above the surface of the load beam. The flange portion of the first burred hole is fitted into the first reference hole with the flexure put on top of the load beam in the thickness direction. The flange portion of the second burred hole is fitted into the second reference hole. By doing this, the relative positions of the load beam and the flexure are restricted.

Abstract: There is disclosed a disc drive suspension in which a first reference hole and spring portion, and a second reference hole and spring portion are formed in a load beam of the suspension. A third reference hole and spring portion, and a fourth reference hole and spring portion are formed in a flexure. When a first positioning pin of a positioning jig is inserted into the first and third reference holes, the first and third spring portions abut on the first positioning pin, and the load beam and flexure are thereby urged in an axial direction. When a second positioning pin is inserted into the second and fourth reference holes, the second and fourth spring portions abut on the second positioning pin, and the load beam and flexure are thereby urged in the axial direction, and are both positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling baseplates, which are joined to head suspensions, to actuator arms of an E-block for use in disk drives employ an assembly fixture for orienting and holding the head suspensions with reference to a pivot bearing formed in the E-block. An adhesive is interposed in a gap formed between each baseplate and corresponding actuator arm to maintain the suspensions in alignment relative to the pivot bearing. The assembly fixture includes clamps for maintaining the suspensions in a proper orientation. Each suspension has a locating surface that is planar with the gap for alignment of the suspensions.

Abstract: A magnetic head assembly including a carriage arm and a spring arm having at least one magnetic head attached thereto. The spring aim is provided with a cylindrical member including a thin plate member having a trapezoidal cross-section provided at one end thereof. The structure of the spring arm enables the spring arm to be removably attached to a carriage arm of the magnetic head assembly.