Seagate Technology Incorporated

Richard L Segar

Sandeepan Bhattacharya

Gordon Merle Jones

Michael Louis Rancour

Keefe Russell

Jennifer A Engebrit

The present invention includes an improved suspension assembly comprises a suspension including a load beam and a gimbal, a FOS having a polymer portion (or flex circuit) and a trace portion, wherein the FOS is connected to the suspension. The present invention further includes a slider that is electrically connected to a ground trace and the ground trace is further electrically connected to the suspension. The present invention also includes a plateau gimbal, which comprises of a portion of the ground trace positioned between the flex circuit and the slider thereby elevating the slider to the level of the bond pads on the FOS.

HGA plateau gimbal design

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.

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Eagan, MN, United States of America

Richard L Segar