Patent ID: 6378195
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A fixture for assembling a suspension assembly of a type supporting a slider, wherein the suspension assembly comprises:a load beam in which a gimbal opening is formed and extending therethrough; a resilient flexure secured to the load beam and supporting the slider; a substantially spherical gimbal ball fitted within the gimbal opening for attachment to the load beam; and wherein the gimbal ball includes a backside that remains visible after assembly of the slider to the suspension assembly for allowing accurate measurement of a pivot point with respect to the slider from a backside of the load beam; the fixture comprising: a top plate for retaining the suspension assembly; a bottom plate for retaining the slider; and wherein the top plate includes a first vacuum port that terminates in a chamfered side for mating with an outer contour of the gimbal ball.