Abstract:
A disk drive head-gimbal assembly includes a flexure that is modified to address the effects that the operating temperature of the disk drive may have on fly height. Generally, the flexure tongue is split into a leading edge flexure tongue section and a trailing edge flexure tongue section that are separated by a slider decoupling section. The slider decoupling section structurally interconnects the leading and trailing edge flexure tongue section, and further provides a reduced contact area with the slider. This reduced contact limits the ability of the flexure tongue to induce a positive crown on the air bearing surface of the slider.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/599,200, that was filed on Aug. 5, 2004, that is entitled “SUSPENSION CONCEPTS FOR THERMAL CLEARANCE MITIGATION,” and the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to disk drive head-gimbal assemblies and, more particularly, to the attachment of a slider to a disk drive flexure in a manner that addresses the effect of the operating temperature within the disk drive on fly height. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The operating temperature within the disk drive may have an effect on fly height or the spacing between the read/write head and the corresponding data storage disk. The operating temperature within the disk drive may deform the slider that carries the read/write head via a deformation of the flexure on which the slider is mounted. This deformation is caused by a difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion of the slider and flexure. “Crown” is a curvature along the length dimension of the slider (coinciding with the spacing between the leading and trailing edges of the slider). Positive crown or an end-to-end convexity of the slider air bearing surface generally increases the fly height. “Cross-crown” or “camber” is a curvature along the width dimension of the slider. Positive camber or a side-to-side convexity of the slider air bearing surface generally decreases the fly height. Crown has a tendency to dominate camber in head-gimbal assemblies. 
     Crown tends to operate disadvantageously with disk drive operating temperature for two reasons. At reduced operating temperatures, a positive crown is induced, which tends to pull the read/write head away from its corresponding data storage disk. Moreover, at these reduced operating temperatures, the read/write head itself may also tend to pull away from its corresponding data storage disk due to normal expansion/contraction effects that are intrinsic to the maternal that defines the read/write head. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a disk drive head-gimbal assembly that includes a flexure and a slider. The flexure includes a flexure tongue that is in the form of a cantilever. This flexure tongue includes a first flexure tongue section, a second flexure tongue section, and a slider decoupling section that is located or disposed between the first and second flexure tongue sections proceeding along the length dimension of the flexure tongue. The second flexure tongue section includes the free end of the cantilevered flexure tongue, and the first flexure tongue section includes the fixed end of the cantilevered flexure tongue. The slider is fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections, and includes a trailing edge that is at least partially aligned with the first flexure tongue section (e.g., the slider could be wider at its trailing edge than a corresponding portion of the first flexure tongue section), as well as a leading edge that is at least partially aligned with the second flexure tongue section (e.g., the slider could be wider at its leading edge than a corresponding portion of the second flexure tongue section). An area of a projection of the slider onto the slider decoupling section is less than an area of a projection of the slider onto the first flexure tongue section, and is also less than an area of a projection of the slider onto the second flexure tongue section. 
     Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the first aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the first aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The head-gimbal assembly may include a load beam or suspension of any appropriate size, shape, and or/configuration. Portions of the flexure other than the flexure tongue also may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration, and further the flexure may be mounted to the suspension in any appropriate manner. For instance, the flexure may include a pair of gimbal legs that extend from a portion of the flexure that interfaces with the suspension, that are free to deflect relative to the suspension, and that desirably support the flexure tongue. 
     The slider may be fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections in any appropriate manner in accordance with the first aspect. Adhesive, ball bonding, or a combination thereof may be used to mount the slider onto each of the first and second flexure tongue sections. In one embodiment, the slider decoupling section of the flexure tongue is not fixed in any manner to the slider. 
     The flexure tongue associated with the first aspect may include a first connector that extends between and structurally interconnects the first and second flexure tongue sections. That portion of the first connector that is located between the first and second flexure tongue sections may then be characterized as being part of the slider decoupling section of the flexure tongue. In one embodiment, the first connector is separately fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections. For instance, the first connector may be formed from a different material than the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., polyimide for the first connector, and stainless steel for the first and second flexure tongue sections). The first connector could be in the form of a thin beam or could be in the form of a sheet that occupies a substantial portion of the gap between the first and second flexure tongue sections in this instance. In another embodiment, the first connector is integrally formed with the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., stainless steel). “Integral” means that there would be no joint between the first connector and either of the first or second flexure tongue sections in this particular case. In one embodiment, the first connector is less rigid than each of the first and second flexure tongue sections along the length dimension of the flexure tongue (e.g., within a plane that is normal to its corresponding data storage disk when the head-gimbal assembly is incorporated into a disk drive). In yet another embodiment, the first connector is thinner than each of the first and second flexure tongue sections. 
     The first connector may be a thin beam that extends along a central reference axis that extends along the length dimension of the flexure tongue, such that the flexure tongue may be characterized as being in the form of an I-beam or the like in the case of the first aspect (e.g., the flexure tongue may include a cut-out section along each side of the first connector). The first connector may define the entirety of the slider decoupling section in this instance. The first connector may also be a thin beam that is disposed more toward one of the two sides of the flexure tongue. In this case, the flexure tongue would typically include a second connector in the form of a thin beam that also extends between and structurally interconnects the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., the first and second connectors may be incorporated so as to be the mirror image of each other). The first and second connectors may define the entirety of the slider decoupling section. The first and second connectors could each be separately fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., using polyimide for the first connector, and using stainless steel for the first and second flexure tongue sections). Another option would be for the first and second connectors and the first and second flexure tongue sections to be an integral structure (e.g., no joint between the first connector and either of the first or second flexure tongue sections, and no joint between the second connector and either of the first or second flexure tongue sections). In one embodiment where the first and second connectors and the first and second flexure tongue sections are an integral structure and formed from a common material (e.g. stainless steel), the first and second connectors, along with the first and second flexure tongue sections, collectively define an aperture or opening that extends completely through the flexure tongue. 
     The first and second flexure tongue sections associated with the first aspect and as defined each may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration. However, one or more desirable features may be utilized by the first and/or second flexure tongue sections. In one embodiment, the second flexure tongue section is at least generally the same size as a dimple or protrusion that is incorporated into the structure of a suspension and that contacts the second flexure tongue section (e.g., the perimeters of the dimple and second flexure tongue section may be at least generally aligned). In another embodiment, the first flexure tongue section (that includes the fixed end of the cantilevered flexure tongue) is wider than the second flexure tongue section (that includes the free end of the cantilevered flexure tongue). The first flexure tongue section again is associated with the trailing edge of the slider, and increasing its width provides an increased positive camber for the slider at its trailing edge, which may reduce fly height. The trailing edge of the slider may in fact coincide with or be aligned with the widest portion of the flexure tongue. 
     The slider decoupling section used by the flexure tongue in the case of the first aspect is of a configuration that may be characterized as reducing a positive crown of the slider, which may reduce fly height. One way to further characterize this configuration is in relation to what may be characterized as a flexure tongue maximum footprint that is in the form of a reference rectangle having a width that is equal to the maximum width of the flexure tongue and a length that is equal to the maximum length of the flexure tongue. The area of the surface of the flexure tongue that faces the slider is no more than about 50% of the area of its flexure tongue maximum footprint in one embodiment. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a disk drive head-gimbal assembly that includes a flexure and a slider. The flexure includes a flexure tongue that is in the form of a cantilever. This flexure tongue in turn includes a first flexure tongue section, a second flexure tongue section, and a slider decoupling section that is located or disposed between the first and second flexure tongue sections proceeding along the length dimension of the flexure tongue. A first connector extends between and structurally interconnects the first and second flexure tongue sections, and thereby defines at least part of the slider decoupling section. The slider is fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections, and includes a trailing edge that is at least partially aligned with the first flexure tongue section (e.g., the slider could be wider at its trailing edge than a corresponding portion of the first flexure tongue section), as well as a leading edge that is at least partially aligned with the second flexure tongue section (e.g., the slider could be wider at its leading edge than a corresponding portion of the second flexure tongue section). The slider decoupling section is less rigid than each of the first and second flexure tongue sections along the length dimension of the flexure tongue. 
     Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the second aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the second aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The head-gimbal assembly may include a load beam or suspension of any appropriate size, shape, and or/configuration. Portions of the flexure other than the flexure tongue also may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration, and further the flexure may be mounted to the suspension in any appropriate manner. For instance, the flexure may include a pair of gimbal legs that extend from a portion of the flexure that interfaces with the suspension, that are free to deflect relative to the suspension, and that desirably support the flexure tongue. 
     The slider may be fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections in any appropriate manner in accordance with the second aspect. Adhesive, ball bonding, or a combination thereof may be used to mount the slider onto each of the first and second flexure tongue sections. In one embodiment, the slider decoupling section of the flexure tongue is not fixed in any manner to the slider. 
     That portion of the first connector that is located between the first and second flexure tongue sections in the case of the second aspect again is characterized as being part of a slider decoupling section of the flexure tongue in accordance with second aspect. In one embodiment, the first connector is separately fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections. For instance, the first connector may be formed from a different material than the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., polyimide for the first connector, and stainless steel for the first and second flexure tongue sections). The first connector could be in the form of a thin beam or could be in the form of a sheet that occupies a substantial portion of the gap between the first and second flexure tongue sections in this instance. In another embodiment, the first connector is integrally formed with the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., stainless steel). “Integral” means that there would be no joint between the first connector and either of the first or second flexure tongue sections in this particular case. In one embodiment, the first connector is less rigid than each of the first and second flexure tongue sections along the length dimension of the flexure tongue (e.g., within a plane that is normal to its corresponding data storage disk when the head-gimbal assembly is incorporated into a disk drive). In yet another embodiment, the first connector is thinner than each of the first and second flexure tongue sections. 
     The first connector may be a thin beam that extends along a central reference axis that extends along the length dimension of the flexure tongue, such that the flexure tongue may be characterized as being in the form of an I-beam or the like in the case of the second aspect (e.g., the flexure tongue may include a cut-out section along each side of the first connector). The first connector may define the entire structural interconnection between the first and second flexure tongue sections in this instance. The first connector may also be a thin beam that is disposed more toward one of the two sides of the flexure tongue. In this case, the flexure tongue would typically include a second connector in the form of a thin beam that also extends between and structurally interconnects the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., the first and second connectors may be incorporated so as to be the mirror image of each other). The first and second connectors may define the entire structural interconnection between the first and second flexure tongue sections in this instance. The first and second connectors could each be separately fixed to each of the first and second flexure tongue sections (e.g., using polyimide for the first connector, and using stainless steel for the first and second flexure tongue sections). Another option would be for the first and second connectors and the first and second flexure tongue sections to be an integral structure (e.g., no joint between the first connector and either of the first or second flexure tongue sections, and no joint between the second connector and either of the first or second flexure tongue sections). In one embodiment where the first and second connectors and the first and second flexure tongue sections are an integral structure and formed from a common material (e.g. stainless steel), the first and second connectors, along with the first and second flexure tongue sections, collectively define an aperture or opening that extends completely through the flexure tongue. 
     The first and second flexure tongue sections associated with the second aspect and as defined each may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration. However, one or more desirable features may be utilized by the first and/or second flexure tongue sections. In one embodiment, the second flexure tongue section is at least generally the same size as a dimple or protrusion that is incorporated into the structure of a suspension and that contacts the second flexure tongue section (e.g., the perimeters of the dimple and second flexure tongue section may be at least generally aligned). In another embodiment, the first flexure tongue section includes a fixed end of the cantilevered flexure tongue, and is wider than the second flexure tongue section having a free end of the cantilevered flexure tongue. The first flexure tongue section may be associated with the trailing edge of the slider, and increasing its width provides an increased positive camber for the slider at its trailing edge, which may reduce fly height. The trailing edge of the slider may in fact coincide with or be aligned with the widest portion of the flexure tongue. 
     The configuration of the flexure tongue in the case of the second aspect may be characterized as reducing a positive crown of the slider, which may reduce fly height. One way to further characterize this configuration is in relation to what may be characterized as a flexure tongue maximum footprint that is in the form of a reference rectangle having a width that is equal to the maximum width of the flexure tongue and a length that is equal to the maximum length of the flexure tongue. The area of the surface of the flexure tongue that faces the slider is no more than about 50% of the area of its flexure tongue maximum footprint in one embodiment. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a disk drive head-gimbal assembly that includes a slider and a flexure. The flexure includes a flexure tongue that is in the form of a cantilever, and that includes a first aperture that extends completely through the flexure tongue. The slider is fixed to the flexure tongue so as to be aligned with at least part of the first aperture. At least part of that surface of the slider that faces the flexure tongue is exposed by being aligned with the first aperture through the flexure tongue. That is, neither adhesive nor the flexure tongue is disposed over/on this part of the slider. The various features discussed above in relation to the first through the third aspects may be used by this third aspect, individually and in any combination. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a disk drive head-gimbal assembly that includes a slider and a flexure. The flexure includes a flexure tongue that is in the form of a cantilever. The slider is mounted on the flexure tongue (e.g., via adhesive). The flexure tongue is configured to reduce the surface area of the flexure tongue that projects toward and interfaces with the slider. This configuration may be characterized in relation to what may be characterized as a flexure tongue maximum footprint that is in the form of a reference rectangle having a width that is equal to the maximum width of the flexure tongue and a length that is equal to the maximum length of the flexure tongue. The area of the surface of the flexure tongue that faces the slider is no more than about 50% of the area of the flexure tongue maximum footprint. 
     Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the fourth aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the fourth aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, the various features discussed above in relation to the first through the third aspects may be used by this fourth aspect, individually and in any combination. Moreover, the slider may be of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration in relation to the flexure tongue. In one embodiment, the perimeter of the slider is contained within the perimeter of the flexure tongue. In another embodiment, the slider is wider than at least part of the flexure tongue, the leading edge of the slider extends beyond the flexure tongue, the trailing edge of the slider extends beyond the flexure tongue, individually or any combination thereof. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a disk drive head-gimbal assembly that includes a suspension and a slider that are interconnected by a flexure. The flexure includes a flexure tongue that is in the form of a cantilever. This flexure tongue includes first and second flexure tongue sections that are spaced from each other along the length dimension of the flexure tongue and that are structurally interconnected. The second flexure tongue section includes the free end of the cantilevered flexure tongue, and the first flexure tongue section includes the fixed end of the cantilevered flexure tongue. The slider is mounted on the flexure tongue (e.g., via adhesive). The suspension includes a projection that engages the second flexure tongue section. This projection and the second flexure tongue section are at least generally the same size and are vertically aligned (e.g., the perimeters of the projection and the second flexure tongue section are at least generally vertically aligned). The various features discussed above in relation to the first through the third aspects may be used by this fifth aspect, individually and in any combination. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a disk drive head-gimbal assembly that includes a flexure and a slider. This flexure tongue includes first and second flexure tongue sections that are spaced from each other along the length dimension of the flexure tongue and that are structurally interconnected. The second flexure tongue section includes the free end of the cantilevered flexure tongue, while the first flexure tongue section includes the fixed end of the cantilevered flexure tongue. A trailing edge section of the slider is mounted on the first flexure tongue section, and a leading edge section of the slider is mounted on the second flexure tongue section. The first flexure tongue section is wider than the second flexure tongue section, and at least part of the trailing edge of the slider is aligned with the first flexure tongue section. The various features discussed above in relation to the first through the third aspects may be used by this sixth aspect, individually and in any combination. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a disk drive head-gimbal assembly that includes a flexure and a slider that are interconnected by a flexure. The flexure includes a flexure tongue that is in the form of a cantilever. The slider is mounted on the flexure by at least one discrete line of adhesive. In one embodiment, only two of such lines of adhesive fix the slider to the flexure tongue (e.g., one at or close to the leading edge of the slider, and one at or close to the trailing edge of the slider). In any case, each such adhesive line may extend at least generally perpendicularly to the length dimension of the flexure tongue, may extend across a substantial portion of the width of the slider, or both. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art disk drive that may be adapted to incorporate a thermally-compensating attachment of a slider to a flexure tongue. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded, perspective view of a prior art disk drive housing for the disk drive of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a prior art flying-type slider that may be used by the disk drive of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified prior art electrical component block diagram of the disk drive of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a head-gimbal assembly that may be used by the disk drive of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a bottom view of a disk drive slider positioner or slider position control microactuator used by the head-gimbal assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  is a schematic of one of the piezoelectric elements used by the disk drive slider positioner of  FIGS. 5A-B . 
         FIG. 5D  is an enlarged view of a portion of the head-gimbal assembly of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective schematic of one side of a prior art head-gimbal assembly. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective schematic of an opposite side of the head-gimbal assembly from that shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective schematic of the same side of the head-gimbal assembly shown in  FIG. 6B , but without the slider. 
         FIG. 6D  is a perspective schematic of the side of the slider that faces the side of the flexure tongue shown in  FIG. 6C . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective schematic of one side of a head-gimbal assembly having a first embodiment of a thermally-compensating flexure. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective schematic of an opposite side of the head-gimbal assembly from that shown in  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective schematic of the same side of the head-gimbal assembly shown in  FIG. 7B , but without the slider. 
         FIG. 7D  is a perspective schematic of the side of the slider that faces the side of the flexure tongue shown in  FIG. 7C . 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective schematic of one side of a head-gimbal assembly having a second embodiment of a thermally-compensating flexure. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective schematic of an opposite side of the head-gimbal assembly from that shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective schematic of the same side of the head-gimbal assembly shown in  FIG. 8B , but without the slider. 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective schematic of the side of the slider that faces the side of the flexure tongue shown in  FIG. 8C . 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective schematic of one side of a head-gimbal assembly having a third embodiment of a thermally-compensating flexure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective schematic of an opposite side of the head-gimbal assembly from that shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective schematic of the same side of the head-gimbal assembly shown in  FIG. 9B , but without the slider. 
         FIG. 9D  is a perspective schematic of the side of the slider that faces the side of the flexure tongue shown in  FIG. 9C . 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective schematic of one side of a head-gimbal assembly having a fourth embodiment of a thermally-compensating flexure. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective schematic of an opposite side of the head-gimbal assembly from that shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  is a perspective schematic of the same side of the head-gimbal assembly shown in  FIG. 10B , but without the slider. 
         FIG. 10D  is a perspective schematic of the side of the slider that faces the side of the flexure tongue shown in  FIG. 10C . 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective schematic of one side of a head-gimbal assembly having an adhesive-based thermally-compensating attachment of a slider to a flexure. 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective schematic of an opposite side of the head-gimbal assembly from that shown in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a perspective schematic of the same side of the head-gimbal assembly shown in  FIG. 11B , but without the slider. 
         FIG. 11D  is a perspective schematic of the side of the slider that faces the side of the flexure tongue shown in  FIG. 11C . 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective schematic of one side of a head-gimbal assembly having a fifth embodiment of a thermally-compensating flexure. 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective schematic of an opposite side of the head-gimbal assembly from that shown in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12C  is a perspective schematic of the same side of the head-gimbal assembly shown in  FIG. 12B , but without the slider. 
         FIG. 12D  is a perspective schematic of the side of the slider that faces the side of the flexure tongue shown in  FIG. 12C . 
         FIG. 13A  is plan view of the surface of the flexure tongue of  FIGS. 8A-D  that faces the slider, and which quantifies a reduction of the area of this surface. 
         FIG. 13B  is a plan view of another embodiment of a flexure tongue with a reduced slider interface area, and which quantifies this reduction. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of a prior art disk drive  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . However, this disk drive  10  may be adapted to incorporate a thermally-compensating attachment of the slider to the flexure, the combination of which is not in the prior art. The disk drive  10  generally includes a disk drive housing  16  of any appropriate configuration that defines an enclosed space for the various disk drive components. Here the housing  16  includes a base plate  14  that is typically detachably interconnected with a cover  12 . A suitable gasket  13  may be disposed between the cover  12  and the base plate  14  to enhance the seal therebetween. 
     The disk drive  10  includes one or more data storage disks  18  of any appropriate computer-readable data storage media. Typically both of the major surfaces of each data storage disk  18  include a plurality of concentrically disposed tracks for data storage purposes. Each disk  18  is mounted on a hub by a disk clamp  22 , and the hub is rotatably interconnected with the disk drive base plate  14  and/or cover  12 . A spindle motor rotates the hub and attached clamp  22  about a shaft  24  of the spindle motor to simultaneously spin the data storage disk(s)  18  at an appropriate rate. 
     The disk drive  10  also includes a head positioner assembly  26 , that in turn includes an actuator  27 . The actuator  27  is in the form of an actuator body  28  having one or more individual rigid actuator arms  30  extending therefrom. This actuator body  28  is mounted on a pivot bearing  34 . Each actuator arm  30  pivots about the pivot bearing  34 , which in turn is rotatably supported by the base plate  14  and/or cover  12 . Multiple actuator arms  30  are disposed in vertically spaced relation, with one actuator arm  30  typically being provided for each major data storage surface of each data storage disk  18  of the disk drive  10 . Other actuator configurations could be utilized as well, such as an “E” block having one or more rigid actuator arm tips or the like that cantilever from a common structure, or one or more rigid actuator arms that are each mounted on the pivot bearing  34 . 
     Movement of the head positioner assembly  26  is provided by an appropriate head stack assembly drive, such as a voice coil motor  62  or the like. The voice coil motor  62  may be characterized as a rotary drive. The voice coil motor  62  is a magnetic assembly that controls the movement of the head positioner assembly  26  under the direction of control electronics  66 . Typical components of the voice coil motor  62  are a coil  63  that may be mounted on the head positioner assembly  26 , and a separate voice coil motor magnet assembly, (“VCM Assembly”)  64  that is disposed above and below this coil  63  (the upper VCM assembly  64  being “exploded away” in  FIG. 1 ). The VCM magnet assemblies  64  will typically be mounted on the housing  16  in a fixed position, with the upper VCM assembly  64  being appropriately supported above the lower VCM assembly. Any appropriate head positioner assembly drive type may be utilized by the disk drive  10 , including a linear drive (for the case where the head positioner assembly  26  is interconnected with the base plate  14  and/or cover  12  for linear movement versus the illustrated pivoting movement about the pivot bearing  34 ), as well as other types of rotational/pivoting drives. 
     A head-gimbal assembly or HGA  36  is interconnected with each actuator arm  30  and includes a load beam or suspension  38  that is attached to the free end of each actuator arm  30  or actuator arm tip, and cantilevers therefrom. All HGAs  36  are part of the head positioner assembly  26 . Typically the suspension  38  of each HGA  36  is biased at least generally toward its corresponding disk  18  by a spring-like force. A slider  42  is disposed at or near the free end of each suspension  38 . What is commonly referred to in the art as the “head”  44  (e.g., at least one transducer) is appropriately mounted on the slider  42  and is used in disk drive read/write operations. Various types of read/write technologies may be utilized by the head  44  on the slider  42 . In any case, the biasing forces exerted by the suspension  38  on its corresponding slider  42  thereby attempt to move the slider  42  in the direction of its corresponding disk  18 . Typically this biasing force is such that if the slider  42  were positioned over its corresponding disk  18 , without the disk  18  being rotated at a sufficient velocity, the slider  42  would be in contact with the disk  18 . 
     Each head  44  is interconnected with the control electronics  66  of the disk drive  10  by a flex cable  70  that is typically mounted on the head positioner assembly  26 . Signals are exchanged between the head  44  on the slider  42  and its corresponding data storage disk  18  for disk drive read and/or write operations. In this regard, the voice coil motor  62  pivots the actuator arm(s)  30  to simultaneously move each head  44  on its slider  42  “across” the corresponding data storage disk  18  to position the head  44  at the desired/required radial position on the disk  18  (i.e., at the correct track on the data storage disk  18 ) for disk drive read/write operations. 
     When the disk drive  10  is not in operation, the head positioner assembly  26  is pivoted to a “parked position” to dispose each slider  42  in a desired position relative to its corresponding data storage disk  18 . The “parked position” may be at least generally at or more typically beyond a perimeter of its corresponding data storage disk  18  or at a more interior location of the corresponding disk  18 , but in any case typically in vertically spaced relation to its corresponding disk  18 . This is commonly referred to in the art as being a dynamic load/unload disk drive configuration. In this regard, the disk drive  10  may include a ramp assembly that is disposed beyond a perimeter of the data storage disk  18  to typically both move the corresponding slider  42  vertically away from its corresponding data storage disk  18  and to also exert somewhat of a retaining force on the corresponding actuator arm  30 . Any configuration for the ramp assembly that provides the desired “parking” function may be utilized. The disk drive  10  could also be configured to be of the contact start/stop type, where each actuator arm  30  would pivot in a direction to dispose the slider(s)  42  typically toward an inner, non-data storage region of the corresponding data storage disk  18 . Terminating the rotation of the data storage disk(s)  18  in this type of disk drive configuration would then result in the slider(s)  42  actually establishing contact with or “landing” on their corresponding data storage disk  18 , and the slider  42  would remain on the disk  18  until disk drive operations are re-initiated. In either configuration, it may be desirable to at least attempt to retain the actuator arm(s)  30  in this parked position if the disk drive  10  is exposed to a shock event. In this regard, the disk drive  10  may include an actuator arm assembly latch that moves from a non-latching position to a latching position to engage an actuator arm  30  so as to preclude the same from pivoting in a direction which would tend to drag the slider(s)  42  across its corresponding data storage disk  18 . 
     The slider  42  of the disk drive  10  may be configured to “fly” on an air bearing during rotation of its corresponding data storage  18  at a sufficient velocity. This is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 3  where a lower surface  54  of the slider  42  would include an appropriate air-bearing-surface (ABS) system (not shown). Here the direction of the rotation of the disk  18  relative to the slider  42  is represented by the arrow, while the fly height of the slider  42  is represented by reference numeral  58  (measured from a reference plane of the mean of the surface roughness of the disk  18 ). In  FIG. 3 , the slider  42  is disposed at a pitch angle such that its leading edge  46  of the slider  42  is disposed further from its corresponding data storage disk  18  than its trailing edge  50 . The transducer(s)  44  would typically be incorporated on the slider  42  at least generally toward its trailing edge  50  since this is positioned closest to its corresponding disk  18 . Other pitch angles could be utilized for flying the slider  42 . The disk drive  10  could also be configured for contact or near-contact recording (not shown). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a simplified electrical component block diagram of the disk drive  10  of  FIG. 1 . The control electronics  66  in this case includes a controller  90  and a servo control unit  86 . The disk drive  10  in  FIG. 4  also includes a channel  82 , as well as an interface  94  for interconnecting the disk drive  10  with a host computer  98 . During operation of the disk drive  10 , the data storage disk  18  rotates. Data is stored on the data storage disk  18  in substantially concentric tracks. Data may be read from or written to the data storage disk  18  by moving the slider  42  and its head  44  to the desired track and performing the desired communication operation (i.e., a read or write operation). In one embodiment, the data storage disk  18  includes a magnetic media having concentric read/write tracks and the head  44  includes at least one transducer that is capable of communicating with this magnetic data storage disk  18 . 
     The voice coil motor  62  receives servo control information from the servo control unit  86  to cause the voice coil motor  62  to move each actuator arm  30  and its corresponding head  44  when repositioning of the head(s)  44  is desired/required. In this regard, the head(s)  44  may periodically read positioning information from the surface of the corresponding data storage disk  18  and transmit the positioning information to the servo control unit  86  via the channel  82 . The servo control unit  86  compares the present position of the head(s)  44  to a desired position, with movement of the actuator arm(s)  30  being made as required for proper track alignment. 
     The channel  82  receives a number of inputs for processing so that data may be manipulated by the devices internal and external, such as the host computer  98 , which is again interconnected with the disk drive  10  via the interface  94 . One operation of the channel  82  is to receive an analog signal from the head(s)  44  and to convert the analog signal to a digital signal recognized by the host computer  98 . In addition, the channel  82  facilitates the storage of information from the host computer  98  to the data storage disk(s)  18  by encoding data signals from the host computer  98  and creating a write signal, from the encoding data, which is transmitted to the head(s)  44  for storage on the corresponding data storage disk  18 . 
     The controller  90  controls the timing and operation of other elements of the disk drive  10 . The controller  90  receives input/output requests from the host computer  98  via the interface  94 . Based on the input to the controller  90 , the controller  90  delivers appropriate commands to the servo control unit  86  and the channel  82 . For example, in a read operation, the controller  90  commands the servo control unit  86  to move the head(s)  44  to the desired track on the corresponding data storage disk  18  such that the data written on the disk  18  may be transferred to the host computer  98 . Accordingly, the servo control unit  86  moves the head(s)  44  to the desired track on the corresponding data storage disk  18  using the servo positioning information read from the data storage disk  18  by the corresponding head  44 . In turn, the head(s)  44  reads the information from the corresponding data storage disk  18  and transmits information to the channel  82  that converts the information so that it may be interpreted by the host computer  98 . 
     One embodiment of a head-gimbal assembly that may be used in place of the head-gimbal assembly  36  in the disk drive  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-D  and is identified by reference numeral  100 . The head-gimbal assembly  100  generally includes suspension  108 , an electrical trace assembly or a flex cable  101 , a flexure  115 , and what may be characterized as a slider assembly  136 . The suspension  108 , flex cable  101 , and flexure  115  may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration. Generally, the suspension  108  biases the slider assembly  136  toward its corresponding data storage disk; the flexure  115  provides a desired interconnection between the slider assembly  136  and the suspension  108 ; the flex cable  101  provides electrical signals to and receives electrical signals from the slider assembly  136 ; and the slider assembly  136  communicates with its corresponding data storage disk. 
     The flexure  115  is appropriately mounted on the suspension  108  at one or more locations, and includes a pair of deflectable gimbal legs  132  to movably support the slider assembly  136  relative to the suspension  108 . In this regard, the flexure  115  further includes a flexure tongue  128  that is supported by the gimbal legs  132 . A hinge (not shown) also allows the flexure tongue  128  to pivot/move along at least somewhat of a predefined axis relative to the gimbal legs  132 . Typically, the hinge axis will be at least generally perpendicular to the long axis of the suspension  108 . A dimple or other protrusion (not shown) is included on the suspension  108  and engages the side of the flexure tongue  128  that is opposite the side on which the slider assembly  136  is mounted. 
     The suspension  108  includes both a leading edge limiter  113  and a trailing edge limiter  114  to establish a maximum displacement of the leading and trailing edges, respectively, of the flexure tongue  128  relative to the suspension  108 . The suspension  108  also includes a lift tab  112  for use in parking the head-gimbal assembly  100 . Engagement of this lift tab  112  with an appropriate load/unload ramp exerts a force on the suspension  108  to increase the vertical spacing between the slider assembly  136  and its corresponding data storage disk. The leading edge limiter  113  and/or trailing edge limiter  114  of the suspension  108  may engage the flexure  115  at this time, as a suction force may still be “pulling” the slider  140  toward its corresponding data storage disk during the parking operation. 
     The slider assembly  136  is mounted on the flexure tongue  128  such that the trailing edge of the slider assembly  136  is disposed at or close to the hinge of the flexure tongue  128 . An enlarged view of the slider assembly  136  is presented in  FIG. 5B . There are two main components of the slider assembly  136 —a slider  140  and what may be characterized as a slider position control microactuator or slider positioner  156 . The slider  140  may be of any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration. Generally, the slider  140  includes an air bearing surface  142  (the surface of the slider  140  that projects toward its corresponding data storage disk during disk drive operations, and that is contoured to exert forces on the slider  140  to allow it to “fly” above its corresponding data storage disk during disk drive operations, typically in closely spaced relation), a leading edge  144 , a trailing edge  148 , and a read/write head  152 . The fluid (e.g., air) flows relative to the slider  140  from its leading edge  144  to its trailing edge  148  during disk drive operations. The illustrated slider  140  is of the “flying type,” and its leading edge  144  will be spaced further from its corresponding data storage disk than its trailing edge  148  during disk drive operations. The leading edge  144  of the slider  140  is allowed to move further away from its corresponding data storage disk than the trailing edge  148  of the slider  140  by a pivoting of the flexure tongue  128  at least generally about an axis. 
     The slider positioner  156  is used to position the slider  140  (more specifically its read/write head  152 ) relative to a certain track of the corresponding data storage disk. The slider positioner  156  is generally in the form of a frame  160  and a pair of actuators  172 . The frame  160  is appropriately mounted on the flexure tongue  128 , and includes a base  164 , as well as a pair of arms  168  that are spaced along the base  164 , that each cantilever from the base  164 , and that are able to move relative to the flexure tongue  128 . A pair of slots  166  is formed in the base  164  at the corner between each arm  168  and the base  164 . These slots  166  extend completely through the frame  160 , and are of a uniform width along their entire length. A first material  170  (e.g., an epoxy or adhesive) is disposed within each of the slots  166  in order to reduce the potential for cracking of the frame  160  at the junction between the arms  168  and the base  164 , and also to structurally reinforce the frame  160 . 
     The slider  140  is positioned within the space collectively defined by the pair of arms  168  and the distal end  165  of the base  164 . Typically, there will be a space between the slider  140  and each of the arms  168 , as well as a space between the leading edge  144  of the slider  140  and the distal end  165  of the base  164 . A first material  182  (e.g., an epoxy or adhesive) is used to fix a portion of the slider  140  to each of the arms  168 . This first material  182  is typically disposed toward the free ends of the arms  168 . 
     An actuator  172  is provided for each of the arms  168  of the frame  160 , and each is in the form of what may be characterized as a piezoelectric element (e.g., a plurality of piezoelectric layers  178 , along with appropriate electrode layers (signal electrode layers  176  and ground electrode layers  174 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5C )). The actuators  172  may be operated to exert a force on their corresponding arm  168  to deflect the same relative to the base  164  of the frame  160 . This of course changes the position of the slider  140  relative to the base  164  and flexure tongue  128 , and more pertinently changes the position of its read/write head  152  relative to its corresponding data storage disk. 
       FIG. 5D  is an enlarged view of the slider assembly  136  and other adjacent portions of the head-gimbal assembly  100 . As previously noted, the flex cable  101  provides signals to and receives signals from the slider assembly  136 . In this regard, the flex cable  101  includes a pair of microactuator trace sections  102  (each including one or more individual electrical traces (not shown in  FIG. 6 )) and corresponding microactuator bond pads  103  for communicating with the microactuator  156  of the slider assembly  136 . A microactuator ball bond  186  electrically interconnects each microactuator bond pad  103  with a corresponding microactuator electrical terminal or connection pad  162  on the microactuator  156 . The microactuator ball bond  186  should be a suitably electrically conductive material (e.g., gold), as it is part of the communication path to/from the microactuator  156 . An appropriate electrical signal may be provided to the microactuator  156  via an electrical path that includes one or more electrical traces of a microactuator trace section  102 , a corresponding microactuator bond pad  103 , a corresponding microactuator ball bond  186 , and a corresponding microactuator connection pad  162 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 5D , the flex cable  101  further includes a pair of slider trace sections  105  (each including one or more individual electrical traces (not shown in  FIG. 5D )) and corresponding slider bond pads (not shown in  FIG. 5D ) for communicating with the slider  140 , more specifically its read/write head  152 . One or more electrical traces could also be incorporated into the slider trace sections  105  for providing a fly height control signal or any other relevant functionality that may be incorporated by the slider  140 . In any case, a slider ball bond  184  electrically interconnects each slider bond pad of the flex cable  101  with a corresponding slider electrical terminal or connection pad  154  (e.g.,  FIG. 5A ) on the slider  140 . Each slider ball bond  184  should be a suitably electrically conductive material (e.g., solder), as it is part of the communication path to/from the slider  140 . An appropriate electrical signal may be provided to or transmitted from the slider  140  via one or more electrical traces of a slider trace section  105 , a corresponding slider bond pad of the flex cable  101 , a corresponding slider ball bond  184 , and a corresponding slider connection pad  154 . 
       FIG. 5D  also illustrates certain details regarding the flexure  115 . Instead of the slider assembly  136  being mounted solely on the flexure tongue  128  of the flexure  115 , the slider assembly  136  is also mounted on what may be characterized as a bond pad platform  130  of the flexure  115  that is spaced from the flexure tongue  128 . Generally, the slider bond pads of the flex cable  101  that electrically communicate with the slider  140  are associated with the bond pad platform  130 . Stated another way, a trailing portion of the slider  140  is associated with the bond pad platform  130 , while a leading portion of the slider  140  is associated with the flexure tongue  128 . Therefore, the only “interconnection” between the bond pad platform  130  and the flexure tongue  128  would be that one part of the slider assembly  136  is mounted on the flexure tongue  128  and a different part of the slider assembly  136  is mounted on the bond pad platform  130 . 
     One embodiment of a prior art head-gimbal assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-D  and is identified by reference numeral  230 . Generally, the head-gimbal assembly  230  includes a slider  208  that is mounted on a flexure  234 , that in turn is mounted on a load beam or suspension  200 . The slider  208  includes: an air bearing surface  212  that faces its corresponding data storage disk and that is contoured to allow the slider  208  to “fly” in spaced relation to this data storage disk; a mounting surface  214  that is opposite of the air bearing surface  212  and that faces a flexure tongue  242  of the flexure  234  when mounted thereon; a leading edge  210   a ; and a trailing edge  210   b . A plurality of electrical contact pads  216  are provided on the trailing edge  210   b  of the slider  208  to provide electrical communication with the slider  208  (e.g., for electrical communication with its read/write head, a fly height control device). 
     A flex cable (not shown) would typically be disposed on the flexure  234 , and would include a plurality of bond pads that are interconnected with the electrical contact pads  216  of the slider  208  by ball bonds  220 . The flexure  234  includes a flexure tongue  242  that is flexibly supported relative to the suspension  200  by a pair of gimbal legs  226  of the flexure  234 . The gimbal legs  226  are able to deflect relative to the suspension  200 . The slider  208  is appropriately mounted on this flexure tongue  242 . In this regard, two spacers  224  are appropriately mounted on the flexure tongue  242  to provide a small space between the slider  208  and the flexure tongue  242 . An adhesive pad  246  is disposed between these spacers  224  to fix the slider  208  to the flexure tongue  242 . 
     The flexure tongue  242  is a cantilever in that it is supported at only one end. That is, the flexure tongue  242  includes what may be characterized as a fixed end  244   a  and a free end  244   b . The suspension  200  is biased toward its corresponding data storage disk, and as such the slider  208  is also biased toward this same data storage disk. The suspension  200  includes a dimple  204  that engages the slider  208  during disk drive operations, where its leading edge  210   a  may be disposed further from its corresponding data storage disk that its trailing edge  210   b.    
     One embodiment of a head-gimbal assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-D  and is identified by reference numeral  250 . The head-gimbal assembly  250  uses the suspension  200  and slider  208  discussed above. However, the head-gimbal assembly  250  includes a thermally-compensating flexure  254  to interconnect the suspension  200  and slider  208 . The flexure  254  includes what may be characterized as a split flexure tongue  258  that is supported by a pair of gimbal legs  226 , and that is in the form of a cantilever having what may be characterized as a fixed end  260   a  and a free end  260   b . The flexure tongue  258  includes a leading edge section  262 , a slider decoupling section  264 , and a trailing edge section  266 . The slider decoupling section  264  is disposed between the trailing edge section  266  and the leading edge section  262  along a length dimension  256  of the flexure tongue  258 . Stated another way, the leading edge section  262  and the trailing edge section  266  are disposed in spaced relation, but are interconnected by a pair of connectors  268  of the flexure tongue  258 . These connectors  268  thereby extend through and are part of the slider decoupling section  264 , and are separately fixed to each of the leading edge section  262  and the trailing edge section  266 . Both the leading edge section  262  and trailing edge section  266  are more rigid than each of the connectors  268 , at least in a dimension corresponding with a normal to the corresponding data storage disk or along the length dimension  256 . In one embodiment, the leading edge section  262  and trailing edge section  266  are stainless steel, while the connectors  268  are polyimide. In one embodiment, each of the connectors  268  is thinner than each of the leading edge section  262  and the trailing edge section  266 . 
     The leading edge  210   a  of the slider  208  is aligned with the leading edge section  262  of the flexure tongue  258 , while the trailing edge  210   b  of the slider  208  is aligned with the trailing edge section  266  of the flexure tongue  258 . That is, the slider  208  does not extend beyond the fixed end  260   a  or the free end  260   b  of the flexure tongue  258 . Generally, a leading portion of the slider  208  is supported by the leading edge section  262  of the flexure tongue  258 , while a trailing portion of the slider  208  is supported by the trailing edge section  266  of the flexure tongue  258 . An intermediate portion of the slider  208  (that which is aligned with the slider decoupling section  264 ) is not appreciably supported by the flexure tongue  258 . Instead, the flexure tongue  258  includes an aperture or opening (the region between the connectors  268 ) that extends completely through the flexure tongue  258  and that is aligned with an intermediate portion of the slider  208 . Stated another way, the intermediate portion of the slider  208  is aligned with an open area of the flexure tongue  258 . 
     A spacer  224  is fixed to each of the leading edge section  262  and the trailing edge section  266  to provide a space between the slider  208  and the flexure tongue  258 . A pair of adhesive pads  228  is disposed between these spacers  224  to fix the slider  208  to the flexure tongue  258 . One adhesive pad  228  is associated with the leading edge section  262  of the flexure tongue  258 , while the other adhesive pad  228  is associated with the trailing edge section  266  of the flexure tongue  258 . In one embodiment, the slider decoupling section  264  is not fixed in any manner to the slider  208 . 
     The flexure tongue  258  reduces the magnitude of positive crowning of the slider  208  (a curvature along the length dimension  256 ) by reducing the amount of interaction between the slider  208  and the flexure tongue  258 . The configuration of the flexure tongue  258  that provides this reduction is subject to a number of characterizations. One is that the area of the surface of the slider decoupling section  264  that faces the slider  208  is less than both the area of the surface of the leading edge section  262  that faces the slider  208  and the area of the surface of the trailing edge section  266  that faces the slider  208 . Another is that the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the slider decoupling section  264  is less than both the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the leading edge section  262  of the flexure tongue  258  and the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the trailing edge section  266  of the flexure tongue  258 . Yet another is that less than the entirety of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  interacts with the flexure tongue  258 , even though the slider  208  does not extend beyond the fixed end  260   a  or the free end  260   b  of the flexure tongue  258 . 
     Another embodiment of a head-gimbal assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-D  and is identified by reference numeral  270 . The head-gimbal assembly  270  uses the suspension  200  and slider  208  discussed above. However, the head-gimbal assembly  250  includes a thermally-compensating flexure  274  to interconnect the suspension  200  and slider  208 . The flexure  274  includes what may be characterized as a split flexure tongue  278  that is supported by a pair of gimbal legs  226 , and that is in the form of a cantilever having a fixed end  280   a  and a free end  280   b . The flexure tongue  278  includes a leading edge section  282 , a slider decoupling section  284 , and a trailing edge section  286 . The slider decoupling section  284  is disposed between the trailing edge section  286  and the leading edge section  282  along a length dimension  276  of the flexure tongue  278 . Stated another way, the leading edge section  282  and the trailing edge section  286  are disposed in spaced relation, but are interconnected by a connector  290 . This connector  290  thereby extends through and is part of the slider decoupling section  284 , and is located along the centerline of the flexure tongue  278 . Both the leading edge section  282  and trailing edge section  286  are more rigid than the connector  290 , at least in a dimension corresponding with a normal to the corresponding data storage disk or along the length dimension  276 . In one embodiment, the leading edge section  282 , the trailing edge section  286 , and the connector  290  are stainless steel, are integrally formed, and are coplanar structures in an un-deformed state. 
     The leading edge  210   a  of the slider  208  is aligned with the leading edge section  282  of the flexure tongue  278 , while the trailing edge  210   b  of the slider  208  is aligned with the trailing edge section  286  of the flexure tongue  278 . That is, the slider  208  does not extend beyond the fixed end  280   a  or the free end  280   b  of the flexure tongue  278 . Generally, a leading portion of the slider  208  is supported by the leading edge section  282  of the flexure tongue  258 , while a trailing portion of the slider  208  is supported by the trailing edge section  286  of the flexure tongue  278 . An intermediate portion of the slider  208  (that which is aligned with the slider decoupling section  284 ) is not appreciably supported by the flexure tongue  278 . Instead, the flexure tongue  278  includes an aperture or opening (the regions along each side of the connector  290 ) that extends completely through the flexure tongue  278  and that is aligned with an intermediate portion of the slider  208 . Stated another way, the intermediate portion of the slider  208  is aligned with an open area of the flexure tongue  278 . 
     A spacer  224  is fixed to each of the leading edge section  282  and the trailing edge section  286  to provide a space between the slider  208  and the flexure tongue  278 . A pair of adhesive pads  228  is disposed between these spacers  224  to fix the slider  208  to the flexure tongue  278 . One adhesive pad  228  is associated with the leading edge section  282  of the flexure tongue  278 , while the other adhesive pad  228  is associated with the trailing edge section  286  of the flexure tongue  278 . In one embodiment, the slider decoupling section  284  is not fixed in any manner to the slider  208 . 
     The flexure tongue  278  reduces the magnitude of positive crowning of the slider  208  (a curvature along the length dimension  276 ) by reducing the amount of interaction between the slider  208  and the flexure tongue  278 . The configuration of the flexure tongue  278  that provides this reduction is subject to a number of characterizations. One is that the area of the surface of the slider decoupling section  284  that faces the slider  208  is less than both the area of the surface of the leading edge section  282  that faces the slider  208  and the area of the surface of the trailing edge section  286  that faces the slider  208 . Another is that the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the slider decoupling section  284  is less than both the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the leading edge section  282  of the flexure tongue  278  and the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the trailing edge section  286  of the flexure tongue  278 . Yet another is that less than the entirety of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  interacts with the flexure tongue  278 , even though the slider  208  does not extend beyond the fixed end  280   a  or the free end  280   b  of the flexure tongue  278 . 
     Another embodiment of a head-gimbal assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-D  and is identified by reference numeral  300 . The head-gimbal assembly  300  uses the suspension  200  and slider  208  discussed above. However, the head-gimbal assembly  300  includes a thermally-compensating flexure  304  to interconnect the suspension  200  and slider  208 . The flexure  304  includes what may be characterized as a split flexure tongue  308  that is supported by a pair of gimbal legs  226 , and that is in the form of a cantilever having what may be characterized as a fixed end  310   a  and a free end  310   b . The flexure tongue  308  includes a leading edge section  312 , a slider decoupling section  314 , and a trailing edge section  316 . The slider decoupling section  314  is disposed between trailing edge section  316  and the leading edge section  312  along a length dimension  306  of the flexure tongue  308 . Stated another way, the leading edge section  312  and the trailing edge section  316  are disposed in spaced relation, but are interconnected by a pair of connectors  320  of the flexure tongue  308 . More specifically, a central portion of each of the leading edge section  312  and the trailing edge section  316  are disposed in spaced relation, namely by the inclusion of a window  324  in the flexure tongue  308 . The pair of connectors  320  structurally interconnect the leading edge section  312  and the trailing edge section  316  along the sides of the flexure tongue  308  in the illustrated embodiment. Both the leading edge section  312  and trailing edge section  316  are more rigid than each of the connectors  320 , at least in a dimension corresponding with a normal to the corresponding data storage disk or along the length dimension  306 . In one embodiment, the leading edge section  312 , the trailing edge section  316 , and the connectors  320  are stainless steel, are integrally formed (no joint between these structures), and are coplanar structures in an un-deformed state. 
     The leading edge  210   a  of the slider  208  is aligned with the leading edge section  312  of the flexure tongue  308 , while the trailing edge  210   b  of the slider  208  is aligned with the trailing edge section  316  of the flexure tongue  308 . That is, the slider  208  does not extend beyond the fixed end  310   a  or the free end  310   b  of the flexure tongue  308 . Generally, a leading portion of the slider  208  is supported by the leading edge section  312  of the flexure tongue  308 , while a trailing portion of the slider  208  is supported by the trailing edge section  316  of the flexure tongue  308 . An intermediate portion of the slider  208  (that which is aligned with the slider decoupling section  314 ) is not appreciably supported by the flexure tongue  308 . Instead, the flexure tongue  308  includes the noted window  324  that extends completely through the flexure tongue  308  and that is aligned with an intermediate portion of the slider  208 . Stated another way, the intermediate portion of the slider  208  is aligned with an open area of the flexure tongue  308 . 
     A spacer  224  is fixed to each of the leading edge section  312  and the trailing edge section  316  to provide a space between the slider  208  and the flexure tongue  308 . A pair of adhesive pads  228  is disposed between these spacers  224  to fix the slider  308  to the flexure tongue  308 . One adhesive pad  228  is associated with the leading edge section  312  of the flexure tongue  308 , while the other adhesive pad  228  is associated with the trailing edge section  316  of the flexure tongue  308 . In one embodiment, the slider decoupling section  314  is not fixed in any manner to the slider  208 . 
     The flexure tongue  308  reduces the magnitude of positive crowning of the slider  208  (a curvature along the length dimension  306 ) by reducing the amount of interaction between the slider  208  and the flexure tongue  308 . The configuration of the flexure tongue  308  that provides this reduction is subject to a number of characterizations. One is that the area of the surface of the slider decoupling section  314  that faces the slider  208  is less than both the area of the surface of the leading edge section  312  that faces the slider  208  and the area of the surface of the trailing edge section  316  that faces the slider  208 . Another is that the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the slider decoupling section  314  is less than both the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the leading edge section  312  of the flexure tongue  308  and the area of a projection of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  onto the trailing edge section  316  of the flexure tongue  308 . Yet another is that less than the entirety of the mounting surface  214  of the slider  208  interacts with the flexure tongue  308 , even though the slider  208  does not extend beyond the fixed end  310   a  or the free end  310   b  of the flexure tongue  308 . 
     Another embodiment of a head-gimbal assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A-D , is a variation of the head-gimbal assembly  250  of  FIGS. 7A-D , and is identified by reference numeral  250 ′. Corresponding components of these two embodiments are identified by the same reference numeral. Those corresponding components that differ in at least some respect are further identified by a “single prime” designation. The primary difference between the head gimbal assembly  250 ′ of  FIGS. 10A-D  and the head-gimbal assembly  250  of  FIGS. 7A-D , is that the trailing edge section  266 ′ of the flexure tongue  258 ′ of the flexure  254 ′ is wider than the leading edge section  262  of the flexure tongue  258 ′. This variation may also be utilized by the head-gimbal assembly  270  of  FIGS. 8A-D  (i.e., the trailing edge section  286  may be wider than the leading edge section  282 ), as well as by the head-gimbal assembly  300  of  FIGS. 9A-D  (i.e., the trailing edge section  316  may be wider than the leading edge section  312 ). 
     Another embodiment of a head-gimbal assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-D , is a variation of the prior art head-gimbal assembly  230  of  FIGS. 6A-D , and is identified by reference numeral  230 ′. Corresponding components of these two embodiments are identified by the same reference numeral. Those corresponding components that differ in at least some respect are further identified by a “single prime” designation. The primary difference between the head gimbal assembly  230 ′ of  FIGS. 11A-D  and the head-gimbal assembly  230  of  FIGS. 6A-D , is that the head-gimbal assembly  230 ′ of  FIGS. 11A-D  uses a pair of adhesive lines  328  versus the adhesive pad  246  used by the head-gimbal assembly  330  of  FIGS. 6A-D . The adhesive lines  328  may be disposed close to the leading edge  210   a  and trailing edge  210   b  of the slider  208 , and are disposed at least generally perpendicular to the length dimension  240  of the flexure tongue  242  (other orientations may be appropriate). One or more adhesive lines  328  could be used to mount the slider to one or both of the flexure tongue sections in any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 7A-D ,  8 A-D,  9 A-D, and  10 A-D. 
     Another embodiment of a head-gimbal assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-D , is a variation of the head-gimbal assembly  270  of  FIGS. 8A-D , and is identified by reference numeral  270 ′. Corresponding components of these two embodiments are identified by the same reference numeral. Those corresponding components that differ in at least some respect are further identified by a “single prime” designation. The primary difference between the head gimbal assembly  270 ′ of  FIGS. 12A-D  and the head-gimbal assembly  270  of  FIGS. 8A-D  is that the leading edge section  282 ′ of the flexure tongue  278 ′ of the flexure  274 ′ of  FIGS. 12A-D  is smaller than the leading edge section  282  of the flexure tongue  278  of the flexure  274  of  FIGS. 8A-D . More specifically, the leading edge section  282 ′ is about the same size as the dimple  204  of the suspension  200 . Stated another way, the perimeter of the leading edge section  282 ′ and the perimeter of the dimple  204  are at least generally aligned.  FIG. 12D  also illustrates that an adhesive pad  332  is used to fix the slider  208  to the leading edge section  282 ′, and that an adhesive line  328  is used to fix the slider  208  to the trailing edge section  286  of the flexure tongue  278 ′. The spacer  224  that is attached to the trailing edge section  286  of the flexure tongue  278 ′ is also shown in  FIG. 12D . 
     The embodiments of  FIGS. 7A-D ,  8 A-D,  9 A-D,  10 A-D, and  12 A-D each provide a reduced interface between the respective flexure tongue and the slider  208 . This is believed to reduce the ability of the flexure tongue to deform the slider  208  because of thermal effects. This reduced interface may be defined in relation to what may be characterized as a flexure tongue maximum footprint that is in the form of a rectangle having a width that is equal to the maximum width of the flexure tongue and a length that is equal to the maximum length of the flexure tongue. The area of the surface of each of these flexure tongues that faces the slider  208  is no more than about 50% of the area of the corresponding flexure tongue maximum footprint (i.e., the area of the reference rectangle) in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the area of the surface of each of these flexure tongues that faces the slider  208  is within a range of about 10% to about 50% of the area of the corresponding flexure tongue maximum footprint (i.e., the area of the reference rectangle). 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate two thermally-compensating flexure tongue designs in accordance with the foregoing.  FIG. 13A  illustrates the flexure tongue  278  in relation to its flexure tongue maximum footprint  292  (parts thereof not defined by the perimeter of the flexure tongue  278  being shown by a dashed line). The shaded surface of the flexure tongue  278  is no more than 50% of the area of its flexure tongue maximum footprint  292  in accordance with the foregoing. 
       FIG. 13B  presents yet another embodiment of a thermally-compensating flexure tongue that is identified by reference numeral  340  and that is a cantilevered structure. This flexure tongue  340  has a curved perimeter (the perimeter could be of any appropriate shape), and includes a pair of openings  344  that extend completely through the flexure tongue  340 . Any number of openings  344  could be used and in any appropriate arrangement, each being of any appropriate size, shape, and configuration. What is of importance in relation to the flexure tongue  340  is that the area of the shaded surface of the flexure tongue  340  (which faces the slider when it is mounted on the flexure tongue  340 ) is no more than about 50% of the area of its corresponding flexure tongue maximum footprint  348  in accordance with the foregoing. 
     Flexure tongues that provide a reduced interface with the slider by having the area of the interfacing surface being no more than about 50% of the corresponding flexure tongue maximum footprint may be used with a slider of any appropriate size. The perimeter of the slider may be entirely within the perimeter of the flexure tongue. However, the slider could be wider than one or more portions of the flexure tongue, the leading edge of the slider could extend beyond the flexure tongue, the trailing edge of the slider could extend beyond the flexure tongue, or any combination thereof. 
     The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.