Patents by Inventor Alan Lyndon Grantz
Alan Lyndon Grantz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 10267359Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a shaft, wherein the shaft is stationary. A rotatable component is configured to rotate with respect to the shaft. A fluid is operable to flow between the shaft and the rotatable component. A limiter is at a first axial end of the shaft, and a cup is at a second axial end of the shaft. An axially extending grooved region is between the limiter and the rotatable component.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Klaus Diete Kloeppel
-
Publication number: 20160290395Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a shaft, wherein the shaft is stationary. A rotatable component is configured to rotate with respect to the shaft. A fluid is operable to flow between the shaft and the rotatable component. A limiter is at a first axial end of the shaft, and a cup is at a second axial end of the shaft. An axially extending grooved region is between the limiter and the rotatable component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Klaus Diete Kloeppel
-
Patent number: 9410575Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a robust and shock resistant fluid dynamic bearing. A fluid sealing system with fluid pumping and capillary features provides increased reliability and performance for small form factor disc drive memory systems. Concerns of motor jog are addressed, jog being the rapid and repeated opening and closing of spaces between relatively rotatable components that can dispel oil from, or draw air into, these spaces. The fluid pumping capillary sealing system includes a fluid pumping groove with a rib portion and a slot portion for pumping fluid. The fluid pumping capillary sealing system also includes a capillary seal. In an aspect, a sweeping rib sweeps fluid toward the bearing. A truncated rib is situated adjacent to the sweeping rib, the truncated rib extending a shorter radial distance as compared to the sweeping rib and forming a plenum region.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Seagate Technologies LLCInventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Klaus Diete Kloeppel
-
Patent number: 9366289Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary shaft and a sleeve rotatable with respect to the shaft. A fluid dynamic bearing is defined by the stationary shaft and the sleeve. A fluid channel includes a first axially extending portion in the fluid dynamic bearing, and a radially extending portion extending radially outward from the first axially extending portion. In addition the fluid channel includes a second axially extending portion extending axially downward from the radially extending portion. The apparatus further includes a pump seal including grooves formed in the second axially extending portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Lynn B Le, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Patent number: 9267541Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, is an apparatus including a plastic component; a stationary component including a thrustplate; a rotatable component including the plastic component affixed to a sleeve; and at least a first fluid dynamic bearing formed between the thrustplate and an opposing surface of the rotatable component.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Klaus Diete Kloeppel
-
Patent number: 9068596Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Jeffrey Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Publication number: 20140286601Abstract: Provided herein, in some embodiments, is an apparatus including a plastic component; a stationary component including a thrustplate; a rotatable component including the plastic component affixed to a sleeve; and at least a first fluid dynamic bearing formed between the thrustplate and an opposing surface of the rotatable component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Klaus Diete Kloeppel
-
Publication number: 20140205220Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Jeffrey Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Publication number: 20140133789Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary shaft and a sleeve rotatable with respect to the shaft. A fluid dynamic bearing is defined by the stationary shaft and the sleeve. A fluid channel includes a first axially extending portion in the fluid dynamic bearing, and a radially extending portion extending radially outward from the first axially extending portion. In addition the fluid channel includes a second axially extending portion extending axially downward from the radially extending portion. The apparatus further includes a pump seal including grooves formed in the second axially extending portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Lynn B. Le, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Patent number: 8690436Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Publication number: 20140023300Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a robust and shock resistant fluid dynamic bearing. A fluid sealing system with fluid pumping and capillary features provides increased reliability and performance for small form factor disc drive memory systems. Concerns of motor jog are addressed, jog being the rapid and repeated opening and closing of spaces between relatively rotatable components that can dispel oil from, or draw air into, these spaces. The fluid pumping capillary sealing system includes a fluid pumping groove with a rib portion and a slot portion for pumping fluid. The fluid pumping capillary sealing system also includes a capillary seal. In an aspect, a sweeping rib sweeps fluid toward the bearing. A truncated rib is situated adjacent to the sweeping rib, the truncated rib extending a shorter radial distance as compared to the sweeping rib and forming a plenum region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Klaus Diete Kloeppel
-
Patent number: 8562222Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Patent number: 8534919Abstract: A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Patent number: 8497609Abstract: An apparatus and associated method characterized by an enclosure having a side member that defines a substantially orthogonally directed cavity penetrating the side member. A motor shaft in the enclosure has a distal end that is operably aligned with the cavity. A shear transfer member in the enclosure is operably affixed to the motor shaft. One of the shaft and the shear transfer member is sized for a close mating engagement with the side member in the cavity, and the shear transfer member is further sized for being simultaneously shear coupled to the side member.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Lynn Bich-Quy Le
-
Publication number: 20130064485Abstract: A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Publication number: 20130064484Abstract: A rotating hub and fixed spindle assembly with first and second fluid dynamic journal bearings and first and second fluid dynamic thrust bearings for a disc drive memory system has a pump seal and a radial ring seal at a first axial terminus for lubricant containment, and a capillary seal and a labyrinth seal at a second axial terminus for lubricant containment and storage. Lubricant fluid pressure differences between first and second seals are minimized through one or more lubricant fluid communicating channels in the hub assembly, in order to minimize lubricant fluid loss through a seal. Lubricant fluid can also be purged of any air bubbles by lubricant fluid circulation through the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Publication number: 20120087607Abstract: An apparatus and associated method characterized by an enclosure having a side member that defines a substantially orthogonally directed cavity penetrating the side member. A motor shaft in the enclosure has a distal end that is operably aligned with the cavity. A shear transfer member in the enclosure is operably affixed to the motor shaft. One of the shaft and the shear transfer member is sized for a close mating engagement with the side member in the cavity, and the shear transfer member is further sized for being simultaneously shear coupled to the side member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Lynn Bich-Quy Le
-
Publication number: 20110285232Abstract: A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Segate Technology LLCInventors: Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Alan Lyndon Grantz
-
Patent number: 7518276Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor features a stationary assembly, a rotating assembly supported on the stationary assembly, a fluid dynamic bearing system in a gap between the stationary and rotating assemblies, a radial capillary seal defined proximate a first end of the journal gap, and at least one re-circulation hole extending from the radial capillary seal to a second end of the journal gap. A single thrust shaft end bearing which pressurizes the shaft end to create an axial thrust bearing and drive bubbles in the fluid (where the fluid is a liquid) to the outer diameter of the shaft and into the recirculation path. The journal may be supported for rotation by dual sets of grooves; the dual groove asymmetry in the journal maintains a positive pressure between the journals.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Anthony J. Aiello, Alan Lyndon Grantz, Klaus D. Kloeppel, Paco Flores
-
Publication number: 20080273822Abstract: A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Lynn Bich-Quy Le, Alan Lyndon Grantz