Abstract: A lubricant retention design for a fluid dynamic bearing design in a spindle motor utilizes a labyrinth gap that is formed between the sleeve and the shaft of the bearing. The gap is used in conjunction with a barrier film to impede the flow of lubricant into the lateral and axial vent holes during non-operational vibration, such as shipping and handling of the end product. In another version, a plug is located in the lateral vent hole. The plug has a very small passage that permits air to pass therethrough for atmospheric pressure equalization, but prevents the escape of lubricant into the vent holes. Alternatively, the plug may be formed from a non-wettable material such as porous foam or sintered material and provided with a larger opening. Yet another solution utilizes a combination of both the labyrinth and plug designs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fluid dynamic bearings. Specifically, the present invention provides a secondary fluid reservoir for the fluid used in a fluid dynamic bearing in a high-speed spindle motor assembly.

Abstract: A lubricant retention design for a fluid dynamic bearing design in a spindle motor utilizes a labyrinth gap that is formed between the sleeve and the shaft of the bearing. The gap is used in conjunction with a barrier film to impede the flow of lubricant into the lateral and axial vent holes during non-operational vibration, such as shipping and handling of the end product. In another version, a plug is located in the lateral vent hole. The plug has a very small passage that permits air to pass therethrough for atmospheric pressure equalization, but prevents the escape of lubricant into the vent holes. Alternatively, the plug may be formed from a non-wettable material such as porous foam or sintered material and provided with a larger opening. Yet another solution utilizes a combination of both the labyrinth and plug designs.

Abstract: A seal whose primary axis lies in the radial direction where the fluid bearing is primarily extending in the axial direction between the rotating shaft and surrounding sleeve. The capillary seal is positioned with an opening adjacent an end of the fluid bearing gap, and comprises two diverging walls, with the narrowest gap between the two generally radially extending walls being closely adjacent an end of the fluid gap. The walls diverge as they extend radially away from the fluid bearing. In this way, the fluid held in the radial capillary seal is maintained adjacent an end of the gap, while the size of the reservoir provided or defined by the diverging walls provides a relatively large reservoir volume.

Abstract: A tilting pad journal bearing (2) comprises a bearing shell (4) having a substantially cylindrical inner surface and at least three bearing pads (5, 6, 7) extending around the inner surface of the bearing shell in a substantially circumferential direction. Each of the pads (5, 6, 7) is arranged for pivotal movement relative to the bearing shell (4) by a substantially spherically-extending surface (8, 9, 10) on the pad engaging a mating substantially spherically-extending surface (11, 12, 13) associated with the bearing shell. At least one of the substantially spherically-extending surfaces (11) associated with the shell (4) is provided on a member (14) so mounted in or on the bearing shell as to be capable of radial movement relative to the shell and a spring is provided for urging the member radially inwards.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a cylindrical side wall is provided in a housing so as to surround an outer periphery of a stopper member. Further, an end surface of the side wall is higher than a top surface of outermost periphery of the stopper member. Oil otherwise scattered is received by the side wall for collection. Oil is thus prevented from scattering even if during manufacturing, the amount of oil dripped between the shaft and the oil-impregnated bearing is not strictly controlled, so that a slightly excessive amount of oil is dripped. Therefore, the present motor device enables manufacturing operations to be favorably performed, and is reliable having a long lifetime.

Abstract: A fluid bearing with an oil circulating hole therein has a bearing housing fixedly assembled to a stator base having a closed bottom surface; and upper and lower bearing portions; and a thrust receiving portion to rotatably support a rotating shaft. An opening oil reservoir is in the bearing housing and a lower oil reservoir is formed at the lower portion thereof. An intermediate oil reservoir is located between the upper and lower bearing portions. The oil circulating hole is formed in parallel with the rotating shaft in order to communicate with the opening oil reservoir, the intermediate oil reservoir and the lower oil reservoir. A space is defined at an opening portion which is covered with a cap in order to prevent oil from leaking.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing unit and a manufacturing method therefor that reduce manufacturing costs and prevent leakage of lubricating oil are provided. The bearing unit includes a shaft, a sleeve which is rotatably mounted to the shaft and which forms a radial bearing in cooperation with the shaft, and a pair of seal members which are fixed to the shaft, which form respective thrust bearing parts in cooperation with the sleeve, and which seal lubricating oil circulating in the bearing unit. The shaft has a large-diameter part functioning as one of the seal members. The other seal member is fixed to the shaft by press-fitting.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure bearing is provided which has a lubricant fluid reservoir space that can easily cope with increasing and decreasing of a lubricant fluid, and that can surely prevent leakage of the lubricant fluid to the outside caused by thermal expansion due to temperature rise, from occurring, and which can be processed relatively easily.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure bearing device having a structure in which forces in the radial and thrust directions can be easily balanced with each other, and lubricant hardly leaks is provided. The device has: a housing having an opening in each of both end portions, and an internal space; a shaft passing through the openings; and a flange disposed on the shaft, and in which radial dynamic pressure generating grooves and thrust dynamic pressure generating grooves are formed, radial dynamic pressure bearings are respectively formed in vicinities of the end openings of the housing, and thrust dynamic pressure bearings for supporting both faces are formed between the radial dynamic pressure bearings. The radial dynamic pressure bearings between which the thrust dynamic pressure bearings are interposed are formed symmetrically with respect to the thrust dynamic pressure bearings.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing device of a shaft, a sleeve rotatably supporting this shaft, wherein a herringbone groove is formed at a predetermined part of an inner periphery wall face of the sleeve, and, a thrust receiver supporting a thrust side of the shaft fixed to a lower face of the sleeve, thereby sealing predetermined lubricant, wherein a spiral groove which is narrower in groove width and shallower in depth than the herringbone groove, and which is oriented to the thrust receiver in a rotation direction of the shaft, is formed on inner periphery wall face of the sleeve.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure bearing is provided in which leakage of liquid lubricant due to precession of a housing can be prevented from occurring. In the dynamic pressure bearing, the inner diameter of a tapered inner peripheral face 20 of the housing 1 which constitutes a capillary sealing portion 23 is gradually increased as moving from an opening 17 toward the inner area in the axial direction. When the housing 1 is rotated, therefore, a centrifugal force applied on liquid lubricant existing on the tapered inner peripheral face 20 acts in the direction along which the liquid lubricant is pushed toward the inner area, as indicated by an arrow 19. Consequently, the centrifugal force which is due to precession of the housing 1, and which pushes the liquid lubricant 15 toward the outside as indicated by an arrow 29 can be cancelled by the force acting in the direction toward the inner area, with the result that leakage of the liquid lubricant due to precession of the housing 1 can be prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A snap fit bearing assembly is provided for supporting a rotatable shaft in a wall of a machine. The snap fit bearing assembly includes a support wall portion, of the machine, having a first surface, a wall thickness and a second and opposite surface; a central opening through the support wall portion; a bearing receiving recess formed from the first surface partially into the wall; plural receiving openings formed through the wall thickness and spaced from the central opening; a bearing device having an inner bore and an external surface for inserting into the bearing receiving recess; and an adjustable force applying spring clip for applying a desired normal force to the bearing device.

Abstract: A fluid bearing suitable for use in vacuum region comprises a fluid passageway for introducing a fluid into the bearing, a pump-out slot for evacuating the fluid from the bearing, and a bearing seal disposed along a periphery of the bearing to restrict fluid from escaping from the bearing into the vacuum region. The bearing seal comprises a bridge structure including a first base, a second base, a transverse member fixed at one end to the first base and movably disposed in a slot defined by the second base, and a sealing sheet extending from the transverse member between the first and second bases. The sealing sheet forms a compliant mechanical wall around the periphery of the bearing. The seal further includes an adjustable spring force element which exerts a force on the sealing sheet to ensure marginal contact with a bearing support surface to form a low-frictional seal.

Abstract: Disk-drive motor having two hydrodynamnic bearing sections separated with respect to the shaft by an air intervention, each composed of a radial and a thrust dynamic-pressure bearing portion, and in each of which lubricant is retained continuously throughout the radial and thrust bearing portions At least one communicating pathway is formed in the sleeve, axially communicating the thrust faces that are constituents of, and retaining lubricant continuously with, the pair of thrust bearing portions. Via the communicating pathway, the lubricant retained in the two hydrodynamic bearing sections shifts mutually from the one section to the other, such that the radii of curvature of the meniscuses forming the respective boundaries arc equalized. The amount of lubricant held in the bearing sections is accordingly equalized and lubricant leaking out of the radial bearing portions is taken up and re-circulated.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has an exhaust-gas turbine in the exhaust tract and a compressor in the intake tract, the exhaust-gas turbine and the compressor being connected via a shaft which is supported in a casing of the exhaust-gas turbocharger via at least one bearing. In order to improve the efficiency of the turbocharger, the bearing has a non-contact design, in that, when the exhaust-gas turbocharger is in operation, the shaft is held at a distance from, and so as to be virtually free of friction with, a bearing receptacle fixed to the casing.

Abstract: A fluid sealing device for use in a motor having a fluid bearing for mounting a frame to a shaft. The fluid sealing device includes a bearing fluid reservoir, a sealing plate, and a bearing fluid absorbing pad. The bearing fluid reservoir is positioned at one axial end of the fluid bearing. The sealing plate is mounted on the frame and positioned axially outward of the bearing fluid reservoir. The sealing plate has an inner edge extending radially toward the shaft to provide a sealing space between the shaft and the sealing plate. A bearing fluid absorbing pad is mounted axially inward from the sealing plate. A capture space is provided between the bearing fluid absorbing pad, sealing plate and reservoir such that the bearing fluid absorbing pad is exposed to the reservoir.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing apparatus comprises two hydrodynamic bearing sections which have a shaft member, a bearing member fit to the shaft member with a predetermined space therein, lubricants filling the space between the shaft member and the bearing member, and which are separately placed in the axial direction of the shaft member. The lubricants of the two hydrodynamic bearing sections are separated from each other by an air layer. The lubricants are pressured by hydrodynamic generating grooves formed on the hydrodynamic bearing sections such that the shaft member and the bearing member are rotatably supported in relation to each other. The hydrodynamic generating grooves separately formed on the two hydrodynamic bearing sections are formed into an unbalanced shape such that the lubricants are moved in a predetermined direction to correct the slope of the shaft member and the bearing member when rotation is suspended.

Abstract: A fluid bearing suitable for use in a vacuum region comprises a fluid passageway for introducing a fluid into the bearing, a pump-out slot for evacuating the fluid from the bearing, and a bearing seal disposed along a periphery of the bearing to restrict fluid from escaping from the bearing into the vacuum region. The bearing seal comprises a bridge structure including a first base, a second base, a transverse member fixed at one end to the first base and movably disposed in a slot defined by the second base, and a sealing sheet extending from the transverse member between the first and second bases. The sealing sheet forms a compliant mechanical wall around the periphery of the bearing. The seal further includes an adjustable spring force element which exerts a force on the sealing sheet to ensure marginal contact with a bearing support surface to form a low-frictional seal.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing spindle motor comprising: a fixed member which has a radial bearing portion; a rotational member; a rotary shaft which is rotatably supported by the radial bearing portion of the fixed member and is secured to a substantially central location of the rotational member so as to extend in a vertical direction of the hydrodynamic bearing spindle motor such that the rotational member is disposed above the fixed member; lubricant which is provided between the radial bearing portion of the fixed member and the rotary shaft; a projection which is provided on a lower face of the rotational member so as to be disposed radially outwardly of the rotary shaft and has an oblique inner periphery expanding gradually radially outwardly towards a distal end of the projection; a lubricant receiving member which is secured to an upper face of the fixed member so as to be disposed radially outwardly of the projection; and oil repellent for repelling the lubricant, which is applied to the projection and its

Abstract: The invention provides a submersible pumping system which includes a motor containing self-centering rotor bearing assemblies. Each rotor bearing assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a sleeve, a journal, and at least two seals. The journal is preferably disposed about the sleeve which is keyed to the power transmission shaft of the motor. The journal has a peripheral surface which is configured to have at least two circumferential support regions which are spaced apart from one another. Each of these circumferential support regions supports a corresponding seal. Each seal includes an interface member and an activating member. When in place in a rotor section of a submersible pump motor, the seals frictionally engage the inner surface of the stator and exert a centering force against the journal and thus against the bearing sleeve and the power transmission shaft.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing having a liquid accommodating portion in which, even when a liquid in the bearing expands as a result of a temperature rise, it is possible to prevent the liquid from leaking to the outside. In order to attain the object, in a hydrodynamic bearing including: a shaft and a sleeve which relatively rotate; a dynamic pressure bearing portion which is formed between the shaft and the sleeve; and an accommodation portion which accommodates a liquid in the bearing, and which is disposed in a space between the shaft and the sleeve and in the vicinity of an atmosphere side, the accommodation portion is an opposition space portion in which a conical face formed on the shaft and having a diameter that is gradually reduced as moving toward an end portion of the shaft is opposed to a conical face which is formed on an inner side face of the sleeve and which covers the conical face of the shaft.

Abstract: A bearing is provided between a turbine shaft and a bearing box in a turbine or compressor housing, a first gap of a size sufficient to form an oil film is provided between the bearing and the bearing box, and a pair of second larger gaps is provided adjacent to the first gap on both ends of the first gap in a longitudinal direction of the turbine shaft. A pair of spring members each able to exert a predetermined spring force on the bearing is provided around the entire circumference in the second gaps respectively.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic pressure bearing has a shaft member, a sleeve member which is relatively rotatable to this shaft member and radial and thrust fluid dynamic pressure bearings. A lubricating oil retaining channel is provided to retain lubricating oil by the capillarity, a part of the retaining channel is open to the atmosphere and the other part is communicated with the fluid dynamic pressure bearings. The retaining channel can be formed on the shaft member. Further, a fluid dynamic pressure bearing in such the construction is favorably used in a motor and a disk driving apparatus.

Abstract: A squeeze film damper bearing comprises a bearing metal 2 for supporting a rotation shaft 1, a bearing casing 3 for covering the bearing metal 2 and a concentricity spring 4 between the bearing metal 2 and the bearing casing 3. The bearing casing 3 is provided at its inner periphery with a circumferential groove 3a for accommodating the spring. The spring 4 is made of an elongate steel sheet 4a and has a plurality of recesses 4b formed on a surface of the steel sheet 4a to provide a plurality of longitudinally aligned projections 4c on the other surface of the steel sheet. The steel sheet is bent into cylindrical shape. Each of the projections 4c has a curved surface with a generating line in parallel with the rotation shaft 1.

Abstract: An air dynamic bearing is constructed to prevent the inflow of a foreign substance. The air dynamic bearing includes an inner member having a lubricious surface and fixed to a shaft which rotates, and an outer member having a lubricious surface corresponding to the lubricious surface of the inner member and supporting the inner member to be operative to rotate. First grooves are formed in the lubricious surface of at least one of the inner and the outer members to generate a predetermined air pressure outward when the at least one of the inner and the outer members rotates.

Abstract: Two bearing bodies 1 each having a bearing surface 17 are force-fitted into a housing 7 which is opened at one end and closed at the other end thereof, and a shaft 2 (rotary shaft) is inserted in the bearing bodies 1, thereby forming two axially spaced porous oil-impregnated bearings A. The inner peripheral surfaces of the bearing bodies 1 and the oil leak preventing member 11 are formed with a plurality of inclined grooves (hydrodynamic-pressure-generating grooves 5 and air current producing grooves 12). A solid lubricating composition 3 composed of synthetic resin as a base material and oil as a lubricating component by blending lubricating oil or lubricating greases is disposed between the two bearing bodies 1.

Abstract: A rotating shaft motor or cartridge incorporates an o-ring which surrounds the rotating shaft and is borne on a carrier. As supported on the carrier, the o-ring does not normally block the bearing passages which would prevent the smooth distribution of oil throughout the motor. However, the carrier and o-ring combination are designed to allow the o-ring to be forced into an opening between the shaft and sleeve for completely sealing the remaining portion of the bearing during filling. The rotating shaft includes a central reservoir, having one or more grooves or passages communicating with the hydrodynamic bearing surfaces and ending in a septum or rubber plug which is inserted in an opening in the shaft.

Abstract: A self-contained hydrodynamic bearing unit with improved sealing and performance is disclosed. Centrifugal capillary seals are angularly defined between an outwardly tapered outer surface of a top screw and an inwardly tapered inner surface of an annular clamp ring at the top of the bearing unit as well as between an outwardly tapered outer surface of a seal plate and an inwardly tapered inner surface of an annular clamp ring at the bottom of the bearing unit. During operation, bearing lubricant is pumped away from the seal opening and toward the bearings by centrifugal force at the seals, providing dynamic sealing. When the bearing unit is not rotating, capillary forces retain the lubricant within the seal, preventing the lubricant from leaking. The tapered configuration of the seals also shortens the vertical seal length for a given effective seal length, thereby maximizing the journal bearing length/span and improving dynamic performance of the bearing unit.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises an outer bearing member having a cylindrical bore therethrough and a cylindrical inner bearing member extending coaxially within the bore in the outer bearing member, the inner bearing member having a cylindrical bore therethrough for accepting a rotating shaft. A first conduit is provided for supplying fluid to the bore in the outer bearing member to form a hydrostatic bearing between the inner bearing member and the outer bearing member, the first conduit comprising a passageway through the inner bearing member having four openings into the bore in the outer bearing member, the openings being arranged into pairs, the openings in each pair being in opposing regions of the bore.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing apparatus which includes at least two hydrodynamic bearing sections for rotatably supporting a shaft member and a cylindrical member, where the bearing sections constitute a continuous bearing clearance. A hydrodynamic pressure generating portion is provided for generating a hydrodynamic pressure in a lubricant which is filled in the bearing clearance. One hydrodynamic generating portion is shaped asymmetrically to move the lubricant in one direction. Two capillary sealing sections are also provided. One capillary sealing section is positioned downstream in a moving direction of the lubricant and is configured such that the lubricant moves by a predetermined amount to cancel a differential pressure which is generated at the hydrodynamic bearing sections.

Abstract: A spindle for a gas bearing of a rapidly rotating tool, including a spindle housing, a bushing arranged in the housing, at least one ceramic bearing pressed into the bushing over substantially the entire length thereof and a rotating shaft gas-supported in the housing in the axial and radial direction by the bearings such that a gap remains between the shaft and the bearings. In order to control the narrowing of the gap formed between the shaft and the bearings, the material and thickness of the bushing and bearing are selected such that the product of elasticity module and wall thickness of the bushing is at least about 1.8 times greater than the product elasticity module and wall thickness of the bearing.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing apparatus for use in a spindle motor. The bearing includes at least two hydrodynamic bearing sections for supporting a rotary member with respect to a fixed member, a hydrodynamic pressure generating mechanism, a space between the two hydrodynamic bearing sections, a lubricant, two capillary sealing sections, and a lubricant reservoir. In the hydrodynamic bearing apparatus, the hydrodynamic pressure generating mechanism is positioned at the hydrodynamic bearing sections, and the capillary sealing section of the two capillary sealing sections has a space capacity which allows for an increased amount of lubricant. The lubricant is moved by a predetermined amount in one direction by a differential pressure generated at the hydrodynamic bearing sections when the rotary member rotates.

Abstract: A bearing structure for damping shaft vibrations wherein a fixed support member has an axially extending opening defined by a circular surface having a predetermined radius of curvature. A shaft extends centrally through the opening to provide an annular space between the periphery of the shaft and said circular surface. A plurality of bearing elements are circumferentially spaced apart around the shaft. A curved spring beam is interposed between each of the bearing elements and said circular surface defining the opening. The radially outwardly presented side of each spring beam has a radius of curvature greater than that of the circular surface so with the beam in direct contact with the circular surface a crescent shaped oil containment cavity is formed. A small oil inlet hole through the support member at each crescent shaped cavity supplies oil to the cavity. The oil acts to dampen shaft vibrations as it is pressurized in response to deflection of the spring beam reducing the volume in the cavity.

Abstract: A dynamic groove bearing (9, 83, 95) with an inner bearing pan (15) and an outer bearing part (17) which is rotatable about the inner bearing part (15). The bearing parts (15, 17) are provided with cooperating bearing surfaces (23, 35) between which a bearing gap (45) is present filled with a liquid lubricant (75). The bearing surface (35) of at least one of the bearing pans (17) is provided with a pattern of grooves (51, 53).The outer bearing part (17) has an annular barrier (69, 87, 99) which is raised with respect to the bearing surface (35) of the outer bearing part (17) and which bounds the bearing gap (45). The barrier (69, 87, 99) prevents leakage of the liquid lubricant (75) from the dynamic groove bearing (9, 83, 95) at comparatively high rotation speeds of the dynamic groove bearing (9, 83, 95).

Abstract: A radial journal bearing (5, 6) is indicated, with an interior bearing surface placed facing an exterior bearing surface, where one of the bearing surfaces comprises a slide shoe (7, 8), which has one end with a contact face loaded to contact against the other bearing surface, and where this end is movable in such a manner that the contact against the other bearing surface can be maintained by a relative displacement of the bearing surface at right angles to the direction of the load. Hereby it is achieved that the variation of the leakage between the slide shoe and the opposing bearing surface is essentially reduced, resulting in longer life and greater stability.

Abstract: A bearing for supporting a load for axial and rotational motion relative to a shaft is disclosed as including an outer shell having a cylindrical inner wall supporting a plurality of circumferentially spaced arcuate bearing pads for engaging the shaft. Each bearing pad includes a pair of elastically deformable lateral tip portions arranged for interference fit with the shaft to exert a static preload on the shaft, and a mid portion intermediate the lateral tip portions arranged for clearance fit with the shaft. A plurality of lubricant channels communicate with the shaft through gaps between the separate bearing pads.

Abstract: A motor includes a shaft; a shaft retainer which retains the shaft and a thrust plate provided to the shaft, and thrust dynamic pressure fluid bearing means are provided between the thrust plate and the shaft retainer and radial dynamic pressure fluid bearing means are provided between the shaft retainer and the shaft. Between the outer circumferential surface of the thrust plate and the inner circumferential surface of the shaft retainer, a ring-shaped space is formed and oil is filled in a part of this ring-shaped space. Ring-shaped projections are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the thrust plate. When the motor is running at a high-speed, oil in the ring-shaped space is retained on the shaft retainer and through this oil, oil in the thrust dynamic pressure fluid bearings at the upper and lower surface sides are communicated with each other.

Abstract: A bearing structure having an annular cage and an annular housing that optionally mate at frustogeometrical surfaces for supporting and positioning a rotatable shaft of a turbomachine and that optionally provides a squeeze film damper between the frustogeometrical surfaces of the annular cage and the annular housing. A bearing structure having an annular cage and an annular housing that optionally mate at frustogeometrical surfaces for supporting and positioning a rotatable shaft of a turbomachine and that optionally provides an externally adjustable squeeze film damper between the frustogeometrical surfaces of the annular cage and the annular housing. The squeeze film damper is defined by two annular squeeze film seals positioned in respective annular squeeze film seal grooves formed in the frustogeometrical radially outer surface of the annular cage. Lubricant is also delivered to the squeeze film damper which serves as the damping medium.

Abstract: A fluid-dampened support for a bearing such as a tilt pad bearing or a rolling element bearing such as a ball bearing, needle bearing, roller bearing and the like. The fluid dampened support includes a network of closely spaced beams which act as structural springs which support the outer race of the roller bearing for movement in any direction. The spring rate or constant of these structural springs can be caused to change after a selected amount of deflection. The amount of deflection needed to cause the change in spring rate can be adjusted to suit the particular application. A liquid is provided in the spaces between the beams to dampen movement of the pads. The damping rate can be made to change with movement of the pads. The structure and space between the beams is designed so as to provide virtually any reasonable damping characteristics.

Abstract: An integral pivot pad bushing seal bearing, adapted for sealing about a rotating shaft, includes a carrier ring having a radially inner generally cylindrical surface for providing a fluid seal about the shaft. A plurality of cavities are formed in the carrier ring so as to open in the radially inner generally cylindrical surface. Each cavity contains a pivot pad having a radially inner generally cylindrical pad surface which is substantially flush with the radially inner generally cylindrical surface of the carrier ring. The carrier ring and the pivot pads are contained in the same axial length as a unitary structure and act together to both seal and support the shaft. Each cavity can have a longitudinally extending groove in its radially outermost portion for receiving high pressure fluid to press each pivot pad inwardly toward the shaft. A second groove, in communication with the first groove, can be formed in a cavity end wall to apply high pressure to an axial face of the pivot pad.

Abstract: A seal for a hydrodynamic bearing unit having a shaft and a sleeve includes a seal ring secured to the shaft and extending radially outwardly of the pair of spaced-apart hydrodynamic journal bearings defined between the seal ring and a thrust plate. The seal ring adjacently faces adjacent radial and axial portions of the sleeve. An annular taper capillary seal is defined between a diverging outer wall surface of the seal ring and the adjacent axial portion of the sleeve. A containment ring extends from the sleeve to surround a radial wall portion of the seal ring adjacent to an opening of the taper capillary seal and forms a secondary containment seal opening toward the shaft for preventing escape of the hydrodynamic bearing lubricant.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing and method of manufacturing the same. The bearing includes spaced planar pads supported on radially extending beams. The beams are connected to a base ring which is preferably circular. The radial beams support a circumferentially central region of the pads, but permit deflection of the circumferential edges of the pads for wedge formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns resiliently mounted pad type journal bearings. Compensation for lateral movement of a journal due to shifts in loading is achieved by varying the profile of the hydrodynamic wedge between one or more of the bearing pads and the journal. Journal bearings according to the present invention are appropriate for either mono-directional or bi-directional journal rotation.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing incorporates a flexible membrane at one end of the fluid gap in the hydrodynamic bearing. If voids exist in the fluid, and if changes in the size of these voids or bubbles occur with changes in temperature or pressure in which the disc drive is being used, then the volume of the fluid will change, and increase relative to the change in size of the volume of the surrounding physical part. The flexible membrane will yield to the increased pressure of the increasing volume of the fluid. The membrane essentially acts as a spring whose spring force is overcome by the pressure created by or accompanying a increase in volume of the fluid. As this happens, the spring force of the membrane is overcome, the membrane relaxes and forms a bladder, effectively increasing the volume in which the lubricating fluid is contained, and preventing its escape or being forced out of the inner region of the bearing.

Abstract: Non-axially-cylindrical journal and bearing assembly operates with hydrodynamic lubrication and has high load capability.

Abstract: A one piece hydrodynamic bearing which replicates the function and performance of more costly tilt pad bearings. The pads are supported on a single thin web for pivoting on a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The support structure preferably includes a primary support portion, a secondary support portion and a tertiary support portion. The beams allow deflection of the pad by either deflecting or twisting in a torsional mode. The bearing pad support structure may include portions which are fluid dampened. The bearing may be made self lubricating through the provision of a lubricant absorbing and releasing material in the spaces between the bearing pads or within the support structure. The bearings may be made of a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, powdered metals, composites and metals.

Abstract: A construction for a fluid bearing in a rotary spindle apparatus includes a spindle having first and second ends, and at least one thrust plate coupled to a shaft which is surrounded by a hub having an enclosing sleeve. The sleeve surrounding the thrust plate and shaft defines several gap regions where bearing fluid resides. A first radial gap region is defined between the shaft and sleeve and a second radial gap region is defined between the outer diameter of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A first axial gap region is defined by an upper surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve, and a second axial gap region exists between the lower surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A bearing fluid is disposed within these gap regions and forms capillary seals at first and second ends of the spindle. The thrust plate includes holes or pressure compensation ports which connect the first and second axial gap regions.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing unit includes a shaft, a sleeve rotatably disposed over the shaft and defining a plurality of spaced-apart hydrodynamic journal bearings, an annular axial thrust plate secured to the shaft to form a shaft subassembly and having a first radial surface in facing confrontation with a shoulder of the sleeve and defining a first hydrodynamic thrust bearing, a thrust bushing secured to the sleeve to form a sleeve subassembly and having a bearing surface in overlying facing engagement with a second radial surface of the annular axial thrust plate to form a second hydrodynamic thrust bearing, a seal for hydrodynamic lubricant defined within an annular Vee groove located adjacent to the shaft and having an apex converging toward the second hydrodynamic thrust bearing, a motor for rotating the sleeve subassembly relative to the shaft subassembly, and hydrodynamic lubricant within the annular Vee groove, the lubricant being retained in place by capillary force in the absence, of rotation, and by c

Abstract: Provided is a hydrostatic gas bearing capable of assembling bearing units without deteriorating perpendicularity to an axis of a cylindrical housing even when the housing is distorted. The housing having a cylindrical hole through which a rotary shaft penetrates, cylindrical hydrostatic bearing units and a spacer of which axial end surfaces are perpendicular to a center axis of the spacer, and a cover which is mounted to the other end of the housing and presses a hydrostatic bearing unit via an O-ring. The hydrostatic bearing unit does not incline, since the end surface of the hydrostatic bearing unit is fitted tightly to an end surface of the spacer by the pressure from the O-ring, even when the other end of the housing is not perpendicular to the center axis of the housing and the cover is inclined.