Abstract: A sealing structure includes: a first member having a first surface extending along a gravity direction in which gravity acts; a second member having a second surface facing the first surface and extending along the gravity direction; a hydrostatic bearing that is arranged on the first surface of the first member and is configured to supply a compressed liquid between the first surface and the second surface; and a seal portion having a clearance that is formed between the first surface and the second surface and is provided below the hydrostatic bearing in the gravity direction. A liquid is retained in the clearance by surface tension.

Abstract: A bearing assembly and a rotary shaft apparatus employing the same are provided. The bearing assembly is rotatably coupled with a first shaft and a second shaft. The first bearing housing includes a first annular recess having a first axial depth. The first bearing is connected with the first annular recess and the first shaft and has a first axial thickness. The second bearing housing includes a second annular recess having a second axial depth. The second bearing is connected with the first annular recess, the second annular recess and the second shaft and has a second axial thickness. The spacer is disposed between the first bearing and the second bearing and has a third axial thickness. The sum of the first axial thickness, the second axial thickness and the third axial thickness is greater than the sum of the first axial depth and the second axial depth.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing a shaft bearing includes a seal housing, first and second seal rings retained by the seal housing, an annular chamber formed between the first and second seal rings and a connecting channel configured to place the annular chamber in fluid communication with a bearing-housing-side oil space. When the seal assembly is installed on a shaft, the connecting channel is configured to permit a fill-level equalization between the oil space and the annular chamber when the oil space is filled to a first possible fill level (N1) and to prevent the fill-level equalization between oil space and annular chamber when the oil space is filled to a second possible fill level (N2).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to bearing assemblies that include integrated lubrication, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and related methods. For example, a lubricated bearing assembly may include a lubricant that may lubricate the bearing surface thereof during operation of the lubricated bearing assembly and/or bearing apparatus including the lubricated bearing assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for handling abrasive-laden fluid is described. A centrifugal pump system for handling abrasive-laden fluid includes an impeller including an annular balance ring extending longitudinally on a top side of the impeller and an annular skirt extending longitudinally on a bottom side of the impeller, one of the annular balance ring, the annular skirt or a combination thereof having portions defining a plurality of apertures, wherein the plurality of apertures form an abrasive-media relief path that bypasses at least a portion of a clearance gap and merges with a primary working-fluid flow path. A centrifugal pump impeller includes a bottom shroud, an annular skirt extending longitudinally upstream from the bottom shroud, the annular skirt encircling a central hub, and the annular skirt having an aperture extending through a thickness of the annular skirt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to screw conveyors, in particular a screw conveyors with a separated drive and sealing device. In an aspect of the invention, the screw conveyor is part of an auger. An embodiment of the invention employs tapered bearings, which can withstand both radial and directional forces. A sealing member can also be included to aid in preventing debris from contacting the bearings.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A clamping element freewheel including an inner ring and an outer ring that can be rotated relative to the inner ring in at least one rotational direction. A cage for clamping elements is between the inner ring and the outer ring, with a plurality of clamping elements. The clamping elements are pivotable between a clamping position, in which they prevent relative rotation between the inner and outer rings, and a release position, in which they enable relative rotation between the inner and outer rings. A clamping element preload is provided to preload the clamping element radially inwardly and in the clamping position direction. The clamping element preloading is provided by springs that are configured separately for each clamping element.

Abstract: A sealing ring repair device for underwater swimming pool lights is designed to fit on the water side of a sealing ring. The repair device includes a top plate with a plurality of top plate screw holes sized and positioned to match the sealing ring screw holes. The top plate has an inner side, and a repair tab extends from the top plate inner side. The repair tab can be used to secure an underwater swimming pool light in place when the ring tab of the sealing ring is damaged.

Abstract: A throttle device, includes a housing, a gas conduit, a throttle shaft, a throttle body movable by means of the throttle shaft. According to the invention, a bearing is provided for supporting the throttle shaft on the housing, in which for sealing off an interstice in fluid-tight fashion between the throttle shaft and the housing, and in particular outside the bearing, a viscous medium is disposed in the interstice.

Abstract: A motor includes a rotatable component rotatable relative to a stationary component, a fluid operable to flow between the rotatable and stationary component, and a capillary sealing component. The capillary sealing component provides a capillary seal and includes at least one tapered slot configured to pump the fluid between the rotatable and stationary components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing arrangement for a rotating shaft which is in particular designed as a drive shaft of a pump. The sealing arrangement has a stationary seal holder in which a first and a second slide ring seal are supported. The slide ring seals each have a co-rotating rotary seal part and a stationary seal part. A sealing space is formed between the slide ring seals and the seal holder to which sealing fluid can be supplied via a feed line. In order to enable good rotor dynamics of the shaft with the seal arrangement, in accordance with the invention a bearing is arranged between the first and the second slide ring seals by means of which the shaft can be supported with respect to the seal holder.

Abstract: A distribution apparatus for media and, in particular, for beverages may include a vessel suitable for holding the media, a first supply line which supplies the vessel with a first, liquid medium, and a second supply line which supplies the vessel with a second, gaseous medium. The first supply line and the second supply line are arranged in a stationary manner with respect to one another and the vessel is arranged such that it can rotate with respect to the first supply line and the second supply line. The first supply line and the second supply line open into the vessel in a region of the vessel which is above a filling level of the first, liquid medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spindle motor including: a shaft; a sleeve supporting the shaft; a hub including the shaft coupled to the center of rotation thereof; a sealing member including an operating fluid provided between the shaft and the sleeve and formed to be spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve; an oil sealing part including an oil interface formed between an inner peripheral surface of the sealing member and the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve facing each other, and a sealing surface layer formed on an outer side of the oil interface. The sealing surface layer is formed from an inner side of the oil interface formed in the oil sealing part of a fluid dynamic pressure bearing part toward the outer side thereof, thereby making it possible to improve an oil sealing effect in the oil interface.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus includes stationary and rotating portions. The stationary portion includes a stationary shaft and a first cup portion. The rotating portion includes an annular recessed portion and first and second inner circumferential surfaces. Lubricating oil is arranged in a gap between the stationary and rotating portions. An upper surface of the lubricating oil is located between the second inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface of the first cup portion. A lower surface of the lubricating oil is located between the rotating and stationary portions. The rotating portion further includes a through hole filled with the lubricating oil. One of the first cup portion and the rotating portion includes a pumping groove array arranged thereon to cause the lubricating oil to flow toward one end of the through hole during rotation of the rotating portion.

Abstract: A bearing unit for a disk drive device is formed by a sleeve concave portion and a shaft concave portion, and is provided with a capillary seal portion in which the gap between the sleeve concave portion and the shaft concave portion is increased in diameter toward the hub side of the sleeve. Assuming that: the outer circumferential diameter at the tilt starting end on the base member side of the shaft concave portion is D0; the inner circumferential diameter at the tilt starting end on the hub side of the sleeve concave portion is D1; the facing outer circumferential diameter of the shaft concave portion, which faces, in the radial direction, the inner circumference at the tilt starting end of the sleeve concave portion, is D2; and the diameter of the most concave inner circumference of the sleeve concave portion is D3, D2 is smaller than D0, D3 is larger than D1, and the difference between D3 and D0 is larger than that between D0 and D2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spindle motor including: a shaft; a sleeve supporting the shaft; a hub including the shaft coupled to the center of rotation thereof; a sealing member including an operating fluid provided between the shaft and the sleeve and formed to be spaced apart from an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve; an oil sealing part including an oil interface formed between an inner peripheral surface of the sealing member and the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve facing each other, and a sealing surface layer formed on an outer side of the oil interface. The sealing surface layer is formed from an inner side of the oil interface formed in the oil sealing part of a fluid dynamic pressure bearing part toward the outer side thereof, thereby making it possible to improve an oil sealing effect in the oil interface.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing having at least one first bearing part as well as a second bearing part that are rotatably supported with respect to one another about a rotational axis and separated from one another by a bearing gap filled with bearing fluid. Associated bearing surfaces of the bearing parts form a first and a second radial bearing that are marked by grooved bearing patterns disposed on at least one bearing surface. Between the radial bearings, there is a separator gap having an enlarged gap distance compared to the bearing gap. The ends of the grooved bearing patterns of the radial bearings adjoining the separator gap penetrate into the separator gap. This measure prevents the creation of negative pressure at the ends of the grooved bearing patterns, as a result of which the formation of air bubbles is also reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spindle motor which has superior operating characteristics. The spindle motor includes a stationary support shaft which is fastened to a base plate, a thrust plate which is fitted over the stationary support shaft, a sleeve which is rotatably provided around the stationary support shaft and is coupled to a rotor casing, and an annular stopper which is fastened to the sleeve or the rotor casing to support the lower surface of the thrust plate and prevent the sleeve from being removed. A first fluid sealing part is formed between the stopper and the thrust plate. The spindle motor further includes an annular sealing cap which is coupled to the sleeve or the rotor casing to store fluid between the sealing cap and an upper surface of the sleeve. A second fluid sealing part is formed between the sealing cap and the stationary support shaft.

Abstract: A contoured region is disposed within a capillary buffer of a Fluid Dynamic Bearing. In one embodiment, the contoured region comprises at least one defined edge for arresting the displacement of a lubricant within the capillary buffer.

Abstract: In one example, a fluid dynamic bearing motor having a shield member is provided. In one example, the method includes disposing a first member and a second member for relative rotation about an axis of rotation. An annular shield member is attached to the first member, the shield member disposed adjacent a fluid reservoir for containing a bearing fluid. The reservoir is filled through an aperture (e.g., a fill hole) in the shield member. Thereafter, the aperture is at least partially sealed. The aperture may be hermetically sealed via one or more laser pulses. In other examples, a two piece shield is provided for shielding a reservoir without a fill hole.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic pressure bearing device includes a shaft, an annular member, and a rotating member. The annular member is fixed to or seamlessly defined with the shaft and is radially opposed to the rotating member. The annular member and the rotating member are covered with a seal member. A first gap is defined between the seal member and the annular member. A second gap is defined between the rotating member and the seal member. A third gap is defined between the annular member and the rotating member. The first gap preferably has a width smaller than that of the second gap but greater than that of the third gap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bearing unit including a shaft; a radial bearing for supporting the outer circumferential surface of the shaft; a housing for accommodating the radial bearing, the housing having an open end from which the shaft is inserted and a closed end opposite to the open end in the axial direction of the shaft; a lubricating oil filled in the housing to reduce rotational friction of the shaft; a holding member provided at the open end of the housing for holding the lubricating oil; and a sealing member for closing the open end of the housing to prevent the leakage of the lubricating oil; wherein the sealing member having a side wall portion interposed between the holding member and the shaft and opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for a fluid dynamic bearing motor as may be utilized in a disc drive memory system. A fluid seal is situated at a first axial end of a bearing, and a grooved pumping seal is situated at a second axial end of the bearing. In an aspect, a fluid recirculation passageway is defined through a shaft and a thrustplate, to recirculate fluid from axially above the grooved pumping seal at the second axial end of the bearing to the first axial end of the bearing. Any air ingested at the grooved pumping seal, or which came out of solution from the fluid, is purged into a fluid reservoir and out the fluid seal. In an aspect, fluid is recirculated from the center of the journal bearing and the bearing pressure grooves to the fluid recirculation passageway and toward an air purging fluid seal.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing having a hub, a sleeve, and a sealing arrangement comprising a first capillary seal substantially retaining a first fluid and a second capillary seal comprising a second fluid. The second capillary seal is located between the first capillary seal and an opening between the hub and the sleeve.

Abstract: A bearing device of a gas turbine power generation equipment provides damping vibration of a shaft and lubricates and cools the bearing main body. The bearing devices have sleeves provided on the outer circumference sides of the bearing main bodies and bearing housings holding the respective sleeves via O-rings while each forming an annular clearance passage between each of the outer circumferences of the sleeves and a corresponding one of the bearing housings. The bearing housing has a feed-water hole communicating with the clearance passage and adapted to feed water thereto. The sleeve has a lead water hole communicating with the clearance passage and is adapted to lead water to the bearing main body, and a discharge hole which communicates with the clearance passage and is adapted to discharge water therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dynamic bearing device in which it is possible to prevent detachment of the shaft member reliably and at low cost without involving any increase in the device size. In a thrust bearing portion T, the lower end surface of the shaft member is held in contact with a thrust plate, and the shaft member is rotatably supported in the thrust direction. Protrusions extending radially inwards are provided on a sealing portion attached to an opening of the housing, and these protrusions are engaged with a small diameter portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member, thereby preventing the shaft member from coming off.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting oil leakage is disclosed by which the oil leakage can be effectively inhibited with a simple structure, where the apparatus is extensively formed along an outer periphery of a rotation shaft at a position higher than at least an upper end of a bearing and is formed with an oil barrier that restrains oil rise.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing mechanism for a motor (1) suitable for use in a hard disk drive and having a compact and thin shape, high bearing rigidity, and high rotating accuracy, and which securely keeps the rotor member (6) in place against shocks, and allows the inspection of lubricant supply amount easily. A fluid dynamic bearing mechanism having a capillary seal part (12) on one end of lubricant supply part formed by a minute gap including dynamic pressure grooves (10) formed on a shaft member (5) or a bearing member (4) is provided. An annular member (13) is fitted on the shaft member at the location corresponding to the capillary seal part, another annular member (14) is fitted on the bearing member at the location corresponding to the capillary seal part, a taper or step (13a, 14a) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular member on the shaft member side and the inner peripheral surface of the annular member on the bearing member side.

Abstract: In spindle motors journaled on fluid-dynamic-pressure bearings, especially in such spindle motors employed in recording-disk drives in implementations that subject the drives to vibration and shock, sealing performance of a capillary seal formed between motor rotor-side and stator-side bearing surfaces, cohesiveness of oil-repellant on rotor-side/stator-side dry-area surfaces adjoining the capillary seal section, and motor inter-component adhesive strength are improved. The capillary-seal-constituting rotor-side/stator-side surface(s) are exposed to a plasma or to ultraviolet rays under predetermined conditions to improve the wettability of the surface(s) for the bearing fluid. The dry-area surface(s) are similarly irradiated so as to improve their wettability for the oil-repellant. Adhesively bonded component surfaces are likewise irradiated so as to improve their wettability for the adhesive, enhancing adhesive strength.

Abstract: A bearing unit (90) for rotatably supporting a shaft (100) comprises a seamless holding member (120) with a gap allowing a shaft to run through and extend to the outside, a bearing (130) arranged in the inside of the holding member to rotatably support the shaft so as to make it radially revolvable, an anti-shaft-release member (115) fitted to the shaft so as to abut the bearing in order to prevent the shaft from slipping away in the thrusting direction and a space-forming member (113) arranged in the inside of the holding member so as to secure a space around the anti-shaft-release member. A bearing unit may further comprise an lubricating oil seal member and the space-forming member may be used to form a passage way for lubricating oil to prevent lubricating oil from leaking.

Abstract: A bearing unit (90) for rotatably supporting a shaft (100) comprises a seamless holding member (120) with a gap allowing a shaft to run through and extend to the outside, a bearing (130) arranged in the inside of the holding member to rotatably support the shaft so as to make it radially revolvable, an anti-shaft-release member (115) fitted to the shaft so as to abut the bearing in order to prevent the shaft from slipping away in the thrusting direction and a space-forming member (113) arranged in the inside of the holding member so as to secure a space around the anti-shaft-release member. A bearing unit may further comprise an lubricating oil seal member and the space-forming member may be used to form a passage way for lubricating oil to prevent lubricating oil from leaking.

Abstract: A sanitary steady bearing assembly and method provides for sanitary characteristics, easy cleanability, and easy replacement of wear parts without distributing the rest of the agitator, and can also support the agitator shaft during seal changes. The bearing assembly includes a bushing cup, a pedestal hub, a bushing shaft, and a bushing element.

Abstract: For motors using liquid lubricated bearing surfaces, shock resistant capillary seals and lubricating liquid reservoirs are provided. The seals and reservoirs are formed by the radially opposing disposition of an inner surface of an outer member and an outer surface of an inner member. The seals and reservoirs are each oriented with one portion in fluidic communication with a bearing surface and another portion in fluidic communication with an opening in fluidic communication with an open air region of the motor. Grooving is included on at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface in a portion of the seal or the reservoir not regularly contacting lubricating liquid. During operation, if lubricating liquid splashes onto or near the grooving the grooving may help retain lubricating liquid in the seal and/or reservoir.

Abstract: An anti leakage device of lubrication oil for a fan includes a hub seat, a sleeve and a hub. The sleeve is provided on the hub seat and has a bearing therein to form an oil storage part for receiving lubrication oil. The hub is provided on the hub seat and has an annular recess at the inside thereof for being inserted with the sleeve. Hence, leakage from the oil storage part can be avoided by way of provision of the annular recess.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure gas bearing motor in which a radial dynamic pressure gas bearing and a thrust dynamic pressure gas bearing are ensured to have sufficient length and diameter even though the clamping screw holes for introducing screws to reliably hold a disk are formed in the top wall of the motor rotation body.

Abstract: A disk drive motor having a capillary bearing seal is provided. In one embodiment, a disk drive motor includes a stationary assembly and a rotating assembly having a fluid dynamic journal bearing disposed therebetween. A capillary seal is defined proximate an upper end of the journal bearing and coupled to at least one re-circulation path. The capillary seal is configured to advantageously retain lubricating fluids within the motor when the motor is subjected to lateral shock.

Abstract: A fluid bearing device capable of preventing a lubricant from scattering outward even during rotation thereof, while holding a relatively large amount of lubricant at a seal surface portion. A lubricant is filled between a sleeve and a shaft, a seal surface portion is formed on the sleeve in a location facing an open end thereof, the seal surface portion has a sectional shape defined by a plurality of inclined surfaces, and an inclination angle ? of the inclined surface of the seal surface portion adjacent a radial bearing portion with respect to a shaft axis is formed to be larger than an inclination angle ? of the inclined surface of the seal surface portion distant away from the radial bearing portion with respect to the shaft axis.

Abstract: A seal assembly and cartridge for sealing a space between a rotating member and a stationary member in which a sleeve extends around the rotating member and with the inner surface of the sleeve being spaced from the outer surface of the rotating member to form a gap. Pressurized fluid is introduced to the sleeve to establish and maintain a predetermined gap between the sleeve and the rotating member, so that the pressure of the fluid can be varied to maintain the predetermined gap despite variations of the diameter of the rotating member during its rotation.

Abstract: An improved rotational motor, such as a spindle motor for a disc drive, is provided. The motor first comprises a hub having a shaft portion and a horizontal body portion. The motor also comprises a sleeve surrounding the shaft portion of the hub. A fine vertical gap is retained between the shaft and the inner diameter of the surrounding sleeve. In addition, a fine horizontal gap is provided between the upper hub portion and the top of the sleeve. The vertical gap is filled with a lubricating liquid, such as a clean oil. A capillary seal is provided in the vertical fluid gap at one end. Preferably, the capillary seal is disposed at an upper end of the shaft proximal to the horizontal gap. Novel air pumping grooves are machined along the horizontal fluid gap. When the hub is rotated, the air pumping grooves create a high pressure region in the vicinity of the capillary seal.

Abstract: A differential pumping seal apparatus includes a differential pumping seal for sealing a first space and a second space from each other in a non-contact manner, and a back up seal mechanism for sealing the first space and the second space from each other in a contact manner. The back up seal mechanism is operated to seal the first space and the second space from each other only when the differential pumping seal is stopped or while operation of said differential pumping seal is stopped.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing system, having a bearing sleeve and a shaft inserted into an inner cylindrical bore of the bearing sleeve. A bearing gap is formed between the shaft and the bearing sleeve, the bearing gap being filled with a lubricating oil. A shield encloses the bearing sleeve. The shield is secured at to an end surface of the bearing sleeve at a position on the end surface that is distanced from the bearing gap. The shield does not contact the lubricating oil.

Abstract: A suitable the inner point is set on a vapor-liquid face of lubricating fluid formed in a composite capillary seal section that utilizes capillary force and rotational centrifugal force acted on the lubricating fluid. An inner peripheral surface of a ring-shaped portion is formed such that the minimum value R1 in radial-direction distances of the inner peripheral face of the ring-shaped portion becomes greater than a radial-direction distance R2 of the inner point (R1>R2). This can observe the inner point of the lubricating fluid from the immediately-above position, whereby the filling amount of the lubricating fluid can easily and surely be measured, thereby being capable of adjusting the filling amount of the lubricating fluid to a preset amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrodynamic bearing supporting a shaft and a sleeve so as to relatively rotate with respect to a rotation axis. In accordance with one example of the present invention, there is provided a hydrodynamic bearing in which a capillary seal portion is formed continuously in a bearing portion having a lubricating oil retained in a micro gap as a working fluid. The capillary seal portion is provided with a first capillary seal portion having a first radial gap, a dimension of the first radial gap being getting at least wider in accordance with increasing a distance from the bearing portion in the rotation axis, and a second capillary seal portion adjoining the first capillary seal portion and having a second radial gap, a dimension of the second radial gap being getting at least wider in accordance with increasing a distance from the bearing portion in the rotation axis.

Abstract: Improved capillary sealing is provided for withstanding shock events, vibration and evaporation, for use with fluid dynamic bearings. In an aspect, minimal axial space is occupied by a fluid reservoir and the sealing system and method withstands at least 1000 G shock events. A fluid reservoir having a capillary surface is formed between diverging walls. A fluid fill pool, separate from the fluid reservoir and having a steeper angle than the fluid reservoir, is positioned adjacent to a fluid fill hole. The fill pool, having a greater diverging angle than the fluid reservoir provides an unstable region for fluid to remain and any fluid is pulled by capillary force gradient to the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A securing surface of a housing comprises a deformation region, which deforms radially outward by a predetermined quantity during press fitting of a thrust member, and another region. The deformation region has a tapered shape that gradually reduces in diameter in the downward direction, and is receded radially inward relative to the other region of the securing surface, by an amount equivalent to the amount of outward deformation thereof during press fitting. When the thrust member is press fitted into the inner periphery of a press fitting portion of the housing, the securing surface of the housing becomes substantially straight along entire axial region L thereof.

Abstract: An improved rotational motor, such as a spindle motor for a disc drive, is provided. The motor first comprises a hub having a shaft portion and a horizontal body portion. The motor also comprises a sleeve surrounding the shaft portion of the hub. A fine vertical gap is retained between the shaft and the inner diameter of the surrounding sleeve. In addition, a fine horizontal gap is provided between the upper hub portion and the top of the sleeve. The vertical gap is filled with a lubricating liquid, such as a clean oil. A capillary seal is provided in the vertical fluid gap at one end. Preferably, the capillary seal is disposed at an upper end of the shaft proximal to the horizontal gap. Novel air pumping grooves are machined along the horizontal fluid gap. When the hub is rotated, the air pumping grooves create a high pressure region in the vicinity of the capillary seal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a conditioning mechanism for a chemical mechanical polishing system have been provided. In one embodiment, a conditioning mechanism includes a rotor assembly and a conditioning element mounting assembly. A seal is disposed between the rotor assembly and conditioning element mounting assembly and bounds one surface of an expandable plenum defined between the rotor assembly and conditioning element mounting assembly. A spring is disposed between the rotor and conditioning element mounting assemblies and is adapted to bias a lower surface of the conditioning element mounting assembly towards the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A bearing has a thrust plate integrated with its shaft and a bearing member surrounds both. A radial pressure bearing portion and separate thrust portion generate pressure on a lubricating fluid in a gap between the shaft and bearing member. One end of the gap is closed while the other is open and has a capillary seal formed with an angle that is large at a boundary but smaller at increasing distance therefrom. The fluids fills the gap so that gas-fluid interface is where the angle is small and causes the thrust plate to float. A pressure mechanism forces the fluid from the open to the closed end and the quantity of fluid is set to fill the mechanism even if the gas-fluid interface moves.

Abstract: Low-profile spindle motor whose entire shaft length is utilized to configure, along an encompassing sleeve, a radial dynamic-pressure bearing section. One end of the shaft is unitary with the rotor, and a cover member closes the other end. Between the sleeve upper-end face and the rotor undersurface a thrust bearing section is configured. Micro-gaps are formed continuing between the sleeve upper-end face and the rotor undersurface; the sleeve inner-circumferential surface and the shaft outer-circumferential surface; and the cover member inner face and the shaft end face, where an axial support section is established. Oil continuously fills the micro-gaps, configuring a full-fill hydrodynamic bearing structure. Hydrodynamic pressure-generating grooves in the radial bearing section are configured either so that no axial flow, or so that a unidirectional flow that recirculates from one to the other axial end of the radial bearing section through a communicating pathway is induced in the oil.