Abstract: A robust spindle motor is provided having improved shock resistance for fluid containment, as well as enhanced air purging characteristics. In an aspect, axial displacement of relatively rotating components is restricted by utilizing a limiter situated adjacent to a limiter bushing forming an axial limiter gap therebetween. A fluid channel, at least partially diverging, extends from a hydrodynamic bearing to the axial limiter gap, and continues to a region beyond the axial limiter gap. In an aspect, an axially diverging slot is situated adjacent to the axial limiter gap. Power is reduced by reducing viscous drag between relatively rotating components, hydrodynamic bearing length is increased, and higher stiffness of the hydrodynamic bearing is provided. Fluid volume may be increased, thereby offsetting fluid evaporation losses and allowing for the use of lower viscosity lubricants.

Abstract: To simplify fabrication of an integral hub piece, the opening between the upper and lower female cones in this hub has sufficient width or radial dimension to allow access to both cones from one side of the hub with the cutting tool. A cutting tool is used which has a width smaller than the opening between the cones. Preferably, the tool has a width which is about equal to or smaller than an angular dimension through this opening which is defined by extending surfaces of the upper and lower female cones. If this limitation is satisfied, both cones can be created with a single machine set up operating from one side of the integrated hub. Preferably the tool should only move orthogonal or parallel to the cutting tools rotational center axis.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fluid dynamic bearing system is provided. The system may include a first member and a second member disposed for relative rotation about an axis of rotation and having opposing substantially planar surfaces defining an axial gap. A bearing region is disposed circumferentially around the axis of rotation and a relatively large gap region is disposed circumferentially around the bearing region, the large gap region having an average gap distance greater than the bearing region. The large gap region further includes at least one support pad forming a localized narrow gap distance in the axial gap to provide support between the opposed surfaces at a radial distance greater than the bearing region. For example, the support pad may support the surfaces against an externally applied force or moment that may tilt one member relative to the other.

Abstract: An active fluid bearing system is provided. In one example, the active fluid bearing system includes an interface region formed between an outer surface of an inner member and an opposing inner surface of an outer member. The inner and outer members are disposed for relative rotation of the inner and outer members, and thereby form an interface region having a hydrodynamic bearing region and an active bearing region. A liquid is disposed in the interface region at the hydrodynamic bearing region, and is further disposed in the active bearing region if the inner and outer members are not relatively rotating. The bearing system is operable for evacuating at least a portion of the liquid from the active bearing region during relative rotation of the inner and outer members. The active bearing region may be a journal bearing or a thrust bearing.

Abstract: To simplify fabrication of an integral hub piece, the opening between the upper and lower female cones in this hub has sufficient width or radial dimension to allow access to both cones from one side of the hub with the cutting tool. A cutting tool is used which has a width smaller than the opening between the cones. Preferably, the tool has a width which is about equal to or smaller than an angular dimension through this opening which is defined by extending surfaces of the upper and lower female cones. If this limitation is satisfied, both cones can be created with a single machine set up operating from one side of the integrated hub.

Abstract: For a motor having liquid lubricated bearing surface(s), aspects include providing a column shaped Capillary Seal (CS) for storing and supply lubricating liquid to the bearing surface(s). The column shaped CS may have a cross-section substantially topologically equivalent to a circle. Aspects include disposing the column shaped CS between relatively rotational motor members or between relatively irrotational motor members. Other aspects include disposition of the column shaped CS in a spiral shape where one opening of the CS fluidicly communicates with the bearing surface and another opening vents to a gas environment. Still other aspects include disposing the column shaped CS circumferentially on surfaces of generally cylindrical shaped motor members. Such surfaces may oppose a second surface that is one of relatively rotational and relatively irrotational vis the surface. The column shaped CS may circumscribe an axis of a rotating member or may be disposed parallel to the axis of the rotating member.

Abstract: Hybrid orbital fluid dynamic bearing motors are disclosed. The motors achieve improved efficiency advantages observed in fluid dynamic bearing motors containing an orbital ring. In addition, the hybrid orbital FDB motor has serial thrust bearings and traditional style journal bearings, which provide typically higher radial and angular stiffness not observed in previous orbital fluid dynamic bearing motor designs. Designs for centering orbital rings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal with a primary axis lying in the radial direction so that the fluid bearing is primarily extending in the axial direction between the rotating shaft and surrounding sleeve is disclosed. The capillary seal is positioned with an opening adjacent an end of the fluid bearing gap, and comprises two walls which diverge as they extend radially away from the fluid bearing so that the fluid held in the radial capillary seal is maintained adjacent an end of the gap, while the size of the reservoir defined by the diverging walls provides a large reservoir volume. The seal uses an additional capillary defined by a narrow annulus between the rotating shaft and a seal wall end. The narrow annulus establishes very high shock resistance preventing fluid loss past the outer axial wall of the radially capillary seal, and defines a small surface area from which evaporation can occur.

Abstract: To simplify fabrication of an integral hub piece, the opening between the upper and lower female cones in this hub has sufficient width or radial dimension to allow access to both cones from one side of the hub with the cutting tool. A cutting tool is used which has a width smaller than the opening between the cones. Preferably, the tool has a width which is about equal to or smaller than an angular dimension through this opening which is defined by extending surfaces of the upper and lower female cones. If this limitation is satisfied, both cones can be created with a single machine set up operating from one side of the integrated hub.

Abstract: To simplify fabrication of an integral hub piece, the opening between the upper and lower female cones in this hub has sufficient width or radial dimension to allow access to both cones from one side of the hub with the cutting tool. A cutting tool is used which has a width smaller than the opening between the cones. Preferably, the tool has a width which is about equal to or smaller than an angular dimension through this opening which is defined by extending surfaces of the upper and lower female cones. If this limitation is satisfied, both cones can be created with a single machine set up operating from one side of the integrated hub. Preferably the tool should only move orthogonal or parallel to the cutting tools rotational center axis.

Abstract: A motor or bearing which incorporates the use of a capillary seal adjacent a bearing race between the shaft and surrounding hub or housing. The seal may take a plurality of forms, including a straight capillary seal; a seal formed between the housing and a seal ball having different radius of curvatures (preferably with the housing internal surface having a larger radius); or a centrifugal capillary seal comprising a male cone supported on a fixed or rotating shaft, and a female cone supported on a housing. The use of a capillary seal rather than ferrofluid seal should also provide a reduction in resistance across the seal gap compared to a ferrofluid seal.

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 bearing assembly including a bearing cone (50) having a crowned bearing surface (56) with V-shaped grooves (60) that are shallow at their apex (62) and deepest at the outer edges (52, 54). When mated with a female bearing seat, lubricating fluid builds up along the midline of the bearing surface as the bearing seat rotates about the bearing cone.

Abstract: An improved seal for a hydrodynamic bearing which aids in making the bearing less sensitive to changes in load and rotational speed, which is especially useful in hydrodynamic bearing motor in which the bearing is open at both the upper and lower ends. Additionally, a hydrodynamic bearing open at both ends in which the balance of fluid flow or pressure within the total system is maintained, and a seal usable to make a hydrodynamic bearing which is as stiff or stiffer than known standard spindle motors with hydrodynamic bearings which are supported only at one end. Also, a pumping seal useful in a hydrodynamic bearing design to maintain balanced internal fluid pressures during operation to minimize the likelihood of any lubricating fluid being lost during operation is disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing assembly including a bering cone (50) having a crowned bearing surface (56) with V-shaped grooves (60) that are shallow at their apex (62) and deepest at the outer edges (52, 54). When mated with a female bearing seat, lubricating fluid builds up along the midline of the bearing surface as the bearing seat rotates about the bearing cone.

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 magnetic disc storage system includes a base and a rotating magnetic disc having an axis of rotation. A transducing head which reads and writes information is positioned proximate the disc. The disc rotates on a rotating member relative to a fixed member which is attached to the base. In one embodiment, the hydrodynamic bearing has a shape which forms a portion of a sphere.

Abstract: An elongated tube for inserting instrumentation during a percutaneous diskectomy using a laser introduces an optical guide into the nucleus of a herniated disc. The optical guide is disposed along the elongated tube and guides a laser beam. The laser beam which is guided by the optical guide is not aligned with at least a portion of the elongated tube.

Abstract: A fluidic self-actuating control assembly for use in a reactor wherein no external control inputs are required to actuate (scram) the system. The assembly is constructed to scram upon sensing either a sudden depressurization of reactor inlet flow or a sudden increase in core neutron flux. A fluidic control system senses abnormal flow or neutron flux transients and actuates the system, whereupon assembly coolant flow reverses, forcing absorber balls into the reactor core region.

Abstract: A magnetic disc storage system includes a base and a rotating magnetic disc having an axis of rotation. A transducing head which reads and writes information is positioned proximate the disc. The disc rotates on a rotating member relative to a fixed member which is attached to the base. In one embodiment, the hydrodynamic bearing has a shape which forms a portion of a sphere.