Patents by Inventor Alan Nottingham
Alan Nottingham 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: 9133989Abstract: A lighting system comprising multiple linear lighting module building blocks is described. A lighting module is designed to emit light in a linear configuration, and multiple lighting modules are concatenated to emit light in a single linear configuration. A mechanical coupling system allows the lighting modules to be inserted into the linear configuration from a direction perpendicular to the linear configuration. The housing of the lighting modules is designed to allow the module to be clipped together in the linear configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: LUMENETIX, INC.Inventors: Dustin Cochran, Robert Alan Nottingham
-
Publication number: 20140169027Abstract: A lighting system comprising multiple linear lighting module building blocks is described. A lighting module is designed to emit light in a linear configuration, and multiple lighting modules are concatenated to emit light in a single linear configuration. A mechanical coupling system allows the lighting modules to be inserted into the linear configuration from a direction perpendicular to the linear configuration. The housing of the lighting modules is designed to allow the module to be clipped together in the linear configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Lumenetix, Inc.Inventors: Dustin Cochran, Alan Nottingham
-
Publication number: 20140169025Abstract: A linear light module having an optical coupling element and a light pipe is described. The optical coupling element receives light emitted by multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) having different emission wavelengths and couples the light efficiently to a linear light pipe. The light from the LEDs is efficiently mixed by the optical coupling element and the light pipe to produce a linear light output that is uniform in color and intensity. Diffusers can be used with the optical coupling element and light pipe at various locations to further enhance the uniformity of the emitted light.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Lumenetix, Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Weaver, Dustin Cochran, Robert Alan Nottingham, Herman Ferrier, Thomas Poliquin, David Bowers, Yuko Nakazawa, James Kingman, Kevin Pelletier, Sanjoy Ghose
-
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
-
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: 8454238Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention, a motor with a rotatable hub having fluid dynamic journal and thrust bearings can be assembled from four major components: a spindle, a hub, a thrust washer, and a base. The spindle can integrate journal bearing, axial limiter, and ring seal functions. The hub can integrate journal bearing, thrust bearing, ring seal, axial limiter, capillary seal, and bumper functions. The thrust washer can integrate thrust bearing and lubricant circulation functions. The base can integrate capillary seal and lubricant storage and circulation functions. Each function can be integrated as structural feature in its corresponding component. The spindle, hub, and thrust bearing can be preassembled. The base can be loaded with lubricant prior to assembly with the spindle/hub/thrust bearing combination.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Gregor Flores, Robert Alan Nottingham, Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc
-
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
-
Patent number: 7893585Abstract: Multifunctional components enable the construction of economical motor assemblies. A first embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, cup, spindle, and base assembly for a motor assembly having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. A second embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, spindle, and base with integrated cup assembly for a disc drive bearing having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. In a third embodiment, a hub is rotatably assembled with a spindle coupled to a thrust bearing, prior to assembly with a base. In further embodiments, motor assemblies comprise the above embodiments combined with stator and rotor assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Paco Flores
-
Publication number: 20100141071Abstract: Multifunctional components enable the construction of economical motor assemblies. A first embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, cup, spindle, and base assembly for a motor assembly having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. A second embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, spindle, and base with integrated cup assembly for a disc drive bearing having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. In a third embodiment, a hub is rotatably assembled with a spindle coupled to a thrust bearing, prior to assembly with a base. In further embodiments, motor assemblies comprise the above embodiments combined with stator and rotor assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Paco Flores
-
Patent number: 7726882Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Norbert S. Parsoneault, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alexander Parkhomovsky, Robert M. Pelstring, Jeffry Arnold Leblanc, Troy Michael Herndon
-
Patent number: 7679243Abstract: Multifunctional components enable the construction of economical motor assemblies. A first embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, cup, spindle, and base assembly for a motor assembly having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. A second embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, spindle, and base with integrated cup assembly for a disc drive bearing having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. In a third embodiment, a hub is rotatably assembled with a spindle coupled to a thrust bearing, prior to assembly with a base. In further embodiments, motor assemblies comprise the above embodiments combined with stator and rotor assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Paco Flores
-
Publication number: 20090142009Abstract: Fluid dynamic bearing systems produced by specified methods are provided. In one example, a method for designing a fluid dynamic bearing system includes determining a first stability ratio for a first journal bearing configuration. The method further includes determining a second stability ratio for a second journal bearing configuration. In a further example system, the first configuration has two sub-journal bearings and the second configuration has three sub-journal bearings. The method may comprise comparing the two stability ratios to determine whether adding a sub-journal increases the stability ratio of the bearing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Mohamed Mizanur Rahman
-
Patent number: 7493695Abstract: A method of designing an improved bearing system is provided. In one embodiment, the method for designing a fluid dynamic bearing system includes determining a first stability ratio for a first journal bearing configuration. The method further includes determining a second stability ratio for a second journal bearing configuration. In one embodiment, the first configuration has two sub-journal bearings and the second configuration has three sub-journal bearings. The two stability ratios may then be compared to determine whether adding a sub-journal increases the stability ratio of the bearing system.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Mohamed Mizanur Rahman
-
Publication number: 20080050057Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention, a motor with a rotatable hub having fluid dynamic journal and thrust bearings can be assembled from four major components: a spindle, a hub, a thrust washer, and a base. The spindle can integrate journal bearing, axial limiter, and ring seal functions. The hub can integrate journal bearing, thrust bearing, ring seal, axial limiter, capillary seal, and bumper functions. The thrust washer can integrate thrust bearing and lubricant circulation functions. The base can integrate capillary seal and lubricant storage and circulation functions. Each function can be integrated as structural feature in its corresponding component. The spindle, hub, and thrust bearing can be preassembled. The base can be loaded with lubricant prior to assembly with the spindle/hub/thrust bearing combination.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Gregor Flores, Robert Alan Nottingham, Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc
-
Patent number: 7234868Abstract: 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 first 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. A third gap is preferably provided between the hub and an outer diameter of the sleeve. The first vertical gap is filled with a lubricating liquid, such as a clean oil. A capillary seal is provided in the third gap. In one embodiment, the lubricating liquid extends into the horizontal gap. Oil pumping grooves are machined along the horizontal fluid gap. When the hub is rotated, the oil pumping grooves impel oil towards the shaft. This prevents any portion of the first vertical gap from becoming un-lubricated during rotation of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Michael Ray Tiller, Robert Alan Nottingham, Jeffry Arnold Leblanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Norbert Steven Parsoneault
-
Patent number: 7101085Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing design is provided featuring a rotating shaft with at least one conical bearing formed integrally thereon. The shaft is disposed through a stationary sleeve, and a fluid separates the shaft and sleeve surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Alan Lyndon Grantz, Robert Alan Nottingham
-
Patent number: 6946764Abstract: A disc drive design comprising a shaft and sleeve supported for relative rotation by a journal type fluid dynamic bearing utilizing grooves on one of the shaft or sleeve surfaces. At least a part of the shaft is generally conical in cross-section, so that a downward force component is developed to balance upward pressure on end of shaft; this conical region typically includes a fluid dynamic bearing (grooves being on either the shaft or sleeve). A grooved pattern of a design similar to that usually found on a thrust plate may be defined on an axial end surface of the shaft or the counterplate facing the axial end of the shaft, so that thrust is created to maintain separation of the end of the shaft and the facing counterplate plate during relative rotation. A diamond-like coating (DLC) may be applied to the counterplate surface or to the end of the shaft; further, either the counterplate or shaft may be made out of ceramic material to enhance this performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Alan Lyndon Grantz, Troy Michael Herndon, Michael David Kennedy, Robert Alan Nottingham, Anthony Joseph Aiello, Klaus Dieter Kloeppel, Paco Flores
-
Patent number: 6900568Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor assembly is described. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a shaft, a sleeve configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and a counterplate attached to the sleeve. The counterplate includes a radial section and a axial section, which is attached to the radial section and partially defines a labyrinth to remove bearing fluid from a region between the shaft and the axial section.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Robert Alan Nottingham, Troy Michael Herndon
-
Publication number: 20040223673Abstract: 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 first 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. A third gap is preferably provided between the hub and an outer diameter of the sleeve. The first vertical gap is filled with a lubricating liquid, such as a clean oil. A capillary seal is provided in the third gap. In one embodiment, the lubricating liquid extends into the horizontal gap. Oil pumping grooves are machined along the horizontal fluid gap. When the hub is rotated, the oil pumping grooves impel oil towards the shaft. This prevents any portion of the first vertical gap from becoming un-lubricated during rotation of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Michael Ray Tiller, Robert Alan Nottingham, Jeffry Arnold Leblanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Norbert Steven Parsoneault
-
Publication number: 20040208403Abstract: A method of designing an improved bearing system is provided. In one embodiment, the method for designing a fluid dynamic bearing system includes determining a first stability ratio for a first journal bearing configuration. The method further includes determining a second stability ratio for a second journal bearing configuration. In one embodiment, the first configuration has two sub-journal bearings and the second configuration has three sub-journal bearings. The two stability ratios may then be compared to determine whether adding a sub-journal increases the stability ratio of the bearing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Mohamed Mizanur Rahman