Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus, including a stationary component; a rotatable component; a fluid dynamic bearing defined by the stationary component and the rotatable component; a first channel substantially parallel to the fluid dynamic bearing; a second channel substantially perpendicular to the first channel; and a fluid reservoir substantially parallel to the first channel, wherein the second channel fluidly connects the fluid reservoir to the first channel.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus, including a stationary component; a rotatable component; a fluid dynamic bearing defined by the stationary component and the rotatable component; a first channel substantially parallel to the fluid dynamic bearing; a second channel substantially perpendicular to the first channel; and a fluid reservoir substantially parallel to the first channel, wherein the second channel fluidly connects the fluid reservoir to the first channel.

Abstract: A spindle motor is provided comprising a fixed shaft capable of being fastened at either end to the base and cover of the disc drive. The hub which rotates around the disc drive is supported for rotation by a journal bearing and thrust bearing, with the thrust bearing grooved surfaces being defined in gaps immediately adjacent the ends of the journal bearing. A fluid recirculation path is provided through the rotating sleeve connecting the surfaces adjacent the thrust bearings, with the asymmetry which provides the fluid circulation either being inherently present due to tolerances in the bearing and groove design, or specifically provided by asymmetry in the bearing groove pattern. An asymmetric sealing system employs a pumping seal adjacent a radial end of the thrust plate near the base of the housing, and a shorter pumping seal defined adjacent a radial end of the thrust plate distal from the base.

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: In one example, an FDB 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 spindle motor comprises a fixed shaft capable of being fastened at either end to the base and cover of the disc drive. The hub which rotates around the disc drive is supported for rotation by a journal bearing and thrust bearing, with the thrust bearing grooved surfaces being defined in gaps immediately adjacent the ends of the journal bearing. A fluid recirculation path is provided through the rotating sleeve connecting the surfaces adjacent the thrust bearings, with the asymmetry which provides the fluid circulation either being inherently present due to tolerances in the bearing and groove design, or specifically provided by asymmetry in the bearing groove pattern.