Abstract: Various handheld medical dispensing configurations and methods including the following: Handheld medical dispensing system comprises a syringe, which has a plunger, releasably mounted to syringe actuation apparatus, the apparatus having an actuator configured such that it can move the plunger more than once to dispense a plurality of amounts of substance from the syringe and having a housing adapted for singled handed administration of an injection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for electrochemically etching grooves in a working surface. In an aspect, a frame holds a working surface about an axis and facing an electrode movable along the axis. The electrode, axially movable, has surface carrying a groove pattern to fix on the working surface. A source of electrolyte is pumped at a fixed static pressure rate between the surface of the movable electrode and the working surface. In an aspect, a support fixture supports the electrode for movement toward and away from the working surface with minimal frictional restriction. A force biases the electrode surface toward the working surface so that a gap through which the electrolyte flows between the surface of the movable electrode and the working surface is determined primarily by the static flow rate of the electrolyte and the force bias of the electrode toward the working surface.

Abstract: A system and method are described for holding and releasing a workpiece for electrochemical machining. In one embodiment, a workpiece holder has a workpiece surface that couples to the workpiece when negative pressure is applied to provide a seal between the workpiece and the workpiece surface. A plenum located within the workpiece holder has a proximal end capable of being removably coupled to the workpiece. A piston is configured to move upward in the plenum and to lift the workpiece off of the workpiece surface in response to positive pressure being applied.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrodynamic bearing surface on a workpiece is provided. The method comprises electrochemically etching away all material in a region of the surface, except for portions of the region defined by a land pattern on an etching cathode. The step of removing forms a continuous recessed region comprising grooves formed between the portions of the region defined by the land pattern, and a relief cut region circumscribing the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and means is provided for electrochemical machining of hydrodynamic bearing assemblies in spindle motors. In an aspect, a cartridge is provided that receives and accurately positions an electrode in three dimensions in a near frictionless manner. The electrode reaches and maintains an equilibrium position in response to a first and second predetermined force, the equilibrium position being a predetermined three dimensional orientation relative to the work piece and defining a critical orifice with the work piece. In an aspect, a hydrostatic bearing is employed within the electrode for radially adjusting the electrode.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor is provided comprising a base, a counter plate fixed to the base, a stationary sleeve fixed to the base and supported on the counter plate, a rotating shaft axially disposed through the sleeve, and a fluid dynamic bearing disposed between the shaft and the sleeve and between a free end of the shaft and a first surface of the counter plate, wherein at least one of the free end of the shaft and the first surface of the counter plate comprises a single spiral-shaped groove formed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemically etching grooves in a working surface. A frame holds a working surface about an axis and facing a movable electrode movable along the axis. The electrode is axially movable and has a surface carrying a groove pattern to fix on the working surface. A source of electrolyte is pumped at a fixed static pressure rate between the surface of the movable electrode and the working surface. A support fixture is provided for supporting the electrode for movement toward and away from the working surface with minimal frictional restriction. A force biases the electrode surface toward the working surface so that a gap through which the electrolyte flows between the surface of the movable electrode and the working surface is determined primarily by the static flow rate of the electrolyte and the force bias of the electrode toward the working surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and means is provided for electrochemical machining of hydrodynamic bearing assemblies in spindle motors. In an aspect, a cartridge is provided that receives and accurately positions an electrode in three dimensions in a near frictionless manner. The electrode reaches and maintains an equilibrium position in response to a first and second predetermined force, the equilibrium position being a predetermined three dimensional orientation relative to the work piece and defining a critical orifice with the work piece. In an aspect, a hydrostatic bearing is employed within the electrode for radially adjusting the electrode.

Abstract: A system and method are described for holding and releasing a workpiece for electrochemical machining. In one embodiment, a workpiece holder has a workpiece surface that couples to the workpiece when negative pressure is applied to provide a seal between the workpiece and the workpiece surface. A plenum located within the workpiece holder has a proximal end capable of being removably coupled to the workpiece. A piston is configured to move upward in the plenum and to lift the workpiece off of the workpiece surface in response to positive pressure being applied.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for ECM grooving of a workpiece is provided. A portion of a conical workpiece is supported on a frame, with the cone opening facing a Z-axis. A slide electrode assembly is provided, including an electrode movable along the Z-axis and having, on a face aligned across a machining gap from the workpiece, a pattern of grooves to be defined on the workpiece; As an electrolyte is pumped into or through the machining gap at a constant static pressure, the electrode reacts to the pressure by moving toward or away from the workpiece to establish a certain gap width to create the necessary groove depth and definition. The force acting on the slide electrode assembly is the primary controlling factor for establishing the machining gap as the electrode and support move in response to the constant static pressure of pumped electrolyte.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for forming grooves on hydrodynamic bearings used with a disc drive. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method and apparatus to align an electrode having a hydrodynamic groove pattern thereon within a journal bearing. The invention provides a floating electrode having groove patterns thereon. The floating electrode is inserted within a hydrodynamic bearing and fluidly aligned to maintain a uniform gap there between.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electrochemical machining of grooves for a hydrodynamic bearing is provided. Grooves and a relief cut are simultaneously electrochemically etched into a surface of a workpiece.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor is provided comprising a base, a counter plate fixed to the base, a stationary sleeve fixed to the base and supported on the counter plate, a rotating shaft axially disposed through the sleeve, and a fluid dynamic bearing disposed between the shaft and the sleeve and between a free end of the shaft and a first surface of the counter plate, wherein at least one of the free end of the shaft and the first surface of the counter plate comprises a single spiral-shaped groove formed thereon.