Patents by Inventor Mark G. Steele

Mark G. Steele 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).

  • Fluid bearing workholder for precision centering
    Publication number: 20080002923
    Abstract: A workholder comprising a body comprising a fluid bearing and a fluid, wherein the fluid bearing is adapted to releasably retain a workpiece by maintaining the fluid in a gap between the workholder and the workpiece, wherein the fluid bearing is adapted to produce a radial and/or an axial force on the workpiece, and wherein the workholder does not include a mechanical interface to releasably retain the workpiece is disclosed. Also, methods of using and manufacturing the workholder are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Dustin A. Cochran, Mark G. Steele
  • Counter plate electrode with self adjusting z-axis
    Patent number: 6884330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for properly and consistently spacing an electrode from a workpiece while electrochemically etching (ECM) grooves to a precise depth in a surface of the workpiece to form a fluid dynamic bearing. The electrode is especially designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and a central rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface. The central rod precisely sets the gap between the electrode and the flat surface. The electrode is adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply so that the electrode serves as the cathode, and the flat work piece serves as the anode in an ECM system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Mark G. Steele
  • Counter plate electrode with self adjusting z-axis
    Publication number: 20020134683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for properly and consistently spacing an electrode from a workpiece while electrochemically etching (ECM) grooves to a precise depth in a surface of the workpiece to form a fluid dynamic bearing. The electrode is especially designed for imparting a grooved pattern to a flat surface, the electrode comprising a surface carrying the pattern to be formed on the flat surface, and a central rod extending a short distance above the electrode surface. The central rod precisely sets the gap between the electrode and the flat surface. The electrode is adapted to be electrically connected to a power supply so that the electrode serves as the cathode, and the flat work piece serves as the anode in an ECM system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mark G. Steele