Abstract: Disclosed herein are disk drive spindle motors and disk drives using same that include one of more structures that function as travel limit stops that are designed to transfer the load created by a shock impulse to non-essential mechanical features and bypass the bearing structures, thereby keeping the load imposed thereon by the shock impulse below damaging levels. The spindle motor may also include one or more compliant members between the bearing structures and facing surfaces. Such compliant members may be combined with pre-load keepers that preload the bearings by axially compressing the compliant members.

Abstract: A cable tray assembly includes a wafer table placed on a precision drive stage of which motions along specified mutually perpendicular X- and Y-directions are independently controlled. A plurality of conduits such as electrical and/or optical cables and gas- and/or liquid-transporting tubes are attached to the wafer table at one end and are also attached to an end portion of a planar elongated member extending in the X-direction. This elongated member is made of an elastic material and has a naturally arcuate sectional shape in the Y-direction. The other end portion of this elongated member is wound around a shaft extended in the Y-direction. The rotary motion and the axial motion in the Y-direction of the shaft are controlled by the same signals which cause the drive stage to move in the X- and Y-directions by the same distances such that the drive stage and the wafer table will move in synchronism with each other, minimizing the effect of cable drag on the wafer table.

Abstract: In a mechanical system for precision movement (such as a photolithography apparatus for patterning a reticle stage or wafer stage in semiconductor production), undesirable external forces (e.g., ground movement) are minimized and controlled. A floor support customized for the particular mechanical system is provided.

Abstract: A stage assembly (224) for moving and positioning a device (300) includes a device table (308), a device holder (312) that retains the device (300), and a holder connector assembly (338). The holder connector assembly (338) includes a first assembly (320) that supports the device holder (312) relative to the device table (308) along a first axis, and a second assembly (322) that supports the device holder (312) relative to the device table (308) along a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to the first axis.

Abstract: A spindle system is comprised or a journal and thrust air bearing. The journal bearing; has two sets of opposing groove areas. The thrust air bearing has two sets of spiral grooves. The thrust air bearing is gimballed to compensate for misaligment. A bias contact member is connected to the rotating member along the axis of rotation and provides electrical grounding, The spindle system is especially applicable to mounting recording disks in a data storage disk drive.

Abstract: An integrated bearing and pump assembly is formed by positioning a hydrodynamic pump coaxially with respect to a hydrodynamic bearing. The integrated assembly provides pressurized fluid for use within the device incorporating the bearing. The hydrodynamic pump comprises a secondary hydrodynamic bearing incorporated into the primary bearing assembly. The secondary bearing is optimized for high flow pumping applications rather than the high pressure, zero flow requirements of the primary bearing. When the bearing assembly is rotated, fluid flow is provided.

Abstract: A spindle system is comprised of a journal and thrust air bearing. The journal bearing has two sets of opposing groove areas. The thrust air bearing has two sets of spiral grooves. The thrust air bearing is gimballed to compensate for misalignment. A bias contact member is connected to the rotating member along the axis of rotation and provides electrical grounding. The spindle system is especially applicable to mounting recording disks in a data storage disk drive.

Abstract: A sleeve/rod type squeeze bearing system is disclosed in which the piezoceramic driving element is placed in compression to an extent that limits or eliminates stress reversals of the piezoceramic driving element during vibrating cycles. Eliminating or limiting stress reversals increases reliability of the bearing system and extends the useful life of the bearing elements. The bearing load of such a system may also be increased.

Abstract: A sleeve/rod type squeeze bearing system is disclosed in which the cross-sectional geometry of the piezoceramic bearing driving element is geometrically dissimilar to the cross-sectional geometry of the bearing element to which it is connected. The arrangement permits the cross-sectional geometries of both bearing elements and the piezoceramic driving element to be optimized to perform their intended functions.