Patents by Inventor Troy Michael Herndon

Troy Michael Herndon 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: 9850941
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary sleeve and a shaft operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. A hub rotates with respect to the stationary sleeve in response to the shaft rotating. A mechanically adjustable gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and radially extends between the hub and a base. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component forms a radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component is mechanically adjustable in an axial direction with respect to the stationary sleeve. The hub dynamically adjusts the radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component during rotation of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Troy Michael Herndon, Alexander Gredinberg, Robert A. Nottingham
  • Publication number: 20170002859
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary sleeve and a shaft operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. A hub rotates with respect to the stationary sleeve in response to the shaft rotating. A mechanically adjustable gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and radially extends between the hub and a base. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component forms a radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component. The mechanically adjustable gap forming component is mechanically adjustable in an axial direction with respect to the stationary sleeve. The hub dynamically adjusts the radially extending gap above the mechanically adjustable gap forming component during rotation of the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Troy Michael Herndon, Alexander Gredinberg, Robert A. Nottingham
  • Patent number: 9470261
    Abstract: A fluid bearing motor. The fluid bearing motor includes a stationary sleeve, a backiron, a hub coupled to the backiron, and a gap forming component. The hub is operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. The gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and forms a gap between the stationary sleeve and the backiron. The size of the gap dynamically changes in response to changes in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Techonology LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Troy Michael Herndon, Alexander Gredinberg, Robert A. Nottingham
  • Patent number: 9068596
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
  • Publication number: 20140286600
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a stationary portion having a thrust cup; a rotating portion having a sleeve configured to be rotatable with respect to the stationary portion; a first axially extending space defined by the thrust cup and the sleeve, wherein the first axially extending space includes a second portion positioned above a first portion of the first axially extending space; a capillary seal in the first portion of the first axially extending space; and a labyrinth seal, in the second portion of the first axially extending space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroki YAMADA, Junya MIZUKAMI, Tsuyoshi MORITA, Tetsuya MARUYAMA, Takuro IGUCHI, Troy Michael HERNDON, Norbert Steven PARSONEAULT, Jeffry Arnold LEBLANC
  • Publication number: 20140205220
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
  • Patent number: 8743505
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus includes a first minute gap, a second minute gap, a third minute gap, a fourth minute gap, and a fifth minute gap. A flow of a lubricating oil from the fifth minute gap to the fourth minute gap is caused by a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves arranged within the fluid dynamic bearing apparatus. This flow causes air bubbles mixed in the lubricating oil within the fifth minute gap to flow toward the third minute gap and be discharged to an outside of the fluid dynamic bearing apparatus through the third minute gap. The fluid dynamic bearing apparatus further includes a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves and an annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Nidec Corporation, Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamada, Junya Mizukami, Tsuyoshi Morita, Tetsuya Maruyama, Takuro Iguchi, Troy Michael Herndon, Timothy Edward Langlais
  • Patent number: 8690436
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
  • Patent number: 8562222
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
  • Publication number: 20130243356
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus includes a first minute gap, a second minute gap, a third minute gap, a fourth minute gap, and a fifth minute gap. A flow of a lubricating oil from the fifth minute gap to the fourth minute gap is caused by a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves arranged within the fluid dynamic bearing apparatus. This flow causes air bubbles mixed in the lubricating oil within the fifth minute gap to flow toward the third minute gap and be discharged to an outside through the third minute gap. The fluid dynamic bearing apparatus further includes a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves and an all around groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicants: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC, NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki YAMADA, Junya MIZUKAMI, Tsuyoshi MORITA, Tetsuya MARUYAMA, Takuro IGUCHI, Troy Michael HERNDON, Timothy Edward Langlais
  • Patent number: 8493820
    Abstract: A thermally compensated fluid dynamic bearing motor includes a stationary member and a rotatable member rotatable about the stationary member. A hub is coupled with the rotatable member and includes ceramic material with a first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the hub is operable to be coupled with a data storage disk. Further the first coefficient of thermal expansion is substantially equal to a second coefficient of thermal expansion of the data storage disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Langlais, Troy Michael Herndon
  • Patent number: 8472132
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus includes a first minute gap, a second minute gap, a third minute gap, a fourth minute gap, and a fifth minute gap. A flow of a lubricating oil from the fifth minute gap to the fourth minute gap is caused by a plurality of dynamic pressure generating grooves arranged within the fluid dynamic bearing apparatus. This flow causes air bubbles mixed in the lubricating oil within the fifth minute gap to flow toward the third minute gap and be discharged to an outside through the third minute gap. In addition, a flow of the lubricating oil into the third minute gap caused by a centrifugal force accompanying rotation is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Nidec Corporation, Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Hiroki Yamada, Junya Mizukami, Tsuyoshi Morita, Tetsuya Maruyama, Takuro Iguchi, Troy Michael Herndon, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 8454238
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Gregor Flores, Robert Alan Nottingham, Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20130064484
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz
  • Publication number: 20120288222
    Abstract: A fluid bearing motor. The fluid bearing motor includes a stationary sleeve, a backiron, a hub coupled to the backiron, and a gap forming component. The hub is operable to rotate with respect to the stationary sleeve. The gap forming component is attached to the stationary sleeve and forms a gap between the stationary sleeve and the backiron. The size of the gap dynamically changes in response to changes in temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Troy Michael Herndon, Alexander Gredinberg, Robert A. Nottingham
  • Patent number: 7893585
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Paco Flores
  • Publication number: 20100141071
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Paco Flores
  • Patent number: 7726882
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Norbert S. Parsoneault, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alexander Parkhomovsky, Robert M. Pelstring, Jeffry Arnold Leblanc, Troy Michael Herndon
  • Patent number: 7679243
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Paco Flores
  • Publication number: 20090142009
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Troy Michael Herndon, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Robert Alan Nottingham, Mohamed Mizanur Rahman