Abstract: A tool box includes a first casing, a second casing, at least one fastening member, and at least one first elastic member. The first casing has at least one first receiving slot which has two first restriction portions. The second casing has at least one second receiving slot, a second restriction portion, and a first locking portion. The at least one fastening member has a third restriction portion, a second locking portion, and two fourth restriction portions. The at least one first elastic member is biased between the at least one fastening member and the at least one first receiving slot, and the at least one fastening member is pushed by the at least one first elastic member, such that second locking portion is locked onto the first locking portion to interlock the first casing and the second casing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for hoop reinforcing of restrictors inside at least two hydraulic supply standby systems of a journal bearing. Said device is remarkable in that it comprises: a frame (2) for receiving said hearing, a syringe (3) for introducing said restrictors and a torque pick-off spindle (4), and in that said frame (2) comprises: a cradle (21), a guide plate (23) pierced with two guide openings (231), inclined at the same angle as those of said backup systems of the bearing, so as to be located in the extension of same when the bearing is in the frame, said guide openings (231) being shaped to receive said syringe (3) or said torque pick-off spindle (4).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a bearing assembly for a gas turbine engine. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing and a bearing pad for supporting a rotary component of the gas turbine engine. The bearing pad includes at least one gas inlet and a plurality of gas outlets configured on an inner surface thereof. The gas inlet is in fluid communication with the plurality of gas outlets via a gas distribution labyrinth. Further, the gas distribution labyrinth includes a plurality of passageways configured to evenly distribute pressurized gas entering the gas inlet to an interface between the inner surface of the bearing pad and an outer diameter of the rotary component.

Abstract: An aerostatic bearing includes a base having a foundation layer and a plurality of ventilation bodies protruding from the foundation layer, the ventilation bodies being made of a porous material; and a sealing layer covering the base and revealing at least one of the ventilation bodies.

Abstract: Hard-material, flat-surfaced workpieces such as semiconductor wafers or sapphire disks are quickly attached with vacuum to a rotatable floating workpiece carrier. Fluid pressure in a sealed chamber applies uniform abrading pressure over the full abraded surface of the workpieces. A flexible diaphragm is used to form the sealed chamber and the carrier is rotationally driven by a lug-pin device. The floating carrier is horizontally restrained by a center-post device that provides rigid lateral support against abrading forces. Tilting of the floating carrier is provided by a spherical bearing. The abrading system can be operated at the very high abrading speeds used in high speed flat lapping with raised-island abrasive disks. Vacuum can also be applied to the sealed chamber to quickly move the workpiece away from the abrading surface. A mode of providing rigid parallel-surface abrading of a workpiece can be activated by simply applying vacuum to the sealed chamber.

Abstract: Thus, if a shock or other disturbance to a disc stack spindle bearing assembly occurs that tilts the bearing assembly, the resulting motion is both a tilting, and a motion which is axial. If a shock axially moves the hub assembly, only an axial motion occurs. Thus the system has a non-linear behavior. Pursuant to this invention, when a tilting disturbance occurs, and some of it is dissipated in a net axial movement at a different frequency, energy is subtracted out of the system with motion that is not linearly related to the disturbance that created it.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a resin composition whose flowability is secured when the resin composition is injection-molded into injection-molded articles such as a resin-made crown-shaped cage and a resin-made seal both for a rolling bearing and a resin-made sliding bearing and which is capable of enhancing the mechanical strengths and toughnesses of these injection-molded articles to such an extent that these injection-molded articles can be used as bearing members. The resin composition is formed into a molded article and used as a bearing member. The resin composition is composed of polyamide resin or polyester resin to which polycarbodiimide is added. The polyamide resin is at least one resin selected from among polyamide 66 resin and polyamide 11 resin. The polyester resin is polytrimethylene terephthalate resin. 0.5 to 6 wt % of the polycarbodiimide is contained in an entirety of the resin composition.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bearing surface for a gas or air bearing is described. The method comprises taking a bulk bearing portion having at least one bearing surface region and providing a coating on the bearing surface region to define at least one gas pocket. The at least one gas pocket has a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the coating. In one example, laser ablation is used to remove part of the coating to form the gas pockets. The coating may be an anodized coating and the bulk bearing portion may be formed from aluminum. An air bearing component formed using the method is also described.

Abstract: A rotary table device includes a cooling structure and a rotary bearing provided with a cooling structure. A rotary table device provided with a cooling structure includes a hollow motor as a drive source, a table rotated by the hollow motor, and a rotary bearing supporting rotational motion of the table, in which the rotary bearing includes an outer ring having an inner peripheral surface to which a rolling surface is formed, an inner ring having an outer peripheral surface to which a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer ring is formed, and a number of rolling members in a rolling passage formed by the rolling surface of the outer ring and the rolling surface of the inner ring, and a heat sink is formed to either one of the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A shock absorption device for a motor bearing system, including a washer, an end cover, a bearing, a rotating shaft, a retaining ring, a cap, and a shock absorption pad. The bearing is disposed in a bearing seat of the end cover. The rotating shaft abuts against the bearing. The washer is disposed on the rotating shaft and on one side of the bearing. The retaining ring is buckled on the rotating shaft and axially positions the washer. The cap is disposed on the periphery of the washer, and on the end cover. The shock absorption pad is disposed on the end cover. The washer is disposed between the shock absorption pad and the retaining ring. The shock absorption pad axially separates the washer from the bearing, and end surface of the bearing seat.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bearing surface for a gas or air bearing is described. The method comprises taking a bulk bearing portion having at least one bearing surface region and providing a coating on the bearing surface region to define at least one gas pocket). The at least one gas pocket has a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the coating. In one example, laser ablation is used to remove part of the coating to form the gas pockets. The coating may be an anodized coating and the bulk bearing portion may be formed from aluminium. An air bearing component formed using the method is also described.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing motor and method are described, wherein motor components, including complex shaped motor components, are molded of plastic. The molding ensures form control and dimensional control thereby accomplishing design requirements, and eliminating or reducing component costs and component machining. The mold can be shaped to form various motor geometries, thereby eliminating the need for multiple component assembly and related assembly costs. In an aspect, a plastic integral motor hub is formed by injection molding. Alternatively, a plastic motor hub is affixed to a metal sleeve. In another aspect, fluid containment structures are molded into the motor component, reducing the number of components as compared with machined metal components. In a further aspect, bearing structures such as grooves are molded into the motor component, thereby eliminating processes such as electrochemical machining. In yet a further aspect, a plastic hub faces a thrustplate, reducing expensive sleeve machining.

Abstract: A plain bearing assembly for a wind turbine includes a bearing housing having a passageway configured to receive a shaft and a bearing surface defining the passageway and having a generally spherical configuration. The bearing surface includes lower and upper portions defined relative to a first midline plane and first and second sides defined relative to a second midline plane. A plurality of fluid cavities is in the bearing surface including a first group of fluid cavities located at a first longitudinal position and a second group of fluid cavities located at a second longitudinal position. The first group of fluid cavities defines a cavity pattern that is different than the cavity pattern defined by the second group of fluid cavities. A wind turbine having such a plain bearing assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding bearing includes a metal part formed by electroforming on an inner periphery of the sliding bearing and an oil feeding mechanism for supplying oil to the bearing gap. As a result, oil retained by the oil feeding mechanism is supplied to the bearing gap, so the lubricity between the bearing and the shaft member is improved by an oil film formed in the bearing gap. This makes it possible to avoid the generation of noise due to defective lubrication and wear of members due to the contact sliding between the bearing and the shaft member.

Abstract: A circulating pump with an electric motor, which comprises a rotor and a stator, is proposed, the rotor being mounted on a spherical bearing which comprises a sliding body with a convex spherical surface and a bearing bushing with a concave spherical surface and which is fluid-lubricated, in which pump a flow system for passing lubricating fluid through a lubricating region between the sliding body and the bearing bushing is separate from a gap between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing formed by a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer-level batch-fabrication process is provided. The process results in a high performance and high reliability fluid dynamic bearing having features including higher bearing lifetime at high RPM, improved bearing stiffness, durability and thrust/restoring forces capabilities. The present invention is especially useful with small form factor disc drive memory devices having constraints in motor height, such as a 2.5 inch disc drive, requiring high performance including high rotational speed and large areal density. A sacrificial layer is utilized in the process to simultaneously form symmetrical facing surfaces of relatively rotatable components. The facing surfaces define, therebetween, a desired feature, such as a journal bearing, a thrust bearing, a fluid channel, a fluid reservoir, a capillary seal, pressure generating grooves, and other profile geometries.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a vehicle body, a track belt, an engine, a left-and-right pair of skis, a suspension mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The track belt is located on a lower portion of the vehicle body. The engine drives the track belt. The suspension mechanism is a mechanism arranged to support the pair of skis so as to move in a vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body, and to support the pair of skis in an associated manner so that one of the skis moves downwards relative to the vehicle body when the other ski moves upwards relative to the vehicle body. The steering mechanism is a mechanism arranged to steer the pair of skis.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatus to improve the operation of, and reduce the maintenance required by, a spherical bearing. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a sealed spherical bearing device including a spherical bearing and a flexible shield surrounding a portion of the spherical bearing enabled to articulate in accordance with a rotary motion of the spherical bearing and an oscillatory motion of the spherical bearing. The flexible shield is enabled to reduce the entry of contaminants into the spherical bearing while the spherical bearing is at rest and while the spherical bearing is in motion.

Abstract: An inertial measurement unit comprises an outer case assembly including an upper gas plenum and a lower gas plenum, with upper and lower support shells surrounded by the upper and lower gas plenums. A sensor assembly includes a sensor shell, with the sensor assembly surrounded by the upper and lower support shells. A plurality of gas bearing pads extend through apertures in the upper and lower support shells and are configured to inject a first pressurized gas into a gap that separates the gas bearing pads and the sensor shell. A wireless power transfer transformer includes a power transmitting core mounted to the outer case assembly, and a power receiving core mounted in an opening of the sensor shell. The receiving core is configured to be aligned with the transmitting core for wireless power transfer. The transmitting core is configured to inject a second pressurized gas into a gap between the transmitting core and the receiving core.

Abstract: To improve a spherical bearing including a bearing body with a convex spherical surface, a holder, on which the bearing body is disposed, and a bearing shell with a concave spherical surface, the bearing shell being rotatably mounted on the bearing body, in such a way that the mounting of the bearing body on the holder can be carried out a simple and low-cost way, it is provided that the holder is made of a plastics material, and the holder and the bearing body are held non-rotatably with respect to each other. A device for preventing rotation, which holds the bearing body on the holder to be non-rotatable with respect to the holder, may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing comprised of a hydrodynamic bearing and a pivot bearing, which can be used with a spindle motor. It also provides a spindle motor utilizing a hydrodynamic bearing and a pivot bearing.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing is provided having two surfaces rotatable with respect to each other, a lubricating medium located in a gap between the two surfaces during rotation of the bearing, and an interrupted and offset groove pattern formed on one of the two surfaces to distribute the lubricating medium over the surface of the bearing. The groove design is intended to be useable in either a journal, thrust or other fluid bearing design.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing according to the present invention comprises a rotary shaft having a convex portion provided at one end portion thereof, a sleeve which rotatably supports the rotary shaft, and having herringbone grooves formed in an inner wall thereof at positions, a thrust bearing which is provided in contact with an end portion of the rotary shaft on the convex portion side and restricts movement of the thrust bearing or the rotary shaft in an axial direction thereof, and a lubricant sealed in a space surrounded by the rotary shaft, the sleeve and the thrust bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus main body 1 is provided with an air supply passage 19 for supplying compressed air for supporting a borne surface 42 in a shape of a projecting spherical surface of an aligning member 4 on a bearing surface 32 in a shape of a partial recessed spherical surface of an air bearing 3 such that the borne surface 42 can be aligned and for floating the aligning member 4 with respect to the air bearing 3. A lock mechanism for locking the aligning member 4 has contact faces 24 and 44 in contact with each other at a locking portion 25 at a tip end of a piston rod driven by a cylinder driving portion 2 and on a face of the aligning member 4 opposite to the borne surface 42 and the contact faces are formed into partial spherical surfaces concentric with the borne surface 42.

Abstract: A spherical bearing includes a spherical member connected to another member where the spherical member is further received in a retainer configured to retain the spherical member and allow movement thereof.

Abstract: A hemispherical bearing apparatus includes a MoS.sub.2 layer formed to a predetermined thickness on the surface of a hemispherical recessed portion formed in a bushing or on the surface of a hemispherical member opposed to the recessed portion. The hemispherical bearing apparatus is capable of enhancing the productivity and reducing the fabrication cost. The method for forming the MoS.sub.2 layer may vary with the material of the bushing and the hemispherical members. The MoS.sub.2 layer may be applied by a coating technology or an impregnating technology.

Abstract: An improved capillary seal for use with a hydrodynamic bearing is disclosed, which provides a stronger or stiffer seal for a fluid dynamic bearing motor which is open at both ends, and is used with top cover attached motors utilizing fluid dynamic bearings. The design for the seal system actively pushes the oil back into the FDB while it is spinning, combined with the capillary tension which holds oil in the FDB during stationary periods, and allows air, trapped within the seal and the associated FDB, to be expelled, eliminating air bubbles from the fluid dynamic bearing.

Abstract: A hemispheric bearing apparatus for preventing deformation of a hemisphere occurring when a shaft is push-fitted into a shaft inserting hole formed at the center of a hemisphere in a hemispheric bearing which supports a thrust load and a radial load at the same time, the apparatus including a pair of hemispheres fitted into a fixing shaft to face each other around a spacer, and having a first section disposed opposite to the spacer and a second section contacted with the spacer; a first deformation preventing portion formed in the first section at a predetermined distance around the fixing shaft to prevent deformation of the hemispheres; and a second deformation preventing mechanism formed in the second section at a predetermined distance around the fixing shaft to prevent deformation of the hemispheres.

Abstract: A self-acting air bearing for a pressurized spindle air bearing includes a bearing that is located within a cavity of a housing. The bearing and cavity may be shaped as a segment of a sphere. The spindle may be connected to a pressurized air source which creates an air bearing within a gap that separates the bearing from the housing. The bearing is attached to a shaft that is rotated by a motor. Rotation of the bearing creates a flow of air within the gap. The cavity and/or bearing may have a slot which cooperates with the air flow to increase the pressure of the air bearing.

Abstract: An air dynamic bearing is constructed to prevent the inflow of a foreign substance. The air dynamic bearing includes an inner member having a lubricious surface and fixed to a shaft which rotates, and an outer member having a lubricious surface corresponding to the lubricious surface of the inner member and supporting the inner member to be operative to rotate. First grooves are formed in the lubricious surface of at least one of the inner and the outer members to generate a predetermined air pressure outward when the at least one of the inner and the outer members rotates.

Abstract: A motor includes a rotor bushing having first and second hemispherical grooves formed on top and bottom surfaces thereof, first and second hemispherical bearings inserted into the first and second hemispherical grooves, respectively, and a supporting shaft extending through the rotor bushing and fixed to the first and second hemispherical bearings. Respective heights of the first and second hemispherical grooves measured in the axial direction of the shaft are different from (i.e., are either greater than or less than) the axial depths of the first and second hemispherical grooves, respectively.

Abstract: A semi-spherical bearing disposed in a rotor of a motor has a bottom disposed on a horizontal plane and a top and comprising a plurality of grooves, each of the grooves extending from the bottom toward the top and being defined by one end wall and two side walls, all of which are formed on an outer circumference of the bearing, and the end wall being processed at an angle of 85.degree. or more with respect to the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A hemispheric bearing apparatus which enables a bushing to rotate without contacting a hemisphere. The hemispheric bearing apparatus according to the present invention includes hemispheres, the bushing which has hemispheric grooves formed at both ends, for receiving the hemispheres, and a spring for forcing the hemisphere or the bushing to each other in order for the hemisphere to be closely positioned with the bushing.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a stator frame carrying a coil, and a rotor bushing carrying a magnet. The coil rotates the rotor bushing relative to the stator housing about a vertical axis. The stator frame and rotor bushing together form a cavity in which a spherical bearing is disposed. The rotor bushing includes a contact member engaging an upper portio of the spherical bearing with a point contact, to transfer the weight of the rotor bushing to the spherical bearing. The axis passes through the cavity and the spherical bearing. An outer cylindrical surface of the rotor bushing faces a cylindrical inner surface of the cavity and has grooves formed therein for drawing-in air.

Abstract: A hemispherical dynamic pressure bearing includes a supporting shaft, a fixed hemisphere fixed on a first end of the supporting shaft, and a sliding hemisphere slidably disposed on a second end of the supporting shaft. A spring is disposed on the supporting shaft for biasing the sliding hemisphere away from the fixed hemisphere. A bushing has first and second hemispherical grooves in which the fixed and sliding hemispheres are disposed, respectively. A gap adjuster is connected to the shaft for adjusting a gap between each hemisphere and its respective groove. The gap adjuster applies a variable force against the sliding hemisphere to compress the spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor including a stator, a rotor cooperating with the stator, a rotating shaft rotating with the rotor, the rotating shaft being provided in its bottom with a receiving space, and a semi-spherical bearing disposed in the receiving space of the rotating shaft. The semi-spherical bearing is truncated to define a planar portion and part of the receiving space is defined by a surface corresponding to the planar portion. The planar portion is provided with a plurality of grooves formed in a spiral-shape to allow for suction of air for smooth rotation.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an inexpensive and high-quality fluid bearing which improves the workability in assembly or coupling of a shaft and a rotator. In order to achieve this object, a fluid bearing according to the invention includes a rotating shaft, a bearing member for rotatably supporting the rotating shaft, and first and second fluid film formation mechanisms arranged at positions near a central portion of the rotating shaft along its longitudinal direction. The first fluid film formation mechanism forms a fluid film between the rotating shaft and the bearing member while the rotating shaft rotates in a first direction. The second fluid film formation mechanism forms a fluid film between the rotating shaft and the bearing member while the rotating shaft rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An ultra-slim disk storage unit includes a frame and a cover for engaging the frame to create first and second enclosed spaces therein. In one of the enclosed spaces a disk drive assembly is housed which provides readable and writable information storage on a disk medium. Electronics for controlling the operation of the disk drive assembly is housed on a board contained within the second enclosed space. A connector provides coupling to the disk drive assembly electronics for external electrical connection to the disk storage unit. The connector is disposed along a peripheral side of the frame in accordance with PCMCIA standards.

Abstract: A spindle motor assembly which utilizes a ionized air bearing to provide a conductive path through the assembly. The spindle motor assembly includes a spindle shaft that is located within a housing and rotated by an internal motor. The assembly also contains an air bearing which allows relative movement between the spindle shaft and the housing. The air bearing is supplied by a source of air that is ionized by an ionizer. The ionized air provides a conductive path between the spindle and the housing. The spindle may be coupled to a clamp that holds a magnetic disk within a disk certifier. The magnetic disk is electrically grounded to the housing through the chuck, the spindle and the ionized air bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high precision axial and radial aerostatic and aerodynamic bearing for a motor. The bearing surfaces of the stator and the rotor are of a toroidal shape.

Abstract: A spindle motor using an hemispherical-type air bearing, wherein air circulation means is formed on the shaft inserted and fixed in the air bearing, so that air inflow to the air bearing and air circulation within the bearing are highly facilitated, whereby friction and wear phenomena between the hemispherical balls and the ball casing is reduced and noises are inhibited, and whereby the life span of the air bearing can be extended and the performance of the spindle motor itself can be enhanced.

Abstract: A hemispherical fluid bearing has a pair of inner rings, each having a spherical outer lubricating surface, which are fixed to a shaft, and an outer ring having a lubricating surface corresponding to the lubricating surfaces of the inner rings for supporting the rotation of the inner rings. One of the inner rings and the outer ring has a first film coating of titanium or ceramic formed on the lubricating surface thereof. Therefore, abrasion due to solid friction when a motor starts or stops is efficiently decreased.

Abstract: A porous-plastic bearing comprises a porous-plastic sliding bearing member which is formed by gathering a cluster of plastic particles each having a volume in the range of from about 0.004 mm.sup.3 to about 4 mm.sup.3 and sintering the cluster of plastic particles while setting its porosity at a selected value in the range of from about 10% to about 30%. Furthermore, the sliding bearing member comprises a plurality of plastic particles in any longitudinal or cross section. Pores formed within the sliding bearing member are impregnated with or filled with a lubricating agent.

Abstract: A self-aligning air bearing suited to stabilize a rotary structure having a height greater than the width of the structure. A substantially round sleeve is located in a central chamber formed between a mated top and bottom race. An air gland mounted within the sleeve is disposed to receive a journal shaft fixed to the rotary structure, forming an air bearing interface between the shaft and gland when pressurized air is introduced. The sleeve is free within the central chamber to move and align with the axis of rotation of the rotary structure when the air enters the gland but may then be locked into its adopted alignment. The air bearing is particularly useful for supporting a distal end of an extended rotary apparatus in a system for writing servopatterns to the disk surfaces within a plurality of aligned head-disk assemblies (HDAs).

Abstract: Non-axially-cylindrical journal and bearing assembly operates with hydrodynamic lubrication and has high load capability.

Abstract: An ultra-slim disk storage unit includes a frame and a cover for engaging the frame to create first and second enclosed spaces therein. In one of the enclosed spaces a disk drive assembly is housed which provides readable and writeable information storage on a disk medium. Electronics for controlling the operation of the disk drive assembly is housed on a board contained within the second enclosed space. A connector provides coupling to the disk drive assembly electronics for external electrical connection to the disk storage unit. The connector is disposed along a peripheral side of the frame in accordance with PCMCIA standards.

Abstract: A cone drill bit includes legs and attached to them trunnions with cones mounted thereon. A support unit for mounting the cones upon the trunnions includes a strengthened radial thrust ball bearing which transmits a load directed along a cone centerline. Strengthening the ball bearing in order to increase a bit wear resistance is attained by using the balls which diameter is appropriately related to the bit diameter as well as by strengthening a shoulder on the trunnion between the ball and peripheral roller bearings.

Abstract: A self-aligning rotor-hydrostatic bearing system and method of bearing operation are provided. A rotor includes a surface defining a portion of a sphere. A bearing having a concave spherical surface adjacent the rotor spherical surface is movable with respect to the rotor. Movement, in one embodiment, is controlled by a piston which also provides pressurized lubrication fluid to a recess formed in the bearing spherical surface. Centrifugal deformation of the rotor is accommodated by axial movement of the bearing and/or contouring of a portion of the rotor. A pivoting bearing pad can be provided to accommodate centrifugal, thermal or other deformation. The rotor surface and the pivoting pad surface can be spherical or conical. A slotted bearing ring permits pivoting while maintaining a continuous seal surface.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a disk storage unit includes a hub having a longitudinal axis disposed in a cavity formed between a base and a cover. A pair of balls is disposed within a pair of corresponding sockets with each being aligned opposite one another along a longitudinal axis of the hub. The pair of sockets are affixed to the base and cover plates, respectively, while the pair of balls are affixed to the hub. The clearance space between each ball and socket is filled with a liquid lubricant held in place by a surface tension seal.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a disk storage unit includes a hub having a longitudinal axis disposed in a cavity formed between a base and a cover. A pair of balls is disposed within a pair of corresponding sockets with each being aligned opposite one another along a longitudinal axis of the hub. The pair of sockets are affixed to the base and cover plates, respectively, while the pair of balls are affixed to the hub. The clearance space between each ball and socket is filled with a liquid lubricant held in place by a surface tension seal. At least one of the sockets or balls is threadably attached so as to allow adjustment of the clearance space.