Abstract: A dynamic pressure bearing which can eliminate an unbalanced existence of a lubricant fluid without increasing the diameter of a flange is compact in size and requires a lower rotation torque. The dynamic pressure bearing, axial through holes 21 and 22 of a flange 2 are formed so as to be adjacent to a smaller diameter portion 1B of a shaft 1, and to be opposed to an end face 1A-1 of a larger diameter portion 1A. Thus, the axial through holes 21 and 22 do not reduce the area for forming a bearing surface of the flange 2, so that the unbalanced existence of a lubricant fluid can be eliminated by the axial through holes 21 and 22 without degrading the thrust supporting ability. The diameter of the flange can be reduced, and a stable supporting ability can be attained, and a compact size and a low rotation torque can be realized.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing which prevents a lubricating fluid from scattering out of the dynamic pressure generating portion. The bearing includes radial spacing d of a gap at an open end of the thrust-side dynamic pressure generating portion, whose value is greater than a spacing of the thrust-side dynamic pressure generating portion, as measured relative to the thrust direction. Scattering of lubricating fluid from the open end of the thrust-side dynamic pressure generating portion is therefore prevented even when the bearing rotates at a high speed in a high temperature envivronent.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a thrust dynamic pressure bearing in which a lubricant fluid can be efficiently gathered into a radially center portion of a herringbone-type dynamic pressure generating groove, so that the load ability can be maximized. In the thrust dynamic pressure bearing, the groove depth H1 of an outer circumference portion 3A in which a centrifugal force is strongest is made largest, so that the ability of gathering a lubricant fluid toward a center portion 3B of the herring-bone-type dynamic pressure generating groove 3 is maximized. The depth H2 of the dynamic pressure generating groove in an inner circumference portion 3C in which the centrifugal force is weakest but the ability of gathering the lubricant fluid toward the center portion 3B is required is set to the second largest one. The groove depth H3 of the center portion 3B into which the lubricant fluid is gathered because of the herringbone shape of the dynamic pressure generating groove is made to be smallest.

Abstract: A kinetic pressure fluid bearing apparatus is disclosed, which includes a clearance supporting portion formed between a lower end portion of a rotary shaft and a first kinetic pressure generating groove on a surface of a thrust bearing. The clearance supporting portion includes a ball inserting groove formed on any one of the lower end portion of the rotary shaft and the surface of the thrust bearing, and a ball inserted into the ball inserting groove. By such a kinetic pressure fluid bearing apparatus, it is possible to prevent oscillation of the rotary shaft, which occurs when the rotary shaft starts to rotate and stops its rotation. It is also possible to prevent abrasion of the rotary shaft and the thrust bearing due to their friction as well as overload of the rotary shaft by friction. As a result, performance of the product can be improved.

Abstract: A spindle motor is disclosed which allows more excellent abrasion resistance and productivity exhibited by making the thrust to be integrally formed at driving shaft and by making each of kinetic pressure-generating grooves that generate fluid kinetic pressure in axial direction to be formed at different formation position from each other that may be less influenced than ever by force of friction with fluid material.

Abstract: Thin-profile spindle motor. Single hydrodynamic-pressure thrust and radial bearings are established about a thrust plate on the end of the motor shaft, encompassed by a cylindrical casing. Hydrodynamic pressure-generating grooves scored on either of the thrust plate end faces, or either of the inner faces of the casing ends opposing the thrust plate end faces, are a component of the single thrust bearing. A micro-gap clearance for the thrust bearing, retaining lubricant continuously with the radial bearing, is established on whichever side of the thrust plate the thrust bearing is formed. Like grooves scored on either the thrust plate circumferential surface, or the casing inner cylindrical surface by which it is opposed at a micro-gap clearance, the clearance itself, and lubricant retained therein form the single radial bearing. Means for magnetically counterbalancing the thrust hydrodynamic-pressure are provided between rotor hub and the stator or casing.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus includes: a radial fixed member; a rotary unit rotatably supported on the radial fixed member; a radial dynamic pressure bearing portion at which the radial fixed member faces the rotary unit; and dynamic pressure generating grooves formed on the radial dynamic pressure bearing portion. The dynamic pressure generating grooves are asymmetrically formed with respect to a rotary axis of the rotary unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semicircular or circular axial bearing element, especially a thrust washer or flanged bearing shell or flanged bearing bushing, with valleys on the side facing the sliding partner to form radial oil outlet openings; in order to increase the load carrying capacity, the axial bearing element is formed such that 5 to 8 valleys are provided over an angle of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction, such that rounded peaks points are provided between each 2 recesses, and such that the profile has a depth between peaks and valleys of 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid bearing equipment which is free from lockup or seizure which may occur due to a deficiency of a lubricating fluid when the equipment is operated at a high rotation speed in a high temperature environment. The fluid bearing equipment is arranged such that maximum pressure generating portions 23 of dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 16 provided in a thrust-side dynamic pressure generating portion are located closer to the outer circumference of a stationary thrust plate 9 than a radially middle position of the thrust-side dynamic pressure generating portion. With this arrangement, the lockup and seizure of a motor can be prevented which may otherwise occur due to a deficiency of the lubricating fluid when the equipment is operated at a high rotation speed in a high temperature environment.

Abstract: An air bearing of the type having a first component with a first surface and a second component with a first surface, wherein the surfaces are movable relative to each other with a small space provided between the first surfaces. At least one of the surfaces facing each other being provided with a groove pattern producing during mutual movement of the components a pumping effect in a gas medium provided between the groove provided surface of the one component and the counter-surface of the other component for creating a thin medium film preventing physical contact of the surfaces during mutual motion. The counter-surface is provided with a thin coating for preventing wear at contact between the surfaces.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic gas bearing structure includes a fixed shaft, a hollow cylindrical sleeve opposing to the fixed shaft with a radial space kept therebetween, and a thrust plate having an opposing surface opposing to an end surface in the axial direction of the sleeve. The opposing surface of the thrust plate has a groove for generating dynamic pressure between the sleeve and the thrust plate, a protruded portion formed at an inner peripheral portion, and a recessed portion formed shallower than the groove, extending from the protruded portion toward an outer peripheral portion. Top surface of the protruded portion is at a position of a first height from the bottom of the recessed portion, and the outer peripheral portion of the opposing surface includes a portion at a position of a second height lower than the first height from the bottom of the recessed portion.

Abstract: Air which would otherwise be entrapped in an O-ring seal groove in a hydrodynamic bearing arrangement is removable from the seal groove by providing at least one passage between the seal groove and an adjacent thrust plate recess. The air is removed from the seal groove though the passages by drawing a vacuum at a lower end of the bearing arrangement. Preferably, the passages are formed, at least in part, by grooves defined in the upper surface of a land formed between the seal groove and the thrust plate recess.

Abstract: A water lubricated bearing or water lubricated seal using water as a lubricant. The bearing or seal has: a rotary member secured directly or indirectly to a rotary side, and a stationary member secured directly or indirectly to a stationary side and facing the rotary member for making sliding contact therewith. A substrate of either one of the rotary member and the stationary member is a metallic material and a thin titanium nitride film is formed on the sliding surface thereof. The other member is made of a non-brittle material or a film of hard material is formed on the sliding surface thereof. Thereby, a coefficient of friction of the bearing or seal is reduced and a wear resistance of the same is improved.

Abstract: A thrust bearing having a radial taper in its top (land) surface provides improved load distribution when used in high-pressure positive displacement swashplate piston pumps. The thrust bearing includes a plurality of grooves in its land surface which carry and distribute fluid on the top surface during operation of the pump. The fluid is distributed so as to form a hydrodynamic fluid buffer between the thrust bearing and an adjacent pump cam surface, so that the thickness of the fluid buffer is larger in radial regions corresponding to regions of increased load and stress.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing including a sleeve and a counterplate captured within a shoulder on the sleeve and including a threaded mounting extension for mounting the assembly from a base or the like. A rotating shaft is incorporated within the sleeve; the shaft includes a thrust plate which rotates in a recess defined between the counterplate and the sleeve. To incorporate this assembly into a disc drive or the like, the threaded mounting extension only needs to be mounted within a base, with a nut screwed over the threaded mounting. The base typically includes a raised portion; the sleeve is cantilevered from this base for further stability and eliminate the possibility of vibration of the shaft and sleeve with rotation of the shaft. The end of the shaft distal from the threaded mounting supports a hub which in turn supports a backiron and magnet. The base supports a stator aligned with the magnet; energization of the stator will cause rotation of the hub and the shaft.

Abstract: A fluid bearing apparatus in which dynamic pressure generating grooves are subjected to a change in shape to increase the amount of fluid to be introduced into the grooves of a thrust bearing. In the fluid bearing apparatus, in order to introduce an increased amount of fluid into the dynamic pressure generating grooves formed on a side of the thrust bearing which supports a rotating shaft, a fluid inlet of the dynamic pressure generating grooves is shaped with arc portions for the fluid to be easily introduced thereinto. Accordingly, a fluid pressure in the dynamic pressure generating grooves is increased.

Abstract: A novel hydro-dynamic fluid bearing device is herein disclosed which comprises a cylindrical shaft, a substantially cylindrical bearing member for axially supporting the shaft rotatably in a cylindrical hole having a bottom surface, a supporting member fixed on one side of the shaft and the bearing member, and a rotation member fixed on the other side of the shaft and the bearing member and rotatably supported on the supporting member, grooves for generating hydro-dynamic fluid being formed on at least one of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical hole of the bearing member, wherein the bearing member is made of a resin material, and the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical portion is fixed to an annular reinforcing member having a higher rigidity than the bearing member.

Abstract: A supercharger thrust bearing for use in a machine rotatable at a high speed includes radial oil grooves formed in a pad surface. Gradients are formed at the outward radial ends of the oil supply grooves such that the groove depth sequentially diminishes as the outside in the radial direction is approached. The machine rotatable at a high speed is, for example, a boat or a ship. The lubricating oil inside the oil supply grooves is forced out by the gradients and creates a dam. The lubrication oil flowing in a circumferential direction on the pad surface, which is heated on the pad surface, is stopped by this dam and turned to a radially outward direction. The heated oil is pushed out from the pad surface and the new cold oil is caused to flow onto the pad surface from the radial grooves.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective solution for reducing the wear and consequently for increasing the life of axial sliding bearings. For this purpose, the profiled annular surface (24, 24') of the lubricating gap (25, 25') arranged between the fixed bearing body (20) and the rotating bearing collar (19) is designed to rotate about or with the shaft (14). Said annular surface has a plurality of radially arranged lubricating oil grooves (26, 26') and, in each case, a wedge surface (27, 27') connected to these in the circumferential direction. A catch surface (28, 28') is designed between each wedge surface (27, 27') and the lubricating oil groove (26, 26') adjacent to the latter. The lubricating oil grooves (26, 26') and the wedge surfaces (27, 27') are delimited radially outward by a sealing web (29, 29').

Abstract: An electric spindle motor has a base assembly (19) and a hollow notatable hub (16) housing a motor. The hub (16) is mounted for rotation about an axis and a stator (12) is mounted on the base assembly (19) inside the hub (16). A liquid filled journal bearing (11, 21) acts between the base assembly (19) and the hub (16) to provide radial support of the hub (16). A gas filled thrust bearing (26, 27, 35) also acts between the hub (16) and base assembly (19) to provide at least axial support of the hub (16).

Abstract: A fluid bearing apparatus having a strengthened force for supporting a rotating member, which includes a herring bone-shaped dynamic pressure generating section and a spiral dynamic pressure generating section. A portion of the herring bone-shaped dynamic pressure generating section or the spiral dynamic pressure generating section is interrupted, or the spiral dynamic pressure generating section is connected to an end of the herring bone-shaped dynamic pressure generating section in order to prevent an operational fluid for generating a fluid pressure from counterflowing due to high speed rotation of the operational fluid.

Abstract: Herringbone grooves are formed on an inner wall of a sleeve through which a motor shaft is inserted. Lubricating fluid is provided between a space between the shaft and the sleeve so as to form a relatively rotatable radial dynamic pressure bearing. A surface layer and the herringbone grooves on an inner wall of the sleeve, which are sliding regions with the motor shaft, have a different hardness from that of a base material of the sleeve. The hardness ratio of these two elements is set so that the shaft spins without wearing itself out as well as the sleeve surface layer. As a result, a highly reliable motor is achieved because the structure can maintain accurate whirling and suppress seizure due to abrasion powder between the shaft and the sleeve.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing design is disclosed incorporating a flexible membrane at one end of the fluid gap in the hydrodynamic bearing. If voids exist in the fluid, and if changes in the size of these voids or bubbles occur with changes in temperature or pressure in which the disc drive is being used, then the volume of the fluid will change, and increase relative to the change in size of the volume of the surrounding physical part. The flexible membrane will yield to the increased pressure of the increasing volume of the fluid. The membrane essentially acts as a spring whose spring force is overcome by the pressure created by or accompanying a increase in volume in which the lubricating fluid is contained, and preventing its escape or being forced out of the inner region of the bearing.

Abstract: A closed type thrust dynamic pressure bearing is capable of generating enough dynamic pressure for axially bearing a rotating member at the time of start-up without damage to an end face of a flange of the rotating member. The flange of the rotating member is housed in a housing in a closed state. V-shaped dynamic pressure generating grooves are provided at upper and lower end faces of the flange, while a plurality of holes axially passing through the flange are provided radially inside an annular region where the dynamic pressure generating grooves are provided. The total sum of cross-sectional areas of the holes is at least 1/30 of the area of the annular region. Oil sumps are provided at a receiving surface of the housing opposite to the lower end face of the flange.

Abstract: An improved thrust bearing has a shaft with a runner coupled to the end of the shaft. The runner has a first sealing face that extends radially from the shaft. A bearing has a fluid passage for supplying fluid to a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be in the runner or in the bearing. The bearing has a second sealing face opposite the first sealing face of the runner. The first sealing face has a recess that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. Fluid from the fluid reservoir flows into the recess during rotation of the runner. As the shaft and the runner rotates, fluid from the recess deposits between the first sealing face and the second sealing face to lubricate the surface. The recess preferably has a pocket portion and a wedge portion. The wedge portion is in fluid communication with the pocket portion. As the shaft rotates in a predetermined direction, the pocket portion is on the leading edge of rotation of the recess. The pocket is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A water lubricated bearing or water lubricated seal using water as a lubricant. The bearing or seal has: a rotary member secured directly or indirectly to a rotary side, and a stationary member secured directly or indirectly to a stationary side and facing the rotary member for making sliding contact therewith. A substrate of either one of the rotary member and the stationary member is a metallic material and a thin titanium nitride film is formed on the sliding surface thereof. The other member is made of a non-brittle material or a film of hard material is formed on the sliding surface thereof. Thereby, a coefficient of friction of the bearing or seal is reduced and a wear resistance of the same is improved.

Abstract: A thrust bearing for a rotating member that is subject to axial forces causing movement in an axial direction of a rotating member. A sealing surface is positioned on at least a portion of the rotating member. A bearing is positioned adjacent the rotating member. A sealing face is positioned on the bearing. The sealing face is disposed to be in opposed relationship with the sealing surface on the rotating member. A bearing space is located between the sealing face and the sealing surface. A fluid reservoir is positioned in the bearing and is in communication with the bearing space. A passageway extends through the bearing to a discharge region adjacent the rotating member to supply a fluid to the fluid reservoir. A plurality of pockets are positioned on the sealing surface of the rotating member.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing assembly for supporting a reduced diameter end portion of a rotating shaft includes a thrust button or plate having one end thereof abutting an end of the reduced diameter end portion to absorb axial forces exerted by the rotating shaft, and a hollow cylindrical bearing sleeve disposed around the reduced diameter end portion, and wherein the thrust button has a central aperture for introduction of a process fluid and a plurality of slots in the one end of the thrust button and communicating with the central aperture in the thrust button and with a helical groove formed in an interior surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A fluid bearing apparatus wherein a clearance between a surface of a thrust bearing supporting thrust load and a periphery of a rotary shaft can be adjusted by making a thrust bearing adjustable with respect to an end portion of the rotary shaft. This results in an enhanced efficiency and a stable rotation of the rotary shaft at a high velocity.

Abstract: A fluid bearing apparatus equipped with a thrust bearing having a uniform pressure distribution for effectively supporting the thrust load by dividing uniformly the fluid pressure generated in a dynamic pressure generating groove of the thrust bearing. In the thrust bearing, by gathering the fluid in different directions, at least two bending points which generate the maximum fluid pressure are repeatedly formed.

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: Particle traps in a hydrodynamic bearing unit prevent particles, generated by repeated motor start and stop operations or lubricant cavitation caused by shock loads or introduced by ambient sources, from circulating with the bearing lubricant, thereby preventing accelerated wear of bearing grooves. Each trap is defined by an annular bevel shaped channel defined along the inner radial wall of a shaft sleeve. Each trap is located in close proximity to hydrodynamic bearings so that existing particles and any wear particles generated by the bearings may be pumped into the traps by centrifugal force created by rotation of the bearing unit and imparted to the lubricant. The centrifuge-like effect forces the particles against the back wall of each channel while the bevel shaped configuration of the channels prevents particles from migrating out of the channels after the motor stops.

Abstract: Two thrust bearing surfaces are separated by bearing fluid and are rotatable relative to one another. One of the bearing surfaces defines a plurality of continuous lands extending from an inner to an outer radius of the bearing surface. Adjacent lands define between them a continuous groove which has an undivided portion in an inner annulus and a divided portion in an outer annulus of the bearing surface. The continuous groove is divided in the divided portion by an intermediate land located between the adjacent continuous lands. The divided portion of the continuous groove communicates in unbroken fashion with the divided portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitor for ejecting jets of water, foam or mist, comprising a pipe system attached to a foot support, which is rotatable on the support. The foot support is characterized by a lower disc-shaped part (10), an upper part (13), which is rotatable with respect to the lower part (10), and a fastening ring (15) which presses a flange (14) of the upper part (13) against the lower part (10). The invention consists of arranging through-holes in the upper part (13) from the central hole to the gap between the fastening ring (15) and the flange (14). A hydrostatic bearing between the flange (14) and the fastening ring (15) has been brought about so that the flange and the upper part (13) can be easily rotated.

Abstract: A compact electric motor construction employing fluid bearings for use in a disk drive apparatus includes a spindle having a shaft and a thrust plate and a hub assembly including a hub having an outer disk support portion with an inner thrust bearing surface located axially above the upper thrust bearing surface of the thrust plate. The hub also includes an inner sleeve which substantially surrounds the shaft and provides an air gap between its inner diameter and the outer diameter of the thrust plate. The air gap is vented to the interior of the motor cavity by vent passages. Transition grooves are provided on bearing surfaces adjacent all fluid seal zones for controlling the migration of bearing fluid in a radial direction and for providing a low fluid pressure region adjacent capillary seals at the ends of the shaft to contain the seal and prevent leakage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lubricating apparatus which can compensate for the radial load and the thrust load of the shaft. The lubricating apparatus includes a housing formed at an inner portion thereof with a pair of lubricant containing grooves, a journal bearing inserted into the housing, and lubricating pads having a lubricant therein. The lubricating pads are inserted into the lubricant containing grooves. A head drum assembly for a video cassette recorder is also disclosed. The assembly has a lower drum, an upper drum, a motor for generating a driving force, a shaft for transferring the driving force of the motor to the upper drum, and a bearing rotatably supporting the shaft. By compensating the radial load and thrust load of the shaft, jittering and wow-fluttering can be prevented while recording a screen information on a magnetic tape or reproducing the screen information from the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A governor arrangement for an internal combustion engine is disclosed which comprises a plurality of weights rotatable with a rotatable drive shaft and pivotable with respect to the shaft. The weights are engageable with a washer which, in turn, engages a sleeve. The sleeve engages a lever the position of which is used to control the setting of a metering valve. A hydrodynamic bearing arrangement is provided between the sleeve and washer. A drive arrangement may be provided to drive the washer when the rotational speed of the shaft is insufficient to cause the weights to move the sleeve.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing apparatus comprises at least two hydrodynamic bearing units which rotatably support a rotation member against a fixed member by hydrodynamic pressure of a lubricant filled in a bearing space. A thrust plate is adhesively bonded on one of the rotation member and fixed member to support the rotation member in an axial direction. The thrust plate and rotation member or fixed member form a junction. A mechanical bonding device bonds the thrust plate onto one of the rotation member and fixed member. A sealing agent prevents the lubricant from leaking from the junction between the thrust plate and the rotation member or fixed member. The sealing agent fills a space that communicates with the junction.

Abstract: A rotating polygon mirror driving apparatus has a rotor having a rotating polygon mirror fixed thereto, a rotational shaft and a rotor magnet; a bracket having a base plate provided opposite to the rotor magnet and a collar forming a bearing holding portion of a resin outserted to the base plate and made; and a bearing fitted to the bracket so as to support the rotational shaft. The driving apparatus can be decreased in cost and thickness while maintaining excellent rotational precision and mechanical precision.

Abstract: A sub-ambient pressure air bearing slider is configured with longitudinal air-bearing rails that have angular side recesses near the trailing end of the slider. Sub-ambient pressure regions formed within the side recesses during disk operation oppose the asymmetrical lift forces which cause undesirable roll. The slider provides improved roll and flying height characteristics.

Abstract: A recording disk apparatus comprises a clearance between a shaft and a thrust bearing portion tapered in a circumferential direction, a lubricant communication groove of a bearing covered by the shaft so that a lubricant on a radial bearing portion communicates with the lubricant on the thrust bearing portion through the lubricant communication groove, a lubricant circulating path which extends axially from the thrust bearing portion to the radial bearing portion to prevent the lubricant flowing out of the thrust bearing portion from returning directly to the thrust bearing portion without passing the radial bearing portion, and/or a clearance between a slide bearing and a magnetic fluid seal device substantially filled with a magnetic fluid lubricant.

Abstract: A spindle motor includes a rotating hub for supporting one or more discs in a disc drive, and a hydrodynamic bearing system for supporting a hub for rotation, the bearing system includes a sleeve and a shaft fitted into an axial bore of the sleeve. The shaft and the sleeve rotate freely relative to one another, and together, define a journal bearing. The shaft supports an annular thrust plate. The thrust plate extends into a recess formed by an axial face stepped into the sleeve and a counterplate parallel to the axial face and the thrust plate and attached to the sleeve. A first surface of the thrust plate faces the axial face of the sleeve which has a groove pattern formed on it. A surface of the counterplate faces an opposed, second surface of the thrust plate which has a groove pattern formed on it, to form an effective fluid pumping system in the hydrodynamic bearing.

Abstract: There is provided a dynamic pressure bearing which has a large load-carrying capacity and in which a ridge portion defined between adjacent grooves is prevented from damaging an opposite surface. The bearing includes an axial bearing surface having dynamic pressure generating grooves formed thereon by plastic working. The bearing has ridge portions defined between the adjacent dynamic pressure generating grooves. A top end of the ridge portion has rounded edge portions and a flat bearing surface defined between the edge portions. Since the edge portions of the top end are rounded, an opposite surface is prevented from being damaged. Further, the presence of the flat bearing surface defined between the edge portions results in increased load-carrying capacity.

Abstract: In a static pressure table device wherein an annular recess is formed in one of confronting surfaces of a stationary bed and a rotary table thereon, and static pressure oil is supplied to the recess for rotatingly support the table on the bed, a static pressure gap formed between the confronting surfaces of the bed and table is constructed to gradually or stepwisely increase toward the outer periphery of the device. As a result, the viscosity resistance of the pressure oil is decreased toward the outer periphery and heat generation is reduced in the outer peripheral region, whereby a uniform temperature distribution of the table becomes possible with resultant reduced thermal deformation of the table so that the table can be rotated at high speed.

Abstract: A negative pressure air bearing slider is provided with side rails, a central negative pressure cavity between the side rails and one or more relief vents at the leading edge of the slider. The side rails extend fully or partially from tapered regions at the leading edge of the slider to the trailing edge of the slider. Air bearing pads disposed adjacent to the front tapered regions and/or the slider trailing edge may be configured with the side rails. By virtue of the slider design, variations in flying height and roll are minimized.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure generating bearing includes a rotational body, a radial bearing provided adjacent to a center of the rotational body to rotatably support the rotational body around the radial bearing and at least one thrust bearing provided on one end of the radial bearing. When the rotational body is stably rotated, a minimum clearance generated between the rotational body and the thrust bearing is always greater than a minimum clearance generated between the rotational body and the radial bearing.

Abstract: A novel means for the design of a spindle having a shaft provided with a hydrostatic bearing end surface for resisting axial thrust force upon the end surface, the hydrostatic bearing being a self-compensating beating mounted circumferentially about the shaft near the end surface and having a fluid pressure supply groove providing fluid for the self-compensating bearing, the bearing being mounted upon an axially extending member one end of which serves as part of the end surface of the shaft and the other end of which serves as a reverse thrust surface, along with means for flowing fluid from the pressure supply groove radially across said reverse thrust end surface and through an opening extending axially between the reverse thrust end surface, and the end surface of the shaft, opposing the thrust force with pressure proportional to the axial position of the shaft and related to the degree of fluid compensation in the bearing.

Abstract: A seal face of at least one ring used in a non-contacting, gap-type mechanical end face seal having a pattern including an optional dam and an annular grooved area. The annular grooved area has one of several embodiments, including entrance lands which are essentially triangular and have one side contiguous with one circumferential edge of the annular grooved area. These embodiments further include a set of converging boundary sides of the groove to provide a pressure zone effect. Seal face patterns include a contiguous groove around the circumference of the seal face and a series of annular bands comprising a repeating pattern of an essentially triangular groove interposed between two adjacent, but oppositely oriented, lands.

Abstract: The present invention includes four sections or partitions: two thrust bearings which are formed by the sides of a grooved thrust plate and corresponding countersurfaces, the thrust bearings designed to cause fluid flow in a single direction up around the rotating thrust plate and upward along the surface of a rotating journal, and two journal bearings formed side-by-side on the journal formed between a rotating shaft and a bushing with multiple spiral-grooved sections being formed on the rotating shaft or in the stationary bushing. The two journal bearings are separated by a circumferential groove in the shaft which is connected by a radial bore to a hollow reservoir in the shaft for providing fluid to the journal bearing and the thrust bearing. By providing this bore and a second bore located near to the thrust bearing, the boundary conditions for the combined journal bearings and thrust bearings are fixed and a stable rotating shaft is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus, and methods of making and using the apparatus, including at least a first path of magnetic flux perpendicular to and penetrating a first plane in space; preferably, a second path of magnetic flux perpendicular to the first plane and having a gradient such that no net flux passes the first plane; and a passive first null flux coil adjacent to the first plane; whereby when one of the first null flux coil and a combination of the paths is moving, the first null flux coil and the paths, combinatorily, are magnetically induced into alignment with respect to the first plane.