Seagate Technology Incorporated

Peter G Robinson

Robert Alan Nottingham

Donald J MacLeod

Norbert Steven Parsoneault

Long Van Nguyen

James Scott Bowdoin

A magnetic fluid seal is provided located in an L-shaped holder for defining the location of the seal relative to the shaft and bore. The magnetic seal is located inside the knee of the L-shaped holder, with a small magnetic fluid filled gap between the end of the magnetic seal and the fixed shaft. Immediately below the pieces and magnet of the magnetic seal is a gasket which provides for an airtight seal between the edge of the L-shaped holder and the outer wall or rotor. The entire assembly is held reliably in place by a shield which is typically press-fitted in place. The shield is designed to incorporate two key design features; (1) the outside diameter of the shield is a press-fit to the inside of the bore defined by the rotor; and (2) at its final axial location the shield presses vertically against the gasket, whereby the gasket is compressed to an approximate degree (for example about 50%) to provide press fitted contact covering the opening between the seal face outside diameter, and the bore of the rotor, thus providing a complete airtight seal at the outer diameter of the seal.

Adhesiveless seal assembly incorporating magnetic seal for use with disc

A spindle motor for use in a disc drive comprises a shaft, bearings located on either end of said shaft, said bearings having inner and outer races, a hub supported on the outer race of said bearings, for rotation therewith, said inner race of said bearings being welded to said shaft, said outer race of said bearings being laser welded to said hub whereby the components of said motor are permanently fixed relative to one another.

Adhesiveless assembly with laser welding

In summary, the present invention is a flexible printed circuit that eliminates the need for lead wire routing. The flexible printed circuit of the present invention comprises a plurality of electrical paths surrounded by a sheath of pliable MYLAR (polyester film) plastic. One side of the plastic is an adhesive that holds the circuit in place after it is wrapped around the shaft of the motor. On the other side, the mylar sheath opens to expose the ends of each electrical path. Small amounts of solder are pre-deposited at these exposed ends. A probe, suitably heated and applied to these ends, releases the solder to form a electrical and physical contact.

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Capitola, CA, United States of America

Peter G Robinson