The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 16, 1996
Filed:
Jun. 07, 1995
Charles J Cheever, Beaverton, OR (US);
Mark Hazelton, Beaverton, OR (US);
Frank A Gray, Portland, OR (US);
Synektron Corporation, Portland, OR (US);
Abstract
A construction for an electric spindle motor includes a stationary central shaft with a horizontal thrust bearing plate and a rotating hub assembly. A flanged thrust bearing ring having an upper capillary surface is affixed to the hub assembly. An annular end cap having a lower capillary surface is nested within the flanged bearing ring. The upper and lower capillary surfaces are radially outwardly diverging horizontal surfaces relative to each other which define a capillary cavity. Lubricating fluid partially fills the capillary cavity to form a horizontal capillary seal which prevents the fluid from escaping the motor. The capillary seal may be formed by tapering either the upper or lower capillary surfaces to provide an enlargement of the bearing cavity in an axial direction radially outwardly from the central shaft. Alternatively, the capillary seal may be formed by substantially coating the upper and lower capillary surfaces with a barrier coating to increase surface tension. Additional capillary seals may also be included in the invention. Vents, undercuts, and groove patterns may be included to further prevent fluid from escaping the motor.