Patent ID: 7284910
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: F16C,G11B

Abstract:
1. A capillary seal system for use in combination with a hydrodynamic bearing and comprising: an inner member positioned within an outer member, with at least one grooved hydrodynamic bearing and a lubricating fluid located in a gap defined by the inner member and the outer member to support relative rotation, a capillary seal in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic bearing and formed as a reservoir defined between two diverging surfaces for holding the lubricating fluid for replenishing fluid losses in the bearing, at least one of said diverging surfaces attached to or integral with at least one of the inner or outer members, an end of the fluid reservoir toward which the two surfaces generally converge being in fluid communication with hydrodynamic bearing gap through at least one passageway, and an energy dissipating element in the reservoir defined between the two diverging surfaces for preventing fluid spillage from the reservoir when subjected to shock acceleration.