Patent ID: 8690436

Claim:
An apparatus, comprising: a spindle having a spindle axis, and first and second ends; a hub disposed coaxially to the spindle; a first thrust bearing adjacent to the first end of the spindle; a first thrust washer adjacent to the first end of the spindle; a second thrust bearing adjacent to the second end of the spindle; a journal bearing disposed between the first and second thrust bearings; a first fluid seal that includes a fluid pump operable to pump fluid toward the first thrust bearing, adjacent to the first thrust bearing, wherein the first fluid seal includes a circumferential pattern of lands and grooves formed in a face of the first thrust washer facing the hub; a ring seal coated with a barrier film coating adjacent to the first fluid seal; a second fluid seal adjacent to the second thrust bearing; and a channel operable to circulate a lubricant fluid between the first and second fluid seals and further operable to purge air, wherein the ring seal includes a first circumferential groove formed in the first thrust washer between the pattern of lands and grooves formed in the face of the first thrust washer and the first end of the spindle, and a second circumferential groove formed in a face of the hub facing the first circumferential groove.