Patent ID: 7131770

Claim:
A hydrodynamic bearing system comprising: a shaft having an outer surface; a bearing sleeve, said bearing sleeve having an inner cylindrical bore, said shaft being inserted into said inner cylindrical bore; a bearing gap formed between said outer surface of said shaft and said bearing sleeve, said bearing gap being filled with a lubricating oil; said bearing sleeve further comprising: an outer cylindrical surface; an inner cylindrical surface; and an end surface, said end surface having a recessed portion said recessed portion being defined by a radially outward facing axial surface and a radially inward facing axial surface; and said recessed portion is positioned between said inner cylindrical surface and said outer cylindrical surface and distanced from said bearing gap, wherein an area of said end surface between said radially outward facing surface of said recessed portion and said inner cylindrical surface of said bearing sleeve defines a wall between said recessed portion and said bearing gap; a shield enclosing said bearing sleeve, wherein said shield is mounted in said recessed portion; and wherein, said shield, an outer surface of said shaft and said end surface define an inner shielded space, said recessed portion is located within said inner shielded space.