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US 2003/0221973 A1Published application
Method and apparatus for electrochemical machining of grooves for a hydrodynamic bearing
AssigneeSeagate Technology LLC
InventorsGunter Heine, Klaus Dieter Kloeppel, Dustin Alan Cochran
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the electrochemical machining of grooves for a hydrodynamic bearing is provided. Grooves and a relief cut are simultaneously electrochemically etched into a surface of a workpiece.
Claims19
A method of forming grooves for hydrodynamic bearings upon a workpiece, comprising:
- simultaneously electrochemically etching at least one set of hydrodynamic grooves and at least one relief cut into the surface of said workpiece.
Apparatus for forming hydrodynamic grooves upon a workpiece, comprising:
- a pattern on an outer surface for forming at least one set of hydrodynamic grooves;
- a pattern on an outer surface for forming lands between the grooves;
- and
- a pattern on an outer surface for forming at least one relief cut between each set of hydrodynamic grooves.
1 more element
Apparatus for simultaneously forming hydrodynamic grooves and at least one relief cut upon a workpiece, comprising:
- means for positioning the work piece within a groove-forming tool;
- means for insulating portions of the groove-forming tool at locations corresponding to lands on the work piece;
- means for supplying an electrolyte between the workpiece and the groove-forming tool;
- and
- means for passing an electric current through the electrolyte.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.