Abstract: A bearing system that includes a bearing 50 supported in a flexible bearing bracket, for example for use in fractional horsepower shaded pole type electric motors. The bearing system is self aligning, the bracket being able to deflect to compensate for deviations in the radial alignment of the rotor shaft. A rotation lock restrains the bearing against rotation within the bracket. In the preferred embodiment the bracket is composed of an elastomer and the bearing is composed of a high performance plastic polymer, so that the bearing system is non-lubricating.

Abstract: A floating bearing system comprising a bearing supported in a clearance fit within a bearing bracket, for example for use in fractional horsepower shaded pole type electric motors. The bearing system is self aligning, to compensate for deviations in the axial alignment of the rotor shaft. A rotation lock restrains the bearing against rotation within the bearing receptacle while allowing the bearing to settle into proper alignment with the rotor shaft by automatically shifting the pitch of the axis of the bearing. In the preferred embodiment the bracket is composed of an engineering plastic and the bearing is composed of a high performance plastic polymer, so that the bearing system is non-lubricating. In the preferred embodiment the bearing bracket is provided with retaining fingers which hold the bearing in place during the assembly and working life of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seal ring for placement in the space between a radial groove of a cylindrical member and a housing forming a bore in which the cylindrical member is movably positioned, which is free of scoring and has a fracture line through its thickness to form opposing faces. The faces are rough and mesh together such that when the faces are forced into contact, the faces are then interlocked. Furthermore, the seal ring has true roundness to enable the seal ring to seal the space despite presence of the fracture line. The seal ring is made up of a rigid polymer such as a polyimide, polyamide, polyester, polyetheretherketone, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polyphenylene sulfide, and polybenzimidazole. The seal ring of the present invention is capable of single ring sealing of the space between the bore and the radial groove. The present invention also provides a device for fracturing the seal ring.

Abstract: A seal ring for placement in the space between a radial groove of a cylindrical member and a housing forming a bore in which the cylindrical member is movably positioned, which is free of scoring and has a fracture line through its thickness to form opposing faces. The faces are rough and mesh together such that when the faces are forced into contact, the faces are then interlocked. Furthermore, the seal ring has true roundness to enable the seal ring to seal the space despite presence of the fracture line. The seal ring is made up of a rigid polymer such as a polyimide, polyamide, polyester, polyetheretherketone, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, polyphenylene sulfide, and polybenzimidazole. The seal ring of the present invention is capable of single ring sealing of the space between the bore and the radial groove. The present invention also provides a device for fracturing the seal ring.