Abstract: A progressive cavity device including an articulated coupling for converting the complex motion of a rotor into simple rotation. The coupling may include two shafts coupled to one another by joint assemblies connected to opposite ends of an intermediate shaft. The joint assemblies may include interleaved male and female spline portions and an elastomer filling the spaces between the male and female splines. The elastomer may deflect under load to allow the male and female splines to move relative to each other to allow the assembly to react to shaft misalignments. To limit elastomer bulging from the ends of the joint in response to shaft movement, the bulge area may be capped so that the elastomer cannot bulge outward and become extremely stiff.

Abstract: A progressive cavity device including an articulated coupling for converting the complex motion of a rotor into simple rotation. The coupling may include two shafts coupled to one another by joint assemblies connected to opposite ends of an intermediate shaft. The joint assemblies may include interleaved male and female spline portions and an elastomer filling the spaces between the male and female splines. The elastomer may deflect under load to allow the male and female splines to move relative to each other to allow the assembly to react to shaft misalignments. To limit elastomer bulging from the ends of the joint in response to shaft movement, the bulge area may be capped so that the elastomer cannot bulge outward and become extremely stiff.

Abstract: A progressive cavity device including an articulated coupling for converting the complex motion of a rotor into simple rotation. The coupling may include two shafts coupled to one another by joint assemblies connected to opposite ends of an intermediate shaft. The joint assemblies may include interleaved male and female spline portions and an elastomer filling the spaces between the male and female splines. The elastomer may deflect under load to allow the male and female splines to move relative to each other to allow the assembly to react to shaft misalignments. To limit elastomer bulging from the ends of the joint in response to shaft movement, the bulge area may be capped so that the elastomer cannot bulge outward and become extremely stiff. The joint may allow movement of the spines with very high torque capacity.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly comprising a bearing runner and a bearing carrier, the carrier defining thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier limiting movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The pads can tilt under load to form a hydrodynamic wedge. A runner may have a wear resistant face. In one implementation, at each site, a deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is at least partially disposed within a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The wear resistant face contacts the pad. Another embodiment rigidly connects pads disposed on opposite sides of a stationary bearing carrier. Another embodiment attaches pads to a bearing carrier using pad holder assemblies.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly comprising a bearing runner and a bearing carrier, the carrier defining a plurality of thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier limiting movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. Though the range of movement is limited, the pads can tilt under load to form a hydrodynamic wedge as is known in the art. An embodiment comprises a bearing runner having a wear resistant face and a bearing carrier defining thrust pad sites disposed annularly around the carrier. In one implementation, at each site, a deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is disposed in a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The pad can be at least partially disposed within the cavity. The wear resistant face contacts the pad.

Abstract: An elastomeric joint that can be used, as part of an articulated coupling in a progressive cavity device, including using the articulated coupling for converting the complex motion of the rotor into simple rotation. The coupling includes two shafts coupled to one another by coupling assemblies connected to opposite ends of an intermediate shaft. The coupling assemblies include interlocked threaded and tapered portions and an elastomer filling the spaces between the threaded portions. Under loading the male and female portion move relative to one another so that the elastomer is subject to both compression and shear. Should the elastomer fail, the threaded portions simply lock together thereby allowing fail safe operation. Provisions are also made to protect the integrity of the coupling under reverse torque. The moving components within the coupling are perfectly isolated from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A one piece hydrodynamic bearing which can include hydrostatic support features. The pads are supported on a single thin web for pivoting on a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The bearings may have hydrostatic and active control attributes and is very attractive in cryogenic applications where it is very difficult to prevent leakage in conventional hydrostatic tilt pad bearings. The hydrostatic feed through the post eliminates this problem completely and prevents the fretting at the pivots common with conventional tilt pad bearings. A cavity provided under a pad support membrane can be used as an active control device. The pressure can cause the bearing set or assembly clearance to be reduced thus providing better damping and centering capability. The preload in the pad can be actively controlled in this manner. The pad has a limiting device to prevent a negative pre-load condition from occurring.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust, journal or combined radial and thrust bearing which may be mounted within a sealed housing assembly which can be, for example, be used to replace rolling element bearings. The bearing can be designed for mounting to either the shaft or housing. If mounted for rotation with the shaft, the bearing pads move relative to a smooth support surface. The bearing includes a bearing pad structure that may change shape and move in any direction (six degrees of freedom) to optimize formation of a converging wedge for hydrodynamic operation, equalization of load on the bearing pads in thrust bearings and to adjust for any shaft misalignment. The bearing pad may be formed so as to contact the shaft in the installed state and to deflect under fluid film pressure. The pad is separated from the support member by a support structure which includes one or more beam-like members. The support structure preferably includes a primary support portion, a secondary support portion and a tertiary support portion.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing which includes a carrier and a plurality of bearing pads circumferentially spaced about the carrier. The carrier is formed with a series of circumferentially spaced groups of pad support openings. Each group of pad support openings includes two or more pad support openings each of which is capable of supporting a pad, but only one of which supports a pad at any one time. The carrier is designed such that the openings formed therein are supported as sets of supports such that each group of openings includes one opening of each set of openings. The carrier supports the openings such that the support of each opening within each set is substantially identical to that of the other openings in its set, but different than the support of the openings of other sets such that each set of bearing pad openings is adapted to support bearing pads for a distinct characteristic deflection.

Abstract: A fluid-dampened support for a bearing such as a tilt pad bearing or a rolling element bearing such as a ball bearing, needle bearing, roller bearing and the like. The fluid dampened support includes a network of closely spaced beams which act as structural springs which support the outer race of the roller bearing for movement in any direction. The spring rate or constant of these structural springs can be caused to change after a selected amount of deflection. The amount of deflection needed to cause the change in spring rate can be adjusted to suit the particular application. A liquid is provided in the spaces between the beams to dampen movement of the pads. The damping rate can be made to change with movement of the pads. The structure and space between the beams is designed so as to provide virtually any reasonable damping characteristics.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing which includes a carrier and a plurality of bearing pads circumferentially-spaced about the carrier. The pads may have a modular construction whereby pad portions are releasably secured to support portions. The pads may also be releasably secured to the carrier. Various bearing pad constructions, are contemplated including constructions in which the secondary support portion includes a membrane and the primary support portion includes a cylindrical member extending between the membrane and the bearing pads. A continuous bearing pad ring may be substituted for the discrete bearing pads. The carrier may be provided with locator pins in the pad receiving bores to orient the pads properly. The carrier may have cuts and grooves formed therein to provide a flexible or even beam mounted support for the bearing pads. The bearing may also have a multimode configuration and may include smart structures.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust, journal or combined radial and thrust bearing and methods of manufacturing the same. The bearing includes a bearing pad structure that may change shape and move in any direction (six degrees of freedom) to optimize formation of a converging wedge for hydrodynamic operation, equalization of load on the bearing pads in thrust bearings and to adjust for any shaft misalignment. The bearing pad may be formed so as to contact the shaft in the installed state and to deflect under fluid film pressure. The shape of the pads may be altered to achieve desired deformations under load. The pads are supported by a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The support structure preferably includes a primary support portion, a secondary support portion and a tertiary support portion.

Abstract: An elongated electric motor having an annular stator with laminations and a segmented rotor on a shaft bearing assemblies provided between the rotor segments support the shaft and rotor. The bearing assemblies include a sleeve for supporting the shaft and a support portion adjacent the stator. The outer-periphery of the support portion is made resilient, preferably by the provision of resilient elements about its periphery. For example, a plurality of wheels may be disposed on the outer periphery. The wheels inhibit rotation of the bearing while at the same time permitting easy longitudinal movement of the bearing relating to the stator. The wheels are provided with a spring characteristic by mounting on an axle which is supported for deflection or supported in elastomeric bushings or, alternatively, the axle is supported in a cantilever fashion. Wheels may also be formed of a compressible elastomeric material.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing and method of manufacturing the same. The bearing includes spaced planar pads supported on radially extending beams. The beams are connected to a base ring which is preferably circular. The radial beams support a circumferentially central region of the pads, but permit deflection of the circumferential edges of the pads for wedge formation.

Abstract: A fluid dampened support for a bearing such as a tilt pad bearing or a rolling element bearing such as a ball bearing, needle bearing, roller bearing and the like. The fluid dampened support includes a network of closely spaced beams which act as structural springs which support the outer race of the roller bearing for movement in any direction. The spring rate or constant of these structural springs can be caused to change after a selected amount of deflection. The amount of deflection needed to cause the change in spring rate can be adjusted to suit the particular application. A liquid is provided in the spaces between the beams to dampen movement of the pads. The damping rate can be made to change with movement of the pads. The structure and space between the beams is designed so as to provide virtually any reasonable damping characteristics.

Abstract: A one piece hydrodynamic bearing which can include hydrostatic support features. The pads are supported on a single thin web for pivoting on a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The bearings may have hydrostatic and active control attributes and is very attractive in cryogenic applications where it is very difficult to prevent leakage in conventional hydrostatic tilt pad bearings. The hydrostatic feed through the post eliminates this problem completely and prevents the fretting at the pivots common with conventional tilt pad bearings. A cavity provided under a pad support membrane can be used as an active control device. The pressure can cause the bearing set or assembly clearance to be reduced thus providing better damping and centering capability. The preload in the pad can be actively controlled in this manner. The pad has a limiting device to prevent a negative pre-load condition from occurring.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust, journal or combined radial and thrust bearing which may be mounted within a sealed housing assembly which can be, for example, be used to replace rolling element bearings. The bearing can be designed for mounting to either the shaft or housing. If mounted for rotation with the shaft, the bearing pads move relative to a smooth support surface. The bearing includes a bearing pad structure that may change shape and move in any direction (six degrees of freedom) to optimize formation of a converging wedge for hydrodynamic operation, equalization of load on the bearing pads in thrust bearings and to adjust for any shaft misalignment. The bearing pad may be formed so as to contact the shaft in the installed state and to deflect under fluid film pressure. The pad is separated from the support member by a support structure which includes one or more beam-like members. The support structure preferably includes a primary support portion, a secondary support portion and a tertiary support portion.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic thrust bearing and method of manufacturing the same. The bearing includes spaced planar pads supported on radially extending beams. The beams are connected to a base ring which is preferably circular. The radial beams support a circumferentially central region of the pads, but permit deflection of the circumferential edges of the pads for wedge formation.

Abstract: A friction pad for use in a friction element used in a friction engagement device such as a brake or clutch, The friction element includes a carrier and a plurality of friction pads circumferentially spaced about the carrier, The pads may have a modular construction whereby pad portions are releasably secured to support portions. The pads may also be releasably secured to the carrier. Various friction pad constructions are contemplated including constructions in which the secondary support portion includes a membrane and the primary support portion includes a cylindrical member extending between the membrane and the friction pads. A continuous friction pad ring may be substituted for the discrete friction pads, The carrier may be provided with locator pins in the pad receiving bores to orient the pads properly. The carrier may have cuts and grooves formed therein to provide a flexible or even beam mounted support for the friction pads.

Abstract: A one piece hydrodynamic bearing which replicates the function and performance of more costly tilt pad bearings. The pads are supported on a single thin web for pivoting on a support structure which can include one or more beam-like members. The support structure preferably includes a primary support portion, a secondary support portion and a tertiary support portion. The beams allow deflection of the pad by either deflecting or twisting in a torsional mode. The bearing pad support structure may include portions which are fluid dampened. The bearing may be made self lubricating through the provision of a lubricant absorbing and releasing material in the spaces between the bearing pads or within the support structure. The bearings may be made of a wide variety of materials including, plastics, ceramics, powdered metals, composites and metals.