Flexible Member Patents (Class 384/103)
  • Patent number: 11892032
    Abstract: A thrust foil bearing includes: a base plate including an insertion hole through which a shaft is inserted; and a top foil disposed around the insertion hole, wherein the top foil includes: a slit dividing the top foil into an inner area and an outer area in a radial direction of the insertion hole; a sandwiched part disposed in the outer area; an extending part extending from the sandwiched part to the inner area; and an inclined part being in the inner area, having an end on one side in a circumferential direction of the insertion hole connected to the extending part, extending from the extending part toward another side in the circumferential direction, and inclined with respect to a flat surface of the base plate extending a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the insertion hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Patent number: 11708854
    Abstract: A thrust foil bearing 40 having a thrust bearing surface S formed by arranging a plurality of leaves 42 side by side in a circumferential direction, in which each of the leaves 42 has a top foil portion Tf that forms the thrust bearing surface S, and a ratio of a circumferential length A of the top foil portion Tf of one of the leaves 42 at a radially central position of the top foil portion Tf, to a radial length B from an inner diameter-side edge 423 to an outer diameter-side edge 424 of the top foil portion Tf is 0.66 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Yoshino, Kazuyoshi Harada
  • Patent number: 11635108
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing in the form of a flex pad bearing includes configurations structured to change a bearing characteristic. One form of the bearing includes a nonlinear back wall that includes a circular arc and a transition, where the back wall extends radially outward of a ligament. The bearing can include an opening for the deposit of a weighted mass, wherein the opening can threadingly receive a threaded weighted mass. In one form a sidewall that includes the back wall segment can have an average outer radius which determines a thickness of the flex pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: James Lawrence Robb, Andrew J. Austin, Patrick Lynah
  • Patent number: 11552587
    Abstract: A method for moving a rotor in a planar drive system having a first and second stator modules and a rotor. The stator modules are arranged at a distance, forming a gap. First and second magnetic fields are generated by the first and stator modules. The first and second magnetic fields hold the rotor in a vertical position, at a distance from a surface of the first and/or second stator module. The first and/or second magnetic fields have a first magnetic field strength to maintain the rotor in the vertical position, and may be used to change a horizontal position of the rotor. The first stator module has a first close range adjacent the gap, where the first magnetic field has a second field strength when the rotor is moved across the gap, greater than the first magnetic field strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: BECKHOFF AUTOMATION GMBH
    Inventor: Uwe Prüssmeier
  • Patent number: 11441599
    Abstract: Provided is an air foil journal bearing including a bearing housing; a bump foil disposed inside the bearing housing, having an uneven-shaped elastic bump, having one end coupled and fixed to the bearing housing in the circumferential direction, and having the other end formed as a free end; an outer top foil disposed inside the bump foil; an inner top foil disposed inside the outer top foil; and a middle top foil interposed between the outer top foil and the inner top foil, and coupled and fixed to the bearing housing, thereby preventing deviation of the free end of the bump foil in the width direction due to vibration occurring when a rotor is rotated at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: NEUROS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung Woo Kim, Ho-Jin Choi
  • Patent number: 11421730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device forming a foil air bearing, comprising a cylindrical sleeve (10) extending along a longitudinal direction, and having an inner surface (11) which defines a central bore, characterized in that it further comprises: at least one longitudinal notch (40, 50, 60) formed in said cylindrical sleeve and opening radially into said central bore; a first peripheral inner lining, called the bump lining, comprising at least one metal foil equipped with radial projections, called the bump foil (22, 23, 24), each bump foil having, at each end, a radial tongue, called the radial bump tongue (22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b), housed freely in a longitudinal notch (40, 50, 60); a second peripheral inner lining, called the top lining, comprising at least one metal foil, called the top foil (32, 33, 34), each top foil having, at each end, a radial tongue, called the radial top tongue (32a, 32b, 33a, 33b, 34a, 34b), housed freely in a longitudinal notch (40, 50, 60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: LIEBHERR-AEROSPACE TOULOUSE SAS
    Inventors: Frédéric Delfosse, Grégory Grau
  • Patent number: 11353057
    Abstract: A bearing includes a thrust gas bearing attached to a journal bearing and two or more converging-diverging orifices defined in a surface of at least one of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing. The converging-diverging orifices supply at least one pressurized gas to an interior of the bearing. Hydrodynamic lifting grooves are provided on the faces of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing and provide improved load capacity and sealing capabilities. Control over the ratios of the pressurized gases provides for additional sealing capabilities and reduced leakage. A metal mesh damper provides increased damping of the gas bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Elliott Company
    Inventors: Brian Douglas Hantz, Klaus Brun, Wei Li, Brian Christopher Pettinato, Manish Rambhau Thorat, Qingyu Wang
  • Patent number: 11293482
    Abstract: A radial foil bearing includes a bearing housing which has an insertion hole through which a shaft is inserted, a back foil which is disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole, and an engagement member which includes a first part and a second part, the first part being disposed to overlap the back foil in a radial direction of the insertion hole and engaged with the back foil, and the second part being attached to the bearing housing, in which the first part has an engagement groove which extends to an end edge of the first part in an axial direction of the insertion hole, and the back foil is disposed in the engagement groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Patent number: 11131339
    Abstract: An air journal bearing for a rotatable shaft of a turbomachine includes a journal sleeve having an inner cylindrical surface and a central axis defining longitudinal and radial directions, a top foil disposed radially inboard of the journal sleeve and configured to receive the rotatable shaft, and a bump foil disposed between the top foil and the journal sleeve and configured to bias at least a portion of the top foil against an outer surface of the rotatable shaft. At least one of the bump foil and a radially extending segment of the top foil is formed contiguous with the inner cylindrical surface. The journal sleeve, the top foil and the bump foil may be formed as a single piece made of selectively sintered ceramic-metal powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mohamed Elbibary, Zachary G. Brown
  • Patent number: 10927888
    Abstract: A thrust bearing arrangement includes a top plate extending about a rotation axis, a thrust plate extending about the rotation axis and axially offset from the top foil plate, and a bump plate. The thrust plate is orthogonal relative to the rotation axis. The bump foil plate extends about the rotation axis, is axially offset from the thrust plate, and has an annular portion and two or more bump plate foil portions. The annular portion of the bump plate is circumferentially interrupted by the bump plate foil portions of the bump plate. Rotating machines and methods of making thrust bearing arrangements for rotating machines are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Shakil, Murtuza Lokhandwalla, William R. Fiske
  • Patent number: 10903714
    Abstract: A motor includes a motor housing, a rotating shaft assembly that includes a rotor mounted to the rotating shaft, an impeller connected to the rotating shaft, and an impeller cover that surrounds an outer circumference of the impeller. The impeller cover defines an air inlet. The motor further includes a stator that is located within the motor housing and that surrounds at least a portion of the rotor, a bearing mounted to the rotating shaft, and an elastic mesh having a plurality of pores. The elastic mesh is disposed between the motor housing and the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eunji Hwang, Sunggi Kim, Hangjin Ban
  • Patent number: 10826360
    Abstract: A motor, a rotor and a sleeve are provided. The motor includes a stator and a rotor which includes a shaft, a rotor core, a sleeve, a commutator, and a rotor winding wound on the rotor core. The sleeve is arranged between the rotor core and the commutator. The sleeve includes a first end portion close to the commutator, a second end portion close to the rotor core, and a middle portion therebetween. An outer diameter of the first end portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the middle portion, and the outer diameter of the middle portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the second end portion. An end of the commutator close to the sleeve has a groove, and the first end portion of the sleeve is placed in the groove. The rotor has a good seismic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Siukin Tam, Huaping Zeng, Zhengsheng Chen
  • Patent number: 10781853
    Abstract: The radial foil bearing (3, 3A, 3B) includes: a housing (12) provided with an insertion hole (12a), a pair of engagement grooves (15) extending outward in a radial direction from an inner peripheral edge of the insertion hole being provided in both end surfaces in an axial direction of the housing; a back foil (11) disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole; an intermediate foil (10) supported by the back foil; and an engagement member (30) including a pair of engagement legs (31) engaging with the pair of engagement grooves, and a connection portion (32) connecting the pair of engagement legs. The intermediate foil is provided with a recess (10c) recessed and protruding toward the back foil, and the connection portion is disposed in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Patent number: 10533606
    Abstract: An example embodiment of an air bearing assembly includes a first member and a shaft with a flange configured to rotate with respect to the first member. The first member has a first coating on at least one first surface facing at least one second surface on the flange or the shaft. The first coating includes tungsten carbide, a nonpolymeric self-lubricating coating, or a combination thereof. At least one of the second surfaces has a second coating on a surface facing the first coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventors: Steven Poteet, Blair A. Smith, Kevin M. Rankin, William R. Fiske
  • Patent number: 10520024
    Abstract: An electromagnetically enabled active dynamic pressure gas bearing is provided and includes an electromagnetic bearing and an elastic foil bearing sleeved between the electromagnetic bearing and a rotor shaft. The elastic foil bearing includes a top layer elastic foil and a bottom layer elastic foil, the top layer elastic foil is made of non-magnetic material, and a plurality of separate magnetic material areas are distributed on a surface of the top layer elastic foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Technologies' Xanadu of Resonatory-Solar-Systemed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pu Jin
  • Patent number: 10480568
    Abstract: Particles (23) are supplied to a bearing gap of a foil bearing. A step (24) is formed in a top foil portion (12a1), to thereby generate an air flow from both end portions (121 and 122) in a direction (N) along a surface of the top foil portion (12a1) and orthogonal to a rotation direction (R) of a shaft (6) toward a region between the both end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masato Yoshino
  • Patent number: 10473153
    Abstract: An air foil bearing assembly is provided. The air foil bearing assembly includes a bearing housing that has a hollow into which a rotary shaft is fitted and a slot of which both ends are open toward front and rear sides formed on an inner circumference surface of the hollow. A bump foil is provided to have a combining portion inserted to the slot and disposed in the inner circumference surface of the hollow. A top foil having a combining portion is inserted to the slot and is disposed in an inner side of the bump foil. A stopper is disposed on one of the combining portions of the bump foil or the top foil to prevent the combining portion of the bump foil or the top foil from being displaced from the slot toward the front and rear sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporatlion
    Inventors: Kyoung Ku Ha, Chang Ha Lee
  • Patent number: 10465743
    Abstract: A foil bearing for supporting a shaft includes a sleeve-type baring housing, at least one elastic corrugated foil arranged on the inner circumference of the bearing housing, and a respective top foil covering each corrugated foil and forming a bearing surface. The bearing housing includes insertion grooves defined therein that extend from the inner surface of the bearing housing and outwardly. The fop foil and the corrugated foil each have ends that are inserted into and received by the insertion grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Braun, Simon Wehner, Philipp Wirth
  • Patent number: 10408232
    Abstract: A turbo machine according to present disclosure includes a rotating shaft, a first impeller, a first fluid bearing, a first holding member, a first lubricating liquid casing, a first supplying passage, and a first squeeze film damper. The first fluid bearing rotatably supports the first taper portion and the first cylindrical portion. The first fluid bearing is attached to the first holding member. The first lubricating liquid casing forms a first storing space. The first supplying passage is a passage through which a lubricating liquid is supplied to the first storing space. The first squeeze film damper is a space located between the first fluid bearing and the first holding member. The first squeeze film damper communicates with the first supplying passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ogata, Tadayoshi Shoyama, Akira Hiwata, Hidetoshi Taguchi, Kazuyuki Kouda, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 10352356
    Abstract: A foil bearing includes a foil holder and a plurality of foils fixed to the foil holder and arrayed in a circumferential direction. Each of the foils includes a top foil portion having a bearing surface, an extending portion formed on one circumferential side of the top foil portion, an underfoil portion formed on another circumferential side of the top foil portion, and an insertion slot formed between the top foil portion and the underfoil portion in the circumferential direction. The insertion slot includes a positioning portion and a wide portion that is larger in circumferential width than the positioning portion and is opened to an end portion of each of the foils. An edge of the top foil portion, which is opposed to the wide portion, retreats toward the one circumferential side with respect to an edge opposed to the positioning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Yoshino, Hiroki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10309256
    Abstract: A bumper bearing assembly includes a bearing housing having a level of radial spring stiffness, wherein the bearing housing defines a bearing seat. A bumper bearing is connected to the bearing housing by a spring having a level of radial spring stiffness lower than that of the bearing housing. The bumper bearing is configured to apply the level of radial spring stiffness of the spring against a rotor with the bumper bearing spaced apart from the bearing seat. The bearing housing is configured to apply the level of radial spring stiffness of the bearing housing against the rotor with the bumper bearing seated against the bearing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPOATION
    Inventors: Loc Quang Duong, Xiaolan Hu
  • Patent number: 10309450
    Abstract: A foil bearing includes a bearing back, a foil arrangement, and a setting mechanism. The bearing back includes a passage opening configured to receive a shaft, such that a gap is formed between the shaft and the bearing back. The foil arrangement defines a first inner circumference and includes a first segment-shaped foil arranged in the gap adjacent to the bearing back, a second segment-shaped foil arranged in the gap adjacent to the first segment-shaped foil, and a third segment-shaped foil arranged in the gap between the shaft and the second segment-shaped foil. The setting mechanism is configured to set the first inner circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Vogt
  • Patent number: 10228015
    Abstract: A hybrid dynamic pressure gas radial bearing, which comprises a bearing outer sleeve, an inner sleeve and a foil type elastic part arranged between the bearing outer sleeve and the inner sleeve, the outer circumferential face and the left and right end faces of the bearing inner sleeve are respectively provided with regular groove-type patterns, and the groove-type patterns in one end face is in mirror symmetry with the groove-type pattern in the other end face, and the axial contour lines of the groove-type patterns in the outer circumference face and the radial contour lines of the groove-type patterns in the left and right end faces are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected with each other, has the rigidity characteristic of the high-limit rotating speed of the radial bearing of the groove-type dynamic pressure gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Lifeng Luo
  • Patent number: 9989085
    Abstract: A journal foil bearing includes a bearing retainer having one slot configured to receive a top foil leading edge tab and another slot configured to receive a top foil trailing edge tab. A backup support structure, integral to the bearing retainer, extends between and is at least partially defined by the slots. The retainer is configured so that, during operation, the trailing edge tab further contacts, at an increased contact pressure, the support structure at a position close to the friction force, thereby minimizing top foil bending stress and improving bearing strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Marshall Saville, Keith Alan Hurley
  • Patent number: 9915286
    Abstract: A radial foil bearing includes: a cylindrical top foil disposed so as to face a rotary shaft; a back foil disposed outside in the radial direction of the top foil; and a cylindrical bearing housing accommodating the top foil and the back foil. The bearing housing is provided with a limiting member which limits movement of the back foil. A locking recess is provided in a central part in the axial direction of an inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing. In addition, the limiting member includes a locking protrusion and is fixed to the bearing housing by the locking protrusion being locked into the locking recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Patent number: 9797303
    Abstract: Turbochargers typically have separate hydrodynamic journal and thrust bearings. A turbocharger thrust bearing for a turbocharger is provided that merges the function of a journal bearing into a thrust bearing while maintaining the thrust bearing function to produce a turbocharger with a reduced axial space envelope. Such a thrust bearing includes a bore contoured to have a plurality of taper-land pairs distributed circumferentially about the bore. As a result, the axial length of the turbocharger bearing housing and shaft can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Ward
  • Patent number: 9732789
    Abstract: A journal air bearing is provided. The bearing includes a top foil configured to receive the shaft, an intermediate foil disposed radially outboard the top foil, and a journal sleeve disposed radially outboard the intermediate foil. The intermediate foil defines a plurality of holes configured to act as a vent to communicate fluid to an increased supply area to an air film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Ronald M. Struziak, Darryl A. Colson
  • Patent number: 9644670
    Abstract: A gas bearing within a cylinder is provided. The gas bearing comprises an anti-rotation tab sitting within a key way of the cylinder. Further, the gas bearing comprises a first foil forming an inner loop and an intermediary loop. The inner loop extends in a first direction from a first end to an intermediary portion. The intermediary loop extends from the intermediary to the anti-rotation tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Anthony Santiago
  • Patent number: 9631556
    Abstract: A foil bearing includes an outer member (11), and a plurality of foils (13) that are mounted to an inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) and directly face the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) in a radial direction without interposition of another member (such as back foils). The foils (13) each include: holding portions (13a, 13b) that are formed at both circumferential ends and held while in contact with the outer member (11); and a body portion (13c) that is formed circumferentially between the holding portions (13a, 13b) and has a bearing surface (A). At least an end portion on one side in a circumferential direction of the body portion (13c) is raised radially inward with respect to the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Yoshino, Hiroki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9568042
    Abstract: The radial foil bearing includes: a top foil disposed facing a rotary shaft; an intermediate foil disposed outside of the top foil in the radial direction thereof; a back foil disposed outside of the intermediate foil in the radial direction; and a cylindrical bearing housing accommodating the top foil, the intermediate foil and the back foil. Engagement recesses are formed on both side surfaces of the bearing housing so as to be opposite to each other. The intermediate foil includes intermediate foil pieces disposed in the circumferential direction of the bearing housing. An engagement-projecting piece engaging with the engagement recess is formed in each intermediate foil piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Patent number: 9556899
    Abstract: A journal foil bearing includes a bearing retainer having one slot configured to receive a top foil leading edge tab and another slot configured to receive a top foil trailing edge tab. A backup support structure, integral to the bearing retainer, extends between and is at least partially defined by the slots. The retainer is configured so that, during operation, the trailing edge tab further contacts, at an increased contact pressure, the support structure at a position close to the friction force, thereby minimizing top foil bending stress and improving bearing strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Marshall Saville, Keith Alan Hurley
  • Patent number: 9551375
    Abstract: The radial foil bearing includes: a top foil; an intermediate foil; a back foil; and a bearing housing accommodating the top foil, the intermediate foil and the back foil. The top foil is formed by winding a rectangular metal foil which includes a first uneven portion and a second uneven portion, into a cylindrical shape so as to overlap the first and second uneven portions with each other, wherein the first uneven portion is composed of a projecting portion and a depressed portion formed on one edge of the metal foil, and the second uneven portion is composed of a depressed portion, and a projecting portion formed on another edge of the metal foil. The projecting portions of the first and second uneven portions pulled out near the bearing housing engage with engagement grooves of the hearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Patent number: 9534629
    Abstract: A bearing system and method may include a first bearing assembly that may have an inner race. An outer race may be disposed around the inner race and may be rotatable relative to the inner race. A second bearing assembly may be disposed around the first bearing assembly. The second bearing assembly may be an air bearing. The outer race may be engageable with the inner race through the engagement mechanism that acts on the outer race so that the inner and outer races rotate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Lucas, Christian Longacre, Zachary Ashton, Sean Hastings, Srikar Yellapragada
  • Patent number: 9394945
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement (28) having at least one radial air bearing (1) and/or having an axial air bearing (15?). The radial air bearing (1) has an inner annular bearing plate (7) and a spring plate (10) which surrounds the bearing plate (7) at the outside. The bearing plate and spring plate being formed as a single-piece component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Dietmar Metz, Martin Mueller
  • Patent number: 9394941
    Abstract: This invention provides a turbocharger bearing assembly having foil bearing assemblies (21, 22, 23, 24, 30, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 45, 46, 47, 50, 52) supporting conical rotor elements (3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 31, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Keun Ryu
  • Patent number: 9388848
    Abstract: A radial gas foil bearing extending along a rotation axis including a carrier element provided with an opening extending along the axis, further including at least one foil extending circumferentially along a radial inner side of the opening of the carrier element, wherein the foil is attached to the carrier element is provided. In order to enable an easy manufacturing as well as safe operation it is proposed to provide at least one radial through hole in the carrier ring, wherein at least one fixation section of the foil is formed to be inserted into the through hole, wherein the fixation section and the through hole are made such that fixation section becomes by insertion into the through hole accessible from radial outside of the carrier element to be fixed to the carrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jon Steffen Larsen, Joergen Lyquist
  • Patent number: 9322433
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to bearing assemblies, bearing apparatuses, and methods of assembling and operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. For instance, first bearing assembly and/or the second bearing assembly may include one or more tapered sections, which may facilitate entry of the first bearing assembly into the second bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: S. Barrett Peterson, Jair J. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9194422
    Abstract: A foil bearing includes a cylindrical outer member, a shaft inserted on an inner periphery of the cylindrical outer member, and a plurality of leaves arranged at a plurality of positions in a circumferential direction between an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical outer member and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. A region including a front end of each of the plurality of leaves serves as a top foil that has a bearing surface, and a region including a rear end of each of the plurality of leaves serves as a back foil that supports, from behind, the top foil of an adjacent one of the plurality of leaves. Any one or both of the front end and the rear end of each of the plurality of leaves are inclined with respect to an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masato Yoshino, Hiroki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 9151322
    Abstract: A foil journal bearing applicable to high speed machining and grinding machines for machining microscopic features. A single foil is secured to and supported by a hollow, generally cylindrical, housing. The foil has a length substantially equal to twice the interior circumference of the housing and a mounting feature, extending across its width, for engagement with a feature of complementary shape in the housing. One portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises a bump foil and a plurality of regions comprising groups of generally uniformly-spaced ridges and flats, the regions being separated by extended flat regions. The other portion of the foil has a length approximately equal to one half of the foil length, and comprises the top foil and is generally flat and overlies the bump foil which overlies the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mohawk Innovative Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hooshang Heshmat
  • Patent number: 9028149
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.222 and 3.224 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Ronald M. Struziak
  • Patent number: 9004765
    Abstract: An air foil bearing has a bearing housing having a shaft hole in which a rotary shaft is inserted and a top foil fixed to the shaft hole to support the circumference of the rotary shaft, an air flow path is formed at the top foil by means of a plurality of dams protruding on the inner surface of the top foil, and the air flow path is formed so that air between the top foil and the rotary shaft flows along the circumference of the inner surface of the top foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yong Bok Lee, Se Na Jeong, Bokseong Choe
  • Patent number: 8944687
    Abstract: The radial foil bearing (3) for supporting a rotary shaft (1) includes a cylindrical top foil (10) disposed to face the rotary shaft (1), a back foil (11) disposed on a radially outer side of the top foil (10), and a cylindrical bearing housing (12) accommodating the top foil (10) and the back foil (11). The back foil (11) is formed in a cylindrical shape using at least one back foil piece (11a). The back foil piece (11a) includes peak portions (11c) and valley portions (11b) which are alternately formed in a circumferential direction of the top foil (10) and is fixed to the bearing housing (12) at an intermediate portion between both end portions in a circumferential direction of the back foil piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Patent number: 8944686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radial foil bearing for supporting a rotary shaft. The radial foil bearing includes a top foil, a back foil, and a bearing housing accommodating the top and back foils. The top foil is formed by winding a rectangular metal foil into a cylindrical shape so that one end of the metal foil is extended out in a tangential direction of a cylinder formed by the metal foil. An engagement groove is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing in an axial direction of the bearing housing, and the engagement groove is formed so that a depth direction thereof corresponds to one tangential direction of the cylinder of the top foil. The one end of the top foil engages with the engagement groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Publication number: 20150030269
    Abstract: A radial foil bearing (3) that supports a rotating shaft (1). This radial foil bearing (3) is provided with a top foil (10), a back foil (11), and a bearing housing (12) that houses them. A through-slot (13) is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing (12), and engagement slots (20) are formed in the through-slot (13) by a fixing tool (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Naomichi OMORI
  • Patent number: 8926182
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.222 and 3.224 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1. Further included is a seal attachment portion provided at one axial end of the bearing sleeve configured to circumferentially support a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Ronald M. Struziak
  • Patent number: 8920032
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.214 and 3.216 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1. Further included is a seal attachment portion provided at one axial end of the bearing sleeve configured to circumferentially support a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Ronald M. Struziak
  • Patent number: 8845193
    Abstract: The radial foil bearing includes a top foil, a back foil, and a bearing housing accommodating the top and back foils, and supports a rotary shaft. Engagement grooves are formed on both side surfaces of the bearing housing to extend from the outer circumferential edge to the inner circumferential edge of the side surface. Notches are formed in circumferential edges on both sides of the back foil. A locking member is locked into the engagement grooves of the bearing housing and the notches of the back foil, and includes a pair of engagement legs engaging with the engagement grooves and the notches, and a connection portion connecting the engagement legs together to be disposed near one ends of the engagement legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Naomichi Omori
  • Publication number: 20140270603
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.214 and 3.216 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1. Further included is a seal attachment portion provided at one axial end of the bearing sleeve configured to circumferentially support a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Ronald M. Struziak
  • Publication number: 20140270605
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.222 and 3.224 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Ronald M. Struziak
  • Publication number: 20140270604
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing sleeve for supporting a shaft of an air cycle machine. The bearing sleeve includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The outer diameter is within a range of 3.222 and 3.224 inches. Further included is a foil retaining cavity provided in the inner diameter of the sleeve. The foil retaining cavity includes a slot and first and second openings located at opposing axial ends of the slot. Each of the first and second openings include a small portion and a large portion having different axial lengths. A ratio of the combined axial lengths of the large portions to an axial length of the foil retaining cavity is within a range of 0.19:1 and 0.22:1. Further included is a seal attachment portion provided at one axial end of the bearing sleeve configured to circumferentially support a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Ronald M. Struziak