Abstract: A bearing includes an annular rubber-like member having a metal sleeve bonded on the inside diameter. One or more collars are sweated onto a shaft and provide one component of a lug and groove torque connection, the metal sleeve providing the other component. In one embodiment, a polymer liner is cooled and then inserted into the stern tube. When the polymer liner warms to ambient temperature, it expands into engagement with the stern tube and provides a surface for bearing engagement with the rubber-like member. Liners of this type are easily removed by removing the bearing, drilling a hole through the side wall of the liner parallel to the axis of the bearing and then pulling the weakened liner from the stern tube.

Abstract: A marine bearing assembly for a propeller shaft suitable for a vessel which travels in intensely cold seawater where a conventional bearing, as a result of its contraction, would seize the shaft and prevent it from rotating. The assembly includes a cylindrical body having an axial bore therein to receive the rotating shaft, the body being formed of UHMW polyethylene having a low coefficient of friction and a high coefficient of thermal contraction. To complete the assembly, the body is exposed to a temperature below the freezing point of water to cause it to contract. The contracted body is then press-fitted into a sleeve whose internal diameter matches the contracted diameter of the body, whereby at higher temperatures the body seeks to expand, but being confined within the sleeve it is held under compression.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly for a submersible motor assembly of a submersible pump assembly comprising first and second bearing members or plates and first and second bearing holders contained within a housing. Each bearing plate is in the form of a disk having a bearing surface, and the first and second bearing plates are disposed between the first and second bearing holders with the bearing surfaces in face-to-face contact. The first bearing holder is in the form of a thrust bearing holder, and the second bearing holder is in the form of a gimbal plate. The first bearing plate is adapted to rotate with a rotor shaft of the submersible pump assembly and to impose a thrust load on the second plate, and the second bearing plate is adapted to remain stationary relative to the rotating first bearing plate. Grooves are defined by one or both of the bearing surfaces to allow fluid from a fluid supply to enter between the bearing surfaces to create a fluid film to lubricate and cool the bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A downhole tool bearing assembly is provided which utilizes a secondary annular threaded locknut and a compression ring in order to take up tolerance stack-up and to provide supplemental preload through a bearing housing assembly, thus helping to ensure against accidental disassembly during operation. The bearing housing assembly is comprised of a prepackaged subassembly of thrust bearings, sleeves and, optionally, "BELLEVILLE"-type disk springs which can be quickly and easily installed onto a downhole tool drive shaft or other similar apparatus by maintenance personnel having a minimum of training. The bearing housing assembly is designed such that reconfiguration involves little more than removal and reinstallation in the opposite orientation, thereby overcoming the need to reconfigure the bearing assembly one bearing at a time.

Abstract: A bearing section for a downhole motor that is coupled to a drill pipe string and that has a power section, a bearing section and a drill bit section. The improved bearing section includes a first drilling fluid lubricated bearing assembly being located between inner and outer cylindrical members, a second fluid sealed bearing assembly above said first drilling fluid lubricated bearing assembly between the inner and outer cylindrical members to prevent drilling fluid from the power section from directly reaching the first drilling fluid lubricated bearing assembly from within the inner and outer cylindrical members, and at least two orifices in the outer cylindrical member in the vicinity of the first bearing assembly for allowing drilling fluid exiting from said drill bit to enter therein and exit therefrom to lubricate the first bearing assembly.

Abstract: A sealing system for effecting a seal around a rotatable cylindrical shaft. The system is intended to be employed with a shaft which extends through a wall, such as a boat hull, into an aqueous environment. The system employs an elastomeric seal which defines an aperture therewithin, and the seal is intended to be fitted around the rotatable shaft which it is intended to seal. Structure is provided to mount the seal at a location generally coaxial with the shaft and spaced from the wall on a side thereof opposite that of the fluid environment.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a downhole motor consisting of a plurality of notches in one of an exterior surface of an inner mandrel and an interior surface of a housing. The notches are upwardly inclined from a base. A plurality of pins are disposed between the exterior surface of the inner mandrel and the interior surface of the housing. The pins contact the notches such that the pins travel up the incline on the notches upon relative rotation of the housing and the inner mandrel in a first direction and travel down the incline on the notches upon relative rotation of the housing and the inner mandrel in a second direction. The pins become wedged into locking engagement with the notches thereby preventing relative rotation of the inner mandrel and the housing as the inner mandrel rotates in one of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A bearing assembly comprises one side exposed to a fluid and the other side to a dry area or compartment(s) which can be emptied. To replace part(s) of the bearing assembly a compartment is located in the compartment(s) through which a section of the bearing is guided. After a part of the bearing section has been moved backwards the compartment can be closed via a valve, then the bearing section can be removed completely from the cavity thus preventing considerable quantities of fluid from entering the compartment(s). This bearing structure can be used in a vessel turret assembly.

Abstract: A two-stage submersible propulsor unit comprises a shroud having a water inlet and a water outlet, a shaft assembly centrally mounted within the shroud, an upstream and a downstream propeller, each of which includes a separate hub rotatably mounted on the shaft assembly, first and second electric motors separately rotating the upstream and the downstream propellers. Each motor includes a rotor mounted around the outer periphery of one of the propellers and a stator mounted around the shroud, and first and second thrust bearing assemblies for absorbing the thrust load generated between the hubs of the first and second propellers and the shaft assembly. Both thrust bearing assemblies are contained within a housing located on the downstream end of the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A mud motor bearing assembly is disclosed for an oil-lubricated downhole drill mud motor. A number of parallel sets of angular contact ball bearings are located between the mandrel and the bearing housing in a sealed, oil-filled chamber to provide all compressive thrust load bearing, extension thrust load bearing and radial load bearing capacity. Oil filled pistons at each end retard the progress of mud contamination into the inside of the chamber containing the ball bearings.

Abstract: The submersible propulsor unit of the invention comprises a cylindrical shroud having a water inlet and a water outlet, a propeller having a hub rotatably mounted within the shroud on a shaft, and an electric motor for driving the propeller that includes a rotor mounted around the periphery of the propeller, and a stator circumscribing the shroud, and a bearing assembly that includes means for circulating ambient water around the bearing surfaces to both lubricate and cool them. A stationary cover is detachably secured over the bearing assembly on the water inlet end of the shaft to provide easy access to the bearings in the bearing assembly. The vane members that concentrically mount the shaft within the interior of the shroud are all connected on the downstream side of the propeller to reduce the cavitation and resulting noise when the propeller rotates. The magnetization of the rotor is provided by a plurality of permanent magnets for both improved efficiency, and lower noise.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole rotating machine having a compliant radial bearing system. The compliant radial bearings in accordance with the present invention utilize a variable dimension fluid chamber between adjacent components in the bearing system. These variable fluid chambers may be defined by elastomeric members, such as o-rings. The dimension of the variable fluid chamber as well as the fluid therein serves to dampen vibration and mechanical shock to bearing components. This vibration and shock dampening facilitates the use of ceramic components within the bearing system.

Abstract: A method of increasing the off bottom load capacity of a bearing assembly having an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member telescopically received within the outer tubular member, and bearings disposed between the inner tubular member and outer tubular member to facilitate relative rotation of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member while bearing radial and axial loads. The method consists of the following described steps. Firstly, form a first shoulder and a second shoulder in opposed spaced relation on an interior surface of the outer tubular member. Secondly, form a first shoulder and a second shoulder in opposed spaced relation on an exterior surface of the inner tubular member. The shoulders on the inner tubular member are generally parallel to the shoulders on the outer tubular member thereby defining a containment chamber. Thirdly, place at least one thrust bearing in the containment chamber. The thrust bearing having a first side race and a second side race.

Abstract: A bearing includes an annular rubber member having a metal sleeve bonded in the inside diameter. In one embodiment, the metal sleeve and shaft associated with the bearing provide a keyway having a key therein mounting the bearing for rotation with the shaft and limiting axial movement of the bearing relative to the shaft. The rubber member rotates relative to a metal sleeve or housing. The bearing can be removed and replaced from one end of the shaft-bearing structure so the bearing can be replaced without pulling the shaft from its surrounding housing. In another embodiment, a series of interfitting lugs and slots rotate the bearing with the shaft.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a downhole motor comprising a pair of annular support rings, each having a plurality of polycrystalline diamond thrust bearing inserts mounted thereon. The rings are oriented to have the respective inserts face and bear against each other. In operation, drilling mud passes through the space between the inserts to cool the inserts. The rings are made of tungsten carbide to prevent erosion of the areas at the bases of the inserts, thereby improving the life of the thrust bearings.

Abstract: Two propeller shafts are disposed coaxially one within another. A collar of the inner propeller shaft grips into the hollow outer propeller and supports the inner shaft axially over axial friction bearing elements. The axial friction bearing elements are surrounded by a shaft connecting piece, which is divided in the axial direction and at least one half of which can be removed radially, in order to create access to the axial friction bearing elements. By way of the axial friction bearing elements, axial forces of the inner propeller shaft reach the hollow outer propeller shaft and, from the latter, by way of further axial friction bearing elements, further reach a bearing housing, which is preferably also divided in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A shock absorbing roller deck bushing for rotary blast hole drills has a steel inner liner with a cylindrical axial bore for receiving a drill string. The liner is rotatably disposed within an outer shell mounted in the drill deck. A split retainer plate is attached to the outer shell and has an inwardly projecting flange around its inner periphery which is captured between a pair of radially outwardly projecting flanges around the outer periphery of the liner. The flanges permit limited lateral movement of the liner with respect to the outer shell, but prevent the liner from being removed axially from the shell. A plurality of shock absorbing cushion roller assemblies are mounted vertically in slotted cages between the liner and shell. The roller assemblies each include a shaft surrounded by a sleeve within a cushion coating bonded to the sleeve, with thrust washers between the ends of the sleeves and the cages.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device is provided including a propulsion unit adapted to be mounted on a boat for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit having a propeller shaft supporting a propeller, an internal combustion engine drivingly connected to the propeller, and a corrosion protection system, which device also includes at least one bushing made of a conductive plastic to allow a path for electrical connection to the corrosion protection system to be established across the bushing.

Abstract: In a well pumping unit of the type employing a polished rod, a stuffing box is disposed at the upper end of the wellhead which has axially spaced bearing assemblies, and packing coils positioned between a bearing section at either end of each assembly to guide the polished rod for reciprocal movement along a vertical path through the wellhead, each bearing section having annular portions connected together in end-to-end relation with one portion composed of brass and another portion composed of zinc which is capable of undergoing a reduction reaction with the oxygen present in the liquids and gases to effectively reduce corrosion of the polished rod.

Abstract: A shaft pressure ring for use in conjuction with a boat having an inboard motor and a drive shaft protruding through a shaft logseal assembly mounted in the hull of the boat, the hull including a shaft log area surrounding the drive shaft, the shaft pressure ring comprising a deflector, the deflector having an inside diameter being annular in shape, the deflector being of a rigid material and adapted to be positioned upon the drive shaft a sufficient distance from the seal such that the shaft pressure ring will deflect a portion of the water passing beneath the hull of the boat in a direction toward, and onto, the shaft log seal. The splasher will continuously lubricate and cool the shaft log seal to prevent drying, burning, deterioration, and eventual leakage.

Abstract: In order to support a mud-driven impeller of a down-hole turbogenerator in such a manner as to provide long bearing service life in the hostile conditions down-hole, a bearing sleeve is provided which comprises an outer shell of marine brass and an inner lining of nitrile rubber bonded to the inside surface of the shell. The lining extends axially beyond the end of the shell to form a portion positioned beyond the end of the shell and turned over the end of the shell. This portion comprises radical lands separated by radial grooves, and the radial lands define axial bearing surfaces for cooperating with an axial bearing surface of a bearing member which the bearing sleeve surrounds in use.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use on a rudder shaft of a vessel or boat wherein the shaft has a thin cylindrical rubber sleeve that encompasses it. The outer peripheral surface of the rubber sleeve is bonded to a fiberglass ring which is bonded to an elongated annular rubber member which is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of a teflon ring which in turn is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of a fiberglass sleeve. The latter sleeve in turn is bonded to the inner periphery of the upper end of a housing that is attached to the hull of a vessel. The lower portion of the rudder shaft has secured to it an annular rubber bearing that is in frictional sliding contact with a teflon ring that is secured to the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing leaks in a propeller shaft bearing arrangement including a plain bearing (2), which is lubricated with oil or water and which supports the propeller shaft (1) extending through an opening in the body (4) of a hull, and packing members (6,7) for keeping the lubricant in the lubrication space and for preventing water from entering the bearing arrangement. According to the invention, the pressure vibrations occuring in the lubricant are equalized arranging, in the lubrication space, a medium possessing a high compressibility, which medium by means of changes in volume receives and equalizes said pressure vibrations.

Abstract: Bearing rings containing PCD faced bearing inserts are mounted adjacent tungsten carbide radial bearing surfaces at the ends of respective bearing sleeves attached to the drive shaft of a down hole well drilling motor, thereby preventing excessive wear at the extremities of the radial bearing surface in controlled and steerable drilling applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing leaks in a propeller shaft bearing arrangement including a plain bearing (2), which is lubricated with oil or water and which supports the propeller shaft (1) extending through an opening in the body (4) of a hull, and packing members (6,7) for keeping the lubricant in the lubrication space and for preventing water from entering the bearing arrangement. The pressure vibrations occuring in the lubricant are equalized by arranging, in the lubrication space, a medium prossesing a high compressiblility, which medium through changes in volume receives and equalizes said pressure vibrations.

Abstract: A multi-layered sleeve bearing supports the propeller shaft of a propeller-driven water craft, the layered sleeves comprising an outer fixed master housing, an intermediate removable bearing housing, and an innermost bearing sleeve press-fitted in the removable bearing housing, such that when the bearing sleeve is worn past use, it may be replaced under water by removing the propeller from its shaft and sliding the bearing housing along with the worn bearing sleeve off of the shaft, taking the bearing housing above water and replacing the bearing sleeve within the bearing housing, and then replacing the bearing housing within the master housing under water. The procedure avoids the removal of rudder shaft or rudder as well as the necessity of dry docking the craft.