Abstract: The bi-directional rotation offset pivot thrust bearing includes a carrier and an array of longitudinal protrusions thereon that run through the center axis of the carrier. An array of pads are in slidable engagement with the longitudinal protrusions to permit the thrusts pads to move between first and second rotational positions. The thrust pads are automatically offset pivoted in a first direction when in a the first rotational position and automatically offset pivoted in a second direction when in the second rotational position. The thrust pads are offset pivoted in an approximate 60 percent to 40 percent ratio with the leading side of the thrust pad being 60 percent in both the first rotational position and the second rotational position. A retainer is also provided to maintain the thrust pads in slidable communication with the protrusions.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing is constructed having a modular bearing pad support system which provides flexure pivot motion about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the supported shaft to provide hydrodynamic performance and a rocking motion about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of the supported shaft to provide tolerance to misalignment and bending of the shaft.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing is constructed having a modular bearing pad support system which provides flexure pivot motion about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the supported shaft to provide hydrodynamic performance and a rocking motion about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of the supported shaft to provide tolerance to misalignment and bending of the shaft.

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 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 method and bearing construction for inhibiting hot oil carryover in hydrodynamic bearings. The method includes supporting the pads so that they form a hydrodynamic wedge and supplying oil to the entrance of the wedge. The oil flowing through the wedge is pressurized and oil exiting the hydrodynamic wedge is directed away from the adjacent wedge. Oil is then supplied from another source to the adjacent wedge.Various bearing constructions can be used to practice the method of the present invention. These bearing constructions include some form of a scraper to inhibit flow of hot oil. The scraper is located between the trailing edge of one bearing pad and the fluid nozzle passage of an adjacent pad. The scraper may be integrally formed with the bearing pad or it may be separate. The scraper may be pushed toward or away from the shaft using electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or magnetic devices.An alternative form of hydrodynamic bearing including two different types of pads is also disclosed.

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 method and apparatus for designing hydrodynamic bearings having movable bearing pads and a method for supporting a rotating shaft with such bearings. Bearing pad position under load is calculated using finite element analysis to determine influence coefficients, which are then used in conjunction with a two-dimensional model of the fluid film to provide the steady-state behavior of the bearing. The bearing design is altered until an acceptable design is arrived at. A bearing designed according to this method can be used to support a rotating shaft.

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 slide clasp for coupling the ends of a chain and including a sleeve in which a slide member is received, the slide member having hook portions formed on the ends thereof for receiving the ends of the chain, and being movable relative to the sleeve for exposing a hook portion for the coupling or uncoupling of an end of said chain relative thereto.