Abstract: A radially disposed thrust bearing surface formed in a rotary cone is provided with at least a pair of grooves and a ramp surface on the trailing edge of the grooves. The groove provides a lubricant reservoir and the ramp serves to generate hydrodynamic pressures during rotation of the rotary cone on the thrust surface of a journal bearing thereby distributing a film of lubricant on the opposing thrust bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Compensation for shaft excursion in a seal housing is achieved with a fluid film bearing in which bearing fluid is supplied to the bearing region at a pressure and flow rate which depend upon shaft rotational speed. In a disclosed embodiment, the bearing fluid is provided from a centrifugal fluid seal which delivers part of its fluid to the bearing region as a function of centrifugal pressure. A magnetic fluid seal is employed for zero and low speed operation. The shaft includes an annular collar which rotates in an annular cavity formed in a seal cartridge which is rotationally stationary but capable of small axial displacements to compensate for axial shaft displacement. A spring biases the cartridge in opposition to the axial forces of the magnetic fluid seal so as to axially balance the system at zero and low shaft speed operation.

Abstract: A composite ferrofluid bearing and seal apparatus which comprises a ferrofluid seal apparatus which contains disposed therein a bearing element, to form a ferrofluid-film bearing with the surface of a shaft, the ferrofluid seal apparatus retaining the bearing ferrofluid film within the bearing cavity, by forming a ferrofluid O-ring seal, held by magnetic flux, at each end of the bearing element, the composite ferrofluid bearing and seal apparatus acting to contain the bearing ferrofluid film within the fluid-film bearing cavity and to exclude gases from being entrained in the ferrofluid.

Abstract: A magnetic/centrifugal-fluid seal is characterized by a common region serving as both the magnetic gap for the magnetic seal and a fluid-receiving pool for the centrifugal seal. A magnetically permeable annular rotating member extends radially into an annular space defined by a magnetically permeable stationary member to form an annular space of U-shaped cross-section between the members. A closed magnetic circuit is established through the members and the space, which space thereby acts as a magnetic gap to retain the fluid therein when the rotating member is at rest or rotated at low speeds. The common region also retains the fluid when it is centrifugally pressurized during high speed rotation of the rotating member. The fluid remains substantially in the same location during speed-up and slow-down, thereby avoiding compromise of the seal during speed transitions.

Abstract: A combined magnetic/centrifugal seal for a rotating shaft rotatably journalled within a housing. The rotating shaft has a generally circular cross section and at least one radially extending generally Vee-shaped cross section circumferential portion formed about its periphery. A plurality of radially extending circumferential teeth are concentrically arrayed around the periphery of the rotating shaft in parallel relationship to the Vee-shaped circumferential portion on the rotating shaft on at least one of its sides and spaced closely adjacent thereto. The housing has a complementary generally Vee-shaped cross section within which the Vee-shaped circumferential portion of the rotating shaft rides and in conjunction with the Vee-shaped cross section portion defines a space within which the concentrically arrayed circumferential teeth extend.

Abstract: A magnetic/centrifugal-fluid seal comprising a rotating disk-like collar/vane surrounding a rotatable shaft journalled in a housing defined by close-fitting stationary members forming a cavity to accommodate the rotatable shaft and disk-like collar/vane. A magnetic fluid is retained in a close clearance magnetic gap region between the rotatable shaft and the stationary members and is magnetized by an external permanent magnet or electromagnet. At standstill or low-speed the magnetic fluid is retained by magnetic force in the close-clearance magnetic gap region formed by several sets of opposing pole-like teeth confronting the inner surfaces of the rotating disk-like collar/vane. By virtue of magnetic attraction the magnetic fluid can withstand a pressure drop between high and low pressure regions and thus effects a magnetic seal at standstill and low speeds.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fluid bearing includes a pivoted shoe which can tilt in response to the hydrodynamic fluid forces generated between the bearing surfaces, and a locally conformable bearing layer attached to the shoe facing the opposing bearing surface. The pivoted shoe can pivot to conform to changes in the pitch of the opposing bearing surface and can tilt to the correct slope to generate the hydrodynamic supporting fluid wedge, and can also conform to the shape of the opposing bearing surface if it becomes thermally distorted or "dished". The compliant layer at the top surface of the shoe can conform to smaller area bearing irregularities, and in addition, can locally conform under hydrodynamic forces to assume the ideal configuration to generate the optimum hydrodynamic wedge. The support on which the pivoted shoe is mounted can itself be pivoted on a gimbal ring to provide large area compliance with the bearing surface to follow, if necessary, precession or other large scale runout of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A compliant gas thrust bearing has a thrust plate on which is mounted an annular, flexible bearing sheet supported by a resilient support member which enables the bearing sheet to deflect under hydrodynamic loads and thermal and misalignment loads. The bearing surface of the thrust runner has formed therein a series of hydrodynamic profiles which facilitate the generation of hydrodynamic supporting gas films during rotation of the thrust runner. A restricted gas inlet port in the thrust runner admits externally pressurized lubricating gas to separate the bearing surfaces of the thrust runner and the bearing sheet during startup and stopping phases of operation and also to enhance the hydrodynamic effect of the thrust runner/compliant bearing surface combination.