Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly including a ring-like support structure having a castellated end configuration, a ring-like dynamic race, and a ring-like thrust washer sandwiched between the castellated end configuration and the dynamic race. The castellated end configuration defines a plurality of support regions and a plurality of notches between adjacent support regions. The thrust washer sits atop the castellations of the support structure. The castellated end configuration of the support structure provides intermittent support regions and intermittent unsupported regions to the thrust washer. When a thrust load is applied to the bearing assembly, the thrust washer elastically flexes at the unsupported regions and creates undulations in the washer's dynamic surface to create an initial hydrodynamic fluid wedge with respect to a mating surface of the dynamic race.

Abstract: A rotary shaft sealing assembly in which a first fluid is partitioned from a second fluid in a housing assembly having a rotary shaft located at least partially within. In one embodiment a lip seal is lubricated and flushed with a pressure-generating seal ring preferably having an angled diverting feature. The pressure-generating seal ring and a hydrodynamic seal may be used to define a lubricant-filled region with each of the seals having hydrodynamic inlets facing the lubricant-filled region. Another aspect of the sealing assembly is having a seal to contain pressurized lubricant while withstanding high rotary speeds. Another rotary shaft sealing assembly embodiment includes a lubricant supply providing a lubricant at an elevated pressure to a region between a lip seal and a hydrodynamic seal with a flow control regulating the flow of lubricant past the lip seal.