Abstract: A self-aligning rotor-hydrostatic bearing system and method of bearing operation are provided. A rotor includes a surface defining a portion of a sphere. A bearing having a concave spherical surface adjacent the rotor spherical surface is movable with respect to the rotor. Movement, in one embodiment, is controlled by a piston which also provides pressurized lubrication fluid to a recess formed in the bearing spherical surface. Centrifugal deformation of the rotor is accommodated by axial movement of the bearing and/or contouring of a portion of the rotor. A pivoting bearing pad can be provided to accommodate centrifugal, thermal or other deformation. The rotor surface and the pivoting pad surface can be spherical or conical. A slotted bearing ring permits pivoting while maintaining a continuous seal surface.

Abstract: A hydrostatic journal bearing system for a rotor or shaft includes bearing pads which are self-aligned and self-adjusting. The self-adjusting aspect includes providing for radial movement of the bearing pads. The self-aligning feature includes providing for pivoting of the bearing pads. In one embodiment a pressurizable piston area provides a radial load to establish a substantially constant clearance between the bearing pad and the rotor. Spring preload of the bearing pads, if provided, prevents relative motion between the bearing and shaft, e.g., during transportation and storage.

Abstract: Several embodiments of high efficiency fans having lightweight housings supported and interconnected with their impellers by star-shaped frames disposed inside the fans, or in other words inside the areas defined by the fan housings, are illustrated herein. The use of a support frame inside the fan permits a much lighter construction than is possible with an outside frame, because the support members are in tension rather than compression and bending forces on different portions of the housing balance each other. To further minimize weight, the fans include hollow support rings and diffusers that receive air from the fan impeller and are partially supported by that air against fan pressure loads.