Abstract: A bearing assembly comprising a centrifugal debris trap for removing contamination debris from lubrication fluid prior to lubrication of the bearing assembly components is provided. The centrifugal debris trap comprises an annular groove on an inner race such that with sufficient centrifugal force, contamination debris in the lubrication oil is forced into the groove and held there. Removal of contamination debris from the lubrication oil prevents damage to bearing balls and races of the bearing assembly, thus reducing bearing fatigue. A method for lubricating bearing assembly components using the bearing assembly of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A rolling element bearing anti-cavitation cage is a circular ring with a plurality of cage pockets at predetermined intervals along a circumference of the circular ring. Each of the cage pockets has at least one groove on the leading edge of the cage pocket and at least groove on the trailing edge of the cage pocket. An assembled rolling element bearing is also provided in which the rolling element bearing anti-cavitation cage has rolling elements within the cage pockets and in concentrically disposed between inner and outer races. A method for preventing cavitation during the operation of an assembled rolling element bearing using the cage is also provided.

Abstract: A composite face seal has an annular seal rotor and an annular seal stator, both having a metal base portion and a radially extending flange. The flange has first and second axially facing surfaces. A first ceramic ring may be mounted to the first surface of the flange of either or both of the seal rotor and the seal stator by a first braze joint. A second ceramic ring may be mounted to the second surface of the flange of either or both of the seal rotor and the seal stator by a second braze joint. Each of the braze joints may include a molybdenum ring disposed between two braze rings or, for thicker seal assemblies, molybdenum and nickel rings disposed between braze rings.

Abstract: A composite face seal has an annular seal rotor and an annular seal stator, both having a metal base portion and a radially extending flange. The flange has first and second axially facing surfaces. A first ceramic ring may be mounted to the first surface of the flange of either or both of the seal rotor and the seal stator by a first braze joint. A second ceramic ring may be mounted to the second surface of the flange of either or both of the seal rotor and the seal stator by a second braze joint. Each of the braze joints may include a molybdenum ring disposed between two braze rings or, for thicker seal assemblies, molybdenum and nickel rings disposed between braze rings.